MLS Week 1: The good, the bad, and the ugly
By Daniel Garza
The opening weekend of the 2018 Major League Soccer season did not disappoint as there was plenty to talk about when it was all said and done. Here is the good, the bad, and the ugly from the first weekend of action.
The Good
It was a dream start for LAFC in Seattle on Sunday. The newest club to join MLS seems to be well on their way to being a highly competitive side in the Western Conference. Carlos Vela proved he can be one of the top players in the MLS which now gives way to another potential star.
"Carlos Vela ➡️ Diego Rossi. Enough said.0-1 #SEAvLAFC https://t.co/eim5lsQf0W— LAFC (@LAFC) March 4, 2018"
LAFC are certainly going to be a club that gives us many memorable matches throughout the season. Sunday’s match was only the beginning of what could be many more exciting matches. Already, the LA Galaxy and LAFC fixture in the future is looking like an absolute must-watch for any MLS supporters.
In addition to the victory, two LAFC players were represented in the MLS Team of the Week. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller and defender Laurent Ciman capped off a fantastic first week of the season.
Related Story: 5 Biggest Winners of MLS Week 1
The Bad
Atlanta United had a disastrous start to their 2018 season. They were blanked 4-0 at Houston as the Dynamo ran rampant for a huge win.
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One could make the case this was the worst match of the clubs existence. After starting strong last year, Atlanta will have to have to do some reevaluating as they head into their next fixture against D.C. United on national television.
Defensively, Atlanta United might be in trouble. With a lack of depth at center back there could be repeat performances in the offing.
The Ugly
It was red cards galore in week one. Four clubs saw players sent off as almost half of the matches had teams playing with 10 or nine men at some point in the fixture.
Perhaps the team with the worst of luck was the New England Revolution who lost two center backs in their 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union. They lost Anthony Delamea in the 24th minute and Claude Dielna later in the 86th minute. Now, they will be down two starters for their match against the Colorado Rapids. Not a good start at all.
Elsewhere, Orlando City were able to overcome the loss of PC in the 41st minute to earn a point against DC United with a late equalizer. However, if City had played with a full squad the entire match it may have been three points instead of one at Orlando City Stadium.
Next: 5 Key Players For New York City FC In 2018
Two late red cards for New York City FC and the Seattle Sounders did not have the time effect the first two did. But, nonetheless, the weekend displayed the common mistakes we see in the opening set of fixtures.