MLS RECAP: CREW CLINCHED PLAYOFFS SPOT
The status quo was maintained this weekend with the only teams doing themselves any favors were New England and Columbus. This how the weekend’s games turned out.
Colorado v. San Jose
The week of games started early with a Wednesday night match between San Jose and Colorado at Dick’s. San Jose looked destined for 3 points when they went ahead through a Wondolowski penalty kick in the 67th minute, but a stoppage time penalty kick by Conor Casey earned the Rapids a 1-1 tie. The Rapids earned 2 points out a possible 6 from one of the worst team in the league.
Colorado v. KC
Rapids played Kansas City on Saturday in a 0-0 snoozer. The Rapids are now without Jacob Peterson, Jaime Smith, and Colin Clark for the rest of the season through injury. The lack of pace and creativity on the wings showed.
New England v. Seattle
New England at home took 3 points from Seattle this weekend thanks to a Shalrie Joseph brace. Fredy Montero opened the scoring with a 30 yard goal of the year candidate in just the 8th minute. Joseph answered with a penalty kick and an 87th minute game winner. The win allowed the Revs to leap frog into one of the playoff positions bumping DC out of the picture.
Toronto v. Chicago
Toronto fought hard but their inability to win games is troubling as they tied 2-2 to Chicago. Toronto was up 2-1 at Toyota Park until a Brian McBride goal in the 78th minute tied things up. Chicago’s other goal was an own goal by Nick Garcia. Chicago hasn’t been convincing at home this season but the tie was enough to keep them second in the East.
Columbus v. LA
Columbus became the first team to clinch a playoff spot. Their 2-0 victory over an anemic Galaxy side combined with DC United’s loss to San Jose earned them a playoff spot. Goals were scored by Eddie Gaven and Steven Lenhart.
DC v. SJ
DC United shot themselves in the foot by losing 2-1 to San Jose. The home loss dropped them from the playoff picture.
Chivas v. NY
Chivas USA could have jumped up 3rd in the standings with a victory over New York. Chivas had to settle for a 1-1 tie at home which must have felt like a loss after Kljestan missed a stoppage time penalty kick to win the game.
Dallas v. RSL
Dallas added to Real Salt Lake’s woes through a 3-0 thrashing. Dallas picked the last month and a half to start playing some good soccer but its too little too late for their chances at making the post season. Jeff Cunningham is still on fire as he scored a brace, but the real revelation has been the play of Colombian Feriera and Dutch playmaker Van den Bergh. Technically Salt Lake is still in the race but their fate is no longer in their hands.
Here are the goal of the week nominees: