As we approach the halfway point in the season, destinies become clear. Moments become more important as every point carries increased weight in the race for the postseason. Hosting in the playoffs is great, but winning is better, and many teams have set themselves up for both outcomes after Matchday 17. 

Julian Gressel recorded the first two-goal game of his MLS career and the host Vancouver Whitecaps became the first team in MLS history to score within the first 30 seconds of each half while recording a 6-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday night.

Brian White, Ryan Gauld and Sebastian Berhalter each had a goal and assist and Pedro Vite also scored a goal as Vancouver (5-5-5, 20 points) improved to 5-1-2 at home this season.

While most European leagues are reaching their gripping conclusions, MLS is still very much up for grabs with 16 matchdays completed. The table has taken shape, but anything is possible in America’s top flight. From last-minute equalizers to incredible displays of impotence in front of goal, there was something for everyone on Matchday 16. 

What is form but a spell to be broken? What are records but standards to be rewritten? Comfort and predictability have no home in MLS, especially not during Matchday 15. Across the league, teams and players alike found ways to buck their trends of frustration while others gave frustration a chance.

San Diego is officially the newest team in MLS and as they prepare to make their professional debut in 2025, the franchise is rumored to have contacted the best Concacaf player of all time to manage their squad.

Rivalry Week in MLS is a special time. Chaos wrapped in pandemonium served with a side of unpredictability. The best sides find a way to rise above the volatility, to keep their heads when all about them are losing theirs. Rivalry week separates the wheat from the chaff, and MLS Matchday 14 embodied that.