Total-MLS Weekly Review – August 10

I’ts time for another installment of the Total-MLS Weekly Review. This week we take a look at the best team and player of last week and the best goal of the week. We also take a look at some coaches to keep an eye out for in the future.

Team of the Week: Vancouver Whitecaps

After a fantastic start to the home season, the Whitecaps had won just one of their previous eight MLS games at Empire Field. Needless to say, the Caps really needed to give their deserving fans a good showing before rioting began in North Vancouver. A good showing is exactly what they gave on Saturday night against Chicago. The Whitecaps played a well-rounded 90 minutes, something that really has become a rarity in Upper Cascadia the last couple months. The win provided hope for diehard fans and hopefully will give the Whitecaps some momentum heading into their debut at BC Place.

Player of the Week: Brian Mullan

It would be easy to give DDR this award for the second week in a row, but most likely you are looking for a change of pace. In that case, Brian Mullan takes home this weekly award. Now, like most of the MLS community, I was appalled by Brian Mullan’s tackle on Steve Zakuani earlier in April. However, after all the ridicule and discrimination he has suffered, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat happy for the man after his wondergoal last weekend. He was considering retiring from soccer forever after the incident, but to see him fight through the hard times and keep pursuing his career is something I truly respect. Well done, Brian.

Goal of the Week: Luis Gil

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It is the first goal of what is sure to be a bright career.

Making the Jump: Who else deserves to be Promoted?

After it was announced that Carolina Railhawks coach Martin Rennie would be taking over the Whitecaps at the start of next season, I got to thinking who else from America’s secondary leagues (USL Pro and NASL) could make the switch and lock down a job in the MLS. We have seen a number of players do it, from Osvaldo Alonso to Lamar Neagle, and of course coaches now make the change on a regular basis. With all that in mind, here is a list of five figures who are due for a promotion in the upcoming months.

1. Luke Mulholland- In his first professional season, the young Englishman has notched nine goals and four assists and is the USL Pro MVP favorite heading into the home stretch. He picks apart defenses with his passing ability and could be a good pickup for any team that is weak in the Central Midfield department. Also at 22 years old, he has plenty of years to develop into an MLS starter.

2. Jason Yeisley- Now I know FC Dallas fans might not think much of this kid, but the man is putting together a pretty good season down in Pittsburgh. Yeisley leads the Riverhounds in shots and is second in goals this season, and has impressed me in each of the games I have watched him play. Maybe, Dallas isn’t willing to give him another try, but a less competitive team should certainly give him a second chance with the big boys.

3. Kyle Hoffer- Hoffer is the rock of FC New York’s defense and has the potential to be a solid starter at the next level. In a US Open Cup match against the New York Red Bull’s, Hoffer was excellent at tracking back and matching the pace of some of the Red Bulls’ best. Expect to see more of Hoffer in the upcoming years.

4. Jonathan Fana- The Dominican International has been tearing it up in his second season for Puerto Rico. Fana has eight goals so far this season and will likely get a call up from the DFF for CONCACAF qualifying next summer. It is hard to suggest an NASL player in a forward dominated MLS league, but Fana deserves a chance with some team next season.

5. Bob Lilley- Since taking over the Rhinos in 2009, he has gone 27-16-6 and has inspired Rochester’s reign over the USL. He recently achieved his 200th career win, making him one of the most prestigious and experienced coaches at the lower levels of the USSF pyramid. Considering he is a Jersey native, a NYRB contract might be in his future if Backe continues to displease.

(image courtesy of Bob Frid)