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MLS Week 3: Top 7 storylines to follow

By Joshua Bowers

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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MLS, LAFC, Carlos Vela
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 10: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium on March 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Los Angeles FC won the match 4-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

A look at the seven biggest stories to follow entering Week 3 of the 2019 MLS season, including CONCACAF Champions League fallout.

The 2019 Major League Soccer season rumbles on this weekend with another exciting slate of games.

With some teams dealing with CONCACAF Champions League disappointment and others still searching for their first victory of the year, this is sure to be another wonderful weekend of MLS action.

Related Story. MLS: 3 early MLS Cup candidates. light

Here are the top seven storylines to follow.

BEIJING, CHINA – JULY 21: Nicolas Gaitan #9 of Dalian Yifang in action during 2018 Chinese Super League between Beijing Renhe and Dalian Yifang at Beijing Fengtai Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA – JULY 21: Nicolas Gaitan #9 of Dalian Yifang in action during 2018 Chinese Super League between Beijing Renhe and Dalian Yifang at Beijing Fengtai Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images) /

7. Gaitan watch ends, but defensive holes remain

The Chicago Fire made the signing of Nico Gaitan official this week. He is a potentially elite playmaker in MLS and gives the Fire an embarrassment of riches in their attack. However, Gaitan will not be available for at least a couple of weeks, as he will need to begin training with the team. Furthermore, he does not solve the greater problem for Chicago: the defense.

Chicago still needs to add a defender, or two, particularly a left-back. Jorge Corrales has been the starting left-back thus far this season, and he has been ghastly. Luckily, for the Fire, Corrales received a red card last match and is unavailable this Saturday against Seattle. Unfortunately, they do not have another natural left-back on the roster with Raheem Edwards, inexplicably loaned out (likely due to a lack of international slots on the roster).

A change of shape may be necessitated, with Grant Lillard, the only other left-footed defender on the roster, coming into the line-up as a third center-back. However, if Chicago sticks with a back four, it may be Diego Campos they turn to, who the team has transitioned to right-back this offseason.

Left-back will remain a sore subject with Fire fans for a long time. Last year’s starter, Brandon Vincent, retired in his prime after just three seasons with the club. Meanwhile, potential homegrown, MAC Hermann trophy-winner, aka. the best player in college soccer, Andrew Gutman, signed with Scottish club Celtic this year, in lieu of joining Chicago.

The Fire have had trouble recruiting players to their team, even within their own academy system (perhaps, especially within their academy system). Nico Gaitan is a huge get. He could be one of the very best signings in MLS this year. However, he does not solve the greatest problem Chicago have: defense.

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