Week 30 Recap - Four Out, Some Remain
October 21, 2008
The second to last weekend finally saw teams knocked out for good. Done and dusted, dead and buried were the campaigns of Dallas, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Toronto. No playoffs means no playing in November, and no shot at the MLS Cup. To satiate those Beckham die-hards, it means he’s on his way to AC Milan, potentially for a loan spell. For the others, it’s a chance to look back at what went wrong and when. Due to time constraints, I’ll defer to Ives, who provides a much better look than anything I could have done; although he gets paid to write about those things. So I won’t take the time. Rather, here’s a look at what went down this weekend.
DC United 2-1 New England
A Francis Doe brace saved United’s hide. If you were a Red Bull fan last year, or a United fan this year, I don’t know who would have expected this. One of the lines of the night came from one of the announcers (Kyle Martino Galaxy fans?) who something like “a budding star is born in DC” in reference to Doe. Hard to say that about a forward with no goals prior to last Thursday’s game, but if they can get a repeat performance from him next Sunday, it might spell playoffs for the black and red. They will need some help to make it though. Meanwhile, the Revs are under pressure to lose home field in their series against the Fire.
Toronto 3-2 Chicago
The Reds sent their fans home happy, with a good showing against Chicago - denying the Fire a chance to get three points up on the Revs for home field. This game saw lots of back and forth action and two stellar finishes - one on a long distance shot from Amado Guevara, and then another from Cuatemeco Blanco later on. Unfortunately for Toronto, it was perhaps a story of what might have been - what could have happened if this team found a way to win on the road. The Fire shouldn’t be too worried, as long as they step up come the playoffs.
New York 3-1 Columbus
This was an entertaining match. Prior to kickoff, the big news was about two Red Bull players getting suspended - in the aftermath, it was all about Danny Cepero, the goalie to knock it in from 80 yards out. Credit to New York here for playing hungry. They really wanted the match from start to finish, and Juan Pablo Angel’s brace won things for them. Cepero’s goal was icing on the cake, but one can’t help but giving Andy Gruenebaum a long look at what he was thinking. But it was still a great goal, and a great win for New York, who are in the pole position to make the playoffs.
Kansas City 3-2 San Jose
Another team came up huge out in KC. This time it was the Wizards, behind the veteran Claudio Lopez, that led them to a huge win. Lopez opened the scoring and then set up the next two goals, including the game winner by Herculez Gomez with seconds left. This after a calamity in the box for KC, as they whiffed on about six separate occasions, failing to clear their lines and allowing Shea Salinas to knock in the game tying goal. If it weren’t for the heroics of Lopez and Gomez, this team would be a bit further outside the playoff hunt. However, they take a win and they’re in scenario up to New England next weekend. A disappointing end for San Jose, who showed real character in turning their season around.
Houston 3-0 Los Angeles
The flickering hopes of the Galaxy were extinguished within 23 minutes down in Houston. This one wasn’t even close either - an own goal (backheel) by Ryan Jordan started things, Dewayne De Rosario made it two on a play where the Galaxy defense decided to all fall down, and Ching got behind the LA backline - something that isn’t hard - to make it a cool 3-0. In the 23rd minute. There were glimpses of a fight from LA, but it was clear that they weren’t going to make it back. Alan Gordan went close on a couple of occasions, only to be denied by the woodwork each time. Lights out for LA, and Arena has his work cut out for him over the offseason. As for the Dynamo, can you say threepeat?
Real Salt Lake 3-1 FC Dallas
This was definitely a heated battle out west. Rio Tinto was once again showing off on TV, looking good again. It was Dallas that put a scare in RSL just six minutes in, with Marcelo Saragosa getting the first goal of the game and his first of the season. But two yellow cards later (one iffy, one not), it was a one man advantage for Salt Lake, who obliged to take advantage of it. First, it was Yura Movsisyan, getting a friendly deflection off of a Dallas defender to draw level. Then, a bit of magic from Will Johnson, whose flick and volley was world class, gave RSL the lead. Robbie Findley (reminiscent of DeMarcus Beasley) then made it the final score. Max Bretos with the incorrect coronation of Real making the playoffs soon followed. Instead, because of the Rapids’ win on Sunday, Real needs a draw or a win to play more.
