A Goalkeeper Goal!

And an American teenager makes history in Germany

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  • 9️⃣ & 🔟 MLS Matchday 9 & 10 Recap

  • 🇺🇸 Yanks Abroad

  • 📰 More MLS Tidbits

  • 🔵 San Jose Earthquakes Record Start

  • ⚽️ Goal of the Week

  • 😂 Meme of the Week

Matchday 9 & 10 Recap

NYCFC are winless in their last six games after starting the year with three wins. They tied FC Cincinnati in a 4-4 thriller, then lost to CF Montreal 1-0. It’s the second-worst start in club history. They’re clearly missing a star number 9 to finish games. I’m sure one will be coming this summer.

The Chicago Fire dismantled Sporting KC 5-0 (goal highlights here). That’s five straight losses for Sporting KC and just three points on the year. They’ve been outscored 18-3 in the last five games, and that doesn’t include a 3-0 US Open Cup loss to USL side Colorado Switchbacks. They are uhh… how do I say this kindly, not a good team. In fact, the underlying numbers tell us they may be one of the worst teams in MLS history. They are dead last in MLS in goal difference (-18), expected goal difference (-18.55), goals (7), and expected goals (5.97). That’s what we call rock bottom.

The New England Revolution had a four-game win streak until tying Inter Miami this weekend. Matt Turner has been exceptional as of late. He leads MLS with 6.2 goals prevented. He made 9 saves on Saturday, including denying Luis Suarez of a golazo. They still can’t muster a potent attack and are far too reliant on Carles Gil to create everything.

The Portland Timbers got their first road win since July, beating San Diego 2-1. They relied on another last-second goal, this time from Alex Bonetig, to snatch the big three points against a conference opponent. I still don’t have a ton of faith in this team; these last-second goals aren’t sustainable. As for San Diego, that’s five straight losses. It’s pretty clear they’re missing Chucky Lozano, but head coach Mikey Varas said there’s “No chance” he rejoins the team.

Toronto FC played the Union to a fun 3-3 draw last week that ended with a last-minute stoppage-time goal from Toronto’s goalkeeper Luka Gavran. He’s just the third keeper in MLS history to score a goal. Toronto then lost to Atlanta at home. They are 2W-1D-4L in their seven game homestand. Not exactly the consistency you’re looking for.

Here’s what you’re missing this week:

  • Timo Werner is making history

  • A 16-year-old American debuts for Borussia Dortmund

  • Ricardo Pepi scores a brace

  • Max Arfsten is thriving in his new role

  • A bleak situation for the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps

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