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1. What is the ceiling for Toronto?
1. What is the ceiling for Toronto?
Toronto FC is a mystery. Even after nearly 8 months and 30 league matches, it's almost impossible to know what to expect from TFC. This is largely because their best players are almost never on the field at the same time. Djordje Mihailovic, Josh Sargent, and Niklas Dorsch, Toronto's 3 DP's, are all high quality players. Between Sargent getting acclimated to the team after joining in late winter, Mihailovic's injuries, and Dorsch's arrival in July, it's been exceedingly rare for Toronto to begin a match with all 3 of them on the field. Only three times has this happened, and TFC have taken 7 points from these matches. While this is clearly a small sample size, the eye test matches the positive record, even when they have had very limited reps to develop chemistry. The trio of designated players are not only fantastic individuals, they amplify one another's talents. Toronto look like a much better team when they have even two of their DP's on the field together, so what they can do with all three healthy heading into the home stretch is exciting for Toronto.
Of course, the 3 designated players aren't the only members who have been out of the lineup. Toronto are currently without their best center back, Walker Zimmerman, who is dealing with an ankle injury. He brings so much experience and solidity to the backline. In attack, impactful winger Theo Corbeanu didn't get fit until after the World Cup. His ability to break the game open in 1v1 situations unlocks the best in Sargent, and getting Mihailovic back will only increase Corbeanu's effectiveness out wide. For a team with huge potential, it's been a frustrating season. Their 9 home draws are emblematic of how missing their best players have resulted in the margins going against Toronto this year. But, with their next 3 matches against teams below the playoff line and all 3 DP's fit, TFC's destiny is finally in their hands. If they end the season well, this Toronto FC side could do some serious damage in the postseason.
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Toronto's upside seems much lower after that performance. They got smoked by the Crew in a 2-4 loss only felt that close because of a Columbus red card. Toronto were second best for the first 70 minutes. They were easy to play through and couldn't defend their own box. Sargent and Mihailovic were anonymous. Dorsch was pretty good, playing in his natural spot as the deepest midfielder with Osorio alongside him. After the red card, Toronto's best attackers got more involved. Mihailovic got more touches on the ball in better areas, and he was able to get all of the Reds' forwards into more influential positions. Daniel Salloi opened the scoring for Toronto, continuing his strong debut campaign for the Canadian club. Salloi has been Toronto's best player over the course of the season, and must start the game on the field for this team. Sargent scored TFC's second with a cool finish into the bottom corner from the top of the box. Unlike in previous matches where they were on the field together, there was very little cohesion between Toronto's DP's. They looked like a collection of individuals instead of a collective whose strengths complement each other. But this isn't unexpected for a group that's played so little together. Credit has to go to the Crew as well. Coming off a cup loss that could've been demoralizing, their energy and intensity was high. It was an impressive showing from a group in their third match in 7 days, one after a rivarly and one after a cup final. Toronto still showed their quality in moments, but need to play better as a 10 man unit if they want to achieve their potential this year. More importantly, they need to make the playoffs. This was an important result that saw Toronto fall 2 points below Columbus, and 3 points below the playoff line. Toronto's ceiling is high, but performances like these show that their floor is low.
2. What is Atlanta United's best midfield?
2. What is Atlanta United's best midfield?
It's been a difficult season for Atlanta United. The 5 Stripes have been towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference all year, and it looks like they will miss the postseason again. Their issues originate in midfield, an area where head coach Tata Martino can't seem to pinpoint his preferred trio. This season, Atlanta have operated out of a 4-3-3 system with a stay at home 6 and dual box to box 8's. In a formation predicated on pitch control, Atlanta have become predictably ponderous in attack. Part of this comes from lack of attacking productivity from the midfield, who have produced just 10 goals and 3 assists in 130 appearances across all competitions. This puts too much of the creative burden on the front line. Atlanta have tried many players in the engine room; it's been a veritable revolving door as Martino has attempted to find the best combination in midfield. While rotation is inherent with a busy MLS schedule, especially in a World Cup year, the inconsistency in the middle of the park has made it difficult for Atlanta to discover a winning formula. Only Tristan Muyumba and Cooper Sanchez have played over 1000 minutes for Atlanta United this year. This level of discontinuity is evident in the 5 Stripes' performances and place in the standings.