Chivas 1-2 Colorado
I love watching the Sunday games in Spanish. No idea what is being said, but the enthusiasm is excellent. With that said, the Rapids have Conor Casey to thank for winning this game in the dying minutes. It was a dubious penalty call in the 85th minute that kept the playoff hopes alive for los Rapids. Casey’s penalty was one of the shortest run ups I’ve seen - and it almost was saved, just scraping past the fingertips of Dan Kennedy. As previously mentioned, it’s now a do-or-die match next weekend, in Commerce City, at the Dick, Rapids-Real Salt Lake, winner take all.
Goal of the Week
Did I forget to mention that this week saw some of the best goals of the season? From Will Johnson’s volley to Danny Cepero’s long distance shot, it was quite a weekend for scoring. Of course, this honor has to go to Cepero, even if Gruenebaum was a bit off. Anytime a goalie scores, it’s the best. Don’t forget to have your say here.
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Week 30 Preview - Coming Down to the Wire
October 18, 2008
And no, I don’t mean the TV Show. We’re not heading down to the inner city of Baltimore and combating the drug problem. Rather, it’s the huge games this weekend that will go a long way in determining what three teams are playing late into October, and what teams are home, getting ready for next season. DC already got their three points as I write this, and that puts the pressure on the rest of those looking to make it at the end. Here’s a quick look at what’s at stake.
Toronto v Chicago
TFC bids farewell to their fans this year, unless they make an improbable run at a playoff spot. It’s a bit of a stretch to say they even have a shot, and it’s a disappointing end to what had seemed like a promising year. The addition of Carlos Ruiz doesn’t seem to have made a huge impact, although Marvell Wynne has sparkled in the last couple of weeks. The Fire are making a bid to have home field advantage against the Revolution in their playoff series. Chicago might let some of their key players sit on the bench, but I’ll bet they’ll come out firing to try and secure the advantage against New England.
Toronto 2-1 Chicago
New York v Columbus
This is a tough one for the Bulls. After the loss of Conway and Parke to suspension, they’ll be hard pressed to get a result against the Crew, who are surging towards the end of the season. Can Juan Pablo step up? Are Dane Richards or Jorge Rojas going to have any impact after their international appearances? With the Supporters’ Shield secured for the Crew, they could give Schelotto a rest in the lead up to the playoffs, but they’ll be looking to stay on top of their game - it is concerning how poor they marked McBride last weekend, and New York might be able to get a point off this one.
New York 1-1 Columbus
Kansas City v San Jose
Late season success now sees the Wizards on the inside track for a playoff spot. It’s as simple as win and their in. The Quakes, on the other hand, are going, going, (almost) gone - which is a shame, considering how they managed to turn it around after early struggles. I think the Wizards will come out fired up, ready to boost their playoff chances and also show their fans appreciation after a topsy turvey season.
Kansas City 2-0 San Jose
Houston v Los Angeles
The Dynamo have the best record in the West in their sight. The Galaxy are on the outside looking in - for the second season in a row. Beckham has not been on top of the game, and there are rumors swirling that he could be loaned to Europe. Quite frankly, I hope that the Galaxy don’t make it, because that is always the focus on the MLS. And it’s frustrating - watching the game on Thursday, the commentators couldn’t stop gushing about LA’s chances. Is this Landon’s second to last MLS game? Will he give Europe another shot? We’ll see. The Dynamo should roll in this one.
Houston 3-1 Los Angeles
Real Salt Lake v FC Dallas
This is the big one right here - a “six pointer” if you will. Both teams are in the hunt and closing in on a playoff spot. A win gives either one a bit of a buffer over the other one for that third in final spot. Right now, Real is sitting in third, a point ahead of Dallas. RSL welcomes another team to Rio Tinto and looks for a win. Maybe they wish they were still in Rice Eccles, with the turf giving them true home field advantage. Kenny Cooper and Jeff Cunningham must step up and put pressure on Nick Rimando - plus I hope Cooper overtakes Donovan for the Golden Boot and maybe actually accepts an invitation for the national team. A tough one to call - I see another draw.
Real Salt Lake 1-1 FC Dallas
Chivas v Colorado
You got to give it to Preki. He’s managed to patch together a great season for the Goats despite a long list of injuries to just about every player. They already have clinched home field advantage for their first playoff series, and maybe Preki will give some of his regulars a break. The Rapids blew a chance last week in LA to get a better grasp on a playoff spot, but fell victim to a spectacular Brandon McDonald strike. I think they’ll dig deep and surprise the Goats in LA.
