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Major League Soccer’s 22nd season started with four games on national TV. The Portland Timbers absolutely dominated Minnesota United, welcoming the newcomers to a 5-1 crushing on FS1 at Providence Park. FC Dallas traveled to LA Galaxy stealing a 2-1 road win on Univision. Orlando City opened their home stadium with a 1-nil win over New York City FC on ESPN. Atlanta United opened at home to a crowd of 55,000 but lost 2-1 New York Red Bulls on FS1.
Highlight of the Week
The highlight of the week was probably the goal against the Seattle Sounders. Romell Quioto placed the ball perfectly. The shot from distance put Houston Dynamo up two-nil. They went on to win 2-1 with Clint Dempsey scoring the only Seattle goal. Hopefully this doesn’t become a feature of “the Sounders were bad and I feel bad”
On the defensive side, Nick Rimando saved his 29th PK. Real Salt Lake held on to draw Toronto FC 0-0 because Giovinco couldn’t beat Nick.
31'- #RSL GK @NickRimando YET ANOTHER PK SAVE!!! pic.twitter.com/giZFSrYF2P
— Real Salt Lake (@RealSaltLake) March 4, 2017
Check this out
The Timbers Army brought it in week one.
Timbers Army with the Bob Ross "Happy Little Trees" tifo. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/KEgnMoQjUe
— Stumptown Footy (@StumptownFooty) March 4, 2017
That’s a massive display at home for a team that still can’t win on the road. (Yes, we’re taking a shot. This is Sounder at Heart. We aren’t neutral.) Orlando welcomed their new, privately financed stadium with this wonderment.
"A Gift From the God" pic.twitter.com/hrGUzRBqnI
— The Mane Land (@TheManeLand) March 5, 2017
49 seats in Orlando City SC’s brand new stadium are dedicated to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub terrorist attack. The Lions ability to create a healing moment that will last decades rises above sports.
Atlanta United opened at a college stadium; the city embraced them anyway. A stunning 55,000 showed up in their loss.
Race for the Shield
It’s one week into the season, so let’s not get crazy, but Portland’s offense looked extraordinary against an expansion side that benched its two best attacking talents.
Race for the West
Yeah, Portland. Also, FC Dallas getting road points in LA is huge, especially while they do not have Mauro Diaz.
Next week’s TV games (all times Pacific)
3/11 - New York Red Bulls host Colorado Rapids on UniMas at 11 AM
3/11 - Montreal Impact host Seattle Sounders at 4 PM. This is on TVAS in Canada and JOEtv/ROOT Sports will have it in Seattle/Pacific Northwest. Montreal lost at San Jose.
3/12 - Minnesota United open at home against Atlanta United. ESPN2 has the 2 PM game.
3/12 - LA Galaxy host Portland Timbers on FS1. This is a 4 PM.