2025 MLS Season Update
The 2025 MLS regular season is nearing its conclusion, with the playoff picture starting to take shape.
Supporters’ Shield and Playoff Bids
The Supporters’ Shield has been secured, while other teams are already making vacation plans for the offseason. A few final playoff spots are being contested by teams that appear to be struggling to capture them.
Mailbag Insights
As we approach the playoffs, it’s a perfect moment to step back and reflect. This mailbag, my first in quite some time, focuses not just on postseason placements but also on broader topics: tactical changes, offseason strategies, a notable return in Vancouver, and more.
Challenges with the No. 10 Role
When you design a system around a No. 10, you expect them to create while others do the running. However, Lucho at FC Dallas hasn’t been fulfilling his role effectively. His on-field attitude has diminished his contribution, turning productive moments into liabilities.
Transformation under Eric Quill
Coach Eric Quill has responded by enhancing the team’s performance without relying on Lucho, adopting a successful 3-5-2 formation that prioritizes wing play and tactical flexibility. This shift has allowed the team to generate more opportunities while functioning effectively without a quintessential playmaker.
Alternatives to the Traditional No. 10
The role of a traditional No. 10 is still valued outside of elite European football. However, the best players today tend to be more adaptable, allowing tactics to shift away from individual brilliance. Climate also plays a role; adverse weather conditions can hinder the effectiveness of traditional playmakers, potentially affecting a country’s league development.
Looking Forward
The upcoming offseason will require teams like D.C. United to strategize for improvements. Aiming for key signings, upgrades in goal, and a stronger core will be essential. Meanwhile, teams like the Crew show promise despite recent struggles, hinting at recovery and sustained competitiveness in the league.
