Week 11 in MLS saw some major upsets.
From a Josef Martinez led-Inter Miami getting a 2-1 win over Atlanta United, Sporting KC earning their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory against the Seattle Sounders, and the Colorado Rapids ending their winless streak with a 3-1 triumph over the LA Galaxy, these three games were filled to the brim with exciting play and plenty of storylines.
There were numerous goals scored in these three matches, accompanied by several distinct tactical moments throughout each game.
Here are three games from match date eleven that are worth taking a closer look.
3. Sporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders
Sporting KC fought hard and secured their first win of the season by earning three points against the Seattle Sounders.
Sporting's three Designated Players were all in action, and their hard work paid off as they achieved a good result.
Coach Peter Vermes strategically set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, making the most of the players he had at his disposal.
The forward three of Daniel Salloi, Alan Pulido, and Johnny Russell were supported by Sporting’s midfield, including Erik Thommy, Remy Walter, and Gadi Kinda.
Sporting’s primary goal of the match was to stay compact and not let Seattle’s offense run away with the game.
With the Sounders possessing an attack that has Golden Boot leader Jordan Morris, Heber, Leo Chu, Nicolas Lodeiro, and Albert Rusnak, the game could’ve gotten out of hand for Sporting had they not been defensively sound.
They limited the Sounders to just three shots on target despite having 60% of the ball.
Sporting’s defense and hard-working midfield largely stymied Seattle’s attack.
Offensively, KC struck when they had goal-scoring opportunities and were clinical in front of goal. The influence of Kinda, Pulido, and Thommy in the final third was palpable as they struck with conviction and speed in the 4th and 31st minutes.
Sporting dug in their heels and got a significant result away from home to stop their winless streak at ten games.
2. Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy
The LA Galaxy’s struggles continue as they fell to the Colorado Rapids 3-1.
Even with the return of Riqui Puig, the Galaxy didn’t do enough to outplay the Rapids.
Lining up in a 3-4-2-1, the Rapids implemented a defend and counter strategy, while LA came out in a 4-3-1-2, allowing Puig to pull the strings as a creative midfielder.
The Rapids did well to stop any form of LA attack. Though the Galaxy had Chicharito and Dejan Joveljic up top to occupy two of the three Colorado centrebacks, the G’s couldn't get their offense going despite ending the match with seven shots on target and 63% of possession.
Colorado played the waiting game, sitting back as a defensive unit and striking the Galaxy in transition. The Rapids used their front line of Kevin Cabral, Diego Rubio, and Max Alves to get in behind the Galaxy defense and punish them in transition.
Midfielder Connor Ronan put on a Man of the Match performance for the Rapids, finishing the game with two assists, three created chances, two shots, and five recoveries.
Ronan’s creativity and work rate allowed Colorado to play the style they wanted to beat the Galaxy; He plugged defensive holes and provided attacking support.
LA was stretched for all but one of Colorado’s goals, and they struggled to maintain the balance between offense and defense.
Ultimately, the Galaxy didn’t convert their chances, and the Rapids were far more ruthless in the final third.
1. Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United
Josef Martinez led Inter Miami to their fourth win of the season with a 2-1 victory over his former team, Atlanta United.
Despite some concerns about head coach Phil Neville's position, Miami managed to secure three points against a tough opponent.
Miami adopted a defensive strategy in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing Atlanta to hold a slight edge in possession. However, Atlanta's own 4-2-3-1 formation meant that both teams had equal numbers on the pitch.
Although the game wasn't the most exciting regarding the quality of play, Miami's recent struggles in the league made the win all the more significant.
The team has focused more on getting results rather than sticking to a specific soccer philosophy. Miami showed great determination on the field, chasing every ball and putting up a gritty fight.
This paid off in the 59th minute when David Ruiz won a penalty for Miami, which Martinez converted to score his first of two goals.
Overall, Miami's style of play was chaotic but effective, securing them the win. The men in pink will use the momentum from this win as a trigger to push themselves into the top nine of the Eastern Conference.
This article was originally published on 90min as Game of the Matchday week 11 - ranked.
