MLS Is Back: A Scottish Prespective
Major League Soccer is back but much like the rest of football, not as we know it. Empty, atmosphere-devoid stadia aside, MLS returns to our screens in an entirely different format this week with the #MLSIsBack tournament. A one-off, showcase event ahead of the restart of the 2020 MLS regular-season.
08/07/2020 By Byron Hutchison
MLS has always been of interest for us here at Football From Afar. For several years now (and decades in the pre-MLS days) Scottish players have been drawn stateside. In the last 10-years alone national team regulars such as Kenny Miller, Kris Boyd, Barry Robson, Shaun Maloney and Steven Caldwell all spent time on the other side of the Atlantic. But before we dive in and preview our current crop, let me give you a very quick explanation of the tournament itself.
My intention here is not to explain the #MLSIsBack tournament with all of its various caveats, quirks and COVID-enforced regulations, so I’ll do my best to keep this brief (they haven’t made it easy). If you would like to read the full details you can find them here.
*The competition will feature 24 MLS teams in a World Cup-style format of group stages followed by knockout rounds. FC Dallas and Nashville SC are the only omissions from the tournament, withdrawing after several of their players tested positive for COVID-19. All matches are to take place over a 26-day-period beginning on July 9th at 1:30am (GMT). After the group stage, 16 teams will advance to the knockout rounds with the final slated for August 11th. Oh and all of this will, of course, take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney Resort, Florida.
This isn’t just a vanity pre-season affair either. Each team's three group-stage matches will count towards their regular-season points tally (weird, I know). A spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League is also on the line as well as a $1,100,000 prize pool for players.
At present, MLS features five Scotsman, - with Sam Nicholson’s departure from the Colorado Rapids having been announced last week - all of whom have featured for Scotland at senior level. With that in mind and the competition explained, let's get up to speed on our boys, their team’s and their prospect’s heading into the first round of fixtures.
*This section has been updated since the articles publish date.
Johnny Russell - Sporting Kansas City
Johnny Russell is a stateside veteran at this point having played 60 regular-season games since 2018, notching 19 goals and 20 assists along the way. His performances have turned him into a fan-favourite amongst regulars in The Cauldron - Sporting KC’s north-end supporter's section. Surprisingly, 10 of his 14 well-earned international appearances have come since his move to MLS from Derby County. Slightly discrediting the idea that a move to the US might hamper one's international prospects.
The Team
Sporting KC head into the tournament as one of the favourites despite missing out on the playoffs last season. They made several key additions to their squad ahead of the new campaign who have already proven their worth during Sporting's two pre-COVID victories in the regular season.
Up top, the addition of 29-year-old, Alan Pulido has added a (relatively speaking) elite-level scoring threat to the side. The Mexican boasts five goals in 13 international appearances and arrived in Kansas from Liga MX, where he had been a fairly consistent scorer. It didn't take him long to find his shooting boots north of the border either, netting in each of his first two MLS appearances. Pulido, who cost Kansas a club-record $9.5 million claimed the Liga MX Golden Boot last season and may have a legitimate claim to MLS equivalent this term.
On Russell’s opposite flank - Sporting tend to play in a 4-3-3 - Khiry Shelton’s reintegration into the squad after less than 12-months with SC Paderborn in the Bundesliga is a welcome one. The Colorado native is dynamic, quick and a problem for the majority of the league’s left-backs. His spell in the Bundesliga may have been short but he appears to have returned a more refined player for it. Gadi Kinda’s arrival on-loan from Beitar Jerusalem should be noted too, the attacking midfielder, like Pulido, has two goals to his name in just two appearances for Sporting.
The Player
The new recruits in the attacking-third shouldn’t put Russell’s starting spot under immediate threat but given that many of last seasons forward options have remained with the team, there will be competition for places. Russell was moved out left for the opening two MLS fixtures of the season and with Shelton drawing attention and providing an option down the right flank, one would hope the new three-pronged threat may result in more space and freedom for Russell to operate.
The addition of Pulido to the attacking line should also reduce the reliance on Russell to provide a spark each and every game. As well as adding a goal-scoring threat, Pulido will also provide Russell with a high-quality target in and around the 18-yard-box for the first time since his own arrival in Kansas. The Scotsman’s xA (Expected Assists) of 0.31 per 90 over the past two seasons is significantly higher than his actual return of 0.18 assists. Having Puidlo on-hand to provide the finishing touch to offensive moves should help Russell close that gap.
Russell has become a Scotland regular in recent years and he’ll be keen to ensure he is in the squad once again for the all-important Euro 2020 qualifying playoffs. I would hope that the added competition for places and the overall boost in quality in the Sporting KC ranks will light a fire under Russell. Unlike previous seasons, he can’t rest on his laurels and expect to play every week. Which can only be a good thing for Steve Clarke and Scotland.
