Now is the time when fans begin to panic. Week 5 is about to start, and people are beginning to brush off the “it’s just the first couple games” excuse. Teams like LA and the Union are starting to feel the pressure, while Kansas City and Salt Lake are living up to their hype. Will Week 5 bring any surprises? Let’s take a look at a few questions concerning this coming week.
LA Galaxy v Sporting Kansas City
Before the start of the season, the LA Galaxy were the most feared team in Major League Soccer. However, after dropping 3-1 to both New England and Salt Lake and getting knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League by Toronto, they aren’t exactly the intimidating force they once were.
Sporting KC has emerged as top dog in the East, and they are looking to extend their power over the West. While LA has not had the best string of luck lately, they are still a force to reckon with. Both teams have a lot to prove this match.
Bottom Line
Is KC really the team to beat in 2012, or can LA turn their luck around and show why they were 2011 MLS champs?
San Jose Earthquakes v Vancouver Whitecaps
Both San Jose and Vancouver were hailed to be two of the strongest attacking teams this season. However, both teams’ defense have proven to be their staples. Vancouver’s captain and center defender, Jay DeMerit, has been a welcoming force since recovering from a string of injuries last year. His hard tackles have made up for a recent lack of attack from the Whitecaps.
WIth forwards like Vancouver’s Sebastian Le Toux and San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski facing off, this match should prove to be chock-full of exciting attacking moments. However, if this year has shown us anything, it’s that a strong defense often outshines the hyped up attackers.
Bottom Line
Can Vancouver mirror San Jose and make their attack as strong as their defense?
Montreal Impact
Let’s face it, Montreal’s inaugural MLS season has been less than ideal. I’m willing to bet that losing 3 games and tying 1 probably wasn’t part of head coach Jesse Marsch’s plan. However, they have a golden opportunity against Toronto. Toronto will have a grueling CCL match earlier in the week against Santos Laguna in Mexico. Montreal could get their first win of the season against a tired Toronto side.
While the Impact have an earlier game against Salt Lake, I don’t see them getting their first win against Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Bottom Line
While Montreal has 2 games this week, will they save their strength to play Toronto instead of using it all against Salt Lake?
Discussion
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