Around the Rest of the League, Week 4

Friday, March 30th

DC United [4-1] FC Dallas

If you had asked me prior to this match who would win, I would have said without hesitation FC Dallas despite being weakened as they are by injuries and international call-ups. As it turns out, they really didn't have much of a chance against a DC side whose offense has finally begun to click. Blas Perez did provide a brief period of hope for Dallas, canceling out Maicon Santos' golazo just before halftime. That hope would last only midway into the second half, as DC proceeded to steamroll Dallas.

Saturday, March 31st

Toronto FC [0-1] Columbus Crew

While continuing to show strongly in the CONCACAF Champions League, Toronto continued their league struggles last Saturday falling the Columbus Crew and losing at home for the second consecutive time this season. As long as Torsten Frings is sidelined with the hamstring injury he picked up in the season opener against the Sounders, I expect Toronto to continue struggling to get results.

New York Red Bulls [5-2] Montreal Impact

After dominating a weakened Colorado Rapids 4-1 last week, the Red Bulls and Thierry Henry continued rolling with an equally impressive 5-2 victory over the Montreal Impact. I mention Thierry Henry specifically because he has essentially carried the team in both matches, netting five goals and assisting two goals, accounting for roughly seventy eight percent of the goals in the two game span. A defense strengthened with the presence of Wilman Conde has aided in their recent success as well.

Philadelphia Union [0-0] Vancouver Whitecaps

Despite the hubbub surrounding Sebastian Le Toux's return to PPL Park, the match was a fairly boring affair ending in a boring nil nil result. Despite having one of the deepest front lines in the league, Vancouver continued in their offensive woes, the absence of Camilo and Hassli certainly not making things any better. Likewise, the Union continued in their general struggles as well, although a clean sheet will certainly prove to be a confidence booster for rookie 'keeper Zac MacMath.

Portland Timbers [2-3] Real Salt Lake

What has been said to be one of the best matches of the young season, this one was far from lacking of goals or drama. After RSL took the lead midway through the first half on a Alvaro Saborio penalty kick, the Timbers found their way into the game and grabbed the lead thanks to a pair of clutch goals from the second-year rookie Darlington Nagbe (one of which was incredibly reminiscent of his goal that won Goal of the Year last season). The Timbers failed to hold the score, however, as RSL struck twice in the dying minutes of the match to leave Jeld Wen with all three points.

Seattle Sounders FC [0-1] San Jose Earthquakes

Injuries have certainly been piling up for the Sounders, as it was evident from how they performed in this match just how much all these injuries are beginning to take a toll on their effectiveness on the offense. If not for the penalty controversially drawn by Steven Leinhart and converted by Chris Wondolowski, I'm convinced this match could have ended nil nil. The Sounders certainly got a much better handle on the match in the second half, after letting San Jose dominate much of the run of play in the first, but they simply lacked both luck and the offensive punch needed to convert their chances.

LA Galaxy [1-3] New England Revolution

This is without a doubt the least anticipated result of the weekend. Not only did the Galaxy's defensive woes continue in the absence of Omar Gonzalez, Landon Donovan being sidelined thanks to injury saw their offense become almost non-existent save for a fine goal from Robbie Keane to prevent the shutout. A statement was definitely made by Bruce Arena on his team's recent string of performances through the taking off of David Beckham at halftime. Not to be forgotten about this match was the impressive performance given by the Revolution. Granted it is only one match, but that performance should definitely be a confidence booster for the new-look side as they move forward.

Sunday, April 1st

Colorado Rapids [2-0] Chicago Fire

The absence of Jeff Lawrentowitz due to suspension proved to be the Rapid's downfall last week when they fell 4-1 to the New York Red Bulls. The difference between a Rapids with Lawrentowitz and one without is almost night and day. With him back in the line-up Colorado returned to winning ways, Omar Cummings and new signing Kamani Hill providing the goals.

Chivas USA [0-1] Sporting Kansas City

Chivas' offense continued to remain lifeless, seeing the Goats get shut out once again and in four games they have only managed to find the back of the net just once (notably in their shocking victory over RSL). A hot SKC side who remain the only MLS side so far this season to remain undefeated was far from a preferable opponent for this struggling Chivas side to face.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 3

Friday, March 23rd

Seattle Sounders FC [2-0] Houston Dynamo

Read recap here.

