Major League Soccer can be a topsy-turvy league. After four weeks of action, only one perfect team remains, the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Philadelphia Union, who were also perfect through three, fell at home to a strong performance from Nashville SC, but Vancouver has now scored nine goals only allowing two in their matches so far. Even losing Ryan Gauld to injury hasn’t slowed them down, and Brian White was rewarded with a call-up to the United States men’s national team roster for Concacaf Nations League play.
The Chicago Fire got their first victory under Gregg Berhalter with Hugo Cuypers scoring again and Lionel Messi continued to do Lionel Messi things to pull Inter Miami to a victory over Atlanta United, showcasing his defensive awareness alongside his attacking wizardry.
In this edition of Team of the Week, the Whitecaps have the most representatives with three but who else joins them?
Goalkeeper
Kristijan Kahlina, Charlotte FC: Charlotte have only allowed three goals so far this season, and part of that is due to the strength of Kahlina in the net. Making seven saves en route to a clean sheet facing FC Cincinnati, Kahlina registered 1.44 goals prevented, while also distributing the ball well to spark the attack.
Defenders
Triston Blackmon, Vancouver Whitecaps: Scoring the eventual winning goal, Blackmon again showcases the importance of defenders progressing play to manager Jesper Sorensen’s setup. He was the more creative player of the fullback duo, also helping keep a clean sheet in a close victory.
Tim Ream, Charlotte FC: Ream’s slide back to left back with Charlotte has been seamless. He’s maintained strong positioning while keeping play in front of him. At 37, Ream has shown no signs of slowing down, leading the way for Charlotte and keeping him in the USMNT picture.
Daniel Lovitz, Nashville SC: Registering an assist against the Philadelphia Union, Lovitz was also strong in defense, stopping attacks coming down the left-hand side of the pitch.
Mathias Laborda, Vancouver Whitecaps: Fullback power continues with Laborda maintaining possession in a subdued game as their unbeaten run rolls on.
Midfielders
Diego Luna, Real Salt Lake: Scoring and registering an assist for Real Salt Lake, Luna continues to grow as a direct player with improving attacking skills.
Jack McGlynn, Houston Dynamo: Despite Houston’s struggles, McGlynn has been integral, creating four chances and grabbing an assist.
Jovan Lukic, Philadelphia Union: Scoring in back-to-back games, Lukic can be a target in the Union’s attack.
Forwards
Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United: With his performance in a wild 3-3 draw with Sporting Kansas City, Oluwaseyi was the standout player.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, New York Red Bulls: Contributing both scoring and creating chances, Choupo-Moting’s presence is crucial for the Red Bulls.
Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: Scoring one goal and taking five shots on target, Messi continues to impress and could unlock new potential for Miami moving forward.