Lewis Morgan - Inter Miami
Moving on to perhaps our most intriguing player across the pond, Lewis Morgan. Morgan joined MLS’ newest franchise Inter Miami in a surprise switch last January, after a stint at Celtic. The youngster secured his move to the green-side of Glasgow having lit up the Scottish Championship in the 2017/18 season. Despite playing 31 times, making his Scotland debut and playing significant minutes for The Hoops in European competition against the likes of RB Leipzig and Stade Rennes - against whom he scored - Morgan ultimately failed to establish himself at Park Head.
The Team
Inter Miami are a new franchise and as such, enter the competition as an unknown quantity who could prove to be something of a wildcard. Coach Diego Alonso is the man tasked with getting the team to click. The former Uruguayan international already has a Liga MX crown and multiple CONCACAF Champions League titles on his resume from his time coaching in Mexico and will be hoping to replicate that success in the US as soon as possible.
Miami suffered defeats in each of their first two competitive fixtures, however, they have shown promise. A 1-0 loss in their inaugural MLS fixture against last year's playoff semi-finalists LAFC was admirable and they dominated despite being on the losing end of a 2-1 scoreline against D.C United the following week. Their XI is a mishmash of MLS mainstays, draftees, South American youth prospects and a sprinkling of top-tier talent.
Rodolfo Pizarro is the designated talisman for the Florida franchise. The 26-year-old who has 25 appearances and 5 goals for Mexico to his name is another to have made the move to MLS from Liga MX. In his native land, Pizarro, who is a versatile creative force, was regarded as one of the league’s very best players. And he has already etched his name into Inter Miami history, having netted the club’s first-ever MLS goal.
The Player
Morgan started in each of Miami’s first two MLS fixtures and provided the assist for Pizarro’s aforementioned franchise-first goal. The Scot even has the privilege of wearing the #7 jersey for the David Beckham owned club and is all but certain to be in the XI for their first tournament clash against Orlando City.
Along with Pizarro, Morgan will be required to do much of the heavy lifting from an attacking perspective for the side. Fortunately, they will have a new forward to lead the line come tournament time with 20-year-old Argentine prospect Julian Carranza set to take to the field - having missed their previous games with an injury. In prior games, that role has been filled by Robbie Robinson, a 21-year-old who arrived at the club fresh from college soccer via the MLS draft system. While Robinson was energetic and enthusiastic, he lacked the technical quality that Morgan and Pizarro have come to expect from previous teammates such as Odsonne Eduard and Raul Jimenez respectively. Carranza joins Miami having already scored 10 Argentine Primera Divison goals.
Morgan featured in Steve Clarke’s most recent Scotland squad but will have to be on top form to ensure he isn’t forgotten about while plying his trade in the US. He should start the majority of Miami’s matches in the up coming tournament and with David Beckham overseeing the operation, Morgan may find the spotlight shines a little brighter on Miami than most MLS franchises.
Gary Mackay-Steven - New York City FC
Ah, GMS, our very own tartan-clad Ronaldinho and your preferred five-star skiller on FIFA Ultimate Team. Thurso’s favourite son moved to MLS just last summer, joining the New York arm of the City Group, NYCFC, on a free transfer from Aberdeen. Despite linking up with his former Celtic boss, Ronny Dalia, GMS has struggled to make an impact in the US thus far, starting just five of the seventeen matches he has been available for.
The Team
Heading to Florida, NYCFC are seen as early favourites to top their group. They finished last season as Eastern Conference champions and have retained the bulk of their side heading into this season. The consensus is that with their City Group backing they’ve built one of the strongest squads in the league.
Dallia’s side are an offensive force, lead by Brazilian striker Héber. The 28-year-old moved to The Big Apple from Rijeka in Croatia. He mustered an impressive record of 25 goals in 38 league games while there and that prolific form has followed him to MLS. The addition of former Arsenal schoolboy and one-time Rangers midfielder Gedion Zelalem may provide another creative boost for the New Yorkers if he can find his footing, but it won't be a problem If he can't. Between ex-Atalanta man Maxi Moralez, Alexandru Mitrita and Jesus Medina, they have more than enough to trouble MLS defences.
Speaking of defence, NYCFC are solid in that regard too, posting the league’s 4th best defensive record last season. Between their attacking force and defensive solidity, it’s easy to see why they’re a hot-tip heading into the tournament, despite losing their opening two regular-season games.
The Player
Macky-Steven will be looking to establish himself this season and the tournament may provide the perfect platform for the tricky winger. The issue for GMS, however, is a financial one as much as it is a footballing one.
The aforementioned trio of Moralez, Mitrita and Medina all play in GMS’ area of the field and each of them are designated players for NYCFC - meaning their salaries exist out width the traditional salary cap (see more). In short, there’s likely internal pressure on Dellia to name the trio in his line-up for the majority of games. It’s essential that the Scotsman makes the most of his opportunities from the bench if he is to justify a spot in the starting XI any time soon.
The 29-year-old only has two Scotland caps to his name but with one coming as recently as October 2018, he may still hope to force his way back into the fold. With European football nearing its delayed season-end and the Scottish game in a seemingly permanent state of flux, if GMS can make some noise stateside, it may travel a little further than usual.
