Orlando up for some Hardware? Who'da thunk it? All they needed to do was keep on keeping on in their home city. They had the best of the game from the get go and cruised to a 3-1 win on the strength of a brace by Nani, one, he muscled a first year player the next went off another player. They will need better chaces facing Portland.
Player updates, MLS teams are trying to ink any of the number of young standouts from Boca Juniors. LAFC GM John Thorrington informs that there have been inquires on many of his players, the window opene on Aug. 12. In an interesting piece of business, Dallas FC & their GK, Jesse Gonzalez mutually parted ways, I hope now Jimmy Mauer gets a shot at the full time spot. Jesse was suspended in June due to domestic violence allegations and the league had their own independent inquiry going on the incidents. The league is staying in close contact withte team and police on their investigation. Jesse had a good deal of success as a homegrown
Nani, has had a great tourney including a brace last game, he should be aware of a totally different way of being marked facing Portland and he showed a side that they are sure to try to exploit. He had a pair of goals and was still getting into it both verbally and physically with the opponent, be certain he will be met with physical play to try and draw a card on him. Calm down take the win and be done, HC pull him out before it goes south fast. He was assisted on both with longer passes, the first was most impressive as his first touch helped him get free and space, then he got past his mark to just play the ball past the GK. He had been critisized in his early years for trying to do it all on his own, not here by any means, showing a good deal of growth. Now at 33, the "retirement league" he has joined has revitalized him. Coach Pareja informed "He's training every single day like he is a rookie coming into the league and we all respect that from Luis. So now is the games that he needs to appear, he is doing it. His energy is contagious and we respect his leadership.
This final will be interesting, an established winning program at Portland with the upstart Lions. Last year was odd for the Timbers, many road games to start then back home at their renovated field for a run of games that did not go well on the heels of an MLS Cup appearance.
Who will be the MVP, Blanco with many dramatic goals or Nani? The smart money is on which team wins will also have the MVP.