Another week of Major League Soccer action is in the books, marked by a significant coaching change as Sporting Kansas City parted ways with Peter Vermes after two decades at the helm. Following a 2-1 defeat to FC Dallas and growing calls for his resignation from supporters, Kansas City joins CF Montreal in the search for a new permanent head coach.
While filling Vermes` shoes will be a challenge in Kansas City, the team possesses the talent to climb the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami continued to impress, with Lionel Messi making a substitute appearance to score the decisive goal against Philadelphia Union. This victory propelled Miami back to the conference summit, with a game in hand over their rivals. Miami`s pursuit of the Supporters` Shield is gaining momentum, but with Austin FC finding form and newcomer San Diego FC making an immediate impact, the season promises to be fiercely competitive.
The continued strong performances of players like Carles Gil and Antony could reshape the contender landscape, but in the ever-dynamic MLS, fortunes can shift rapidly. Let`s recognize the top performers from the past week:
Goalkeeper
Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United: Returning from international duty with Canada, St. Clair delivered another stellar performance for Minnesota, recording four saves in the Loons` victory over Real Salt Lake. His consistent displays are a key factor in Minnesota`s ascent in the Western Conference.
Defenders
Josh Bauer, Nashville SC: Bauer, Nashville`s right-back, made a significant impact by scoring a goal and creating three scoring opportunities, the second-highest among defenders this week. Despite Nashville not securing a win, his performance against a top team like Cincinnati was encouraging.
Franco Escobar, Houston Dynamo: In a tough loss for Houston, Escobar stood out as a bright spot. His goal and four interceptions highlighted his tireless work at both ends of the field, potentially preventing an even greater defeat for the Dynamo.
Sigurd Rosted, Toronto FC: Toronto FC`s shutout draw against Vancouver Whitecaps was a defensive highlight, largely thanks to Rosted`s commanding presence. He consistently thwarted Vancouver`s attacks, protecting goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Toronto will aim to lessen the defensive burden on Rosted weekly, but his strong performance was vital when the team needed a positive result.
Midfielders
Carles Gil, New England Revolution: Gil produced a moment of brilliance with a stunning free-kick and then converted a crucial penalty in stoppage time, securing the Revolution`s first win of the season. While the Revolution need more from their key player throughout the season, Gil`s two-goal performance is a strong step towards victory.
Martin Ojeda, Orlando City SC: Ojeda is solidifying his status as a premier MLS midfielder, adding another goal to his tally as Orlando defeated the Galaxy on the road. While LA might not be at their peak form from last season, away wins are invaluable, and Ojeda was instrumental in securing the points.
Djordje Mihailovic, Colorado Rapids: Mihailovic is off to a flying start with four goals across all competitions, following up on his impressive 11-goal, 10-assist season. His two goals led the Rapids to victory over Charlotte FC, demonstrating his strong form and successful return to MLS.
Evander, FC Cincinnati: Evander is quickly becoming an integral part of Cincinnati`s setup and a regular in the team of the week. Despite not registering an assist against Nashville, his creativity and goal showcased his significant impact on the game.
Forwards
Filipe Mora, Portland Timbers: Mora delivered a complete performance for Portland, scoring a goal and providing two assists. He spearheaded the Timbers` attack, helping them bounce back from a slow start to the season. While more is needed after defeating the Dynamo, Mora`s display is a positive sign.
Diego Rossi, Columbus Crew: Rossi not only recorded a high expected goals (xG) value of 1.07 but also exceeded it by scoring twice. Filling the attacking void left by Cucho Hernandez, Rossi is positioning himself as a contender in the Golden Boot race if he maintains this form.
Antony, Portland Timbers: When healthy last season, Antony was a key component of Portland`s strong performances. His two goals against Houston, after a barrage of shots, highlighted Portland`s attacking potential. Managing his playing time will be crucial to ensure sustained success.
