MLS Cup Contenders - Week 2
After the results from another week of MLS action, I was not sure how break things down. After some consideration, I decided to add to my list of MLS Cup Contenders rather than subtract from it. Some may call that a cop out, but I want to see some more action before I knock clubs out of the contender race. This week I had one “Bottom Tier” club move into the “Middle Tier” and added one club to the “Bottom Tier”. Let’s see how my contenders shape out after Week 2.
Top Tier
Nashville SC
Coming out of Week 2, Nashville has to be the most impressive club in MLS. Nashville got another road result and had impressive performances from Hany Muhktar, Dax McCarty and Anibal Godoy, among others. Even though Nashville gave up the lead off of a set piece, I think they have to be looked at as the top contender right now. Defenses wins championships, folks.
New England Revolution
Not only was the Revs 1-0 win over FC Dallas a historic one for Bruce Arena, who became the winningest MLS Head Coach of all time, it was also a case of the Revs taking care of business. With CONCACAF Champions League action this week, the Revs had to manage minutes, but they still came away with a shutout win - that is how you cruise to the playoffs.
Philadelphia Union
CF Montreal was doing Philly dirty in the first half of their Week 2 matchup, but something clicked for Jim Curtain’s side after halftime. Even after a Julian Carranza red card, Philly was able to come back with two goals and knock off Montreal on the road. This Union side is so deep and so talented - with no CCL to worry about, they may be able to rack up some points early on in the MLS season.
New York City FC
Speaking of CCL, NYCFC has a lot of upcoming matches. Though NYCFC continues to cruise in the CCL, they had another scoreless game of as they drew Vancouver on the road 0-0. I am not overly concerned with City right now, but I do want to see this team score some goals. Maybe Ronny Deila and the boys are more focused on CCL right now – that’s my hope, anyway.
Seattle Sounders
Similar to NYCFC, the Seattle Sounders have a busy schedule as well. As one of the most talented and deep rosters in MLS, they will figure out their MLS form eventually. However, like NYCFC, it seems the Sounders are going to focus on CCL and then take on MLS action. Week 2’s 1-0 loss to RSL was mainly due to roster rotation, but Seattle will look to pick things up in the weeks to come.
Middle Tier
Atlanta United FC
I know that Atlanta United lost badly to Colorado this weekend, but their roster was heavily rotated due to injuries for this road matchup. Thiago Almada, Luiz Araujo, Santiago Sosa, Ozzie Alonso, and Emerson Hyndman were all out. Marcelino Moreno came off the bench in the 2nd half and many players had to play out of position. This is still a very good team, but I don’t think they are “Top Tier” Contenders, with some youth needing more MLS experience.
Orlando City SC
Orlando City had an unimpressive performance this week, as they drew the Chicago Fire 0-0. While Junior Urso had a goal pulled back by VAR for no clear reason, Orlando City should have been able to pull out a better result. I like this team, especially with Facundo Torres and Cesar Araujo on it, but we need to see more consistent performances from the group as a whole if they are to remain contenders.
LAFC
Carlos Vela giveth and Carlos Vela taketh away. Though I came away from Week 2 still high on LAFC, it was not definitely as high as Week 1. Carlos Vela’s injury is a major concern for LAFC. However, if Brian Rodriguez can continue to perform as well he has, then he and Cristian Arango may help LAFC maintain their Contender status. The defense and midfield are much improved this year, with Kellyn Acosta and Ilie Sanchez looking great so far. Maxime Crepeau is a game winner in net as well. Time will tell, though.
Portland Timbers
The Timbers looked impressive and came away with a result on the road against LAFC. Yes, they gave away two points late following a Claudio Bravo red card, but this team has performed well overall. I have to give a TON of credit to young center-back Zac McGraw, who has stepped up in the absence of Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic. McGraw has been a force to be reckoned with, making huge tackles and clearances on the Timbers backline. I am concerned about where goals are going to come from for the Timbers, though. Although Yimmi Chara has been hitting some wonderful goals over the last two weeks, they can’t expect golazos every week.
Colorado Rapids
The Rapids move out of the basement and into the “Middle Tier”. Before Week 2, Colorado had only scored 1 goal from open play across all competitions. This week, Colorado got out of their slump, as Diego Rubio putt on a masterclass up top. I am not overly confident that Rubio will be the consistent star striker that the club needs, but you never know – crazier things have happened. The Rapids need some more depth along that backline before they move any higher on my list this point.
Bottom Tier
Sporting Kansas City
After an awful Week 1, SKC were able to pull out a win against the Houston Dynamo this week. With Paulo Nagamura coming back to town, I thought SKC might lose another shocker in Week 2, but the boys got it done. Though the performance wasn’t overly impressive, Daniel Salloi looked better and Remi Walter got a grea goal. That said, I am still worried about the speed at which SKC plays and don’ know if they will be a true contender as a result.
Columbus Crew SC
Columbus should have been bumped up into the middle tier this week - they were so close to a big road result against San Jose, but their defense failed them in the last 15 minutes. Though the Crew were up 3-1 late, Francisco Calvo scored two quick goals to tie things up in added time. Columbus completely blew a huge road win and appear to be struggling with defending set pieces - I am going to keep an eye on their defense moving forward.
Red Bull New York
The only new club to enter the MLS Cup Contender rankings comes from the West side of the Hudson River. The Red Bulls pulled off yet another huge road win in Week 2, this time beating Toronto FC 4-1. Lewis Morgan and Patryk Klimala paired up nicely in the attack, as Morgan had his first RBNY hat trick – all in the first half, no less. Frankie Amaya had a second impressive week in a row and is becoming an anchor for the RBNY midfield. I am really impressed with the Red Bull fullbacks - Dylan Nealis and John Tolkin could make this team even more dangerous if their performances continue to improve.
