MLS analyst Matt Doyle reviews EVERY team in MLS at the All-Star break, discussing performances, key players, struggles, roster decisions, and potential improvements. Topics include individual player impacts, roster changes, offensive strategies, and midfield depth to enhance team success in the upcoming season.
San Jose Earthquakes struggle due to poor goalkeeping and finishing, despite better talent.
St. Louis City lacks quality players and faces a rebuilding phase under new management.
Sporting Kansas City aims to address player performance issues and rebuild for future success.
Deep dives
San Jose Earthquakes Struggle Despite Talent
San Jose Earthquakes, facing a challenging season with limited success, have struggled due to poor goalkeeping performances and a lack of finishing ability despite having better talent than their results show. Despite hopes for improvement, the team's ongoing struggles in front of goal and defensive errors have impeded their performance, leaving fans disappointed.
St. Louis City Faces Rebuilding Challenges
St. Louis City, under new management after firing Bradley Carnell, faces roster challenges with a lack of quality players to compete in MLS. Despite recent signings and changes in coaching, the team still lacks key starters and struggles to elevate its performance, hinting at a prolonged rebuilding phase for the franchise.
Sporting Kansas City's Struggle with Player Performance
Sporting Kansas City faces challenges with player performance, particularly in relation to DP player Alan Pulido's decrease in effectiveness this season. The team aims to address these issues and improve their roster quality by potentially making strategic player acquisitions to enhance their competitive edge and rebuild for future success.
Charlotte FC and Potential MLS Cup Contention
Charlotte FC's potential for MLS Cup contention is discussed, highlighting the importance of acquiring a chance creator to elevate their attacking potential. The team's solid defense, strong goalkeeping, and productive goal-scoring wingers set a positive foundation, emphasizing the significance of making the right signing in the current transfer window to potentially transform them into a dark horse MLS Cup contender.
Seattle Sounders' Strategy and Roster Analysis
The Seattle Sounders' performance and strategy are analyzed, noting their consistency in play when maintaining a full team. While highlighting key players like Pedro de la Vega and Jordan Morris, there's a call for securing a DP number nine to enhance their offensive capabilities. Despite potential roster changes, the Sounders' approach seems focused on internal player development rather than significant mid-season acquisitions.