With two weeks in the books, it’s way too early to draw firm conclusions, but here are a few takeaways through Week 2.
Midwest Soccer is Alive and Well. Sporting KC and Minnesota United are off to flying 2-0-0 starts, scoring goals at a torrid pace. It’s unlikely they’ll be able to sustain that pace (Sporting KC 7 goals, Minnesota 8), but it’s fun soccer to watch right now.
Eastern Conference Hangover. New York City FC has come out of the gates slow, dropping consecutive 1-0 road decisions. NYC is the only MLS team to yet score a goal. And this is the same team that won the Eastern Conference last year and were runners-up for the Supporters Shield. Maybe the team is focusing too much on the CCL quarterfinal matchup against Tigres. No matter. This squad needs to get going in league play.
Chicharito Who? The LA Galaxy made the splash of the off-season when they signed Mexican superstar Javier Hernandez to a monster deal. He was supposed to replace Zlatan and win the hearts of the Galaxy faithful. The odds he may still be able to do that, but his first two games have left a lot to be desired–at least in the scoring column. It doesn’t matter who the Galaxy has on the field because a 1-0 home loss (to Vancouver) is going to excite anybody.
Which Expansion Team Wins First? Sadly, both Inter Miami and Nashville are off to slow 0-2-0 starts–two of four clubs to have recorded 0 points through two games. While there’s always energy around expansion franchises no matter how they finish, it’s important to win as soon as possible. Next week, Inter Miami play at home against a wounded LA Galaxy team and Nashville travel to Toronto to continue its brutal run of fixtures.
Keep an Eye on the Rapids. This group backed up their road opening win at Audi Field with a solid home victory, 2-1, over Orlando City. A quick six points to open the season is just what the doctor ordered for a club that finished last year strong despite missing the playoffs. A road win in Vancouver next week will put the Western Conference on notice. Colorado could be a part of the mix.
