As per usual, Major League Soccer delivered some brilliant headlines over the weekend.
This is what we learned from the action.
Timbers truly never say die
The season got off to a horrid start for the Portland Timbers, but as we approach the second half of the run-in, things are a bit brighter out West.
An early season slump of nine games without a win suggested Phil Neville’s men might be condemned to the bottom half, but they have recently shown a never-say-die attitude.
The Timbers bounced back from a 3-2 loss to FC Dallas (their only loss in nine matches) with an emphatic showing against visiting Nashville SC. The hosts notably scored four goals in 11 minutes even without star man Evander.
In the past, they’ve let a poor result weight them down. Looking at the table, Portland registered three consecutive losses on two occasions this season. Sandwiched in between was a run of three draws, too.
But it’s a new-look side as the Timbers continue to creep up the table and rightfully sit fifth after facing themselves in the mirror and demanding better.
Toronto FC must shake their slump
Contrary to the storyline above, things couldn’t be more painful for Toronto FC.
The John Herdman era started strong, but it steadily declined as the Canadian club continued moving down the table. They have more losses than wins and draws combined, with the latest a 4-0 hammering arriving at the hands of Columbus Crew.
Four of their 13 losses came at home, and the club has now lost six in a row.
The schedule doesn’t make things any easier, either.
TFC shift away from MLS action and play their Canadian Championship semi-final first leg against a talented Forge FC side from the Canadian Premier League. They have upset MLS teams in the past and will be looking to do it again against a struggling Toronto.
When TFC return to MLS, it’s a home match with Philadelphia, a trip to Inter Miami and a rivalry clash with CF Montreal. They can’t afford to stay in this slump.
Real Salt Lake can run with the big boys
Questions were asked of Real Salt Lake ahead of their clash with Atlanta United to see if they could finally run with the big boys in the West.
And boy, did they turn up. Some five goals from five different goal scorers, including the opening strike…