It was a record-breaking week in MLS for both the right and
the wrong reasons, as we close in on the midway point of the season.
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| Porter's side are on a great run |
Flying High…
1) Timbers chopping
down the opposition
Portland Timbers are in fine form having extended their
winning streak to a franchise-record four MLS matches, five in all competitions
following their US Open Cup victory.
After head coach Caleb Porter challenged his side to improve
results, the team have responded magnificently and now sit third in the Western
Conference.
A postseason run could well be in the offing and although
they do not possess some of the league’s big names they certainly have plenty
of team spirit.
2) NYCFC are on the
climb
With all the hype surrounding New York City’s introduction
into MLS, their early season results had been somewhat disappointing as the
squad failed to gel.
But their troubles would appear to be behind them as they
have now won three consecutive league matches and are marching up the Eastern Conference.
They will hope the idea that form counts for nothing in a
derby will go out of the window as they look to leapfrog the Red Bulls on
Sunday.
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| Nyassi struck against his old team |
3) The Earthquakes
shake up Seattle again
San Jose have enjoyed their recent trips to the home of the
Supporters’ Shield holders and made it two wins from two at CenturyLink Field this
season.
Their latest victory means they have won on eight of their last
11 matches against the Pacific Northwest side and was savoured by ex-Sounders
Cordell Cato and Sanna Nyassi.
The Earthquakes raise their game against the league’s
biggest names so if they make the play-offs they will relish the knockout
pressure and be one to avoid.
In the pits…
1) Sounders struggle without
star names
Seattle’s only home defeats this season have come against San
Jose and it never helps to have your big players missing when your bogey team
are in town.
With Clint Dempsey suspended following his bizarre outburst
at a referee and fellow DP’s Obafemi Martins and Osvaldo Alonso both missing, Sounders
came up short.
They continued to create chances and had 12 shots on goal
but lacked their usually potent frontmen to add the finishing touch which is a
worrying sign.
2) Bradley Wrong,
Wrong, Wrong!
Last season’s Golden Boot winner, who netted 27 goals in 32
regular season matches, has picked up one record that he didn’t want as Red
Bulls slumped to defeat.
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| Wright-Phillips has an unwanted record |
The New York side’s cause was not helped when Sacha Kljestan
was given his marching orders early on but the match hinged on two missed penalties.
Wright-Phillips has become the first player in MLS history
to miss two spot kicks in one match – but did get a hug from his manager as he
was substituted.
3) Philadelphia
sinking lower and lower
Philadelphia Union were impressive for the first 20 minutes
against LA Galaxy but that could not stop them succumbing to an embarrassing 5-1
defeat.
The five goals conceded matched a franchise record and
extended their poor record on the road to just one win in their last nine
matches.
The biggest concern will be the fact that they shipped
plenty of goals again and being the league’s leakiest defence is a title no
side wants.
Images courtesy of Steve Dykes, Thearon W. Henderson and Jeff Zelevansky, with thanks.
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