This past weekend the MLS provided games that were stunning to watch and on par with the UEFA and FA cup matches of the week, and that is high praise from me. It comes down to the major differences in game styles that are developing throughout the league. Both styles of game play can by awesome to watch and its the balance of opponents that make for stunning viewing opportunities. The “beautiful” teams are very skilled and manage the game through patient ball control, and usually take advantage of defenses with several scoring opportunities. The “powerful” teams focus on forcing the ball into dangerous situations, muscling the defenses out of position, and taking power shots or head shots from crosses. When you have two teams that share the same style of play, the results can be fantastic and exciting. That is what was offered up this past weekend in the MLS between the Chicago Fire vs. KC Wizards and the Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids.
McBride watched his 2 goal lead go away
The Kansas City Wizards went on the road to Chicago, and were forced onto their heels for a solid 35 minutes during the first half of play. The Fire were on fire by dominating the pace and control of the ball. The scoring chances fell fast for Chicago, with Brian McBride scoring twice before halftime. Blanco was in full force and confident over the ball. He played the fiddle while the others danced his tune. The Fire showed why they are the current leaders of the Eastern Division. The second half allowed for a shift of play to the Wizards, and Josh Wolfe. KC was able to counter the Fire’s control with their own patience and quality passing. The Wizards were also able to cut Blanco out of the game, forcing Chicago to sub him out for a more straight forward midfielder. By throwing the Fire off their original game plan, the Wizards were able to capitalize on the gaps in the midfield and tie the game. Josh Wolfe was able to match McBride’s double with a set of his own in the second half, and won player of the week. This game was exciting to watch due to the many examples of skillful ball control and shot taking opportunities.
Watch out for high kicking you two
The “power” game of the week was the Houston Dynamo at home against the Colorado Rapids. Houston was able to push the Rapids around the pitch, and frustrate them into giving up multiple yellow cards and fouls in dangerous locations. The Dynamo defense has experienced several injuries and shakeups this season, yet they always seem to gel when the time is right. Pat Onstad was, also, on point to prevent a penalty kick in the second half that sealed the Dynamo’s first win of the season. The heart of the game was holding off the Rapids’ opportunities, and there were plenty, by pushing and fouling in strategic locations. Houston kept the Rapids’ offensive threat from forming into a cohesive attack, and the frustration levels grew throughout the second half. Yellow cards were thrown all over the field for both sides, and pushing and shoving all over. This played right into Houston’s hands. Conner Casey the star forward for the Rapids got an early yellow card that limited his aggressive opportunities. Pablo Mastroeni received a yellow card early in the second half, which limited his aggressive play through the midfield. Late in the game, the other offensive threat in Omar Cummings got his own yellow card. Houston’s power play and ability to frustrate their opponents allowed them to dictate pace and ball control.
When teams embrace their style of play and create an atmosphere that supports that type of play, they can be successful against any other MLS team. Team philosophy on this topic must be unanimous and team management must find players that will fit into that philosophy for years to come. It’s when new coaches and new players don’t try to fit into a team philosophy, or worse try to change it, that years of problems occur. Look at the LA Galaxy for that. They should have been a MLS Cup threat for years now, yet they struggle to find their identity with star players going in different directions.