Chris Cadden - Columbus Crew
Motherwell fans won’t have forgotten Chris Cadden’s seemingly murky exit in 2019. The Bellshill native joined Columbus Crew on a free-transfer but - due to the limited number of international roster slots available to MLS sides - was sent out on loan to English League 1 side Oxford United. Many of the Fir Park faithful have a more cynical view on that, however. Cadden linked up with his new club for the first time January and the tournament should provide him with ample opportunity to get to know his new teammates.
The Team
The Crew had quite the offseason prior to MLS' curtailed restart. Srengthening in multiple areas and with key components returning from injury. They arguably had the best break of any team in the league. Although it would be a surprise if they took home the #MLSIsBack trophy, expect them to make an impact in Florida over the next month.
Just like Sporting KC, Columbus threw some cash at Liga MX in December in order to secure the services of their club-record signing; Argentine Lucas Zelarayan. The 28-year-old has been a key cog for Tigres UNAL, one of Mexico’s premier clubs, over the past 5 seasons. Two-time Ajax trialist, Fanendo Adi also joined The Crew's ranks, the Nigerian is an MLS veteran with 50 league goals on his record and will provide ample backup for USMNT star Gyasi Zardes upfront. Add former S.C Braga winger Pedro Santos to the mix and the Ohio outfit suddenly look like a pretty formidable attacking force.
The recruitment of Darlington Nagbe shouldn’t go without mention either. The USA international - and son of former Liberia captain, Joe Nagbe - has spent his entire career in US soccer and represents a very clever pickup. The central midfielder has two MLS Cups under his belt can really make teams tick at this level from the middle of the park.
The Player
Cadden arrived in Columbus on the back of a successful loan spell at Oxford United, a stint that Oxford were reportedly keen to make permanent such was his form. The right-back spot in The Crew XI has been occupied by Ghanian Harrison Afful since 2015, the same year he was crowned Ghanian Footballer of the Year. The experienced Afful is 10 years Cadden's senior however and the Scot should have his sights set on making the right-back position his own in the coming weeks.
The Crew took four points from tough opposition in their opening two MLS fixtures and Cadden made an appearance in both games. He was given a three-minute cameo for his debut in a 1-0 victory over NYCFC before being called in as an emergency left-back at half-time against reigning MLS champions, the Seattle Sounders.
Already with two Scotland caps at the age of 23, Cadden will surely have his eyes on Euro playoffs. The right-back position in Steve Clarke’s side is anything but secure, despite Liam Palmer’s solid performances in recent internationals. The Scotland boss was spotted in Oxford taking in one of Cadden’s games as recently as September - prior to our most recent national team fixtures. Although Cadden didn't make the cut last time, he is clearly on Clarke’s radar.
Danny Wilson - Colorado Rapids
Danny Wilson was at one time, a promising prospect at centre-back for Scotland. Now 28-years-old, he has claimed five Scotland caps, all of which came in the 2010/11 season, some 10 years ago. After successful spells in the Scottish Champions with Hearts and latterly Rangers, Wilson came under scrutiny when the Gers returned to the top-flight in what was a tumultuous time for the Ibrox side. He made the move to Colorado in January 2018 and despite a positive first season, the 2010 PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year struggled to hold down a starting spot last season.
The Team
The Rapids are rank outsiders heading into the competition, which is a position they are accustomed to at this point - they’ve been one of the poorest outfits in the league in recent years. Despite that, they claimed two victories in their two pre-COVID fixtures and the enforced stoppage couldn’t have really come at a worse time for coach Robin Fraser.
Fraser - in his first full season - now seems to be forming the nucleus of what could be a decent MLS side. They are captained by Englishman Jack Price and the former Wolves midfielder is central to their efforts. The deep-lying playmaker serves as the catalyst for many of their attacks and has already directly chipped in with two assists in their opening two games. Old-hand Kei Kamada is the sides primary goal-threat, the 36-year-old has scored at a rate of 0.48 per 90 since his return to MLS in 2015.
The departure of our own Sam Nicholson last week will come as a blow for the Rapids but they will see Younes Namil, who arrived on a 2-year loan from FC Krasnodar in January, as someone who may fill some of that attacking void. Rapids fans will also be hoping that long-time prospect Jonathan Lewis may have a breakout season, with Nicholson gone, the 23-year-old should see significantly more game time.
The Player
Colorado welcomed several new centre-backs into the team during the offseason including veteran Drew Moor. Wilson didn’t feature in either of the Rapids opening MLS fixtures as a result. The Rapids appear to have a new pairing at the centre of defence in Moor and Lalas Abubakar, meaning Wilson will find game-time even harder to come by this season.
The former Hearts captain did do himself a few favours last season by performing, on multiple occasions, as a defensive midfielder. His versatility in that regard may see him deployed as insurance alongside Price, or brought on as a reinforcement later in games. Unfortunately, however, Wilson is likely to only play a backup role for the Rapids in the upcoming tournament.