MLS Roundup, Giovinco continues to dominate

Article by Matt Lichtenstadter The Olympics have done plenty to obfuscate what’s going on in the rest of the world of sports, including MLS. But now that the dust has settled from the transfer window, teams are pretty much set for the stretch run of the season. It also sets up the league wonderfully for one of its trademarks: a team going on a run to either make or solidify a playoff spot, which can propel them even further. Are we seeing the beginnings of one emerging? Lost in Los Angeles: Lost in the shuffle of American dominance in the Olympic pool was a trademark crazy MLS game between the Red Bulls and Galaxy. NYRB lost three players due to injury, including Bradley Wright-Phillips, yet still took a 2-0 lead anyway. The Galaxy have only lost three games at home total in MLS play in the last three seasons, and it looked like they were going to here. But, as the Red Bulls have done before this season, they let the lead slip and allowed the Galaxy to equalize in the 89th minute, though not without some controversy. It looked as if Galaxy keeper Brian Rowe committed not one but two fouls on Red Bulls attackers on separate occasions that should have been penalties but weren’t. Home cooking for the Galaxy, and yet more road frustration for the Red Bulls. Most if not all of the action took place in the latter part of the second half, which meant all of the nuttiness was contained in about 20 minutes of soccer. That is what makes the league so much fun to watch, and yet last night it was lost in the Olympic haze, so to speak. Signs of Sounders Revival? Last week, the Sounders began to show signs of a turnaround because the mere presence of Nicolas Lodeiro was that strong. But the typical problems that have doomed the Sounders this season did against the Galaxy last Sunday, and held them to a point. Meanwhile, in Orlando, that momentum only continued to build, and it culminated with Clint Dempsey’s first MLS hat trick in two years. The understanding between him, Lodeiro and Jordan Morris is already something to behold, and it can be argued that the chemistry between them is still in the early stages. They’re eight points behind Portland for the West’s final playoff spot at the moment, and while it’s a mountain to climb, the new manager bump they’ve gotten plus Lodeiro’s addition has completely transformed this team over a matter of two games. Sebastian Giovinco is One of a Kind: Savor Sebastian Giovinco in MLS while you can, because he won’t be here forever. Remember when he was on a goal scoring slump and seemingly couldn’t hit the net? That’s over. Another hat trick for the Atomic Ant gives him four in less than two MLS seasons, which is insanity. He leads the league in goals and is tied for second in assists. There has to be a race for MVP because there are other fantastic players in this league, but Giovinco is greater among equals. To say he’s been one of the best DP signings in league history is an understatement. While Giovinco’s accomplishments are part of the equation, TFC is rocketing up the table as a result. After that awful loss at nine man San Jose, they’ve won four in a row and dominated every team in their path. They are MLS Cup contenders for sure. Portland Exacts Revenge: The Timbers were pushed around a bit last Sunday at Sporting KC, but in the return leg Sunday, they pushed SKC around even after they went down a man early. Because of injuries and a lack of depth, they had to shuffle around their formation, but it worked like a charm and they waltzed to a 3-0 win. They are in a playoff race, which could be even closer with two games against the Sounders on the horizon, but a performance like that ought to give them confidence going forward especially against a team that has been giving them a few headaches. Can Anyone Win on the Road? Winning on the road in any soccer league is difficult, there is no doubt. Winning on the road in MLS used to be much easier, thanks to the relative parity in the league. But with the exception of NYCFC and LA (who is 3-5-3 away from home), every other team in the league has more losses away from home than they do wins. What’s causing this dramatic shift in fortunes for road teams? Home teams are starting to develop really good advantages in their own backyard for one, and the travel in MLS does get to teams eventually, especially around this time of year, but the effects aren’t usually this profound. With many teams trying to consolidate their positions in the table, it’s going to be fascinating to see if this trend continues unabated. Next week: Two US Open Cup semifinals come our way early this week, with New England hosting Chicago on Tuesday, and LA hosting FC Dallas on Wednesday. Come the weekend, LA hosts Colorado in what is probably the most fascinating game of the weekend. Other interesting tilts include the Red Bulls against the Impact and on Sunday, Seattle looks to continue to surge against RSL.