Welcome to the Total-MLS Weekly Review. We saw some great goals, support, and stories that made last week a memorable one for the MLS. Here’s my recap of the good, the bad, and the funny in Week 5.
Team of the Week: Portland Timbers – Portland takes home this week’s title, but did you really need any confirmation? The Timbers recorded a plethora of achievements this week and finished six points and thousands of fans richer. From the moment the Timbers choir of 18,000 sang the National Anthem, we all knew this would be a special weekend. On Thursday, Portland recorded their first MLS victory in front of a sell out crowd at Jeld-Wen (I know what your thinking, the name bugs me too.) Fans from around the league were treated with a good ol’ fashioned game of football with some inclement weather, great goals, and an introduction to the league’s (possibly the world’s) new favorite mascot, Timber Joey. Portland also defeated struggling FC Dallas at home just days later, boosting the team from last in the West into a prime playoff spot. Did I mention the club signed their first Designated Player this week too? What a week to be an Honorary Timbers fan!
Player of the Week: Luke Rodgers – Hans Backe’s Pregame Speech: “Go out there and make your first MLS start against rival San Jose in replace of “The Chosen Juan” Agudelo. And don’t choke!” Wow! Luke Rodgers knows how to step up to a challenge. The Bald-Headed Brit made his first MLS start and finished with two goals and an assist in NYRB’s win over San Jose. On the depth chart, Rodgers normally isn’t in the Red Bulls’ starting XI, but Hans Backe might need to reconsider his daily lineup after Rodgers’ rampage Saturday night. (See Below)
Goal of the Week: Jorge Perlaza – Perlaza got Portland roaring with his goal that opened up Jeld-Wen’s scoring tab.
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The Top Story:
NYRB Attack: What to do? – I doubt coming into the year Hans Backe ever worried about having too much depth at the striker position. With Henry’s nagging injuries, Agudelo’s pre-Argentina popularity, and Rodgers immaturity, feeling overwhelmed by his offense probably never aggravated a single neuron in his mind. Well Hans, it’s been a month since the start of the season, and man did things change quick! Suddenly Backe must make arguably the hardest decision he has ever had to make in a Red Bull uniform, carefully pick his starting lineup. The wing positions are secure with Dane Richards and Joel Lindpere fitting the team’s mold perfectly and although DDR has done little but sign a check recently, there’s no question who should be starting at CAM. But Backe must now cautiously choose who he wants finishing the chances up top. His options are as follows:
Luke Rodgers: Reigning MLS POY and great friend of Backe
Thierry Henry: Designated Player
Juan Agudelo: Fan (and USA) Favorite
Who’s it going to be? Clearly Rodgers and Henry’s chemistry is the most developed out of the possible combinations, but leaving Agudelo out of the mix could prove to be horrid for the Red Bulls organization. With interest from Atletico Madrid in Spain, a few missed minutes could cause Agudelo to become restless and aim for a European departure. Losing such a young talent after only one season would not just be embarrassing for RBNY, but would give a bad reputation to the academy and organization. Benching Henry would most certainly cause the Frenchman to retire and settle down as injuries have probably already created some thoughts of a sandy beach in his mind. And so the debate goes on. We will all painfully acknowledge your situation Mr. Backe and preach that TOO much is never a good thing!
Video of the Week: This guy is the exact definition of a beast. Did I mention I’m hiring him for my kids birthday party this year?! Embed
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