Editor's Note
As the year comes toward a close, it's a natural time to reflect, especially because even if you were struggling on the field, you can still chalk up a "W" on social media. Here's a look at 2017's best MLS moments to take place on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
—Ben Couch, Senior Editor | Dec. 23, 2017
West Coast Twitter Feud
It didn't take long for social media warriors with the LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers to get into it this season.
In Portland's 1-0 win in Week 2, then-Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme was sent off after receiving yellow cards for fouls on Portland's Diego Chara and David Guzman. Believing both decisions more than a little harsh, the Galaxy responded with a their contribution to the Shooting Stars video meme:
The folks at the Timbers apparently had a long memory. And after winning the return fixture 3-1 at Providence Park on Aug. 6, rubbed salt in the wound with a scientific mini-mockumentary about the Galaxy's "Fading Star Phenomenon":
Cascadia Playoff Banter
Speaking of Western Conference Twitter feuds, the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrated the expansion of Twitter to 280 characters with a solid joke.
But the Seattle Sounders, who had just shut out the Whitecaps in their Western Conference Semifinal series, dunked on Vancouver's joke.
Packing Them In
There are few things more stirring than an intense crowd that packs a soccer stadium to its rafters. And in the case of Atlanta United's sell-out against Orlando City SC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in September, a picture painted at least 1000 words.
#GrazieMaestro
Although Italian legend Andrea Pirlo found his role with New York City FC diminished in his final pro season, he left no doubts about his off-the-field presence when he announced his retirement earlier this November.
The gesture unleashed an avalanche posts with the hashtag #GrazieMaestro, ranging from highlights from his greatest moments to heartfelt messages from the likes of former Portuguese international Rui Costa.
So is it a diamond midfield?
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Real Salt Lake announced a highly unusual lineup 90 minutes before their penultimate match of the regular season in Colorado. From this picture, the best guess is Mike Petke intended to play a 5-3-1-2 without a goalkeeper and with the Printer at attacking midfield.
Strangers on the flight
Back in April, the Chicago Fire were leaving for a big early-season game at Toronto FC when a passerby recognized the team and asked for a picture. Only she didn't quite recognize everyone on the team, notably midfielder-turned-photographer Bastian Schweinsteiger.
A different kind of hat trick
Embracing a local culture where style and creativity are important, LAFC went chose a sleek, modern and minimalist approach to unveiling their new head coach in July:
It's time.#WelcomeBobpic.twitter.com/yPlBVhqaOb
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 27, 2017
Then came the signing of Carlos Vela the next month, and the loan for Omar Gaber this November.
My new Club in 2018. @LAFCpic.twitter.com/hR0tZ8eLFI
— carlos vela (@11carlosV) August 8, 2017
Darlington and the Deuce
During the US men's national team's run to winning the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Timbers midfielder Darlington Nabge fooled Sounders striker Clint Dempsey into giving a shout out to his enemy city. Well, almost.
Nagbe to Dempsey: Say ‘what’s up Portland?!’ 😂 #RCTIDpic.twitter.com/Es8PWn7ypd
— Timbersmania (@Timbersmania) June 11, 2017
Mistaken identity
In October, Philadelphia Union reserve Aaron Jones started getting an awful lot of social media attention from adoring fans -- Green Bay Packers fans, to be exact.
After the NFL running back with the same name ran for 125 yards and a score in the Packers' 35-30 victory over the Cowboys on Oct. 8, Philadelphia's Aaron Jones started receiving some of the credit. Though he tried to set the record straight.
And eventually, Aaron Jones virtually "met" Aaron Jones.
In on the joke
March was a simpler time, when the biggest scandal surrounding the 2018 World Cup was a reporter who foolishly asked whether Schweinsteiger believed his new Fire team could win the darned thing.
Fortunately, the folks in Bridgeview showed a sense of humor about it during one of Schweinsteiger's early-season training sessions.
