MLS: 5 teams who could benefit from coronavirus layoff
The 2020 MLS season has been suspended until May 10th due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are five teams who could benefit from the extended layoff.
The Major League Soccer season, like most other sports, is currently postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Though no team is likely thrilled to have the season delayed after only two weeks, some teams more than others may be able to find a silver lining to the schedule being adjusted.
Whether it be a slow start, players yet to join their respective rosters or injury concerns, there are plenty of reasons why some teams will be happier with the hiatus than others.
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So, here is a look at five teams who could benefit from the delay to the 2020 season.
5. Los Angeles Galaxy
Losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic was always going to be a blow. But the LA Galaxy got their man in Javier Hernandez. However, the Galaxy signed the Mexican superstar only one month prior to the season. Chicharito had very little time to get accustomed to his new teammates, and it showed in the opening two weeks of the campaign.
The Galaxy played a very predictable style with Ibrahimovic in the lineup the past two seasons. Their offensive strategy was to deliver crosses. Lots of them. And usually to the big Swede in the middle of the box in the hope that he’d create something offensively.
Despite Zlatan being gone and Chicharito expected to bring a more balanced attacking style to their offense, someone failed to relay that message to head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto. LA made 27 crosses in Week 1. They drew 1-1 away to Houston. They made another 27 crosses during their home opener in Week 2 against Vancouver. They lost 1-0. Overall, Chicharito has just two attempts, neither on goal, in those two games.
Hopefully the time off will give Barros Schelotto and his staff some more time to fine-tune their attacking strategy and better utilize Chicharito’s skillset.