Saturday, March 24th

Toronto FC [0-3] San Jose Earthquakes

It's pretty clear that without Torsten Frings to clean things up in the back Toronto is going to continue to struggle defensively as they did against the Sounders after the German international had to be sent of with a hamstring injury. Chris Wondolowski accounted for two of San Jose's goals while Shea Salinas accounted for the other. Things definitely aren't looking too good for Toronto heading into the CONCACAF Champions League semi-finals this Wednesday.

New England Revolution [1-0] Portland Timbers

A goal only twenty eight seconds into the match by Revolution newcomer Saer Sene was all New England needed to top the Portland Timbers and record their first victory of the 2012 season.

Columbus Crew [2-0] Montreal Impact

The Impact continued their first year struggles as they fell 2-0 to the Crew, of which newcomers Milovan Mirosevic and Olman Vargas were the goal scorers. Being down a man since the nineteenth minute certainly didn't help Montreal's chances.

Chicago Fire [1-0] Philadelphia Union

The Union keeps on floundering. Big holes in the defense thanks to injury and international call-ups as well as a seemingly shaky rookie goalkeeper keep the losses piling up. Dominic Oduro scored the match's lone goal.

Real Salt Lake [0-1] Chivas USA

Chivas was at the positive end of most likely one of the most unexpected and surprising results of the weekend. Their defensive play paid off against arguably one of the league's strongest teams, as rookie Casey Townsend cleaned up a rare spill by Nick Rimando to give Chivas the late lead and subsequent victory.

Vancouver Whitecaps [0-0] DC United

Despite having one of the most potent offenses in the league, the Whitecaps struggled to produce many scoring opportunities as they went on to post the season's first nil-nil draw against a struggling DC United. The Whitecaps now lead the Western Conference with seven points.

Sunday, March 25th

New York Red Bulls [4-1] Colorado Rapids

While still only the third match of the season, this one was seen as a must win by many for the Red Bulls after a rather uninspiring 0-2 start to the season. New York made a statement early on, netting two goals in the first six minutes of the match (one gifted to Thierry Henry thanks to an awful backpass by Ross Labeaux and the other put in by Kenny Cooper on the assist from Henry). Early into the second half Henry put in another, easily evading the offsides trap and shaming the Rapids' defense. The Rapids were able to put one back thanks to an excellent curling chip by Omar Cummings, but sadly their offense couldn't muster any more than that. Cooper added the fourth to cap off the night.

Sporting Kansas City [2-1] FC Dallas

The season have been going quite well so far for SKC, but until this weekend they had yet to face Western competition. While not definitive at this point in the season, this result certainly validates how much of a threat SKC is. After falling behind to Dallas on a fantastic free kick by Ricardo Villar, they responded just before the half through an Aurelien Collin goal to draw level. SKC then completed the comeback late in the second half, Kei Kamara redeeming himself after having his earlier penalty stopped by Kevin Hartman.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 2

Saturday, March 17th

Montreal Impact [1-1] Chicago Fire

In front of a record crowd of 58,000 plus, the Impact fought out a well-earned draw against the Chicago Fire. The Impact struck first, captain Davy Arnaud connecting with a Sanna Nyassi cross and heading past Tornaghi the first ever goal scored for the new club. The elation wouldn't last, however, as two of Chicago's key players linked up to equalize the match, Sebastian Grazzini providing the cross to Dominic Oduro to tap in.  

San Jose Earthquakes [0-1] Houston Dynamo

A Brad Davis penalty kick was the deciding factor as Houston got their second road win in a row, matching their dismal road win total of last season. To Houston's benefit San Jose didn't look much of a threat, only putting one shot of frame the entire match.

FC Dallas [1-1] Portland Timbers

Early domination from FC Dallas paid off in an early goal, Blas Perez easily tapping in the rebound from a saved shot. Dallas, however, were not able to deny the Timbers. A defensive mistake led to the ball finding it's way to Darlingon Nagbe who easily put into the back of the net.

