Michael Chapman looks at all the action in week 26 of the MLS.
One of the more fun aspects of MLS soccer is the season long ups and downs that can occur in the league table, if you are a neutral that is… As a frequent observer you find clubs like the Colorado Rapids, who had only lost 5 times in 18 matches, and only consecutive losses once. But since then the Rapids have lost 6 of 7, including 5 losses in a row! Another good example of the roller coaster ride MLS fans enjoy each season is FC Dallas. Previously this year Los Toros lost 7 of 10! Now they are on a different kind of rampage, not losing in 10 matches. Instead they have recorded 7 wins and 3 draws! Really quite a turn around for the team.
Team of the Weekend
Game of the Weekend
Phila Union 4-2 SJ Earthquakes: The match itself was a roller coaster ride as Philly jumped out to an early lead in the 10th minute with a goal by former Impact forward Andrew Wenger. The Union then went and doubled that in the 14th minute by eventual MOTM Sebastien Le Toux. It took forty five minutes but Sam Cronin managed to claw one back for the Quakes, followed by the leveler eleven minutes later by who else but Chris Wondolowski. At this point the San Jose supporters had to feel relieved, hoping for their club to hold on for the draw. A draw was not in the cards though as the Union jumped back into the lead in the 72nd minute through right back Sheanon Williams, easily the best defender on either side of the pitch. Before San Jose could even think about drawing even again Sebastien Le Toux fed Andrew Wenger for dagger into the hearts of the Earthquake faithful.
Key Happenings
In another Cascadia Cup classic the Sounders thrashed Portland 4-2, and trust me folks, that scoreline is truly flattering to the Timbers. Oba Martins and Clint Dempsey (amongst others) shredded the home side’s defensive plans as Caleb Porter’s players still struggle to get it right at the back. Clint Dempsey has now scored 5 goals against the Sounder’s regional rival, this season!
More big news as it was announced on Sunday that US national team midfielder Jermaine Jones has come home to the US to play for the New England Revolution. The league seems determined to collect all of the USA’s World Cup 2013 roster they can afford and then divvy them up amongst the various clubs who want a bit of star power.
Frankly I’m waiting for Timmy Howard to be announced as the first designated player of the Atlanta franchise that starts play in the league in 2017. Round about the time Howard’s days at Everton will be numbered I’d imagine.
Looking Forward
As of this writing the Galaxy are thumping a recently resurgent DC United 3-0 at the half. This friday Sporting Kansas City take on the Dynamo of Houston, and if you live in the States (or can find a “totally legal stream”) it is on NBCSN at 8pm EST. Then Sunday on the same channel the aforementioned DC United face off with the Red Bulls at 2:30pm EST.
The MLS Free Stream of the Week is Saturday’s tilt between Toronto FC and the New England Revolution, so we may just get a glimpse of the league’s newest acquisition.
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You can follow Mike @NUFC_Monkey.
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