Three good and three bad

With Houston Dynamo and Orlando City kicking off the second round of MLS fixtures tonight, see who we think got off to a flyer and who will already be down in the dumps after week one.

Flying high:

1)      Houston’s new number one

Tyler Deric made an immediate impact on his debut for Houston Dynamo, making a series of fine saves in their 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew.

After replacing Tally Hall, who moved to expansion team Orlando SC, Deric made important stops from former Norwich forward Kei Kamara and Kristinn Steindorsson.

Deric’s splendid display, along with a little help from the woodwork, earned his side all three points in a game dominated by The Crew.

 

2) Back in the Mix

Mix Diskerud topped a classy return to MLS action with a sumptuous finish that almost earned his New York City side all three points.

The USA international has spent the last two years playing for Norwegian side Rosenborg and showed a composure that was lacking in a frantic match.

The number 10, like his opposite number Kaka, was comfortably his side’s best outfield player and could provide the perfect partner for Frank Lampard come his arrival in May.

3) Giovinco starts well

Toronto new boy Sebastian Giovinco’s reported $7 million salary makes him the best paid player in the MLS and he began earning that wage immediately.

Jozy Altidore might have taken the headlines scoring twice in Toronto’s 3-1 win but Giovinco provided the touch of class to compliment the American’s brute strength.

The former Juventus star produced an exquisite turn and reverse pass for Altidore’s equaliser, with the pair showing signs of a blossoming partnership.

In the pits:

1)      If at first you don’t succeed...

Vancouver’s big summer signing Octavio Rivero oozed class as he slotted his franchise into the lead during the 3-1 defeat to Toronto, but not before fluffing his lines at the first attempt.

Rivero put down an early contender for miss of the season when the ball fell to him inside the six yard box in the opening stages.

With the goal gaping it seemed harder to miss, but somehow the Uruguayan stumbled over the ball and allowed Toronto off the hook at BC Place.

2)      David’s damp debut

On an opening weekend that was dominated by designated players, David Villa, fresh from winning La Liga with Atletico Madrid, failed to have an impact for New York City.

The Spanish legend was isolated for much of the game and his biggest contribution came when Orlando’s Aurelien Collin was sent off for a rash lunge on the World Cup winner.

Villa is not the player he used to be but New York still need him to hit the ground running, especially with the absence of a certain Frank Lampard.

3)      Besler sees red

Matt Besler was not the only centre-half to let his side down in game week one but as Kansas’ captain Besler will be a little more disappointed than most.

His needless tackle on last year’s golden boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips could have cost his side a well deserved point against New York Red Bulls.

Sporting Kansas City snuck into the post-season last year and the American international will need to raise his game if they are to challenge for a second MLS cup in three years.

In his defence, his mind may have been elsewhere!