Week 9 of the Major League Soccer season is in the books. Here’s a look at the week that was featuring a great showing by the Galaxy, Justin Braun’s breakthrough, and some nice red kits in Portland.
Team of the Week:
The Galaxy’s fantastic performance last Saturday really deserves some extra recognition. Each of the Galaxy’s big three found the back of the net in a 4-1 rout against struggling SKC. Although LA’s neighbors did make some noise in the big apple last weekend as well, Chivas certainly did not put forth as dominating and beautiful performance as the reigning Supporter Shield winners did. LA’s defense was terrific (3 shots on goal allowed, 1 yellow card) and the offense was clicking on all cylinders (78% passing, 4 goals). Not to mention that the club soared to the top of the MLS standings and likely our power rankings. Chivas USA’s performance was good, but LA’s was flawless.
Player of the Week:
Before last Sunday, Chivas forward Justin Braun was averaging a goal roughly every 311 minutes of game time. So it somewhat came as a surprise when the young American popped three balls into the net within 56 minutes against arguably one of the best defenses in the league. His individual performance wasn’t just surprising, but jaw-dropping. I don’t think anyone, (Including Braun) expected to see such a high-class goal come off such a desolate right foot to break open the scoring on Sunday night. And to think that without Mondaini’s suspension, Braun’s excellence might never had hit the bright stage. I guess broken legs aren’t always a bad thing.
Goal of the Week:
Chris Wondolowski- Was it cheeky? Of course. But did it work? Ask Will Hesmer.
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Big and Little Things I learned from Week 9 in the MLS:
The Big:
Where are NY’s Priorities?- If Hans Backe really wants to hold up the Supporters Shield at the end of the year, the organization has to stop doing silly moves like this. With NY losing six players to the Gold Cup this summer, the Red Bulls need to earn their fair share of points while they are still at full strength.
SKC Needs a Wake-Up Call- Peter Vermes might not have had sky-high expectations for his club during the 10 game road trip, but he certainly wasn’t anticipating such a dreadful start as this one. A very talented SKC squad finds itself dead last in the standings and averaging roughly .5 points/match. At this rate, by the time LIVESTRONG opens, SKC will be out of playoff contention!
The Quakes are Dangerous- Paper doesn’t win ball games folks, and this SJ team thrives as the underdog role. To put the squad into living form, the Quakes are that pesky little moth in your closet that will slowly and quietly eat all the clothes while living basically undetected. Sure San Jose doesn’t look alarming on the outside, but it’s plethora of hard-working role players can prove deadly to a team such as Columbus (last week) or New York (last fall). They might not look dangerous, but the Earthquakes are capable of taking after their name and wrecking havoc in the Western Conference
The Little:
Khari Stephenson has a cannon- For all those who thought Khari Stephenson’s goal in Week 3 was a fluke, you may now sit down. This guy has got a cannon on his foot, and he’s not afraid to use it.
Beckham’s Still Got it- Whatever “it” is, Beckham certainly still has plenty left in the fuel tank. The LA DP is tied for 2nd in assists this season and scored a wonder goal against SKC last week.
Portland’s Away Jerseys Are Nice- Real nice! The Alaska Airlines sponsor glazed over a perfect mixture of crimson and maroon could be classified as porn to the average soccer fan.
(image courtesy of German Alegria/LA Galaxy)
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