Five Things From the Week: Aug. 19-25
The Columbus Crew won another trophy, the National Women's Soccer League signed a historic collective bargaining agreement and Brighton took down Manchester United. Five Things From the Week covers all that and more.
1. The Columbus Crew have developed a lethal combination
Most teams that play the way the Columbus Crew do are much more effective in the regular season than in knockout tournaments. LAFC never reached MLS Cup under Bob Bradley, for example. Manchester City have also only won the Champions League once. Trying to control games by dominating possession comes with significant risks in single-elimination settings. One bad day in attack, one bad break or one mistake playing out from the back can send a team home.
The Crew know the risks as well as anyone. They trailed FC Cincinnati 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Final last year and Inter Miami by the same scoreline in the Leagues Cup round of 16. Goals were gifted to NYCFC and the Philadelphia Union in the next two rounds of Leagues Cup, yet they won both tournaments anyway. It is extremely rare for a team to be so dynamic in attack and so good at adjusting when games don't go to plan. Wilfried Nancy has built something special.
2. The Seagulls are soaring again
In Fabian Hürzeler’s first two games as a Premier League manager, Brighton have outscored Everton and Manchester United 5-1. Five different players already have a goal involvement. Simon Adringra, Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck all have multiple. This is happening without the Seagulls’ summer signings making much of an impact. Hürzeler hasn't needed them yet, but they are only going to make his lineup choices harder as they get up to speed. The depth is impressive.
After a down season, the departure of Roberto De Zerbi and failing to land Kieran McKenna as his replacement, it was fair to wonder whether Brighton would be able to regroup and challenge for European qualification. That question has been answered emphatically. The pieces are there. Two wins obviously doesn't guarantee a top-six finish, but it's clear that Brighton are back to being one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
3. The NWSL’s CBA gives the power to the players and puts the pressure on the teams
The NWSL’s new collective bargaining agreement is unprecedented for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it abolishes the draft and allows players coming out of college to sign with whatever club they want. Second, players cannot be traded without their approval. There are other important aspects of the deal such as fully guaranteed contracts, but the ones getting most of the attention are the dramatic changes to player movement.
Teams have very little leverage in negotiations now, which is a remarkable statement to be made about a professional sports league. Players simply won't sign or agree to be traded somewhere they don't believe they'll be treated well. Clubs that don't create an enjoyable environment are going to get exposed quickly. What better way to ensure teams act responsibly than to give all the power to the players?
4. Treating players as assets comes at a cost
Releasing a statement through his camp after one game wasn't the most PR-savvy thing Raheem Sterling has ever done. That being said, his frustrations are totally understandable, as is his reported desire to leave Chelsea. It's a wonder players keep agreeing to join after seeing what's happened recently and the bloated squad. It is impossible to keep that many people who expect to play consistently happy. That's just basic math and common sense.
Those defending Chelsea's strategy argue that it's a long-term investment and that some players will eventually be sold. However, their value is decreasing while they sit on the bench and fail to impress. It really doesn't make sense now or for the future. Team chemistry isn't benefiting either. Chelsea can keep this up as long as players are willing to participate, but the price they've paid hasn't been close to worth it.
5. Chris Armas is doing great work in Colorado
Chris Armas’ debut as Colorado Rapids manager was a 4-1 loss to the Portland Timbers back in February. They lost just one of their next eight games and currently sit fourth in the Western Conference. The Rapids opened up Leagues Cup with a 4-0 defeat to Portland. They won a penalty shootout to reach the knockout stage and then won two more shootouts to finish in third and clinch a CONCACAF Champions Cup spot Sunday.
The Rapids effectively hit the reset button this offseason, bringing in Armas as well as three players with U.S. men’s national team and Major League Soccer experience. It was going to take time for the squad to gel and understand what Armas wanted from them. A few lopsided losses haven’t phased them, and they’ve responded well after each one. Colorado is confident and still improving. That is a concerning combination for everyone else in the West.