The MLS kicked off its 25th season over the weekend. Here are the highs and lows of the action.
It is amazing to think that a sport many thought could never hold interest in the States has not only hung around, but some would say has thrived over the past quarter-century.
This year kicked off with a record 26 clubs battling for the Supporter’s Shield and MLS Cup. Here is a recap of what I saw as the highlights and disappointments of Week 1.
Thumbs Up
The Colorado Rapids made a statement in the first game by going into Audi Field and stealing all three points from DC United. After a scoreless first half, the Rapids fell behind in the 60th minute only to see a 67th-minute goal from Kei Kamara. They followed up that score with an extra-time game-winner from substitute Johnathon Lewis. The Rapids struggled on the road last year but did finish stronger over the last two months of the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZb3HAfLXg4
Minnesota United wrapped up the week on Sunday night with a solid 3-1 victory at Providence Park against the Portland Timbers. Minnesota qualified for the Playoffs last season and came out showing that last year wasn’t a fluke. Two bang-bang second-half goals by Luis Amarilla and Kevin Molina salted away the game–and the road points that came with it.
Congratulations to soccer fans of Miami and Nashville! Both expansion squads opened, and even though they both lost narrowly (2-1 and 1-0, respectively), there’s reason to be optimistic.
Thumbs Down
I am not disappointed with NYCFC in their opener at Columbus on Sunday as much as I am upset that I didn’t even get a chance to see what they could do. That’s because Center Back Maxime Chanot was sent off with a straight red card in just the third minute of the contest. The reason? He denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity. NYCFC fought bravely but fell 1-0. The difference was a 56th-minute goal, kicked beautifully by the Crew’s Lucas Zelarayan.
Atlanta United fans (as well as fans across the country) are going to feel the loss of Five Stripes superstar Josef Martinez. Atlanta’s 2-1 victory over Nashville was an afterthought as the attackman went down in the 2nd half with a leg injury that has been confirmed as a torn ACL. Atlanta can still do some nice things this season, but let’s face it: championship aspirations have taken a severe blow.
Anytime you have a chance to take all 3 points on the road, you have to take advantage. But that didn’t happen for Toronto FC as they let points slip away on Saturday in San Jose. Holding a two-goal lead in the 2nd half, San Jose came back and eventually tied the game in the last minute of extra time on a free kick by newcomer Oswaldo Alanis. Yes, getting a point on the road is never a bad thing, but I hope that those lost points don’t come back to bite Toronto down the road.
