GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in MLS, including Aaronson sealing his first win with the Rapids
MLS roared back in its first full slate of games since the international break, and several USMNT players played key roles in delivering entertainment in North America's top league.
From Tristan Blackmon and the Vancouver Whitecaps putting up a touchdown against the Philadelphia Union to Diego Luna breaking a seven-game MLS goal drought, there was a lot for national team manager Mauricio Pochettino to appreciate in Matchday 30.
GOAL looks at the major takeaways from USMNT players in MLS.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAaronson makes statement in first win with Colorado
Paxten Aaronson recently told GOAL that he has been reflecting on the differences of being an up-and-comer in Europe as opposed to the newly minted "man" in Colorado. And for the first two games since transferring back into MLS, the assertiveness was certainly there, but the results were not – the Rapids were humbled by non-playoff teams LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City.
Playing in his preferred No. 10 role on Saturday night, Aaronson had a strong game as Colorado's facilitator, connecting on 88.9 percent of his passes – including two clutch connections. And then there was, of course, the game-winner, on a header.
Though the goal would ultimately be scored as an own goal by Felipe Andrade, it was still a major moment. Aaronson and the Rapids finally had some cohesion, and with just four games left until the playoffs, momentum will be important. Manager Chris Armas and his newest star Aaronson have taken an important step.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLuna back at it
This is hard to believe, but the last time Luna scored in MLS was on May 24. Yes, he did get a goal in the Leagues Cup a month ago, and some of the drought could be attributed to his time with the USMNT during the Gold Cup, but Luna's quality means he should be in double-digit scoring year after year.
He broke that cold spell in RSL's win over Sporting KC over the weekend, and did so with style – shouting out a young fan who asked him to break out a goal celebration should he score.
Luna is now on nine goals on the season, with five assists in 22 appearances. While RSL aren't meeting the contender expectations placed on them at the start of the season, Luna is already on a career-high on goals and could reach double-digits in goals, and potentially assists, in the club's final four games.
ImagnBlackmon and Vancouver send a message
Much was be made of Thomas Muller scoring a hat-trick on his birthday – and rightfully so. The German legend has seemingly embraced his role as leader for the Whitecaps, and the club thoroughly embarrassed the Eastern Conference-leading Union, 7-0.
Yet, as good as Vancouver's attack was, how about some love for the defense? Helping keep a typically potent Philly attack at bay was U.S. international Tristan Blackmon. The defender initially got to a concerning start with an early yellow card, but then responded with four clearances, winning all three of his aerial duels, and made one interception.
Blackmon had a mixed experience earlier this month during his first tour of action with the national team, struggling mightily playing as one of two centerbacks against South Korea, but rebounding against Japan in a three-man backline. While many wrote him off after that first game at Sports Illustrated Stadium, his league form and bounce back against the Samurai Blue suggest he might have more to offer Pochettino.
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+ Jack McGlynn scored again for the Dynamo, but their struggles this season continue with a loss to Colorado.
+ Cristian Roldan and Jesus Ferreira both starred for the Sounders, with the latter scoring a goal. Yet, defensive mistakes from a typically stout team led to a 2-2 draw with the struggling Galaxy.
+ Defender Alex Freeman continues his breakout season for Orlando, scoring in a 1-1 draw against D.C. United. Duncan McGuire made his first start for City since May after sustaining an injury that kept him out for most of the summer.
+ Tim Ream led a strong defensive effort against Inter Miami in a 3-0 win, keeping MVP frontrunner Lionel Messi at bay.