Week 23 Recap – Better late than never

By: travis | September 3rd, 2008

Ok, so I want to try and write these recaps on Monday. I didn’t get around to it this time, but I promise that it’ll be better next week. Or not, as I think I have jury duty. Yuck. There wasn’t as much Eastern dominance though, as only Columbus managed a win against a non-Conference opponent. The Revs and their injuries seem to be catching up with them, while DC and New York continue their battle for the final playoff spot.

Real Salt Lake 2-0 Rapids
The Rapids continue to sink, while RSL’s home surge continues. Colorado can’t seem to muster anything positive these days, and it’s not going to be long before you can stick a fork in their season – their done. Meanwhile, Real must not want to move into their new stadium anytime soon, as they continue to be dominant at home. A brace from Fabian Espindola, along with a couple of Javier Morales assist meant this game was over. Preston Burpo, what were you thinking on that second goal?

New England 2-2 Los Angeles
As I previously mentioned, the Revs seem handicapped right now by injuries. This was the surprise of the week for me, but when Landon Donovan decides to switch it on – and with Gullit gone, expect it to continue – the Galaxy can go toe to toe with anyone. New England must be more embarrassed about losing to Joe Public 6-1 on aggregate. Yikes.

DC United 0-0 New York
This was a close one, with either side staking a claim at dropping two points. I guess the stronger argument can go on the half of DC, as Jaime Moreno absolutely blew a PK. I haven’t seen a worse taken kick in awhile – that’s for sure. Louis Crayton then had to bail them out, as Juan Pablo Angel remains the only sort of consistent attack up front for the ~~Thai~~ Austrian energy drink conglomerate. Although Osorio’s new signings are really starting to continue the improvement. Might this be the year for the Red Bull? We’ll see.

FC Dallas 1-2 Columbus
The old adage proves true as Guillermo Barros Schelotto goes, so goes the Crew offense. With two assists this week, the Argentinian midfielder continues to leave his mark week in and week out on the MLS. Somehow, Dallas still holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the west, but anymore goalless games from Kenny Cooper and they’ll be toast.

San Jose 2-1 Kansas City
Give Frank Yallop credit where credit is due. I remember the beginning of the season when San Jose equaled the Derby County of the MLS and was practically a 3 point ATM. He’s turned them into a squad with some real bite, thanks to additions like Darren Huckerby, who scored the game winner this week. While they may not make the playoffs, I can’t help but feel happy for the Bay Arena folk. At least they’ve put up a fight, and if this continues, make the playoffs. The Wizards, on the other hand, are stuck in the wrong conference, and Curt Onalfo could be feeling the pressure out in KC.

Chivas 2-1 Toronto
The Canadians just can’t get points on the road. An ugly goal from Atiba Harris off an even uglier corner kick trickled past Greg Sutton for the winner. Hardly deserving, although Chivas had a number of other chances go astray. Rohan Ricketts had a lovely chip to set up Toronto’s lone goal, although Ante Razov – USMNT anyone? – set up journeyman Alecko Eskandarian’s goal soon thereafter. Chivas is still in a good place to get to the postseason, although Toronto must start winning on the road. 2-9 away from BMO field will get you nowhere.

Houston 2-1 Chicago
Brian McBride’s first goal for the Fire wasn’t enough to grab an away victory, as they were overcome by the Dynamo’s Dewayne De Rosario and Brian Mullen. I just hope that the Dynamo don’t win the MLS Cup. Again.