Total-MLS Weekly Review – August 3

There’s a new leader in the Eastern Conference and there has been a lot of news off the field this past week. Let’s take a look at the week that was in Major League soccer and some recent headlines from around MLS.

Team of the Week: Columbus Crew

If it seems like the Crew have won this award a lot this summer, it is because I truly didn’t hop on their bandwagon until today. With poor fan support, and the loss of Barros-Schelotto, nobody expected Columbus to be dangerous in the East, much less a contender. However, after 22 straight impressive weeks, I finally admit that the Crew are not a team to mess with. This past weekend Columbus went to the RioT and upset Real Salt Lake 2-0 to boost them to first in the Eastern Conference. Columbus is truly a skilled team, and it is a shame that much of the city of Columbus hasn’t realized that yet.

Player of the Week: Dwayne De Rosario

It seems like DDR has finally found a place where both sides are mutually content with the relationship. De Rosario scored two goals in DCU’s 2-0 defeat over San Jose last weekend and confirmed that he can be the answer to United’s problems. United really lacked a leader in the midfield coming into the season, and De Ro’s experience and playmaking abilities have done wonders for the club since his arrival. With De Ro playing well, DC has a great chance at sliding up the conference and into a playoff spot.

Goal of the Week: Roger Torres

Check out Roger Torres’ fantastic goal vs Colorado above.

Top Stories of the Week:

Here is a recap of the top MLS news stories that have occurred since Saturday.

New England Signs DP Caraglio – The Revolution front office is finally looking to give back to the fans as the club recently signed 22 year old Argentine striker Milton Caraglio. Caraglio is the club’s first ever Designated Player and last played with Rosario Central.

Thoughts: Although this move may have been made a little too late to save the Revolution’s season, Caraglio will really boost the club’s firepower in the future. Since the departure of Taylor Twellman, New England has really struggled to find the back of the net (NE is currently last in the league in goals scored). The signing also continues the recent MLS trend of young Designated Players coming to the league. If teams continue to take this DP route, the MLS has a better chance at gaining the reputation of a feeder league instead of a retirement home.

Toronto FC Add Avila – TFC continues to work the trade block as the club recently traded Maicon Santos for Eric Avila. Avila has a goal and two assists in 13 games this season.

Thoughts: Although things haven’t really gone right recently in Toronto, you can’t say that TFC is not trying to become a premier club. Only a few players that played in Toronto’s opener are still currently employed at the club, showing that the front office is really trying to open a new era of Toronto Football. It is clear that Toronto is gearing up for a dominant future, and that is something TFC fans (and I) should really respect.

(image courtesy of Getty Images)