MLS Week 28 Recap - History has been made
FC Dallas made some history this weekend as they clinched the Western Conference and in the process kicked LA out of the playoffs. This was the first time either of these events happened. In some other 'first time' news, last season's worst team Chivas USA is now heading to the playoffs.
All and all, this weekend's action saw some surprises with the biggest being Chicago Fire getting smoked at home by the Columbus Crew 4-1. The Fire started the game in complete control, but lost it around the 30-minute mark. It seemed like the longer it went on, the more Chicago crapped out. First there offense dropped out, then their midfield couldn't move it forward and finally their defense lost all ability to clear balls. Columbus was able to answer in a way that they lacked all season. Hopefully Crew fans recorded this one as it was the best their side looked in a long time.
There was also a minor shock in DC where New England took down the Supporters' Shield winners 2-1. There is no way anyone can deny it anymore, United is in a major slump. They have only got 10 points from their last 10 matches. To point that in perspective, they got 10 points from their first four games to start the season. Even worse, their last three defeats have come from teams they might meet in the playoffs (Chicago, Houston and New England). Against the Revs, they had more then their share of chances, but too few of them were big threats. If United doesn't fix things in Chicago next week, it might just be a short post season.
Ending our ring of surprises, Kansas City was able to score 2 goals in one match, thanks in large part to Jose Burciaga Jr. Okay, the second goal was off a pk, but still, the Wizards have scored 5 in their last 2 matches, after only scoring 28 in their first 29 outings. Their offense was looking strong against a Chivas USA side, but still could only find one goal from the run of play. Chivas did not look their normal smooth self, giving the Wizards way too many chances. However, even with the 2-1 defeat, Chivas clinched their playoff ticket. KC now only needs a tie against New York this upcoming weekend to got their spot.
There was good news for the fans of the Hoops as they got their Western Conference crown, and although both Carols Ruiz and Kenny Cooper scored, their offense was lacking. The best news for the club was Shaka Hislop as he finally looked confident in goal, especially in the final 30-minutes of the match when the Galaxy threw everything at his net. Landon Donovan was able to connect in the 71st, but the Galaxy could go no further. FCD 2-1 LA
Colorado limped closer to the playoffs with their 1-1 tie with New York. It was a match both teams wanted to win, but neither team seemed capable of making it happen. Neither side had good play or possession and neither team brought much excitement in front of the net. The Red Bulls were able to get some good play from Amado Guevara, however even his effort was lacking. It is only fitting that this game ended with 1 point going to each side.
With Dwayne De Rosario starting on the bench for Houston, it was obvious that the Dynamo was not overly worried about the outcome of this game, but Real Salt Lake could not make the most of it. Jeff Cunningham brought some good play to his side, which resulted in Mehdi Ballouchy's goal in the 60th to keep Real's hope for the playoffs alive. Salt Lake now must hope Houston can beat the Rapids next weekend.
Neither the wife nor I did so great with our predictions as we both went 1-5. Sad, sad, sad.
All and all, this weekend's action saw some surprises with the biggest being Chicago Fire getting smoked at home by the Columbus Crew 4-1. The Fire started the game in complete control, but lost it around the 30-minute mark. It seemed like the longer it went on, the more Chicago crapped out. First there offense dropped out, then their midfield couldn't move it forward and finally their defense lost all ability to clear balls. Columbus was able to answer in a way that they lacked all season. Hopefully Crew fans recorded this one as it was the best their side looked in a long time.
There was also a minor shock in DC where New England took down the Supporters' Shield winners 2-1. There is no way anyone can deny it anymore, United is in a major slump. They have only got 10 points from their last 10 matches. To point that in perspective, they got 10 points from their first four games to start the season. Even worse, their last three defeats have come from teams they might meet in the playoffs (Chicago, Houston and New England). Against the Revs, they had more then their share of chances, but too few of them were big threats. If United doesn't fix things in Chicago next week, it might just be a short post season.
Ending our ring of surprises, Kansas City was able to score 2 goals in one match, thanks in large part to Jose Burciaga Jr. Okay, the second goal was off a pk, but still, the Wizards have scored 5 in their last 2 matches, after only scoring 28 in their first 29 outings. Their offense was looking strong against a Chivas USA side, but still could only find one goal from the run of play. Chivas did not look their normal smooth self, giving the Wizards way too many chances. However, even with the 2-1 defeat, Chivas clinched their playoff ticket. KC now only needs a tie against New York this upcoming weekend to got their spot.
There was good news for the fans of the Hoops as they got their Western Conference crown, and although both Carols Ruiz and Kenny Cooper scored, their offense was lacking. The best news for the club was Shaka Hislop as he finally looked confident in goal, especially in the final 30-minutes of the match when the Galaxy threw everything at his net. Landon Donovan was able to connect in the 71st, but the Galaxy could go no further. FCD 2-1 LA
Colorado limped closer to the playoffs with their 1-1 tie with New York. It was a match both teams wanted to win, but neither team seemed capable of making it happen. Neither side had good play or possession and neither team brought much excitement in front of the net. The Red Bulls were able to get some good play from Amado Guevara, however even his effort was lacking. It is only fitting that this game ended with 1 point going to each side.
With Dwayne De Rosario starting on the bench for Houston, it was obvious that the Dynamo was not overly worried about the outcome of this game, but Real Salt Lake could not make the most of it. Jeff Cunningham brought some good play to his side, which resulted in Mehdi Ballouchy's goal in the 60th to keep Real's hope for the playoffs alive. Salt Lake now must hope Houston can beat the Rapids next weekend.
Neither the wife nor I did so great with our predictions as we both went 1-5. Sad, sad, sad.
Labels: MLS
posted by Mike H at 11:20 PM
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