Sporting Kansas City [3-0] New England Revolution

An early red card doomed the Revolution. SKC scored three goals in a roughly twenty minute period to comfortably win the match, the goals coming from three of their key attacking players: Graham Zusi, Kei Kamara, and CJ Sapong.

Real Salt Lake [2-0] New York Red Bulls

Despite being up to task against RSL, mistakes continue to haunt the Red Bulls. Real Salt Lakes first goal, a breakaway by none other then Fabian Espindola, was the direct result of a turnover by Marcus Holgersson and a slip by Stephen Keel. RSL then put the game out of reach early in the second half, Luis Gil latching onto the loose ball after Espindola had created havoc in the box and firing it home.

Seattle Sounders FC [3-1] Toronto FC

Read recap here.

Chivas USA [0-1] Vancouver Whitecaps

A goal midway through the second from Vancouver's captain Jay Demerit was the decider in a fairly uninteresting match that saw Chivas control much of the run of play.

Sunday, March 18th

Philadelphia Union [1-2] Colorado Rapids

After a fairly an even and rather boring first half, the game burst to life in the second. The Rapids surprised the Union's home crowd by striking first, new addition Jaime Castrillon finishing of a cross from  Omar Cummings. Despite going down a man after Jeff Lawrentowitz received his marching orders due to yellow card accumulation, the Rapids were able to score a second and as it turns out the winning goal, rookie Tony Cascio taking advantage of a slip by Chris Albright and thumping the ball past MacMath. The Union were able to cut the lead in half thanks to a Pajoy header, but no matter how much they pressured Colorado throughout the remainder of the match they just couldn't find an equalizer.

LA Galaxy [3-1] DC United

After a rough start to the season, which saw them eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League at the hands of Toronto and then falling 3-1 to RSL in their home-opener, the Galaxy is back to winning ways. Robbie Keane managed a brace, while newcomer Marcelo Sarvas headed home the Galaxy's third goal. DC was able to prevent a shutout, however, Nick Deleon with the beautiful curling strike in off of the post.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 1

Saturday, March 10th

Colorado Rapids [2-0] Columbus Crew

The rematch of last season's play-off wildcard match ended much the same as it did last November, the Rapids coming out on top over their eastern conference counterparts. Both goals were scored towards the end of each half, Defender Drew Moor opened the scoring with a header right before the end of the first and Quincy Amerikwa providing the second and Goal of the Week-worthy strike in the dying minutes of the second. 

Vancouver Whitecaps [2-0] Montreal Impact

Vancouver welcomed the Impact to the league with style, Sebastian Le Toux getting the earliest ever strike for an opening day match and Camilo Sanvenzzo capping off the scoring with a beautiful individual effort culminating from even more fantastic build-up featuring all of Vancouver's key attacking players. Looking past the scoreline and the defensive errors that led to it, though, Montreal overall kept up with Vancouver and it definitely doesn't take any sort of stretch of the imagination to see them being successful this season despite being an expansion team.

DC United [0-1] Sporting Kansas City

Last season's Rookie of the Year opened up the season for his club with a bang, CJ Sapong heading home a stoppage time goal to give SKC the road victory over a largely in-effective DC united side. The story is in the stats: SKC's seventeen total shots eclipsed DC's seven, and even more telling was the difference in shots on goal, SKC with eight and DC with only one. SKC is looking as good as ever, the same sadly cannot be said of DC United.

San Jose Earthquakes [1-0] New England Revloution

An early goal by none other than Chris Wondolowski was the lone tally of the match, ending an opening day winless run dating back to when the Earthquakes re-entered the league in 2008.

LA Galaxy [1-3] Real Salt Lake

This was arguably THE marquee match of the weekend, and while the real action didn't happen until towards the end of the match, man did it deliver. After a fairly even first half that saw the Galaxy smack a couple shots off of the woodwork, the goals began to flow early into the second half. It was the Galaxy who struck first, David Beckham provided the pinpoint service into Edson Buddle who easily headed the ball down and in past Nick Rimando. RSL quickly leveled the match, however. Just two minutes later rookie Sebastian Velasquez whipped a cross into the box that was difficult for the Galaxy to handle, leading to a Sean Franklin own goal. RSL then went on to score twice more, Javier Morales and Fabian Espindola tallying one a piece. The Galaxy poured on the pressure late, but RSL's defense stood strong and the result held.

