5 things we learnt: MLS Week 15

With just five MLS matches this weekend, we thought we would do something a little different and pick out one thing we learnt from each.

Villa gave NYCFC their first half time lead

So here are our Week 15 lessons from around the league…

1) Goals change games for New York City FC

NYCFC have now secured back-to-back victories for the first time in their history and the importance of scoring first has never been more evident.

David Villa’s fourth of the campaign set the tone for City and gave them a lead at the interval for the first time this season – in their 15th match.

The only other time they have scored first was on their home debut at the Yankee Stadium, a game that ended in a 2-0 win over New England Revolution.

2) West Ham reject finds his feet in California

Sebastian Lletget swapped London’s east end for Los Angeles last month as he ended his six-year association with West Ham United to return back to the USA.

Originally from San Francisco, the USMNT youth international showed plenty of promise ahead of his move to England but only figured for the first team once.

Lletget does not regret his time with the Hammers and has come back firing, scoring Galaxy’s opener in Columbus on his first start for the franchise.

3) Chicago feel the burn of signing international superstars

While Europe’s top leagues are often frustrated with international breaks midseason, it makes far more sense that losing your top players and still having to play.

Fire were without two of their DP’s against New England and ultimately came up short without the attacking talents of David Accam and Shaun Maloney.

As Major League Soccer aims to drive up standards and grow audiences, surely punishing teams for attracting international footballers isn’t the way to go?

4) Supporters’ Shield leaders are the creators-in-chief

Dempsey struck Sounders' only set piece goal

It is perhaps unsurprising that as they top the standings, Seattle Sounders’ 23-goal haul is the most of any team in MLS this season.

But it is not just the amount of goals they have scored but also how they are doing it, with all but one coming from open play.

A Clint Dempsey penalty opened Seattle’s account for the season and if they can start weighing in with a few from set pieces they could become the full package.

5) Orlando City are spot on again

Another game, another penalty. The Lions have been awarded five penalties in their first 15 MLS matches and with Kaka around they’re likely to score a few.

Although the Brazilian playmaker did not dispatch straight from the spot, he did follow up his saved penalty to tap in the rebound and secure all three points.

It was striker Pedro Ribeiro that was felled to win this spot kick but MLS defences be warned, you tackle Orlando’s forwards in the box at your own peril. 

Images courtesy of Elsa and Otto Greule Jr, with thanks.