Amidst this instability, there are some good players. Tristian Muyumba and Ajani Fortune are both talented box to box midfielders of MLS caliber. Young players like Will Reilly and Cooper Sanchez have shown well for themselves at times, even if they are a bit inconsistent. Sanchez has 30 appearances and nearly 2000 minutes across all competitions, which is a lot of valuable experience for an 18 year old. He no doubt has a bright future in front of him. New additions Mauricio Amaro and Giuliano Galoppo have gotten more game time of late, since being integrated into the squad. Amaro is a strong ball-winner in the heart of the engine room, a piece Atlanta has desperately needed for years. Giuliano Galoppo has looked good in his very limited minutes: Atlanta have picked up 7 points in his 5 starts. While not incredible, this is 1.4 ppg, a pace that would have them in the playoffs. Then there's the perplexing case of Adrian Gill. The 20 year old American made 3 starts in the middle of August. Atlanta won all 3 matches. He hasn't started a game since. He looked the part of a high level defensive midfield: tenacious in closing down opponents and calm on the ball, he was a big part of the 3 game win streak. Why he hasn't got more minutes is baffling, but Tata Martino appears to have decided on Amaro, Galoppo, and Muyumba as his starting trio. If Atlanta United can establish a balanced, cohesive midfield, they can build towards reaching the heights they experienced in their early years.
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The starting midfield against Chicago was Mauricio Amaro, Giuliano Galoppo, and Ajani Fortune. It simply wasn't good enough from this group of players. They failed to establish any control of the game, which ended up being dictated by game states. Atlanta took an early lead, then Chicago had 63% possession in the first half. With a goal that early, and at home, it's unacceptable to sit back for the remainder of the half. And against a team with as much attacking talent as Chicago, it was inevitable that the 5 Stripes were going to concede. Which they did, falling down 1-3 by the 60th minute. At this point, Atlanta became the protagonists in this match as they looked to salvage a result. This change in mentality came with the introduction of Tristan Muyumba, who replaced Fortune. It was necessary to make a tweak in the center of the park because they brought minimal attacking impetus to the match. It's an issue that's haunted the team all year long; Atlanta's midfielders aren't nearly impactful enough in the attacking phase of play. And they don't bring the defensive solidity to justify their lack of output on the ball.
It wasn't all bad from Atlanta's midfield trio. Mauricio Amaro, the recent U22 initiative signing, stood out with his contributions on both sides of the ball. The Uruguayan is a pure destroyer. He specializes in stopping attacks and putting in tackles. In possession, he isn't shy. Amaro is always moving to spaces and showing for the ball, making life easier for his teammates. At this point in his young MLS career, he looks to keep possession more than break open the game. But this is perfectly acceptable for your 6, especially for a 21 year old who is new to the league. Giuliano Galoppo and Ajani Fortune, on the other hand, were anonymous. Tristan Muyumba should start as one of the dual 8's. While inconsistent during his tenure with the 5 Stripes, Muyumba adds real dynamism and field coverage to their lineup. When Atlanta have been at their best this season, the Frenchman has been in the side. The final member of Atlanta's optimal engine room is Cooper Sanchez. The 18 year old has shown well for himself and will only get better with more first team reps. His tactical understanding of the game is impressive for a young player, and his movement creates space for himself and others. For the rest of the season, Tata Martino should start Mauricio Amaro, Tristan Muyumba, and Cooper Sanchez in midfield.
