5 things we learnt: MLS Week 13

New York’s winless streak continues, Seattle have reclaimed top spot and Dallas suffered a second 4-0 loss of the season, but what were the 5 key lessons we took from Week 13?

Neagle has scored twice this season for Seattle

1) Seattle’s Shield

After a period of inconsistency in the early weeks of the season, Seattle are beginning to show why they are the strong favourites to retain their Supporters’ Shield trophy. Sigi Schmid’s team sit top of the overall standings after winning back-to-back games in Week 13. Before the 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls they had gone three matches without conceding; and, most important of all for the Sounders, Marco Pappa, Lamar Neagle and Chad Barrett are contributing goals to add to those provided by star pairing Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey.

2) Youngster’s proving their worth

MLS 2015 is quickly becoming a season that will be remembered for the impressive crop of young talent that has burst onto the scene in MLS. This week Ignacio Maganto bagged a splendid first MLS goal to add to the impressive crop of rookies – Cyle Larin, Matt Polster, Khiry Shelton, Amadou Dia and Fatai Alashe have all also made a big impact after receiving first round picks. In addition Jose Villarreal has established himself in the LA Galaxy side, Krisztian Nemeth has been outstanding for Sporting Kansas City and Harry Shipp just keeps getting better for Chicago Fire.

3) Crazy in Colorado

Colorado are bottom of the Western Conference, six points behind Portland Timbers in sixth place. However, they have only themselves to blame for a gap which might only have been three points. Sam Cronin’s 89^th minute equaliser looked to have secured a point for the Rapids until a wild burst for victory cost them the game. When Jack Jewsbury scored the Timbers 93^rd minute winner, only four Colorado defenders were back behind the ball. Trying to win your home games is a must, but sometimes a point will do, Saturday was one of those times for the Rapids.

"@mrkmcclr: This is a goal in any league. #CHIvMTL pic.twitter.com/FDqPZ2XZ7C" Holy #Shipp

— Ryan Redbeard (@Ryan_Redbeard) May 31, 2015

4) Diamond’s are Toronto’s best friend

Bradley is thriving at the top of Toronto's midfield diamond

Toronto have quietly crept into fourth place in the Eastern Conference with games in hand on all the teams above them. This is largely due to Greg Vanney’s decision to adopt an adaption of the diamond formation, a 4-3-1-2, in order to gain the most from his side’s key players. Michael Bradley is allowed to get forward in the number ten position, while Sebastian Giovinco has been outstanding as a roaming forward, alongside Jozy Altidore and more recently Luke Moore. San Jose Earthquakes were blown away at the weekend, something we could see a lot more of from Toronto in the weeks to come.

5) Expansion sides can’t match experience

Orlando and New York City both picked up a point this weekend, but both teams will have left their home games with a feeling of disappointment. Orlando played 74 minutes against ten men in their 2-2 draw with Columbus, while New York’s Jeb Brovsky had two glorious late chances to end their long winless run. They were games you would expect the home side to win, but in the end showed up just how important experience is in professional football. The expansion sides lacked the know how to get themselves over the line. A steep learning curve lies ahead for both sides.

Images courtesy of Victor Decolongon and Amil Delic, with thanks.