Sunday, March 11th

FC Dallas [2-1] New York Red Bulls

FC Dallas struck early, taking advantage of the Red Bull's still dreadful set piece defending, Zach Loyd hammering the ball past rookie keeper Ryan Meara. FC Dallas doubled their advantage midway through the second half, Ricardo Villar picking up a Blas Perez pass and neatly chipping it over an advancing Meara. With the introduction of Kenny Cooper to the match, the Red Bulls seriously begun to press FC Dallas as they began to recede into a defensive shell to preserve the scoreline. Cooper managed to get the Red Bulls back into the game with a chip of his own, but despite New York's efforts they just could not find an equalizer.

Chivas USA [0-1] Houston Dynamo

Chivas USA could only remain lucky for so long, after having defended attack after attack from the Dynamo through all ninety minutes of regulation time two minutes into stoppage time Chivas could hold the Dynamo back no longer. Andre Hainault provided the match's lone goal as the Dynamo become only the second eastern conference to win over the opening weekend.

Monday, March 12th

Portland Timber [3-1] Philadelphia Union

After a fairly even and uneventful first half, the match exploded into life early on into the second half, the Union striking first thanks to Gabriel Gomez taking a free kick that found it's way into the back of the net thanks to a Jean-Baptiste own goal. The Timbers didn't let the goal stand for long, Baptiste, the victim of the own goal, the one to head home the equalizer only three minutes later. DP Kris Boyd gave the Timbers the lead just over ten minutes later, Kalif Alhassan providing the service for the target forward to flick home past Zac MacMath. Alhassan capped of the night scoring a goal of his own, a beautiful chip/cross that found it's way into goal.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 33

Wednesday, October 19th

DC United [1-1] Portland Timbers

The Timbers were the first to get on the board, Kenny Cooper easily nodding home a cross. DC were not able to find an answer until late, De Rosario turning and losing his defender and firing a shot over Troy Perkins. The remaining minuted of the match were perhaps some of the most exciting of the season, seeing incredible back-and-forth action as each team strove to find a game-winner.

Thursday, October 20th

New York Red Bulls [1-0] Philadelphia Union

One early goal by Dane Richards was all it took for the Red Bulls to book their ticket to the play-offs. Jan Gunnar Solli provided the excellent service, and Richards header found the woodwork but found it's way in with a little help from Mondragon's back. Late in the second half it had appeared that Le Toux had scored an equalizer off of a free kick, but the goal was ruled back for some sort of infraction in the box.

Saturday, October 22nd

Toronto FC [2-2] New England Revolution

Toronto took the early lead, but the Revolution fought back and drew level just before the end of the half. Then only one minute into the second period they stole the lead, Milton Caraglio easily tapping in a Feilhaber cross at the back post. Danny Koevermans made sure Toronto got something out of the match, knocking home his eighth goal of the season with only seven minutes left to play.

Vancouver Whitecaps [1-2] Colorado Rapids

After two straight wins, the Whitecaps ended the season on a sour note with two straight losses. After an uneventful first half, the home side struck first early after the break on a free kick effort by Alain Rochat. The lead couldn't stand, however, Jeff Larentowitz with the equalizer and Wells Thompson the game-winner.

DC United [0-1] Sporting Kansas City

Already out of the playoffs, DC could have played spoiler for SKC who were looking to clinch the top spot in the east. Unfortunately a lone goal by Matt Besler was the decider and SKC left  RFK Stadium with all three points and the number one spot in the east.

Chicago Fire [3-2] Columbus Crew

Diego Chaves provided was once again the hero, being at the right place at the right time once again. This time, however, it wasn't quite as dramatic. Defender Anibaba headed the ball home twice to give the Fire a two goal leading into the half. The Crew fought back in the second half, but Chaves' strike just one minute after the Crew drew level finally put the match to rest.

Real Salt Lake [1-1] Portland Timbers

Alvaro Saborio put RSL ahead late in the first half, and as the match was entering the closing stages it looked like RSL would end the night with all three points. Futty Danso played the spoiler, striking in the first minute of stoppage time to salvage a point for the Timbers.

Chivas USA [1-3] Seattle Sounders

Read recap here.

San Jose Earthquakes [4-2] FC Dallas

Having left the majority of their starters back at home, FC Dallas' intentions for this match were clear. The Earthquakes obliged, scoring four first half goals. Dallas were able to put one back just before the end of the half, and another late in the second half, but were totally and completely outclassed by San Jose.

Sunday, October 23rd

Houston Dynamo [3-1] LA Galaxy

The Galaxy brought a majority reserves to the match, and seeing their performance in the Reserves League they had very little chance at getting a result from the get go. Adam Moffat opened up the scoring with an absolute monster of a goal from forty yards out. Bobby Boswell and Carlos Costly accounted for Houston's other two goals, while rookie Jack McBean opened his MLS scoring account with the Galaxy's lone goal.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 31

Wednesday, October 12th

Vancouver Whitecaps [2-1] DC United

The Whitecaps have seemingly found the perfect line-up, winning two in a row now. Camilo Sanvenzo struck in the first minute, and Long Tan scored his first career MLS goal. McDonald nodded home DC's lone goal on fantastoc service by Santino Quaranta to put DC back into the game, but unfortunately they couldn't find an equalizer.

Prediction: Correct

Chicago Fire [1-2] FC Dallas

In a match filled with play-off implications, the Fire surprisingly came out incredibly flat. FC Dallas capitalized and finally broke out of their four match scoreless run, netting two goals. Sebastian Grazzini put one back for the Fire, but by then it was too late.

Prediction: Correct

Portland Timber [0-2] Houston Dynamo

A loss at home to the Dynamo cast Portland's post-season hopes even further in doubt. If they can manage to win their last two matches of the season and have other results go their way they have hope, otherwise they're as good as eliminated.

Prediction: N/A

Friday, October 14th

Colorado Rapids [0-0] Real Salt Lake

In an extremely physical match, the two sides couldn't break down the opposing defense nor convert their chances. After a 1-0 victory earlier in the season at Rio Tinto, RSL claims the Rocky Mountain Cup.

Prediction: Wrong

Saturday, October 15th

Sporting Kansas City [2-0] New York Red Bulls

The early ejection of Thierry Henry due to a clumsy challenge on Roger Espinoza ultimately doomed the Red Bulls, falling to SKC at the expense of goals by Teal Bunbury and CJ Sapong. With the victory SKC clinch their first play-off spot since 2008.

Prediction: Correct

Philadelphia Union [1-1] Toronto FC

Sebastian Le Toux continued his recent hot run of form, striking the Union's lone goal. Ryan Johnson evened the match for Toronto with a nice back-heel. A tie was all the Union needed to clinch their first ever play-off berth.

Prediction: N/A

New England Revolution [0-3] Columbus Crew

New England continues with their defensive struggles, losing their fifth match in a row. With their second win in a row, Columbus is steadily pulling themselves together for a strong finish of the season.

Prediction: N/A

DC United [1-2] Chicago Fire

Deadlocked until the final minute of regulation time, Dwayne De Rosario converted a penalty drawn by Santino Quaranta. That wasn't the end of the story, however. The Fire rallied back in stoppage time and found an equalizer through Sebastian Grazzini, and then a game winner through Diego Chaves.

Prediction: N/A

FC Dallas [2-0] Vancouver Whitecaps

The Whitecaps end their 2011 season with the league's worst road record, a lowly 0-12-5. FC Dallas looks to be finishing the season strong, getting their second win in a row after a miserable four game losing streak. Having their main offensive weapons back on form certainly helps.

Prediction: Correct

Seattle Sounders FC [2-1] San Jose Earthquakes

Read recap here.

Prediction: Correct

LA Galaxy [1-0] Chivas USA

Chad Barret provided the matches lone goal early on into the second half, after a first half filled with frustratingly missed opportunities. Without only one of their stars (David Beckham) on the field, it seems that the Galaxy have a hard time finding the back of the net.

