What you missed in the second week of MLS

Weather was a huge concern this week in Major League Soccer. New England cancelled their match due to an impending blizzard. Minnesota United played through it in their snowy home opener against Atlanta United. The United of the South crushed United of the North 6-1. It got even worse for MUFC when they lost their keeper to a broken leg.

Don’t look now, but the Chicago Fire might be good. Their 2-0 win over RSL started with 15 potent minutes and then they just cruised. Houston Dynamo won another - this time it was a 3-1 victory over Columbus Crew SC. Games in Yankee Stadium continue to be high-scoring affairs; New York City FC blew out D.C. United 4-nil. San Jose Earthquakes beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2 after being down 2-0 in 20 minutes. Portland Timbers faced an LA Galaxy team without half their starting defense. After going up a goal they could sit back and relax. Jelle Van Damme earned two yellows in the space of a minute. LA has no points. Portland leads the league.

It turns out starting slow after MLS Cup is not confined to Seattle Sounders (drew 2-2). Toronto FC drew again (also 2-2) and sit on just two points. They have yet to find the form that ended 2016. TFC is also embroiled in a public spat between Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Bedoya.

Highlight of the Week

Aníbal Godoy is part of why San Jose looks capable of making a legit run.

Check this out

Minnesota thinks your snow shovel is cute.

Race for the Shield

Portland sits atop the standings. RBNY, Dynamo, and San Jose all have six points as well.

Race for the West

Timbers, Dynamo, and Earthquakes have six points in the early season.

Next week’s TV games (all times Pacific)

3/14 CCL on Facebook - 7 PM UANL Tigres host Vancouver Whitecaps

3/15 CCL on Facebook - 5 PM FC Dallas host Pachuca

3/18 UniMás - 1 PM Atlanta United host Chicago Fire

3/19 FS1 - 4 PM Seattle Sounders (that’s us) host New York Red Bulls