MLS Boosted Treble

A superb campaign last season saw Austin FC reach the semi-finals of the MLS cup, having finished 2nd in the Western Conference.

In both, they were halted by the brilliant LAFC who topped the table and eliminated them in the play-offs.

It’s not been an amazing start to this season for Austin, who’s most noteable match so far saw them eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League by a Haitian side. Which is being labelled as the biggest upset in North America’s football history.

Now, they have a great opportunity to really ignite their campaign as they welcome what looks like an early contender for the weakest team in the conference; Colorado Rapids.

The Rapids have lost 3, drawn 1 so far and only managed to score 1 goal.

They looked especially poor on opening day when they were dismantled by Seattle Sounders.

It’s already looking like another long season for a side who mustered up a 10th placed finish last season.

Away form was a huge issue last season too. Now, away games are tough in the MLS, the huge variance in climate and altitude, coupled with massive travel distances makes it very hard for visiting sides.

Colorado managed just 8 points from a potential 51 on the road last season and in their 2 games so far they’ve gone down by a 5-0 aggregate score.

Austin managed to maintain the services of the brilliant Sebastian Driussi. He got 25 goals and 7 assists last season.

With many sides suffering as their players venture off on international duty, Austin’s talisman is raring to go.

LAFC were crowned MLS cup champions last season in incredible fashion.

A 128th minute Gareth Bale drew them level at 3-3 before they won on penalties against Philadelphia Union.

They’re unbreaten so far. Winning 2/2 at home, scoring 7 goals in the process.

Their squad is stacked. They’re the team to beat and the one with all the glamour; having the likes of Carlos Vela and Georgio Chiellini in the ranks.

The star of the show though has been former St Etienne man Denis Bouanga.

Traditionally a winger, he’s been deployed in somewhat of a free striker role. He’s already got himself 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 league matches.

Dallas are a decent side. Taking 7 points from 12 on offer so far, but once again we come back to the home/away debacle.

6 of those 7 points have come on their own turf.

Dallas had a great season last time, finishing 3rd but the loss of Brandon Servania and the lack of any quality additions is concerning.

LAFC won the home fixture against Dallas 3-1 last season. Let’s hope for the same again.

New boys on the block St Louis City have emerged as the entertainers of the MLS, and not only that – the team to beat.

The fresh faces have won 4/4 so far. They’re the only side across both conferences to have a 100% record.

There’s been 15 goals across their 4 matches. Each one has landed for over 2.5, never mind just the 1.5 we need here.

They produced a stunning 3-2 win away at Austin in their inaugural game and their 2nd away match saw them triumph 2-1 at Portland Timbers, another exceptional result.

German born, now Brazillian Joao Klauss is the man to watch.

He came through at Hoffenheim before making a name for himself on loans in Finland where he smashed in 21 goals for HJK in just 33 matches.

That saw another loan move to Austrian giants LASK and some more eye catching numbers.

He never managed to really break in to the Hoffenheim first team and spent some time in Belgium. Now with St Louis, he’s back in business.

As for RSL, they’re 3/3 for games with over 1.5 goals. There’s been 8 goals in those 3, with 2 of them going over 2.5 as they lost to Austin but beat Vancouver; both by 2-1 scorelines.

St Louis appear to fear nobody and are playing on the front foot. We should see another open game here, I wouldn’t be surprised to see 3/4 goals in this one.