3. Can Seattle get their attack going?
3. Can Seattle get their attack going?
Seattle have a great defense. In fact, with just 37 goals allowed, it's one of the very best in the league. But they have trouble scoring goals. Only 5 teams have scored less than the Seattle Sounders in MLS play this year. It's been one of their biggest limiting factors this season, and it's why they aren't perceived as a cup contender heading into the playoffs. As with the rest of the team, it's been impossible for Seattle to find any continuity in attack because of all the injuries. With a rotating cast of wingers and a drop in productivity from the forwards, there was no player who was reliably putting the ball in the back of the net for Seattle. Which is exactly why went out and acquired Dejan Joveljić from Sporting Kansas City over the summer transfer window, one of the most clinical finishers in the league. Since joining the Sounders, Joveljić has netted 4 goals in 7 appearances - only Paul Rothrock and Cristian Roldan have more this season. It's evident that Dejan Joveljić will need to be at his lethal best for Seattle as they look to enter the postseason.
It will be imperative that the supporting cast gives their new number 9 some help, as Joveljić thrives on good service. Paul Rothrock won't be available until the playoffs as he continues to try and get back to full fitness following a hamstring injury sustained in the summer. His off ball movement is so important for this team, so he is a big loss for the Rave Green. Another player who provides elite movement is Jordan Morris. Morris, versatile as ever, has lined up on either wing as well as in the striker position this season. With Joveljić back from international duty, Morris should be a pen-in starter as one of Seattle's wingers. His understanding of Schmetzer's system, timing of runs, and physical gifts make him a very effective attacker. He's shown in his tenure with the Pacific northwest club that he is capable of forming a lucrative partnership with a center forward, and there's no reason why he can't do so with Dejan Joveljić. Tacoma Defiance product Sebastian Gomez has stepped up for Seattle in recent weeks, recording his first career MLS goal over the International Break against SKC and nabbing an equalizer in his last match. He has made 20 first team appearances this season and has added end product to his game of late. With his trickery, he brings a different element to this Sounders attack. Seattle had a good stretch in and around the International Break where they scored multiple goals in 4 straight matches. Now the goals have dried up, a worrying sign for Schmetzer, who will have to figure out his best group of players in forward areas. If Seattle can't get their attack going, they will be no threat in the playoffs.
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The first thing Seattle can do is give the ball to Dejan Joveljić. The Serbian international scored again against San Diego, making it 5 goals in 8 appearances for the Sounders. It was another sensational finish, beating Sisniega from 20 yards out with his "weaker" left foot. For a striker known as a poacher who specializes in finding tap-ins, Joveljić has been scoring sublime goals for his new club. There are very few players who are more clinical than Joveljić in this league. Seattle's second goal a prototypical Sounders goal: get to the end line and cut the ball back. This time it was Dotson making a run out of midfield who found Sebastian Gomez coming inside from the left. The 20 year old has now scored off the bench 3 times in his last 5 matches. Whether he's deployed as a super sub or a starter, Gomez has proven that he is a key contributor to this Sounders attack. Another Tacoma Defiance alum who is looking to make an impact for the Rave Green is Paul Rothrock. Paulie Primetime, as he is known among Sounders fans, is set to return to action in the next couple games. His work rate, movement, and combination play is so good in Seattle's system. He was one of their best players before his injury, even growing into a leadership role during Seattle's injury crisis. A big reason why Seattle's offense has struggled this season is because so many of their forwards have been unavailable. With so much variance in lineup, Albert Rusnák has been the one constant for Seattle. Rusnák has shown his quality in MLS for about a decade, but his productivity has dipped this year. Seattle are normally so dangerous from set pieces, but have been one of the worse teams in this area in 2026. Once again, they looked toothless from these dead ball situations, despite having 6 foot 6 Jackson Ragen to aim for. In open play, Rusnák is less decisive, slowing down plays and making poor decisions. He needs to step up as Seattle look to avoid the play-in game.
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