Prediction: Correct

Around the Rest of the League, Week 30

New York Red Bulls [2-0] LA Galaxy
New York took advantage of a weary Galaxy lacked any sort of offensive punch. Luke Rodgers netted the first goal after Ricketts saved the initial attempt, and Thierry Henry netted the second to seal all three points for the Red Bulls

Vancouver Whitecaps [3-0] Real Salt Lake
Two questionable penalties converted by Camilo and a questionable ejection stunned Real Salt Lake as the fell to the Whitecaps.

New England Revolution [1-2] San Jose Earthquakes
Chris Wondolowski struck early and late to give the Earthquakes the victort, Benny Feilhaber adding one for the Revolution sandwiched in between. Both teams prior to this match were knocked out of contention for the play-offs, so this match only had pride on the line.

Around the Rest of the League, Week 29

Sporting Kansas City [2-1] Columbus Crew

SKC has completed their quest from last to first in the East, and Columbus continues their nose dive. At this rate, Columbus is going to lose their play-off berth.

Prediction: N/A

Real Salt Lake [0-3] Chicago Fire

An early goal by Marco Pappa and red card for Kyle Beckerman, gave every indication of ow this match was going to end. Pappa added two more to complete the hat trick and RSL lost their second match in a row.

Prediction: N/A

Philadelphia Union [3-2] DC United

An exciting first half saw four goals within the first half hour, two from Sebastien Le Toux and responding goals from Andy Majar and Dwayne De Rosario. Michael Farfan permanently gave the Union the lead again mid-way through the second half.

Prediction: Wrong

Houston Dynamo [1-1] Chicago Fire

Resting multiple key players (Pappa, Pardo, Nyarko) in anticipation of the Open Cup final on Tuesday, Chicago entered the match significantly weakened. Houston struck first through Colin Clark, but Dominic Oduro was able to net an equalizer before getting taken off for an injured ankle.

Prediction: N/A

New England Revolution [1-2] Seattle Sounders FC

Read recap here

Prediction: Correct

Toronto FC [1-1] New York Red Bulls

Toronto struck first through Danny Koevermans, who now has seven goals in his last nine matches, but New York answered with less than two minutes left in regulation time with a clutch goal by Thierry Henry (view here).

Prediction: N/A

Colorado Rapids [1-0] FC Dallas

With this result, one team finds hope (Rapids) and the other further despair (Dallas). FC Dallas found themselves shut-out for a fourth consecutive time as the Rapids got their single goal through a Drew Moor header. Much like Columbus, FC Dallas are sinking fast. If they continue at this pace, they will find themselves out of the play-offs.

Prediction: Wrong

San Jose Earthquakes [1-1] Sporting Kansas City

This match remained deadlocked at 0-0 until the eighty sixth minute when Chris Wondolowski struck for the Earthquakes, but their elation was short lived. Literally immediately on the re-start after the goal, SKC struck back through Teal Bunbury.

Prediction: N/A

LA Galaxy [2-1] Real Salt Lake

The absence of their captain Kyle Beckerman proved to be too much of an obstacle for RSL to overcome, striking first through Fabian Espindola off of a corner but ultimately falling to the Galaxy on a Chad Barret goal and own goal.

Prediction: Correct

Columbus Crew [2-1] DC United

Columbus finally finds themselves out of that horrific nose dive, getting their first victory since August 27th. Daniel Woolard put DC ahead in the first half, but leveled the match just minutes into the second half with an own goal. Eddie Gavin gave Columbus the lead through a fantastic diving header.

Prediction: Wrong

Vancouver Whitecaps [0-1] Portland Timbers

The closing match of Empire Field didn't at all go in Vancouver's favor, falling 3-1 to the rivals the Sounders. Unfortunately the inaugural match of the freshly renovated BC place didn't go in their favor either. Kenny Cooper's fantastic volley mid-way through the first half was the difference.

Prediction: Wrong

Chivas USA [0-0] Philadelphia Union

Prediction: N/A

Around the Rest of the League, Week 28

Wednesday, September 21st

DC United [2-2] Chivas USA

DC looked fantastic in the first half, netting two goals, but simply stopped playing for the duration of the second half, allowing Chivas to rally back and tie up the game on a brace by Juan Pablo Angel.

