MLS Cup Contenders - Week 3
Three weeks of the 2022 MLS season are already complete - it feels like this season is moving very quickly. As the season progresses, we learn more about who the true MLS Cup contenders are this season, and perhaps who is not. This week, one “Middle Tier” club moved down into my “Bottom Tier” and one “Bottom Tier” club dropped as a contender completely. Let’s see how my contenders shape out after week 3.
Top Tier
Philadelphia Union
When you look at their results over the last three weeks combined with the quality of their competition, the Union have to be among the best in MLS right now. An early draw to a good Minnesota side, beating Montreal, and then taking care of San Jose, this Union side is quality. I am very nervous for the rest of the Eastern Conference with Daniel Gazdag looking like a game winner in his first full season under Jim Curtain. Even defensively, this team looks like they haven’t missed a step since last season.
New York City FC
They’re back! With CCL still looming in the background, it’s going to take time to see NYCFC in full form during MLS play. However, in week 3 we saw what the reigning MLS Cup Champions can do. NYCFC had a dominant performance in their win over CF Montreal, with their young DP Talles Magno finally getting involved in the attack and on the scoresheet. This might be the best roster in MLS from top to bottom.
Nashville SC
Nashville took a small step backwards after their Week 3 performance. They lost on the road 2-0 to FC Dallas, but the score line doesn’t truly reflect the performance. Defensively, Nashville were in this game up until the late penalty, leading to a PK goal from Franco Jara. Nashville fans should be concerned about Nashville’s offense, though – outside of one chance at goal, they did next to nothing against Dallas. I know Nashville’s style is cemented in defense first, but you still have to score, even if you’re playing for road draws.
New England Revolution
Just like Carles Gil, I’m sure Revs fans are not happy about this one. The Revs were leading 2-0 at home against Real Salt Lake in a very snowy game. I wouldn’t say they was the worst conditions we’ve seen in MLS, but the snow definitely influenced the game. The Revs were up 2-0 late, but from the 78th minute and on, RSL took advantage. Sergio Cordova finished of a goal after Bobby Wood slipped in the box, Justen Glad hit home a set piece ball swung in from Pablo Ruiz, and Tate Schmitt hit a desperate shot from the top of the box that got past Earl Edwards. If this game was played again in normal conditions, I don’t think the Revs would lose. However, the results stand and RSL get the win.
Seattle Sounders
Another one of the MLS sides playing a ton of early season games in CCL and MLS combined. The Sounders beat Liga Mx’s Club Leon mid-week and then beat the Galaxy 3-2 in a barnburner. Some might say that the Galaxy looked like the better team in this game, but the Sounders’ depth came through. Similar to NYCFC, after dropping points in their first two MLS games, I think this team has found their form. Did I mention Seattle’s star striker Raul Ruidiaz hasn’t played a game yet?
Middle Tier
Atlanta United FC
Atlanta United took care of business at home in week three versus new “rival” Charlotte FC. I still have Atlanta in the middle tier, since they haven’t beaten a quality team yet – their two wins came against Sporting Kansas City and Charlotte FC. With that said, the debut of MLS-record transfer signing Thiago Almada should give the team a big boost moving forward. Almada subbed on late in this one, but I am hoping he gets the start next week against a more competitive side in CF Montreal.
LAFC
Another team moving up my MLS Cup Contenders are LAFC. A dominant win in week one versus Colorado and a draw versus Portland are where I mainly look to assess their form. Yes, they beat Inter Miami on the road this week, but Miami just isn’t a good team. If LAFC can continue to beat the teams they should beat, they should continue to move up the table. However, until they can put together a dominant performance against a similar or better team, they are stuck in my middle tier.
Portand Timbers
The undefeated Timbers continue to roll, this week knocking off red-hot Austin FC. The Timbers have competed well against everyone they’ve faced. After beating Austin at home, drawing LAFC on the road, and drawing the Revs at home, you can’t deny that this team has been impressive so far. I’m still concerned about where Portland is going to find goals, because outside of two Yimmi Chara bike kicks and a set piece goal, Portland hasn’t looked effective. I do expect this team to start scoring soon, though.
Colorado Rapids
It looks like the early season skid of this Rapids team is over. Following their loss to LAFC, the Rapids have gone out and beat both Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City. What has been the major change? They have found a goal scorer! Diego Rubio has looked consistent as the club’s main striker for two straight weeks now, but the big question is can he maintain his form. Personally, I don’t think so - the Rapids’ front office should call up Columbus about a certain USMNT striker that has been riding the bench.
Bottom Tier
Columbus Crew SC
Columbus is really close to moving up a tier for me - I just need to see them play some better competition. So far, they’ve beaten Vancouver and Toronto and drew on the road against San Jose, but I need to see Columbus play a contender to see if the early season magic between Lucas Zelarayan and Derrick Etienne Jr. is real. I think next week could be an indicator, as they go on the road to take on the Red Bulls.
Orlando City SC
One of the teams that moved down in my MLS Cup Contender tiers this week was Orlando. Some negative thoughts are starting to creep into my mind about the Lions. Orlando’s week 1 win against Montreal looks to be far in the rearview mirror, as they’ve only managed a scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire and a loss to FC Cincinnati. Facundo Torres finally got on the scoresheet with an assist in week three, but I’ll be watching Orlando closely in the weeks to come.
Minnesota United FC
My newest addition to the MLS Cup Contenders list is Minnesota United. I mean, why not? Minnesota has a game winner in Emanuel Reynoso, talent on their backline, and an attack that is starting to come together. Minnesota has not lost yet and have played against the likes of Philly, Nashville, and the Red Bulls. I have to start seeing some dominant wins to push them up my list, though.
