Just a CLV toilet bowl last week. All 4 plays moved in our favor but we come up with nada. Thanks to RSL, SKC and DC for creating 4.4xG but only scoring twice. Fun!!

All right, that’s behind us let’s look at this week’s slate.

Seattle v LAFC

We start off with a banger in Lumen Field and potential Western Conference final preview. Both team want to advance the ball and control it in their attack third as much as possible. But, Seattle struggled to pass through FCC’s press last week. A high turnover led to Brenner’s goal which was the difference. Now, the Sounders face another high-pressing team in LAFC. With Heber injured, it was the same poor Sounders attack that we saw last year without a dangerous striker. Once Ruidiaz came on for the last 30, Seattle were able to hold possession and probably deserved a point.

LAFC are off CCL in midweek which they lost but still advanced off aggregate score and played well. Bouanga and Opoku split 45 minutes and Vela played all 90. So, it will be interesting to see how Cherundolo starts this one. LAFC ransacked NE bypassing the midfield with ease to create 3+xG last week. Seattle should provide more resistance with JP and Rusnak and an atmosphere for the national TV game.

If it’s Fredy Montero from the jump, would probably lean to an under with two of the best defenses facing off early in the season.

Houston v Austin

The first of the Copa Tejas matches will see Houston who hasn’t played since March 4th face Austin who will play their fifth game in that same two week span. Austin were somehow not able to score 3 past Violette despite having 35 shots and 10 on goal. A disappointing and high-emotion match now has a quick turnaround to a derby. Additionally, their two goals last week at RSL were both long-range cannons, not exactly repeatable.

This will be Houston’s home opener. In matchday 1, the Dynamo played well against FCC’s press and Austin will employ similar tactics with the midfield press. Hector Herrera (HH) looks more like a DP-calibre player than last year. I think the Dynamo will give Austin some trouble and we will see some squad rotation from the Green side of Texas.

St. Louis v SJ

Two of the early season candidates for best coaching performances face off. Bradley Carnell’s high-energy midfield press (most tackles in the middle third so far) has taken the entire league by storm so far. Yes, it there was some luck involved, but Klauss and Lowen are elite talents. Lowen’s corner kicks are always dangerous, something that is a rarity in this league. And they are getting great defensive play from Kyle Hiebert and Tim Parker at CB. I hesitate to say that this 3 game run will continue for the rest of the season, but I think it’s clear St. Louis won’t be last in the West.

SJ have attempted the most short passes in the league so far. It will be interesting how Luchi’s side will play through St. Louis’s press. The Quakes were saved by a Cristian Espinoza banger to seal the 3 points against the Rapids last week. They really should have gotten points from every match, yet Thiago Almada stole two points from them in stoppage time week 1. But, the quality St. Louis have is closer to Atlanta than their previous two games.

LAG v Whitecaps

The Galaxy’s backline has not been great so far. Their defense has allowed 70+ shot-creating actions, the worst in the league. But, they were tasked with two tough road trips to the Midwest after El Trafico was postponed. Back home, I expect the Galaxy to come out on fire and allow Puig and Joveljic to create havoc around the opponent’s box.

The ‘Caps are coming back from Honduras midweek. They had a comfortable lead after Leg 1 and rotated the squad. Vancouver have conceded 1+xG in each of the three matches this year, and I don’t think Raposo is the answer at LB. Vanni is still trying to find who is the man to lead the attacking line – Cordova or White. Neither have been outstanding and the threat from Vancouver comes from the midfield with Gauld, Schopf, and Gressel.

Plays

• Houston ML +140
• Orlando u2.5
• Crew +0.5
• LAG ML -135

Fantasy