Prediction: Wrong

New York Red Bulls [1-3] Real Salt Lake

Defensive errors doomed New York, as they gifted RSL three goals before the half hour mark. They were able to reduce RSL's lead late through a spectacular goal by Joel Lindpere but their early defensive errors proved simply too much to overcome.

Prediction: Wrong

Portland Timbers [1-1] San Jose Earthquakes

The Timbers got an early lead through a Kenny Cooper goal, but allowed San Jose to dictate much of the play throughout the rest of the match equalizing on a Kairi Stephenson goal.

Prediction: Wrong

Friday, September 23rd

Sporting Kansas City [1-1] Philadelphia Union

Fittingly after holding the majority of the possession throughout the match SKC were the first to strike, Omar Bravo cleanly knocking in a Kei Kamara cross, but allowed the Union to draw level only seven minutes later through a Sebastian Le Toux goal.

Prediction: Wrong

Saturday, September 24th

FC Dallas [0-1] Houston Dynamo

FC Dallas continued to struggle offensively, despite creating several great chances and finding woodwork three separate times. The Dynamo took advantage of Dallas' struggles with only a few minutes remaining in the match, Davis sending in a cross from a corner kick and Jeff Cameron easily heading the ball past Kevin Hartman.

Prediction: Correct

New York Red Bulls [2-0] Portland Timbers

The suspension of Rafa Marquez seemed to have done the Red Bulls some good, keeping a clean sheet against the Timbers. A great individual effort goal by Dane Richards and a Luke Rodgers penalty kick consisted of the scoring.

Prediction: Wrong

Columbus Crew [0-1] LA Galaxy

The Crew had several great chances to strike first and possibly win the match, but every chance was knocked away by Saunders or stricken off target. Landon Donovan proved to be a catalyst in the Galaxy's attack, a shot of his on goal getting saved by Hesmer but Chad Barret eating up the rebound late in stoppage.

Prediction: Wrong

DC United [4-1] Real Salt Lake

DC absolutely tore through a significantly weakened RSL, Najar striking first in the thirteenth minute followed by a spectacular Dwayne De Rosario hat trick that was capped off with a tremendous free kick goal in the thirty second minute. RSL was able to put one back late thanks to Saborio, but ultimately just couldn't get any more from the match.

Prediction: Correct

Colorado Rapids [1-1] San Jose Earthquakes

Wondolowski and the Earthquakes struck first on a rebound from a Pickens save, but couldn't hold of the Rapids, Drew Moor striking the equalizing goal late in the second half.

Prediction: N/A

Chivas USA [3-0] Toronto FC

Toronto never had much of a chance, coming out completely flat. Juan Pablo struck first early in the first half, and added another in the second after Justin Braun goal.

Prediction: N/A

Vancouver Whitecaps [1-3] Seattle Sounders FC

Read recap here

Prediction: Correct

Sunday, September 25th

Chicago Fire [0-0] New England Revolution (Today)

Prediction: N/A

Around the Rest of the League, Week 27

Columbus Crew [2-2] Houston Dynamo

After claiming the lead through a Je Vaughn Watson goal in the the thirty fourth minute, the Dynamo managed to concede two penalties, which were both converted by Andres Mendoza, to lose the lead to the home side. They managed to equalize through Cal Carr late, but couldn't manage much more than that.

Prediction: Wrong

Portland Timbers [3-0] New England Revolution

This result is far from surprising, the Revolution is easily one of the worst teams in the league and the Timbers' home advantage only made things worse. The Timbers' goals came courtesy Diego Chara, Kenny Cooper, and Darlington Nagbe.

Prediction: Correct

Toronto FC [2-1] Colorado Rapids

The Rapids continued faltering, losing their third match in a row. Toronto has gotten into a bit of a groove, unbeaten in three. Danny Koevermans provided TFC's two goals, Nyassy provided the Rapids' lone goal.

