MLS Weekend: The Rise of Defensive Football and the Art of the Clean Sheet
Something peculiar is happening in Major League Soccer these days. The league once known for its wild, end-to-end shootouts has morphed into something that’d make Catenaccio enthusiasts smile. This past weekend told quite a story — one of stubborn defenses, frustrated forwards, and enough 0-0 draws to make Serie A veterans feel right at home.
Take Orlando City, who’ve managed to turn defensive stability into an art form. Three straight goalless draws? That’s not just impressive — it’s downright bizarre for a team that had been banging in goals like they were going out of style (13 in their first six matches, mind you). Their latest masterclass in frustration came against CF Montreal, where goalkeeper Pedro Gallese probably could’ve brought a lawn chair to the pitch and still managed to keep his clean sheet.
Though, let’s be real — Gallese earned his paycheck. Six saves, including a right-handed stunner to deny Caden Clark in the 78th minute, proved crucial after Rafael Santos got himself sent off. The kind of performance that makes you wonder if he’s got magnets in those gloves.
St. Louis City’s clash with Vancouver turned into another exercise in offensive futility. Marcel Hartel thought he’d broken through — cue the celebrations, the hugs, the whole nine yards — only for VAR to step in and play party pooper. Classic 2025 soccer, right there.
Here’s the kicker: Vancouver, sitting pretty with the league’s best goal differential (+11), managed exactly one shot on target from 14 attempts. One. Let that sink in. It’s either a masterclass in inefficiency or a testament to some seriously organized defending. Maybe both?
Thank heavens for New England Revolution, who apparently didn’t get the memo about this being the weekend of the clean sheet. Their 2-0 dismantling of NYCFC served as a reminder that yes, scoring goals is still allowed in MLS. Campana and Ganago showed that sometimes the best way through a packed defense is just… well, putting the ball in the net.
What’s fascinating — or concerning, depending on your perspective — is how this trend reflects the league’s tactical evolution. Teams seem increasingly content to play it safe, trading the thrill of victory for the security of a point. It’s pragmatic, sure, but doesn’t exactly scream “entertainment.”
The question now becomes: Is this the new normal? Are we witnessing the great defensive awakening of MLS, or just a temporary phase that’ll pass like those awful jersey designs from the ’90s? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain — somebody’s gonna have to start scoring soon, or we might need to consider making the goals bigger.
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