The MLS Meteor Shower

The last time we covered MLS, we offered a post-apocalyptic, pre-rise of the cucaracha POWER analysis. Then we meandered in the GLOWERING EPL, with the assistance of one David Squire Bowie. We return to the MLS, where a handful of teams are showering goals upon the less fortunate. In meteoric proportions, that is.

The Perseid meteor shower has been observed for over 2000 years. That´s kindof a long time. The shower is associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, and reaches the peak of visibility in early August. The Columbus Crew have one less win than Houston, but in international play broke the MLS jinx by winning in Costa Rica. The team revolves around Guillermo Schelotto, the astro of ayer in Argentine soccer. His aging legs continue to propel forward, with no signs of slowing down.

The Taurids showers are visible over a long span of time due to the gravitational effects of that big bully Jupiter. Names change, but success continues in Houston under Dominic Kinnear. Adios DeRo. Hola Holden. Brad Davis continues to toil away with a fraction of the recognition he deserves, but despite leading the league in wins, can Brian Ching´s fitness be counted upon? Kamara is gone, leaving the Dynamo about as well insured as a 20-something male living in the US and self-employed.

In 1833, the sky burned bright and adventists forewarned the end of the world. The Leonids meteor shower lit up the sky, and remains the most prolific and spectacular, displaying over 200,000 meteors per hour. The past few years, the Chicago Fire have won games at a prolific rate. However, they have a .500 record at home. Also, this is supposedly Blanco´s last season. The Mexican has impressed in his short time in MLS, but is another late season flame-out in the cards?

The Geminid shower is considered to be the most consistent and active annual shower. This is odd, as they are the product of a now extinct comet named Phaethon. The LA Galaxy have finally turned a corner under Bruce Arena, who similarly has resurrected a coaching career bordering on extinction. Horror tackles aside, Beckham´s range of passing in centermid has added a possession dimension to the Galaxy. Donovan may not lead the league in goals like last year, but his 10 goals and 6 assists make him the third most produtive player, behind only Jeff Cunningham and Fredy Montero. While a plus 4 in goal differential does not make the mouth water, the 29 goals conceded is a major improvement over last season.

The Lyrids is a typically strong meteor shower which can produce a meteor storm when the Earth passes through a dust trail. In 1982, one such storm left the entire town of Richmond spellbound. DC United has produce similar sparks in the past, yet, despite no individual topping the scoring charts this year, is tied for the league lead in goals with 39. Luciano Emilio does have a respectable 9 goals, but that is less than inspiring compared to year´s past. And the away record is atrocious with just 2 wins. Who knew RFK was so cozy?

The Orionids are the product of the famous Halley´s comet, named after astronomer Edmund Halley. Similarly, the expansion Sounders can attribute such early success to Sigi Schmid, one of the best coaches in MLS. Shrewd veterans, smart foreign purchases, quality USL acquisitions – Schmid´s roster reflects a cunning mind. While his in-game substitutions may not change games, his starting eleven rarely raises questions. Fredy Montero is a gem, Jaqua is a workhorse, and Freddie Ljunberg is motivated. If Seattle can build on its strong home record, a deep playoff run is not out of the question.

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