Prediction: N/A

Chicago Fire [3-2] Chivas USA

Down a man for much of the match, Dominic Oduro provided the winning goal in the eighty sixth minute to clinch the win for Chicago, their third in their last five matches. Cory Gibbs and Juan Pablo Angel accounted for the Fire's first two, while Nick LaBrocca and JPA accounted for Chivas' goals.

Prediction: N/A

Philadelphia Union [1-0] Columbus Crew

One team pulled themselves out of a slump (Philly), while another continued in theirs (Crew). The Union finally broke their eight game winless streak on a lone Sebastian Le Toux goal, and handed the Crew their fourth loss in their last four games.

Prediction: Wrong

FC Dallas [0-1] New York Red Bulls

Playing without Brek Shea or Marvin Chavez due to yellow card accumulation for both, while dominating New York in terms of total shots, just didn't have any offensive punch. Luke Rodgers goal in the thirty sixth minute was the decider, giving the Red Bulls their first taste of victory since July sixth.

Prediction: Wrong

Houston Dynamo [2-1] San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose may have broken their thirteen game winless run last week, but that meant very little at Robertson Stadium. Despite striking first on a fantastic volley by Kairi Stephenson, the Earthquakes ultimately fell to a converted penalty by Brad Davis and Will Bruin's first goal since his April hat trick against DC United.

Prediction: N/A

Real Salt Lake [1-0] Sporting Kansas City

RSL continued their ascent of the western conference, their victory and FC Dallas' loss the the Red Bulls handing them third place. SKC was the offensively dominant team, but a lone goal by Nat Borchers was the deciding factor.

Prediction: Wrong

LA Galaxy [3-0] Vancouver Whitecaps

The league's worst facing the league's best, the Whitecaps never had much of a chance. The last time these two teams met the Galaxy left Empire Field with a commanding 4-0 victory, and they had little trouble recording a second victory over Vancouver. Mike Magee accounted for two of the goals, Robbie Keane claiming the third.

Prediction: N/A

Around the Rest of the League - Week 26

Sporting Kansas City [3 - 0] Houston Dynamo

After faltering against the Sounders and FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas are continuing their push for the play-offs and advancement up the eastern conference. Teal Bunbury netted a brace and CJ Sapong contributed a goal of his own in the routing of the Dynamo.

Prediction: Correct

Columbus Crew [2-4] Toronto FC:

The 6-2 loss at Seattle was clearly a warning sign to Columbus. Now they've conceded ten goals in the last two games thanks to poor communication and structure in the back line. Nick Soolsma started off the scoring for Toronto, followed by Ryan Johnson towards the end of the first half. Columbus cut the lead in half through Tommy Heinemann in the 67th, Julian De Guzman nullified that goal in the 83rd, Andres Mendoza made the game close again in the 87th, but Danny Koevremans finally put the game to rest with TFC's fourth goal in the 92nd.

Prediction: N/A

New York Red Bulls [1-1] Vancouver Whitecaps:

Vancouver looked the stronger team in the first half, getting a goal through the brilliant play of Camilo and Chumiento. Jan Gunnar Solli was given a straight red in stoppage time at the end of the first half, leaving New York down a man for the entire second half. Despite that disadvantage, substitute Juan Agudelo managed to find an equalizing goal.

Prediction: Wrong

New England Revolution [2-0] FC Dallas:

FC Dallas were by far the favorites in this match, but the Revolution clearly weren't to be counted out. An early goal by Shalrie Joseph and a late insurance goal by Raiko Lekic gave them the victory over one of the league's top teams.

Prediction: Wrong

Chivas USA [0-3] DC United

Lately Charlie Davies has been in a bit of a slump, plagued by injury and the inability to have any sort of major impact in a match. Davies redeemed himself tonight at the Home Depot Center, netting a hat trick. Chris Pontius more than doubled his assists for the season in the process, assisting each and every one of Davies' goals.

Prediction: N/A

San Jose Earthquakes [2-0] Chicago Fire

The Earthquakes finally managed to end their thirteen game winless run, getting their first win since June eleventh. Chris Wondolowski provided the match's first goal, and nearly provided a second from the penalty spot, but his attempt was saved by Sean Johnson. Ramiro Corales provided the match's second and last goal.

Prediction: N/A