The Italian Serie A and Major League Soccer. The association is not exactly intuitive. Serie A players, particularly Italian ones have looked across the Pond as a last destination, in the twilight of their careers.
The association is counterintuitive and surprisingly so considering that among MLS pioneers were decorated stars the likes of Roberto Donadoni and Giuseppe Galderisi who joined the North American top flight in its initial years.
After a few weeks that saw TFC’s Sebastian Giovinco feature as top dog, this week saw the Italian relinquish the throne to Robbie Keane, who out-performed the rest to take top spot among former Serie A players who are currently plying their trade in Major League Soccer (MLS) by scoring a brace against hapless New York City FC.
Keane delighted L.A. Galaxy coach and fans alike with a fantastic performance. In fact, the aforementioned double-salvo was garnished by two assists, making the former Inter striker an easy choice for top ex-Serie A man of the week. The Republic of Ireland international’s first goal was a thing of beauty. With the home side up by a goal already, Keane took a pass from Brazilian-born Giovanni Dos Santos and did this to NYC FC’s Sounders:
Late in the game, Keane completed his brace by slotting the ball in the net after collecting an inch-perfect pass by Rodgers:
Keane was clinical in his finishing, continuing his high shots on goal percentage: 4 for 8 on the night, contributing to a 5-1 trumping of New York City FC. Keane now has 15 goals in 17 appearances, garnished by 7 assists.
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In the same match, former Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo was less than impressive. Subbed off at the 75th minute, for the former Juventus midfielder was the protagonist of an colourless performance, on par with former Parma and Fiorentina midfielder Marco Donadel, whose presence wasn’t able to keep his Montreal Impact from losing against Philadelphia Union (0-1 the final score). Equally, former Inter striker Obafemi Martins was impalpable in Seattle’s 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake.
On Saturday, Orlando City FC visited Toronto FC for the second time this month. Former Milan attacking midfielder Ricardo Kakà was trying to prove that the 4-1 Toronto avalanche of August 5 was mainly due to his absence. In the rematch the expansion side suffered a sending off early in the match but held TFC scoreless at the half.
Kakà orchestrated City’s play up top throughout the match but Sebastian Giovinco stole the show once again, leading the Reds attack, and scoring one of Toronto’s goals in a 5-0 routing of the Florida side. This time, the Atomic Ant pulled the free kick as part of his repertoire:
The former Juventus striker has now scored 17 goals in 24 appearances since joining Toronto FC, garnished by 12 assists.
The same match featured a top performance by former Roma midfielder Michael Bradley. “The General” as they like to call him in Toronto, provided two assists on the night. His move to the attacking midfield position has produced dividends for coach Vanney.
Former Siena and Livorno man Innocent Emeghara continues his struggle to return to fitness, missing his San Jose Earthquakes’ away victory in DC.