One team got a much-needed win, another got bragging rights, and an underperforming superstar reminded us of its quality.
What happened to LAFC? And the Galaxy?
Breathable. Dynamic. Unreal. Sensational. All of these words have been accurate in describing LAFC over the past 12 months, but there is only one word to describe their performance in El Trafico: slow. I watch a lot of LAFC games and Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy is by far the worst I’ve ever played them.
Carlos Vela was understandably calm and they missed Atuesta’s class badly on the ball in midfield, but the biggest concern with this 2020 LAFC team is their defense. As good as their attack was last year, a big reason for their success was the fact that they only conceded a league-low 37 goals. Just six games into the season and they have already given up about one-third of last season’s total. They score so many goals that on most nights it does not matter how much they leave, but if you keep defending like that you will not win an MLS Cup. That’s why Bob Bradley should be worried.
I want to give the Galaxy the credit they deserve because they defended extremely well, were very efficient with their chances and were never in danger of losing this game. Barros Schelotto’s game plan – which had to be defensively compact and limited the space that Vela, Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez like to operate in – was well executed, Cristian Pavon was exceptional, and in winning last night, the Galaxy also did that. there El Trafico is alive to Zlatan.
Compassion shows why he is the man with big money
As a club, Atlanta United lost their way on and off the field in 2020. On Saturday night, they received a much needed boost: a great performance from their star playmaker.
I never doubted Pity Martinez’s talent. He has played and starred in one of the greatest games in South America, so he has no doubt about his quality. What I have approached is if his skill set fits the league. I was glad I was proven wrong, at least for now, because I saw he was the match winner in Atlanta’s 2-0 win over Nashville.
There was not much between the teams, and for most of the night, Nashville looked nothing more than an expansion team. The difference was regret. His two goals captured his very best qualities. The way he danced through the Nashville backline before his first strike took me out of my seat, while his second strike – a rocket in the top corner – confirmed the quality we all know he has, but so far rarely in his MLS career has shown.
This was by no means a vintage Atlanta performance. Nashville may even feel a little hard done, but Pity Martinez reminds us all why teams invest so much in stars who can decide a game on their own.
Miami is finally getting its moment
The main win of the night belonged to David Beckham’s Inter Miami. It’s been a rough start for the expansion team, and I fear for them in this game, because Oscar Pareja’s men were impressive in the MLS’s Back Tournament.
However, Rodolfo Pizarro’s 50th minute hit the first goal of the season. Miami did not dominate or play the fiercest football you will see, and they almost let it slip away at the end. But if you have lost this game this season, just try to win by any necessary means.
The Miami season will now be determined by what happens next. Can they improve, build momentum and use this victory as the launch pad for a much-needed turnaround? In my opinion, if Pizarro can use the confidence that he has without a doubt won last night to carry the team on his back if necessary, they can pick up a few wins in the next few games.
Former MLS star Steve Zakuani was a no. 1 overall pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and played for the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. He is currently a member of Sounders’ broadcast team and has published a book “Rise Above” and a documentary “Unbreakable” around his comeback from a serious injury that marked his playing days. He is also a coach at Bellevue High School and makes a difference in the lives of young athletes through his non-profit Kingdom Hope organization.
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