MLS Roundup

GAMES THAT HELPED

Columbus 2 - Philadelphia 1
LeToux's extra time first half goal was sandwiched by Steven Lenhart headers in the 43rd and 50th minutes of play.  Columbus is running away with the Eastern Conference so we might as well thank them for giving us distance between a scrappy Philadelphia team... we know what Pitor Nowak can do with expansion teams.

Colorado 1 - San Jose 0
Anybody want Jon Busch over Sean Johnson?  The Rapids took three points all thanks to a Omar Cummings cross that Busch ended up placing across the line behind him in the 25th minute.  I say this game helps because San Jose was stringing together some success as of late while the Rapids are widely inconsistent.  Let the Rapids get ahead with 27 points and 18 games played while San Jose stays closer to us with 23 points and 17 games played.

Dallas 3 - Philadelphia 1
Does this really help the Fire with Philadelphia low in the standings?  Yes, yes it does.  Nowak, expansion team, rather have them dead in the water.  Alejandro Moreno made it 1-0 Philly early in the 9th minute but FC Dallas' David Ferreira equalized the game on a penalty kick in the 24th.  Late goals by Jeff Cunningham in the 75th and 81st minutes secured the three points.  
 

GAMES THAT HURT   

Toronto FC 2 - Chivas USA 0
While standard for Fire fans to rue the fact Chad Barrett scored (32nd minute), Toronto's Nana Attakora scored even earlier in the first half.  Chivas USA went into the second half 2-0 and came out with just one goal from Giancarlo Maldonado and zero points over all.  Clearly we do not need the team just ahead of us in the Eastern Conference to win although you could argue that Chivas USA is close to being put away from playoff competition.


New England 1 - D.C. 0
D.C. United is out for the count while this game puts the Revs just three points behind us.  It is nice that we have a game in hand on NE but the August 18th home game against the Revs is quietly becoming a huge match.  They just won't go away....


Kansas City 1 - Salt Lake 1
The Wizards taking a point from a RSL squad that is battling for first in the West?  Really don't need them staying in this race and really don't like seeing them take a point while we got 0 at home against RSL.  Kei Kamara and Robbie Findley provided the goals, both coming in the first half.

Seattle 2 - Houston 0
The Dynamo have been lifeless while Seattle is on a huge upswing.  Fredy Montero came away with a goal and an assist while DP Alvaro Fernandez scored yet again.  These teams are going in opposite directions, I was much more worried about Houston at the beginning of the year than Seattle.  The Sounders' four straight victories are something for everyone in the league to look at.  Can we put a target on their backs yet?