As the 2017 Major League Soccer season nears the halfway point, the differentiation between contender and pretender is starting to crystalize. Here are five things to watch for as the calendar hits Week 16.
The Fire Keep Burning
With last Saturday’s dominating 2-0 win against Atlanta United, the Chicago Fire have now gone seven straight games without a loss. The win bumped Chicago up to the second spot in this week’s MLSsoccer.com power rankings.
During the seven-game run, the Fire have outscored opponents 14-4. Led by forward Nemanja Nikolic and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chicago will look to extend its impressive streak on the road against an improving New England Revolution team this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Whitecaps Want a Win
Saturday’s MLS action includes a match between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who sit in fourth and fifth in the Western Conference standings, respectively.
FC Dallas currently has 23 points, followed by Vancouver - as well as two other teams - who have 19. Being able to close the gap and possibly gain separation from the pack is crucial for the Whitecaps, but by no means will it be easy. Dallas has given up only 13 goals this season, good for second best in the league. Vancouver, on the other hand, is coming off of a 3-1 win against Atlanta United, and has netted nine goals in its last five home games.
Toronto FC Attempts to Bounce Back
After a 3-0 loss to the New England Revolution followed by a bye week, Toronto FC looks to hold its one point lead on the red-hot Chicago Fire for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Despite giving up three goals to a potent Revolution offense, Toronto has only allowed 15 goals on the season and boasts an MLS-leading goal differential of plus-11. In order to maintain first place from the Fire, the now well-rested Toronto squad will need to show strong effort, beginning this Saturday against D.C. United at 7 p.m. CT.
Adi Looks to Follow Up Against Rapids
Fanendo Adi, forward for the Portland Timbers, had a strong bounce back game this past Saturday against FC Dallas. Following a five-week scoreless stint, the 26-year-old from Nigeria was able to break through and score two goals, increasing his season total to eight.
The two-goal performance against a strong FC Dallas defense earned Adi the title of Player of the Week for Week 15 of the MLS season. The forward will look to ride that wave in this upcoming Saturday’s road match against the Colorado Rapids, who sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Sporting KC Hits the West Coast
Sporting KC will begin a two-week West Coast swing this weekend, featuring a Saturday match against the San Jose Earthquakes and a June 24 match against the LA Galaxy. Sporting KC has come away victorious only once on the road this season, coming in a 1-0 game against the Portland Timbers on April 15.
Sporting KC is in first place in the Western Conference with 26 points, followed closely by Portland with 24. Sporting Kansas City’s upcoming matches will be critical in its effort to remain on top of a tight Western Conference race. With recent efforts that earned forward Gerso and defender Saad Abdul-Salaam spots on the MLS Team of the Week, Sporting KC is ready to hit the road.
