MLS questions: What to look out for in Major League Soccer this weekend
Thursday 2 April 2015 10:00, UK
With the season now up and running and, in some cases, the pressures of football beginning to exert itself, we preview this week's MLS action on Sky Sports...
Orlando City SC v DC United: Who boasts the greater defence?
Orlando City have made a steady start to their inaugural MLS season. They sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, an unusually settled beginning for an expansion team.
This is in no small part down to the contributions of the talismanic Kaka, whose goal and assist last weekend nicked them a point against Montreal Impact. Kaka has been involved in three of Orlando’s four goals this season.
DC United sit two places above Orlando having played a game less. Their late win against LA Galaxy can only act as a confidence booster as they enter their next game looking to make it three home wins on the spin.
The outcome of the game rests in the hands of each side’s back four. Orlando’s high line combined with DC United’s sluggish rearguard means counter-attacking may be the order of the day.
San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake: Which USA international will shine?
The big story of last weekend was Real Salt Lake’s home-grown player, 19-year-old Jordan Allen, after he marked his return from an injury-plagued debut season to score a dramatic late winner against Toronto FC.
Although it is unlikely, Allen may start against San Jose, although he could come off the bench and surprise the eathquakes who lost to New England Revolution last time out.
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Now at home, a win against Real for the first time since 2012 will be the priority as they aim to keep up their early season momentum.
Two US National team players - Chris Wondolowski and Kyle Beckerman - will be involved in this one. Either of the designated players could hold the key to victory for the two of the Western Conference’s in-form clubs.
Vancouver v LA Galaxy: Is Vancouver’s Octavio Rivero the real deal?
Vancouver have benefitted greatly from having the league’s in-form player to call upon. Octavio Rivero has scored in each of his first three games, leading Vancouver to three wins and a draw and no losses. The Whitecaps now sit second in the West – 4 points above their closest opposition LA Galaxy.
The Galaxy put in a dull, flat display against DC United, a performance that extended their winless run to six games. Yet their record against Vancouver offers them some hope of ending that run.
LA Galaxy has not lost to the Whitecaps in their last five games, winning four and drawing one. They also knocked Vancouver out of the Western Conference play-offs back in 2012.
So history suggests the Galaxy should win but, with Rivero looking to add to his goal tally and with No 10 Pedro Morales in great form, it could be far from easy to defeat one of the most impressive attacking units in the league.
Portland Timbers v FC Dallas: Can Portland claim a vital first win?
It’s top versus bottom in the Western Conference, and Portland are already building a reputation as draw specialists, although, in light of recent results, a draw could be viewed as a decent result.
Four games played, three losses and one draw is not the ideal start for Caleb Porter’s Timbers whose attacking play has been counteracted by several defensive lapses. Number nine Fanendo Adi has been their one sign of hope with three goals already to his name.
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FC Dallas sit on the other side of the spectrum having followed up a perfect start with a goalless draw against Seattle that leaves them top in the race for the Supporter’s Shield.
Last season, these two teams met three times and the honours were shared with one win each and a draw in the other game.
Dallas, who will be looking to claim their first win at Providence Park, are expected to continue their recent form and strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Chicago Fire v Toronto FC: Can Chicago overcome a lacklustre Toronto?
Chicago scraped a much needed 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union in front of a half-empty stadium last weekend. With international players such as Shaun Maloney poised to return after playing in Scotland’s games with Northern Ireland and Gibraltar, head coach Frank Yallop will have targeted putting a string of wins together.
The highly rated Harry Shipp, a potential Marseille target, put in an energetic performance as he showed off his creativity on the ball once again last weekend.
He has been involved in both of Chicago’s goals this season and will undoubtedly be called upon once more to provide good service against a Toronto side who, themselves, await the return of some key players.
Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley will look to put a stop to Toronto’s back-to-back defeats. Toronto have never beaten their Midwest opponents and, with Sebastian Giovinco not getting off to a superb start, small grumbles of concern have started to surface among the Toronto faithful.
Yet perceptions can change very quickly in Major League Soccer and a win for either side would help lift some pressure off the under-fire managers’ shoulders.
Watch Orlando v DC United from midnight on Saturday on Sky Sports 5 HD, and catch San Jose v Real Salt Lake at 10pm on Sunday on Sky Sports 5 HD
