The opening weekend of the 2015 MLS season can only be described as, well, epic. From the insanely entertaining match-up between debutant clubs Orlando City and New York City FC to Jozy Altidore’s return to the MLS after a seven-year absence, the premiere of the new season did not fall short.
In one of the most impressive performances of the weekend, the Seattle Sounders put on a clinic against the New England Revolution on Sunday night. The Sounders, lead by Clint Dempsey, looked to be in mid-season form and easily defeated the Revs 3-0.
After burrying a PK in the 25th minute for the Sounder’s first goal, Dempsey and fellow forward Obafemi Martins took over the game, demonstrating the cohesion that earned the duo 32 goals last season. As far as MLS forward pairings go, this one might very well be the best in the league. Throughout the match the two worked seamlessly off each other. Dempsey was willing to sit back in the midfield at times, allowing Martins to work higher across the Revs’ backline. It was this type of understanding between the two that led to a brilliant third goal for the Sounders.
After receiving a ball from midfielder Marco Pappa, Dempsey played a clever back-heel pass to Martins. Instead of taking on New England’s backline, Martins laid it back to Pappa, who eventually returned the ball to Martins with a knifing through ball. Rewarding his striking partner, Martins played a simple cross to Dempsey who easily finished on a wide-open net.
Although Seattle’s performance can only be described as dominating, it is worth noting that New England was without two of their most important players, Jermaine Jones who is suffering from a hernia and Lee Nguyen who is out with a groin injury. As always, teams going into CenturyLink Field should expect a difficult match, however this weekend’s win clearly marks Seattle as the team to beat in the Western Conference.
US Soccer fans will be pleased with Jozy Altidore’s weekend return to Toronto FC, joining his fellow USMNT member Michael Bradley in a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The idea of these two playing their club soccer together has to excite Jurgen Klinsmann, even if it isn’t European Football.
After only winning four away games last season, it appears that Altidore and TFC may be able to turn the tide this year, which is imperative considering their first eight games are on the road due to stadium renovations at BMO Field. Another good omen for Toronto is that Saturday night’s 3-1 win over Vancouver was a come from behind victory, something that TFC has traditionally struggled to achieve.
Despite going down 1-0 early against the Whitecaps at BC place, TFC eventually settled into the pace of the game, allowing Altidore to sit in his preferred high and central attacking position. Altidore’s first goal was created when he laid the ball off from a high position, then bolted on a diagonal run into the box and touched Sebastian Giovinco’s through ball around the keeper and into the net.
Although possession was nearly 50-50, Toronto did show a few sparks of creativity around the box and in the attacking third. Altidore’s second goal of the match was again generated from his ability to play up against the backline, as he linked onto a ball played over the top of the Whitecap back four. The TFC Designated Player did well to control the ball but was brought down in the box before getting a shot off. Altidore cheekily lofted the penalty kick over a diving David Ousted for the final goal of the match.
Bradley and attacking midfielder Giovinco were also bright spots for TFC, however overall the midfield and backline looked out of sync and disconnected at times. A disciplined defensive front is going to be important for Toronto if they want to keep bringing in wins during the seven-game away stand.
Although Toronto’s win should be taken as a great confidence booster for both the club and Altidore, there are still plenty of kinks to be worked out if they want to be in contention come playoff time.
Despite the disappointment of not having Frank Lampard on the field, the Inaugural Match at the Citrus Bowl provided the weekend’s most exciting matchup featuring expansion sides Orlando City and New York City FC. The Orlando crowd of 62,510 was the second largest for an MLS opener. The purple-clad supporters were in for an exciting match, even if their new hero did leave it until stoppage time to bring their side level.
It was Orlando City cheering Kaka’s injury-time, deflection goal at the final whistle, but it was New York City FC who looked to be the more disciplined and organized team. Obviously forward David Villa was going to bring a high level of individual skill to the club, but the more impressive achievement is how quickly the side’s attack has developed.
Playing alongside Villa is Slovakian striker Adam Nemec. It may be a bold statement to make at this point, but after watching the back and forth match on Sunday, this pair works. If Villa is known for his grace, speed and technical ability, then Nemec is known for his work rate, strength and size. With Nemec, NYCFC has a player that can control the ball with his back to goal, which allows Villa to roam free either underneath or up high against the backline. Complimented by US international Mix Diskerud in the midfield, the New York City FC attack is already one of the most talented and well-balanced in the league.
Another player that impressed for New York City FC was rookie Khiry Shelton who came off the bench in the 62nd minute. The addition of Shelton playing on the flanks caused the Orlando City defense to get spread, opening up even more room for Villa and Nemec to work in the middle of the park. Shelton’s 6’3” height and blazing speed makes him a danger both playing wide and getting in for set pieces.
Sunday’s match may have seemed like the ultimate test for Orlando City, but the real battle is just beginning. Although it was a successful introduction of a new era of soccer in Florida, only time will tell if the club is ready to compete with the likes of Seattle and Los Angeles.