MLS Recap: Cavan Sullivan’s Rise, St. Louis City’s Smart Moves, and Chicago Fire’s Hugo Cuypers Void
Cavan Sullivan's rapid rise has captured attention, stirring excitement around his potential impact on the USMNT before September ends. Once a benchwarmer nearing his move to Manchester City, Sullivan is now being compared to stars like Lionel Messi—though maybe that's a bit much. Meanwhile, the league showcased its usual mix of brilliance and unpredictability.
Inter Miami swings wildly between spectacular and average, switching gears in moments. In Florida, Antoine Griezmann makes winning look effortless, scoring in five straight matches and netting his third winner in a row as Orlando City dominated Toronto FC 3-0.
In Chicago, questions swirl around Robert Lewandowski. Despite his goal-scoring prowess, some wonder if his presence disrupts team dynamics. Soccer never fails to surprise.
WINNER: Corey Wray
The Sporting Director for St. Louis City SC faced criticism after selling their two top midfielders during a hot streak, leaving fans confused. Yet, Wray stayed confident and soon added Damion Downs from Southampton and Rafa Navarro from Colorado. Since then, St. Louis has been unstoppable, routing Minnesota United 4-0 on Saturday. The front office’s bold moves appear to be paying off.
LOSER: Tata Martino
Atlanta United coach Tata Martino admitted frustration after a goalless draw with D.C. United, calling it a loss of two points. Both teams have struggled this season; D.C. lacks depth, while Atlanta has talent but hasn't found cohesion. Martino faces pressure to find solutions as his attack, featuring Miguel Almiron, Breel Embolo, and Aleksey Miranchuk, looks promising but isolated. Despite 20 shots and 14 on target against D.C., Atlanta remains seven points shy of a playoff spot, with a tough road ahead.
WINNER: Hugo Cuypers (from afar)
Chicago Fire benefits from Robert Lewandowski’s goals, with the striker scoring six times in 10 MLS games. Still, they miss Cuypers’ relentless off-ball work that applied pressure and disrupted opponents early. Lewandowski, at 38, can’t cover as much ground, so teammates must coordinate better defensively. Their recent 2-1 loss to New England highlighted the gaps left behind. The problem isn’t Lewandowski alone; the whole team needs to adjust. Chicago doesn’t need a full overhaul but must find balance.
LOSER: LAFC’s MLS Cup Hopes
Before the season, LAFC looked like strong contenders, boasting talents like Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga. But a recent poor defensive display and lackluster attack led to a damaging defeat against a rebuilding Sporting KC squad. Andre Luiz, Sporting’s summer signing, caused havoc throughout. LAFC now seem more like a solid playoff team rather than title favorites, which falls short of expectations.
WINNER: Cavan Sullivan (again)
Sullivan earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors after scoring twice against San Diego. Since the World Cup break, he’s contributed to nine goals and looks set to challenge the record for most goal involvements by a teenager in MLS, currently held by Diego Fagundez with 20 in 2013. Sullivan’s performance keeps Philadelphia Union strong as he prepares for his upcoming transfer to Manchester City. Fans should enjoy his skill while he’s here.
LOSER: Western Conference Playoff Hopefuls
Teams ranked eighth through 12th in the West struggled, with none winning this weekend and only LA Galaxy grabbing a single point. Just two points separate ninth-placed San Diego from 14th-placed Seattle, and uneven games played add complexity. One win or loss could drastically shift playoff chances. Seattle managed a late 1-1 draw against the Galaxy thanks to Paul Arriola, keeping their faint hopes alive. Portland, San Diego, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United all missed opportunities to climb the standings.
