MLS Week Two: Thoughts and Observations

Two games doesn't mean much. But for two Eastern Conference foes, the season trajectory is already going in opposite directions.

The New York Red Bulls ended a horrendous road run of away form, winning by a slim 1-0 lead in Seattle. Macoumba Kandji's goal served to be the difference, as Tim Ream and Mike Petke shut down Seattle (with the help of some wasteful finishing).

Another club woefully ineffective in front of goal was D.C. -- though they couldn't find ways to turn possession into scoring opportunities. And when they did, those shots rarely troubled the keeper. Santino Quaranta looks uncomfortable in the middle, and Jaime Moreno's 36-year-old legs looked extremely slow.

Some quick hits from the second week of MLS action:

1. Steve Nicol always seems to pick up the pieces. No Shalrie Joseph, no Taylor Twellman and no Matt Reis? No problem for the Scouse manager, whose post-game reactions are about as easy to comprehend as deciphering hieroglyphics. Putting together a starting XI with mostly duct tape (Pat Phelan) and dental floss (Preston Burpo), Nicol ensured his team maintained a rigorous defensive shape throughout 90 minutes.

This allowed Kenny Mansally to stop up and play hero, scoring a brace in under three minutes to send United to a discouraging defeat. 

2. Red Bull turnaround? While their process of redemption is far from complete, the early start has to be a relief, particularly for club officials. Looks like the team may be functional enough to attract a crowd to Harrison, NJ on a semi-regular basis.

Bouna Coundoul quieted the detractors -- myself included -- with a number of solid saves, keeping Seattle at bay. At the very least, two shutouts in a row is something to hang your hat on if you're a Red Bull fan.

3. Emphasizing recovery out in Colorado. If the Rapids are to break their playoff duck, they'll need a bit more offensive spark than they had on display against Chicago. The Fire certainly weren't at their sharpest -- particularly missing Wilman Conde -- but benefited from a questionable penalty decision to earn a 1-1 draw.

Employing a 4-4-2 "bucket" formation, Colorado is lacking a creative force in the midfield, as Jeff Larentowicz and Pablo Mastroeni are solid pros, but unable to produce the goods to breakdown opposing defenses.

Colin Clark and Jamie Smith, both who suffered injuries that ended their 2009 campaigns, are slowing on the mend and making their way back. Clark is fit enough to start, as he did Saturday, but remains a shadow of the player he was, terrorizing the opposition on the flanks. Meanwhile, Smith has yet to make a debut on the right side.

The arrival of Claudio Lopez can't come soon enough. Only if he can contribute something, of course.

4. Why did six teams sit? I know this question has already been asked, and then asked again, but why were six teams in action? Can't teams suit up on a weekly basis? 

5. Paging N'kufo, Blaise. It's a shame that Seattle didn't sign him up prior to the season, because they could use the finishing help. While it didn't cost them against Philadelphia, the inability to score off 12 corner kicks is a problem that needs to be corrected if this club wants to live up to the billing of title contender.