EDITORIAL – The first week of the 2023 MLS season is over with Portland Timbers winning last night. That game was rescheduled due to inclement weather in Portland over the weekend. It was a fittingly chaotic weekend in Major League Soccer. Let’s take a look at what results surprised most and who made a statement.
Five MLS First Week Results That Shocked Offseason Narratives and Expectations
St. Louis CITY: Road Warriors
The win of the weekend, no question. An expansion team goes on the road against Austin FC and wins a 3-2 thriller from behind. Many pundits, this writer included, have this team at or near the bottom of the Western Conference. Limited MLS experience. Possibly the most expensive goalkeeper in league history, adding to a curious roster build. And they go into Q2 Stadium and win. Tim Parker showed his veteran leadership and quality. Jared Stroud was crafty with possibly unsporting behavior in taking advantage of Kip Keller to score a goal. João Klauss had a great finish as well. Results like these can embolden expansion teams towards a meaningful season. Maybe I owe CITY a mea culpa.
Right place 📍 Right time ⏰ pic.twitter.com/PcGpxe74Fg
— St Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) February 27, 2023
ReyNoShow, No Problem for Minnesota United
Emanuel Reynoso has yet to enter the United States this year. There’s not much clarity as to why he’s still in Argentina, but legal issues have been speculated. He’s an MVP caliber player and the most important player for Minnesota United. They went on the road to FC Dallas, who they lost to in the playoffs last year, and won 1-0. Dallas had most of the ball but the Loons absorbed pressure, scored early in the second half, and saw the game out. Adrian Heath is the king of the “no one believes in us” motivation in MLS. They frustrated Dallas for stretches. Keep this up and get Reynoso back and motivated in the Twin Cities, and they can get going.
“It speaks volumes of the attitude and the fortitude of the group.”
High praise from Gaf following an impressive win.#MNUFC | #legionofloons pic.twitter.com/9alW5Ghdvy
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) February 27, 2023
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D.C. United Beat In Trouble Toronto
D.C. coming in off a Wooden Spoon season. TFC coming off a rebuild that they finally feel done with. Mateusz Klich opens the scoring, because of course he does. Lorenzo Insigne gets taken off in the first half for an injury. The Reds don’t have much depth and have a relatively old core. That’s a bad thing to happen in the first week. Federico Bernardeschi leads the way. Then Christian Benteke and Homegrown Theodore Ku-Dipietro lead the comeback. Who says Wayne Rooney’s in over his head with a bad team that will win the Spoon again?
99 minutes of 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦. pic.twitter.com/sYB8pAF6q7
— D.C. United (@dcunited) February 26, 2023
Are Atlanta and Seattle Back?
DCU gets two goals in stoppage time to win? Thiago Almada did the same thing in a 2-1 win over San Jose Earthquakes. He looked fantastic. Atlanta is healthy with Brad Guzan and Miles Robinson back. They’ve spent money and how have Garth Lagerwey in the front office. If their big money players can start playing up to their valuation, they can finish top four in the Eastern Conference, and then sell Almada for millions like they did Miguel Almiron.
Most expected Seattle to be better in the league this year. They went all in on Concacaf Champions League, won it, then paid the price in missing the playoffs for the first time in their MLS history. They emphatically returned to league play over the weekend. Four goals from three different players with Raúl Ruidíaz injured. They dismantled a Colorado Rapids team who on paper are better than last year. Seattle was supposed to return to the playoffs this year. If they can do that without Nicolás Lodeiro and Ruidíaz getting on the scoresheet, they can give LAFC competition.
Chapter 1: The Comeback 📖 pic.twitter.com/dn9PGL1Sm3
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) February 28, 2023
Last Word: LA Galaxy Dodge the Champions?
El Tráfico was postponed due to a warning blizzard and flooding that would have made the Rose Bowl a mess on Saturday. This may have been a blessing for the LA Galaxy. Their supporters are still boycotting the team due to the Chris Klein situation. LAFC would have packed the stadium in their first game since winning MLS Cup. The Gs are an incomplete roster and work in progress with key recent departures. The game has been moved to the 4th of July. The Galaxy avoided a potentially embarrassing loss on opening weekend. They’ve got time to get the house in order before the first leg of El Tráfico.
