Summary: Anto and Nico are joined by Avi Creditor of Sports Illustrated and SoccerByIves.net for an early season checkpoint review of what has gone on in Major League Soccer starting with the recent drama created by Rafa Marquez once more, leading to a three match suspension. We also cover the issues at Toronto FC where the fragility of the situation is at hand with Aron Winter in the crosshairs and whether the Dutchman can survive in the top spot where the wins have been fewer than the backroom concerns. We also take a look at San Jose Earthquakes who have surprisingly reached top spot in the Western Conference to discuss what have been the reasons for their early season success. As a sidebar we gauge the possibility that this early success may be putting huge pressure on Portland Timbers who have not started fast, and given the unbalanced schedule may find themselves in a season-long struggle to claim one of the five playoff spots this year. Also in view here is Houston who continues to show remarkable resilience on an extended away streak waiting for their new stadium to open where it is believed that the team will get that needed bump just in time for the summer stretch. Also in discussion are the three superpowers in the West - Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders - who all have some questions to resolve, but do appear to have some good signs edging toward the surface. All of this includes a deeper look into the defensive problems for Los Angeles, exploration of the problems for Toronto FC and if Philadelphia Union may be in a bit more trouble than forecasted given recent results. In conclusion we get into the goal line discussion for Major League Soccer and the retrospective suspensions that have seemed to lack some consistency but at least point to doing the right thing for protecting its players.
