3 Good, 3 Bad: Week Eight

Former USA internationals and potential future USMNT stars were impressing this week, but the bad news continues for both of MLS’ new franchises. 

Feilhaber has the most MLS assists

Flying high…

1) Benny Feilhaber showing MVP form

The Sporting Kansas City midfielder was the hero in his side’s 4-4 draw against Houston Dynamo, scoring an added time pile driver to rescue a point.

He also slotted home from the penalty spot to level the game at 3-3, registering his first two goals of the season to add to his league-high five assists.

That meant Feilhaber has now been involved in seven goals this season, only Kei Kamara can match that, and could be set to smash his personal tallies for both.

If the 30-year-old can maintain his current form then surely he will be in the running to take Robbie Keane’s Most Valuable Player award in 2015.

2) Bradford Jamieson IV grabs his first senior goal

After making his full debut in Game Week Seven, the 18-year-old LA Galaxy striker went one better this week when he netted his side’s goal against unbeaten New York Red Bulls.

The former Chivas USA academy product cut between Dax McCarty and Chris Duvall before firing inside the far post as he made a big impression.

But it wasn’t just his goal that caught the eye, his work rate and willingness to do the ‘dirty side’ of the game for his side showed a maturity that will serve him well.

Jones says Caldwell is his long-term successor

3) Scott Caldwell fulfilling his promise

Earlier this month USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones boldly proclaimed franchise teammate Scott Caldwell would be his long-term successor on the international stage.

But Caldwell’s recent form suggests that Jones might be right and that the New England Revolution holding man could be set for big things in his third MLS campaign.

In Game Week Eight he scored his first MLS goal, set up another, and is the only midfielder or forward to play every minute of Rev’s current six-match unbeaten run.

In the pits…

1) Evan Bush watching from the stands

Goalkeeper Evan Bush saw no action this weekend as Montreal Impact were given a rest weekend ahead of their Champions League final second leg.

But unfortunately for the stopper, CONCACAF have announced that they did not accept Impact’s appeal to overturn Bush’s yellow card from the first leg.

Having now received two bookings since the start of the semi-final stage, the 29-year-old will be forced to sit in the stands and watch with the other 61,000 spectators.

With the tie against Club America finely poised at 1-1 it’s not good news for Montreal, but we can’t begin to imagine how Bush is feeling knowing he’ll miss out on the showpiece!

2) Citrus Bowl leaving a sour taste in the mouth

Orlando's DP is their only home scorer this season

Orlando City suffered their third straight home defeat at the hands of Toronto FC, meaning they are still to win in front of their own fans this season.

After drawing 1-1 in the curtain raiser against New York City it looked promising for the new franchise but since then they have failed to score and it’s becoming a growing concern.

Former Real Madrid ace Kaka scored against NYCFC and admitted their form in front of goal is an issue: “I don’t know what it is here but we can’t score at the moment.”

3) NYCFC injury room filling up

New York City will be hoping Frank Lampard can arrive a little sooner than planned as their squad is stretched to its limits because of injuries and suspensions.

Javier Calle was forced off against Chicago Fire because of a groin injury, Adam Nemec felt the force of a full blooded tackle on his ankle and Andrew Jacobson saw red.

Jason Kreis already has captain David Villa, defender Jason Hernandez, Tony Taylor, centre back George John, Josh Williams and Manchester City loanee Shay Facey sidelined.

Images courtesy of brent flanders, Bay Area Bias and Alex Menendez, with thanks