MLS Winners and Losers: Rising USMNT Star Cavan Sullivan, St. Louis City SC’s Smart Moves, and Chicago Fire’s Struggles Without Hugo Cuypers
MLS Highlights from Matchday 26
Cavan Sullivan’s rise in the USMNT spotlight is undeniable. Just months ago, he barely saw the field before his move to Manchester City. Now, he’s drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi as a potential leader for the national team before September ends. It might be an overreaction, but his impact can’t be ignored.
The weekend delivered plenty of excitement. Inter Miami continue to flip between brilliance and inconsistency within minutes. In Florida, Antoine Griezmann is making winning look easy, scoring for the fifth consecutive match and securing his third straight game-winner as Orlando City crushed Toronto FC 3-0.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s situation is more complicated with Robert Lewandowski. The striker’s goal-scoring is clear, but questions arise if his style actually hampers the team’s overall play. Soccer always finds ways to surprise.
Winners and Losers
Winner: Corey Wray
St. Louis City SC’s Sporting Director, Corey Wray, faced criticism after selling key midfielders just as the team gained momentum. Fans were confused, but Wray stayed confident. Soon after, the club signed Damion Downs from Southampton and Colorado’s Rafa Navarro. Since then, the team has been unstoppable, including a 4-0 victory over Minnesota United.
What seemed risky initially is paying off well for St. Louis City SC.
Loser: Tata Martino
Atlanta United coach Tata Martino admitted losing two points after a frustrating 0-0 draw against D.C. United. Both teams have struggled this season, but Atlanta’s talent pool hasn’t gelled yet. While players like Miguel Almiron, Breel Embolo, and Aleksey Miranchuk form a dangerous attacking line, the rest of the squad isn’t performing at the same level.
Despite 20 shots and 14 on target, Atlanta failed to score, putting them seven points outside playoff spots. Martino faces pressure to find solutions fast.
Winner: Hugo Cuypers (from a distance)
Chicago Fire have benefited from Robert Lewandowski’s goals, but they seem to miss Hugo Cuypers’ off-ball effort. Cuypers’ relentless running helped disrupt opponents and maintain pressure. At 38, Lewandowski can’t cover as much ground, so teammates must adjust their defense and pressing tactics.
A recent 2-1 loss to New England showed how vulnerable Chicago has become on counterattacks. This challenge isn’t solely on Lewandowski but reflects a need for better collective coordination.
Loser: LAFC’s MLS Cup Hopes
LAFC have stumbled under coach Marc Dos Santos. Early predictions of a title run now seem optimistic. Despite talented players like Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, LAFC’s defense and attack have lacked sharpness.
A heavy loss to rebuilding Sporting KC exposed their weaknesses. Right now, LAFC look like a decent playoff team but far from championship contenders.
Winner: Cavan Sullivan (again)
Cavan Sullivan earned MLS Player of the Matchday honors after scoring twice against San Diego. Since the World Cup break, he has contributed nine goals or assists in league play, on track to break the teenage record held by Diego Fagundez.
With one more season before moving to Manchester City, Philadelphia Union fans should savor his performances while they last.
Loser: Western Conference Playoff Contenders
The Western Conference’s playoff race tightened as none of the teams ranked eighth through twelfth secured wins this weekend. Only the LA Galaxy managed a point with a draw against Seattle.
- 9th place: San Diego
- 14th place: Seattle
Just two points separate these teams despite differences in games played, meaning a single result could reshape the standings dramatically.
Seattle’s late equalizer from Paul Arriola kept their hopes alive, but clubs like Portland, San Diego, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Minnesota United missed critical chances to climb the table.
