All eyes are on Chicharito after his amazing hat-trick over the weekend, a feat that not only has the Mexican superstar at 5 goals in 2 games but also has the Los Angeles Galaxy as the only team in MLS with a perfect record going 2 for 2 so far in 2021.
There was also that amazing golazo by Ezequiel Barco for Atlanta United which has Gabriel Heinze’s team looking like their former selves, as the club sets its sights to the CONCACAF Champions League in midweek.
Here are three takeaways from the week that was in Major League Soccer, as usual in MLS what happens in one week could change dramatically come the next, in this case, we will focus on three consistent trends in week 2.
The Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicharito are on fire
Javier Hernandez #14 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates his goal in the second half against the New York Red Bulls (Getty)
Finally, MLS see’s what Chicharito is all about, there is no question that there is fire under the belly of Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, and after pundits claimed that he could score at least 15 goals this season, well, he has 5 now.
The Galaxy were out possessed and out shot again in week 2 but on the back of their most expensive player, they are the only MLS team with 2 wins in 2 games. How long can it last? The Galaxy has yet to play a more polished opponent and that will change come week 3 when they take on the Sounders. The Galaxy will need to see more from the supporting cast and not just rely on Chicharito’s heroics, who in two weeks have people asking the question, “when is Mexico gonna call him up?”.
Higuaín brothers make the history books
Gonzalo Higuain #9 and Federico Higuain #22 of Inter Miami CF embrace after defeating Philadelphia Union (Getty)
Well things are a bit better at the start of 2021 for Inter Miami, they looked better against the Galaxy in week one, and they got a big W against the Philadelphia Union who were not sharp in attack. The win against such a good opponent can only help lift that Inter Miami ego that was bruised with a bad first season and a scandalous offseason.
For Gonzalo and Federico Higuaín, they are the first brothers to score in a single MLS game. While many know the story behind Gonzalo the super star and Federico the great MLS midfielder, their paths could not be more different. Gonzalo was set for stardom as he splashed onto the scene at River Plate, scoring 2 big goals against Boca Juniors in a Super Clasico, he was sold to Real Madrid shortly after.
For Federico, who in many ways is equally as talented, life at River Plate was hard, he only played 5 games and was at times third or fourth choice, behind former MLS player Gaston Fernandez and others, after some failed stints at Club America, Independiente, and Turkey, Federico found a home in MLS to showcase his talents. Their father Jorge Higuaín was anything but flashy, considered one of the toughest central defenders in the 1990’s in Argentine soccer.
Minnesota United have been the biggest disappointment
Justin Meram #9 of Real Salt Lake tackles Romain Metanire #19 of Minnesota United (Getty)
A lot was expected from Minnesota United this season and without question are the worst, talented side, so far in MLS after two weeks. Real Salt Lake made them pay on some pretty shaking defending and they outshot RSL 23 -11, not much came from all that shooting. Minnesota United has shown flashes of what might be, but so far they have lost two games that should be cause for concern, at least at the back.A team that will eventually haveEmanuel Reynoso, Ramón Ábila,Adrien Hunou, and a great supporting cast, the pressure will be on Adrian Heath to right the ship, quickly.
