680: A MLS Season (FIFA 16)

[statdude]

A Simulated Playthrough of the 2016 MLS Season

Soccer is growing in America each and every year and so has the MLS. As the American league enters its 21st season, all 20 teams have a realistic shot at the title and eternal glory. As an American myself, I thought this would be a fun way to teach myself and others a little more about the America's fastest growing league.

So, this Dynasty is like no other. I will be simulating all 680 MLS games this season with 20 minute halves and on Legendary difficulty and will be bringing you Full Match Highlights of each match as well as the week's Top Goals. I will also be stat keeping as a way to make this feel more like a season instead of just random Play Now Games.

So sit back and enjoy watching and learning just a bit more about the MLS.

[statdude]

League Leaders

Soccer Leaders - Updated: Mar 6, 2016
Goals	G	Assits	AST
1. 8 Tied	1	1. 6 Tied	1
2.		2.
3.		3.
4.		4.
5.		5.
Yellow Cards	YC	Red Cards	RC
1. 7 Tied	1	1.
2.		2.
3.		3.
4.		4.
5.		5.
Clean Sheets	CS
1. Clint Irwin (TOR)	1	1.
2. Joe Bendik (OCSC)	1	2.
3.		3.
4.		4.
5.		5.

[statdude]

League Standings

Eastern Conference
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS	GD	GF	GA
Toronto FC	1	1	0	0	3	+3	3	0
Orlando City SC	1	1	0	0	3	+1	1	0
New York City FC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Philadelphia Union	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
New England Revolution	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Montreal Impact	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Chicago Fire	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
D.C. United	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Columbus Crew SC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
New York Red Bulls	1	0	0	1	0	-3	0	3

Western Conference
TEAM	GP	W	D	L	PTS	GD	GF	GA
San Jose Earthquakes	1	0	1	0	1	0	1	1
Colorado Rapids	1	0	1	0	1	0	1	1
Houston Dynamo	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Seattle Sounders FC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
LA Galaxy	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Portland Timbers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Sporting KC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
FC Dallas	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Vancouver Whitecaps FC	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Real Salt Lake	1	0	0	1	0	-1	0	1

[statdude]

Week 1(G1): Toronto FC @ New York Red Bulls 3-0

This was not the start that the defending Eastern Conference Champs wanted to have to start the year. Fresh off of winning its club's second Supporter's Shield and in front of a sold out Red Bull Arena, the Red Bulls came out flat out of the gate as Toronto FC steamrolled NYRB 3-0 in a stunning defeat. For Toronto, MLS reigning MVP Sebastian Giovinco got the year off on a fast start as he intercepted an intended pass, flicked it to his teammate Will Johnson who sent a piercing through ball to midfielder Jonathan Osorio who put it past the keeper just before the end of the first half. Not only did he create that chance, Giovinco also got a goal as well as he pushed one right past the keeper in the 71 minute to out Toronto up 2. Will Johnson was also able to find the back of the net as well. For NYRB, it's about regrouping and finding a way to be able to score goals. They were only able to land 4 shots on goal. However, they will have to move on without Shaun Wright-Phillips, brother of striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, who went up for a header and landed awkwardly on his shoulder. He is expected to miss the next match, but severity is unknown.

[statdude]

Week 1(G2): Real Salt Lake @ Orlando City SC 0-1

Nick Rimando looked like nothing would get past him for 90 minutes. The Salt Lake goalie parried every shot that came his way and showed why he was the former MLS MVP and 5 All Star. However, it was the last shot that he faced that he was just not able to stop. Instead the hero in Orlando was the seventh overall pick in last year's MLS Super Draft Richie Laryea who smacked home his first career goal as he came off the bench to score the winning goal in front of the 60,000 fans that packed the Citrus Bowl on Opening Day. For the Lions, it was a great win as the youth movement, in the form of last year's Rookie of the Year Cyle Larin and Laryea, showed that they can hang with the big boys in the MLS. What was most impressive was that the Lions won without the help of Brazilian Kaka who remains out with an injury.

[statdude]

Week 1(G3): Colorado Rapids @ San Jose Earthquakes 2-2

After both teams missed the playoffs last year, the Rapids and Earthquakes both started off the year quickly and played to a 2-2 draw, but both teams thought they could have won their opening game. Captain and clubs legend Chris Wondolowski scored in the 17th minute on a penalty after a controversial hand ball call in the box. Yet, there were more opportunities. Wondolowski had two other clear opportunities and couldn't keep them on target. After San Jose scored, Colorado came storming back led by midfielder Dillon Powers. He made a key assist to teammate Shkëlzen Gashi who scored the equalizer and then scored on a header in 58th minute. San Jose wasn't done either as they found an unlikely hero. Pushed down the depth chart and only a recent signing, Innocent Emeghara was subbed on for some extra punch and he threw a one-two that would make Rocky Balboa proud. He stole the ball in the Colorado half and was able to put the ball past the keeper's left and found the back of the net.

Takeaways
Colorado: It was a good start for the worst team in the MLS last year, but it's matter of what could have been if the hand ball wasn't called.
San Jose: Drawing at home against the worst team isn't an ideal start to the season. After finishing 4 points out of the playoffs, these are results where they can't drop points.