Boss’ Breakdown – 2016 Round 2

Round 2 is over and although we thought we had an idea of how these matches would play out, we couldn’t have been more wrong. The offenses in LA, Dallas, and New England ceased to exist while the defenses of DC, Colorado, and Houston became stalwarts. (#becauseMLS) The topsy-turvy league still provided lots of entertainment so if you missed anything, here’s a recap of Round 2.

Orlando City SC (1) – (1) Chicago Fire

Orlando were once again without Kaka while Chicago opted for a more attacking 3-5-2 formation, pushing Brandon Vincent into a left wing back position. The formation change didn’t work out too well as Cyle Larin struck the back of the net within the first 4 minutes. Just minutes later, David Accam displayed his incredible pace to sneak around Seb Hines and slot home long ball from John Goossens . Chicago will feel they earned a point playing a man down (Harrington Red) for 60+ mins but Orlando will feel hard done by not receiving a penalty as Cyle Larin was wrestled down in the box in the 92nd min. 

MOTM – David Accam ($9.2) and Cyle Larin ($9.2)
Each registered their 2nd goal in as many games and looked dangerous throughout. Had the post been more friendly, each could have had a brace. 

WATCHLIST – Tommy Redding ($5.0)
Redding has displaced Collin as the starting CB for Orlando and if he can keep the defensive bonus points flowing, his price tag will make him hard to ignore.

New England Revolution (0) – (0) D.C. United

Having allowed multiple goals in their first outings, both New England and D.C. set out to stop that trend and each did just that. New England had more of the clear cut chances, but failed to get past debutant Travis Worra. Also, Charlie Davies’ injury and length has yet to be determined so Juan Agudelo may be in line to get some starts up top.

MOTM – Travis Worra ($4.1)
With Dykstra out injured (back spasms), Worra stepped up and recorded a clean sheet in his first career start. If he retains the starting spot, he’s a cheap GK option for the upcoming DGW.

WATCHLIST  – Je-Vaughn Watson ($7.1)
The recently signed Watson has locked down the right back spot. He isn’t afraid to get in on the attack and still has as many defensive bonus points as his counterparts, Farrell and Goncalves.

Montreal Impact (3) – (0) New York Red Bulls

Piatti’s Party continues as the Supporters Shield holders Red Bulls continue search for 1st goal of the year. Montreal sat deep and hit New York on the counter to the tune of two goals from Piatti and Oduro. A third was added in extra time as Harry Shipp chipped in a ball for Anthony Jackson-Hamel to finish.

MOTM – Ignacio Piatti ($10.4)
He’s answered the question, he is essential. Make room for him is your squad, ASAP.

WATCH LIST – Dom Oduro ($7.7)
Oduro’s a super streaky player (2 goals in as many matches) and Montreal as a whole is on a tear.

Real Salt Lake (2) – (1) Seattle Sounders FC

Injuries across the Seattle backline (Evans, Frei) meant Tyler Miller and Zach Scott earned starts against RSL (minus Javier Morales). Alonso opened the scoring before Sunny equalized just before half. RSL Returnee Jamison Olave headed home the winner in the 86th minute, out jumping the GK Miller on the cross put in by the man they call Burrito.

MOTM – Joao Plata ($9.3)
Plata has been involved in 4 (scored, assisted) of RSL’s 5 goals this year, expect this to continue if Javier Morales is still out injured.

WATCHLIST – Osvaldo Olonso ($8.6)
The defensive midfielder stepped up as the Seattle offense has been slow to start. He should continue to find himself atop the box and have opportunities at goal.

Colorado Rapids (1) – (0) – LA Galaxy

A game of few chances, Galaxy thought they had a goal in the 30th min as a set piece was directed goalward by Jelle Van Damme but bounced back off the cross bar. It was close enough that the local Colorado broadcast flashed a goal for LA on the scoreboard. However, it would be Colorado who would score the only goal of the game as newcomer Marco Pappa volleyed home a loose ball to take all three points in the 95th min.

