Welcome to the Total-MLS Weekly Review. We saw some great goals, support, and stories that made last week a memorable one for the MLS. Here’s my recap of the good, the bad, and the funny in Week 7.
Team of the Week: Seattle Sounders – There wasn’t even a need to think twice for this award. Seattle made multiple statements with their 3-0 win over struggling Toronto FC at Qwest Field on Saturday. Just a week after losing arguably the most explosive winger in the MLS, Seattle never seemed to lack speed or any other important attribute that Zakuani brought to every game. In fact, the Sounders’ offense put forth their best performance of the season last week with only TFC keeper Steven Frei keeping the scoreline modest in a lopsided contest. Former substitute Alvaro Fernandez filled in perfectly at the left wing position and broke the early deadlock with his 9th minute header. The Sounders’ emotional win proved that the absence of Zakuani wouldn’t be too damaging to this Seattle team that is finally looking to become a premier club in the MLS.
Player of the Week: Will Bruin – Hopefully I am not the only one who is soiling himself over the young forward’s fantastic form. We are only a little more than a month into the season, yet the Rookie of the Year award seems to be all but given to Houston’s 1st round draft pick, who is currently tied for second in the Golden Boot race with four goals. Unlike many other newcomers to the league, Bruin seems to have adjusted to the pro-game quite well as you can see from his Hat-Trick performance last friday. Simply put, Bruin is in top form, and with Davis serving up crosses on a silver platter, NY and Philadelphia better make room for Bruin and co. at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Goal of the Week: Brek Shea – Whether it was a cross, clear, or shot, no one can deny that Shea’s stunner was the goal of Week 7.
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Rookie Update
With Bruin claiming early ROY favorite last week, I thought it was time to look at some other youngsters making a name for themselves in the league.
Omar Salgado – The former #1 overall draft pick got the monkey off his back by netting his first career MLS goal last week against Columbus. Though the top pick in 2011, the expectations for Salgado haven’t seemed to be as high as past #1’s, making it possibly an easier transition for him to the MLS. Also considering the frequency of Hassli’s suspensions, the kid should get a lot of time to develop in his first MLS season.
Michael Farfan – Farfan came in as a second half substitute on Saturday and was rock solid in the back for Philadelphia. Although I shouldn’t get too excited over a half of great football, Farfan might be the future of the Philadelphia defense with good defending and attacking skills up the left wing.
C.J. Sapong – I admit I did question Kansas City’s selection of Sapong in January, but with constant injuries to the SKC attack, Peter Vermes is getting his moneys worth out of the young forward. Sapong’s stats in six games aren’t magnificent (then again they are last in the league in points), but he provides size in the box that forces opposing defenses to defend the cross. I look forward to seeing him play more in the absence of Bravo up top.
(image courtesy of soundersfc.com)
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