Week Three Recap: Away gains

By: travis | April 13th, 2008

Well, finally. An away team with a victory, and it was the early game. The Revolution battered KC at Community America Ballpark, becoming the first team to grab three points away from home. That, plus a oops! my bad moment for Brad Guzan of Chivas USA. Those kind of mistakes will kill you in the EPL mate.

Also, for the record, the MLS website loves using the “goals galore” headline. Keep stealing it guys. Nice one. Because I’m only allowed to say it.

Aside from away teams winning, a lot of surprising came from the week. Considering I didn’t see most of it coming, finishing a paltry 2-6 on my picks. But Toronto actually winning, San Jose only losing by one, D.C. getting thrashed, were just a few. Early indications show that the season will be wide open, and that the Galaxy will stink. Sorry, I’ll stop knocking them so much. On to some recaps:

Kansas City 1-3 New England
The 19 year old Gambians led a surge against the Wizards in Kansas City on Wednesday, making Jimmy Conrad look much slower than he is. An own goal and confusion in the box didn’t help either, nor did the rainy and downright gross conditions. Still, as well as the Revolution played, a missed opportunity for the Wizards because of New England’s injuries.

San Jose 0-1 Chicago
If you haven’t seen the highlights from this match two things stand out to you: first of all, it was played at the Oakland A’s stadium. I’m tired of MLS teams having to use baseball stadiums. It looks weird. Second, watch how many times the Earthquakes could have scored but didn’t; most notably, the shank from Shea Salinas towards the end of the game. San Jose didn’t exactly dominate only to lose, but they should have grabbed at least a point.

Columbus 4-3 Chivas USA
The game of the week by far. A back and forth match featuring just about everything. A superb goal by Sacha Kljestan who looks determined to make himself a regular on the USMNT, nice wing play by Robbie Rogers who netted a brace, and a complete howler by Brad Guzan who probably wanted to dig himself into the pitch after letting a shot right at him go in. Chivas ended the match with 9 players and could have escaped with a draw if not for Guzan’s gaffe.

New England 0-1 Colorado
A solid effort from the Rapids against the Revolution who have to be a bit tired after playing three games in seven days. Looked headed for a nil-nil draw but Nick LaBrocca’s first goal in the MLS gave the Rapids three points and first place in the Western Conference. It was Colorado’s first win in New England since July 24, 2002. Ending a six year draught must have been quite nice.

Kansas City 0-0 Houston
A bit of a dull game, I can’t say too much because I haven’t found any highlights. From what I’ve read it was a fair result as both teams had their chances and neither could finish. Considering KC conceded three goals three days before, good to grab a clean sheet. The same could be said about the Dynamo who are missing starting keeper Pat Onstad.

Dallas 2-0 New York Red Bull
Dallas gave New York a taste of their own medicine, scoring within the first minute of their match. The Red Bull threatened on a number of occasions but couldn’t convert in the penalty box, obviously missing Juan Pablo. Kenny Cooper (quietly fighting for a spot on the USMNT) more or less put it out of reach with his third goal of the season in the 66th minute.

Real Salt Lake 4-0 D.C. United
This is what happens when your offense and defense are both non-existent. You get thrashed. D.C. suffered that fate, but let’s not take away from a strong performance from RSL and Kyle Beckerman who scored with an absolute laser from outside the box. D.C.’s keeper, Jose Carvallho, making his MLS debut, was left hanging by his defense on more than one occasion. And boo turf. Also, why is D.C. paying Marcelo Gallardo $1.9 million to sit on the bench? I would love to get paid that much for doing just that. Sounds delightful.

Los Angeles 2-3 Toronto
Earth to Landon: the goal’s in the middle of the field. Toronto’s gaps at the box were exposed on a number of occasions in the first half. Landon should have had at least five goals, but alas, he failed to convert on most of his chances. It was an exciting match that went back and forth. It also featured embarrassing moments for defenders on both sides, as Toronto’s Marco Velez fell on the ball in the box and was called for a handball, while LA’s Greg Vanney fell over, allowing Jeff Cunningham to net the game-winner. High comedy indeed.

Goal of the week:
Sacha’s long range effort ekes out Beckerman’s finish against D.C. Both superb goals, I just prefer Sacha’s, as Beckerman benefitted ever so slightly from poor defending.

Here are the goals: