Yesterday (Wednesday) marked 5 and a half weeks of MLS action since the opening weekend on March 19 (I'm excluding March 15, the actual start of MLS). So far we've seen a lot, even though we're only about 15 percent of the way into the 2011 regular season.
THE BASICS
MLS players have already scored for a combined total of 107 goals in 44 matches. An astounding 2.43 goals per game so far. Sporting KC surely have had something to do with that ratio, on both ends, attacking and defending.
Top Goal Scorer: Charlie Davies(DC)(5 goals)
Most Assists: David Chiumiento (Van)(4 assists)
League Leaders: Real Salt Lake(12 points)
League Losers: Chivas USA(3 Points)
Largest/Lowest Attendance: La Galaxy @ Seattle Sounders (36,433) / Portland @ New England (7,114)
Average Attendance: 17,529
Best Team So Far: Real Salt Lake
Currently sitting at the top of the MLS conference, RSL have been one of the more dominant teams thus far in the season. Real's home has again proved to be a fortress, as they went undefeated in Rio Tinto last season and are undefeated so far this campaign. They are currently in the CONCACAF Champions League Final against Mexican Side Monterrey. A huge accomplishment for the club and MLS. If that doesn't persuade you into thinking that they are truly the best team in MLS, well, consider this: In 4 games this season RSL have won all of them, conceded just 1 and have scored 7.
Worst Team So Far: Chivas USA
At least there's no relegation(as SB Nation puts it) is the best way to describe Chivas dismal season so far. Bottom of the league with 3 points(all from ties) and just 3 GF(goals for) thus far justifies my pick of Chivas USA for the unwanted title of "Worst Team So Far". If Chivas are to turn their season around they must find a focal point for there attack, and soon. Justin Braun will not be the answer this season.
Most Interesting Storyline And Most Impressive Player: Charlie Davies
9 months ago Charlie Davies was involved in a terribly horrific car crash which almost took his life. Now after painful recovery and a somewhat of a failed Sochaux career, he's back in the US playing for DC United. Although a large chunk of them have been penalties Davies has scored a league leading 5 goals. Which has helped his club tremendously after a disappointing season last year for DC. His road back has been very impressive and he deserves to be at the top of the goal scoring charts.
Most Disappointing Player: David Beckham
I know, I know, "How could you possibly put David Beckham as the worst player this season?", "He's the best on the Galaxy for sure!" is what some of you are thinking right now. But notice, the title isn't worst player, it's "Most Disappointing". Beckham has had 3 assists thus far in 6 games and no goals. He has received an astounding 5 yellow cards. For a DP that you're going to pay 6.5 million annually for, and who was at one point arguably the best player in the world, this just isn't good enough. His match fitness has been poor, and it's just sad to see him play sometimes, hobbling up and down the sideline with the acceleration speed of a cow. My un-pro and amateur advice on how to get back into the form we saw two seasons ago? Play more of an attacking right mid role, shoot from outside the box more often, and don't track back as much to cover Franklin at right back.
Most Interesting Stat
Remember that one guy that scored 18 goals last season, was nominated for MVP of the season, and was rewarded with a USMNT appearance? Ya him, Chris Wondolowski.
He hasn't scored a single goal this season.
Well, that's the short and dirty summary of an interesting MLS season so far. Check back in at the halfway point and we'll have an update on the season's progression then too.
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