Chivas 1-2 Colorado
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Week 30 Primetime Preview
October 16, 2008
DC United v New England
It’s a huge game tonight for DC, who scrapped by for a point last week against Houston. This week’s task is a bit easier, playing at home and against a New England team who will be missing one of their most important players in Steve Ralston. That combined with their status as a playoff team and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Steve Nicol rest some of his regulars.
On the other hand, the question mark for DC is who will play - can Fred and/or Emilio start or put in effective minutes? Or are they hopeless resigned to not make the playoffs? Even with a win tonight it’s no guarantee, as an away trip to Columbus looms. Hard to foresee what DC team will show up; can they put out a decent side? Not sure, but they’ll certainly be pressing from the get-go. Stay tuned, I might also do a liveblog of tonight’s game… if I feel like it.
DC United 2-2 New England
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Week 29 Recap - Muddling up the Playoff Picture
October 14, 2008
Here we go again. Another weekend, and no one wants to throw in the towel. Of the three playoff spots up for grabs, all nine remaining teams are theoretically alive and well - although some in a better place than others. Whether it was a stunning shot from the likes of Brandon McDonald, or some demon goal keeping from Louis Crayton, those that needed the points seemed to get them. Whatever the case, there are a lot of nerves out there, with each kick of the ball proving vital.
Real Salt Lake 1-1 New York
There is no doubt that the new RSL stadium is beautiful. It’s safe to say, that at least from the confines of my couch, they have the prettiest stadium in the league. Between the mountains in the back and the curved features, it certainly is pleasing to the eye. Both of these teams needed to come away with three points to end the weekend on a more solid playoff footing; neither were able to. Dave van den Bergh gave the Red Bulls the lead, but it was short lived, as ten minutes later Jamison Olave leveled things. There wasn’t anything pretty about it, but it was a goal all the same. Kyle Beckerman saw a stinging shot go just over the bar, and RSL seemed to have the better chances in the second half. In the end, the only winner that night was the person who didn’t stop playing the bag pipes. More power to you, my friend.
Kansas City 1-0 New England
Jimmy Conrad was not to be denied, and Kevin Hartman got the shutout. Amazing that Conrad is the leading scorer for the Wizards this season, yet if the playoffs were to start today, they’d be in. It comes down to timely scoring and good defense. And with Hartman tied for the lead with shutouts, that’s what they’ve gotten. Playing in the tiny confines of Community America Ballpark, they did well limiting the Revs to just two shots on goal, while mustering just one - and it went in. It was much worse for New England, who are set to lose Steve Ralston for the rest of the season, including playoffs, to a broken leg. That’s gotta hurt New England’s chances. The Wizards continue to surprise, and might just sneak into the postseason.
Chicago 2-2 Columbus
A stumble for the Crew - although a point on the road isn’t a bad result. Brian McBride doubled his goal total for the season, picking up his goals on corner kicks. Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Eddie Gaven almost gave the Crew a win on the road. It’s a bit worrying that McBride was left so wide open on those two corner kicks, but it’s hard not to like them going forward.
San Jose 0-1 Chivas
A Justin Braun goal - and that was enough. The San Jose offense reverted to form - unable to muster more than one shot on goal, and they now are in danger of wasting what has been a great run in this second half of the season. They do have a game in hand, which will be made up this Wednesday against Houston, but that will be no easy task. Darren Huckerby, it’s time to step up if this team is going to make the playoffs. And kudos must be given to Preki. He keeps the Goats rolling, and they aren’t too far away from the number one spot in the West.
FC Dallas 2-2 Toronto
Did Dallas escape with another tie? An iffy call in injury time allowed Kenny Cooper to step up to the spot and steal a point for the Hoops. It was a game that Toronto looked destined to win, with another brilliant finish from Marvell Wynne. Maybe he should get a look in one of these qualifiers (note: I know that he can’t get in this week). Toronto is one of those teams teetering on the edge - and they needed a win this week to have a stronger hope. Cruel to be knocked down by an official in the dying moments of the game, but a close look at the penalty shows that it was a decent call. And those calling for Cooper to get a MNT appearance - myself included - looks like he said thanks, but no thanks. He’s still nipping at Donovan’s heels for the MLS Golden Boot, now just one goal behind Landy.
