MLS Winners and Losers: Cavan Sullivan's USMNT Rise, St. Louis City SC's Smart Moves, and Chicago Fire’s Hugo Cuypers Void
Cavan Sullivan’s rapid ascent is turning heads. Not long ago, he was barely seeing the pitch before his transfer to Manchester City. Now, some are already placing him as the future leader of the USMNT before September ends. Comparing him to Lionel Messi might be a stretch, but the hype is real.
Meanwhile, MLS served up another thrilling weekend. Inter Miami continue to oscillate between brilliance and mediocrity within short bursts. On the other hand, Antoine Griezmann keeps making success seem effortless, scoring in his fifth consecutive match and netting a third straight game-winner as Orlando City defeated Toronto FC 3-0.
In Chicago, Robert Lewandowski raises a curious debate: can a prolific scorer unintentionally hurt the team’s balance? Soccer’s unpredictability shines through.
Winner: Corey Wray
The Sporting Director of St. Louis City SC faced criticism after selling their top midfielders during a promising run. Fans were skeptical, but Wray remained confident. Soon after, he secured Damion Downs from Southampton and Colorado’s Rafa Navarro, moves that sparked an impressive streak culminating in a 4-0 win over Minnesota United.
What seemed questionable at first now looks like shrewd planning by the front office.
Loser: Tata Martino
Atlanta United coach Tata Martino admitted frustration after a 0-0 draw with D.C. United, calling it a loss of two points. Both teams have struggled this season, with D.C. stuck between wild card and bottom-tier spots, while Atlanta has yet to find cohesion despite possessing talent.
Martino faces the challenge of assembling a competitive team without a clear system. Their attacking trio of Miguel Almiron, Breel Embolo, and Aleksey Miranchuk is dangerous, but beyond them, options are limited. Against D.C., Atlanta fired 20 shots with 14 on target but failed to score. They sit seven points shy of playoffs, facing a tough road ahead.
Winner: Hugo Cuypers (from afar)
Chicago Fire have benefited from Robert Lewandowski’s goals but feel the absence of Hugo Cuypers' relentless off-ball work. Cuypers’ energy helped pressure opponents and disrupt their play, a role Lewandowski at 38 cannot replicate fully. This leaves more pressure on teammates to maintain defensive shape and press effectively.
The recent 2-1 loss to New England showed Chicago had control in possession and chances but left gaps that were exploited. The issue lies with team coordination rather than Lewandowski alone. Chicago doesn't need drastic changes, just better balance to maximize Lewandowski’s impact.
Loser: LAFC’s Fading MLS Cup Chances
This writer confidently predicted LAFC would clinch MLS Cup, but their performance suggests otherwise. Despite strong players like Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, defensive frailties and lack of offensive sharpness showed against a rebuilding Sporting KC, who handed them a damaging defeat.
Andre Luiz, Sporting’s summer signing, caused havoc, exposing LAFC’s weaknesses. They look like a solid playoff team now, but not serious title contenders.
Winner: Cavan Sullivan (again)
Sullivan earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors after scoring twice against San Diego, bringing his post-World Cup goal contributions to nine. He’s on track to break the record for teenage goal involvements set by Diego Fagundez in 2013. The Union thrive with him, and fans should savor his presence before he moves to Man City next season.
Loser: Western Conference Playoff Hopefuls
The Western Conference’s eighth to twelfth-ranked teams all faltered this weekend. Only LA Galaxy managed a point, drawing 1-1 with Seattle Sounders. This missed opportunity tightens an already fierce playoff battle, where every result matters.
- 9th place: San Diego
- 14th place: Seattle
- Other struggling teams: Portland, RSL, Minnesota United
Seattle salvaged a point thanks to Paul Arriola's late equalizer. The race remains open, but those teams missing chances this weekend face tougher paths ahead.