MOTM – Marco Pappa  ($8.0)
As a late sub, Pappa was eager to show the home crowd what he brings to the team and wasn’t afraid to take a stab at the misplaced clearance. Look for Pappa to get some starts as the Colorado offense has been pretty stagnant the first two matches.

WATCHLIST – Daniel Steres ($5.2)
Even with JVD back in the lineup, Steres made the start and nearly snuck away with a clean sheet.

Columbus Crew (1) – (2) Philadelphia Union

The eastern conference representatives to last years MLS Cup were once again defeated 2 – 1 after Philadelphia went up 2 goals via Chris Pontius. Kei Kamara notched one back but it was too little too late as GK Andrew Blake was up to the task once again, making 6 saves.

MOTM – Chris Pontius ($7.1)
This party boy is enjoying the spotlight once again.

WATCHLIST Andrew Blake ($5.0)
Blake had another stellar performance, keep this mid priced GK on your radar.

Houston Dynamo (5) – (0) FC Dallas

The Texas Derby was always to be a high scoring affair, but not expected from Houston’s side of the ball. Dallas’ back four and Jesse Gonzalez found themselves down 4-0 after 27 mins and Houston never looked back. However, two of their main attacking threats, Giles Barnes and Cristian Maidana were both subbed in the 1st half through injury.

MOTM – Andrew Wenger ($7.3)
Wenger has been involved in half of Houston’s goals this year, and with apparent injuries to the starting XI, expect that trend to continue.

WATCHLIST – Will Bruin ($9.1)
See above, same reasons as those listed for Andrew Wenger.

Sporting Kansas City (2) – (1) Vancouver Whitecaps

Dom Dwyer wasted no time pouncing on a misplaced pass in Vancouver’s defensive third and lacing a shot into the goal in the 5th min of the match. He notched his 2nd in the 41st min from a perfect layoff cross by Chance Myers. Vancouver notched one back in the 2nd half (Morales PK) but Vancouver’s defensive woes are clearly hindering their supposed powerhouse attack.

MOTM – Dom Dwyer ($10.1)
Sporting’s offense seems to be clicking already and with the likes of Feilhaber, Davis, and Mapp to return, look for Dwyer to extend this run of form.

WATCH LIST –  Pedro Morales ($10.6)
Once again, an opposing player stole the headlines while Morales returned attacking points. At just 2.6% ownership, and having an upcoming DGW (both home matches), he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.

New York City FC (2) – (2) Toronto FC

Another goal fest at Yankee Stadium except both NYCFC and Toronto FC left with a point a piece. NYCFC’s main man, David Villa, scored two in quick succession but Sebastian Giovinco lead a late charge to get Toronto back into the game earn them a draw.

MOTM – David Villa ($11.1)
Villa scored 2 goals to reward his owners after being near invisible the first match. He also seems to be amongst the action more, earning defensive bonus instead of being off on an island up top their ever changing formation.

WATCH LIST – Mix Diskerud ($8.2)
His more advanced role in the midfield has yielded more attacking returns and with his next three matches at home, expect that to continue.

San Jose Earthquakes (2) – (1) Portland Timbers

A ten game unbeaten streak for the MLS Cup Champions came to an end at the hand of the Earthquakes. Wondolowski was again on the score sheet before Amarikwa stole the show with his floating lob just before the end of the 1st half. The nomad Jack McInerney put one in after a scramble in front of goal to take away San Jose’s 2nd clean sheet of the year.

MOTM – Quicy Amarikwa ($7.6)
Its usually a late season charge, but is it already #quincytime? A goal and an assist in the first two matches certainly leads me to think so.

WATCH LIST – Kip Colvey ($4.5)
Filling in for the injured Francis, Colvey showed his attacking prowess with an assist on San Jose’s first goal and 6pts total.