Houston 0-0 DC United
This was a crazy game. Lots of cards, Louis Crayton playing an absolutely beastly match, and the Dynamo just missing out on a winner at the very end of the game. DC seems to be running on fumes, but they didn’t lose. And that’s big for them. Now it’s on to see if they can muster anything in their last two games - first against New England then Columbus - to have an outside chance. I’d have to say that this game was one of the most entertaining nil-nil draws that I have ever seen. I thought the Dynamo would roll, but Crayton and co. proved me wrong.
Los Angeles 3-2 Colorado
What a surprise - a wild, high scoring game involving the Galaxy. The goal feast featured a couple of world class goals, one from former USMNT regular Cory Gibbs and another from a unknown rookie, Brandon McDonald, with a sweet 35 yard strike. LA was fighting for their life, as evidence by Donovan’s sense of urgency - playing for just under a half hour the day after going 90 minutes against Cuba - that turned into a flurry of goals, sans Beckham. But when McDonald makes shots like that one, who needs Becks? On the flip side, the Rapids’ hopes were dealt a severe blow, and they now must scramble together back to back wins to have a shot.
Goal of the Week
McDonald’s shot against the Rapids - but only because it was the game winner. Don’t forget to vote.
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Week 29 Preview - Again with the Internationals
October 11, 2008
I don’t have time for a lengthy preview - heading to DC for the day prior to the USA/Cuba WCQ. Once again this weekend a number of MLS sides must go out with a weaker squad thanks to the scheduling conflict that doesn’t need to be covered again. A number of teams will be without key players, none hit harder than Toronto. In other random/stupid news, why is the MLS front page promoting Beverly Hills Chiuhuahua? Anyone? Here’s a quick look at what to expect.
Kansas City v New England
Could the Wizards stumble into the playoffs? They have a chance, but must win at home, something they couldn’t do last week. They’ve dropped one home game to the Revs already this season and need a spark from Josh Wolff (or anyone) to ensure that doesn’t happen again. I don’t know if I think the Revolution will be able to challenge Columbus for Eastern Conference supremacy, but they’ll want to finish strong. I think the Wizards will find a way to escape with this one.
Kansas City 1-0 New England
FC Dallas v Toronto
A real chance for Dallas. Bob Bradley keeps ignoring the clamor for Kenny Cooper, and they face Toronto, a team that is missing five players. While not as bad as the previous time around, when signings had to be made, it’s going to make things tough for a Toronto team that is on the edge of the playoff hunt. Dallas should stroll in this one.
FC Dallas 3-1 Toronto
San Jose v Chivas USA
You’ve got to give the Goats credit for keeping the season intact. They’ve spent the entire year plagued by injuries here and there, and despite that are in great shape for the playoffs - another road win this week and could clinch a playoff spot with a win plus other results in their favor. San Jose’s resurgence is falling a little flat, and while they do have a game in hand, they face a must win tonight. Sacha Kljestan is in the U.S. camp and won’t be available for this one, so it’ll be up to the other Sasha (Victorine) to keep things going for his new squad. I expect Chivas to pick up their second consecutive road win.
San Jose 1-2 Chivas
Chicago v Columbus
Can anyone shut down the Crew? They’ve been unstoppable of late, and are going hard after the Supporters’ Shield. The Crew can do that with simply a draw and a Dynamo loss in the same day. But I think they’ll want to take care of business on their end. Frankie Hejduk and Alejandro Moreno are two key losses, but I fully expect a road win for the Crew, with Robbie Rogers continuing to shine, and hopefully earning a call up for the last meaningless qualifier.
Chicago 0-1 Columbus
Los Angeles v Colorado
This is a huge game for the Galaxy. Win, and the flickering hopes stay alive - lose, and you can officially stick a fork in their playoff dreams. Colorado is looking for the playoffs themselves, and three points in this one will go a long way come the end of the season. Beckham and Donovan are out, but perhaps that works better in the favor of LA? Beckham hasn’t been much to brag about of late, and Donovan seems to carry the team - maybe Edson Buddle and Eddie Lewis decide to step up and maybe force a draw.
Los Angeles 2-2 Colorado
Houston v DC United
Of all the teams with a chance at the playoffs, none looks as bleak as DC’s. They play this fixture, then home against New England, then away at Columbus. That’s the three best teams in the MLS and is a tall task, even if you don’t mention the fact that Marcelo Gallardo, Fred and Luciano Emilio are done for the season. Houston is peaking at the right place at the right time once again. The Dynamo will only be missing a couple of players this week, but it shouldn’t even matter.
Houston 3-0 DC
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