The Loan Crisis In The MLS

Wall Street and the banks are not the only ones who seem to be suffering from loans, the MLS is flirting with disaster in the loan department. It seems more in more players in the MLS will be applying their trade in the off-season and the first half of the 2010 MLS regular season. While this does give a chance to get MLS regulars some international exposure, and fit for the upcoming World Cup. It is not in the league's best interest to loan out the league's best talent to bigger leagues during the beginning of the MLS season.

The first big MLS name to to go on loan was David Beckham when he went to AC Milan for the off-season. Beckham played with Milan from November to the end of the Italian Series A season in May. This caused a lot of controversy as many people suspected that Beckham did not want to return to the league, and that he was looking for a way out of MLS. The AC Milan loan controversy turned the LA Galaxy into a three-ring circus as players, fans, and management seemed to have their own opinion on their star play playing in the stories AC Milan club, instead of helping the Galaxy through the MLS regular season.

Now Beckham will be going on loan to AC Milan again in preparation for the 2010 World Cup, this time with a little bit less controversy as fans are getting used to it. However this is starting a startling trend in the league. The Chicago Fire's star player Mexican International Cauhtemoc Blanco will be going on loan to Mexican second-division club Veracruz. Blanco will be playing with Veracruz for the MLS off-season, and for the first part of the 2010 season.

l

While their has not been any facts linked to the deal, rumor is that Seattle Sounder's Freddie Ljungberg will be heading to Europe on an off-season loan, or perhaps a permanent move. There has been no conformation of the Ljungberb deal but the fact still remains. It is not in the MLS's best interest to have their star players play elsewhere in the off-season and during the beginning of the regular season.

First off, I don't care what the reason is. It is not a good thing your star-players want to play somewhere else during the off-season. The fact that David Beckham has to go to Europe in order to stay fit for the English National Team is a slight against the league, stating that you have to go somewhere else in order to play World-Class Soccer (no matter how true that statement actually is). The idea of attracting these world-class type players to the league is to improve the league's overall quality. These players can not do that if they loan themselves out during the off-season and the beginning of the regular season. This year's MLS playoffs race came down to the final week, which sends the message that every games counts, and the slightest margins could determine who is in, and who is out of the post-season. Therefore it is not the best of ideas

The MLS needs to stop the practice of loaning out the league's star. It is a bad practice in the sense, that loaning players out to foreign clubs states that the MLS is not good enough for World-Class Soccer. Also the key-market players that the league has in order to attract fans and media attention can not be effective for the league when they are out playing in Europe. In all business it is not a good idea to sell your best assets to rival companies, and it defiantly is not a good practice for the MLS to loan out it's best players, and have them miss out on MLS games that their loyal fans come out to see. Cut out the loaning please MLS, your fans will appreciate it when the league's star players take all the league game seriously.

Seattle is a City That Truly Supports Thier Club

Imagine a place where thousands upon thousands are packing an NFL sized stadium for a soccer match week after week. That on the weekends an entire city is put on hold as they watch their club, hoping that they can get a victory. Imagine fans in a large parade to the stadium, all holding up scarfs resembling their team's colors. Imagine a town that eats, sleeps, and dreams, soccer. Right now your probably imagining a city in either England or Spain, however the correct answer lies in the American Northwest.

I am talking about the Seattle Sounders, the expansion franchise that is shattering the mark in attendance, and overall club support by a long shot. Every time the Sounders are at home Qwest Field is packed as fans shout chants across the stadium to the fans on the other side. The Sounders management has created the perfect soccer atmosphere in a city that already calls themselves the loudest fans in the NFL. Seattle fans are taking that '12th Man' mentality and are applying to the soccer pitch, as they put a noticeable impression on the road team visiting the stadium. Heck, when you watch them on ESPN you can clearly hear the chants of over 30,000 people, and it gives you goosebumps. And to think that Sounder's management was worried they could not fill their original 24,000 they have assigned for seating sections for soccer games.

Seattle is destroying everybody else in the attendance mark this year, as their average of over 31,000 fans is well above most MLS stadiums seating capacity. Most MLS clubs would be happy to get 20,000 in the seats, (Toronto you are excused since you always sell out at 20,008-which is not bad), however in Seattle getting 32,000 in Qwest Field is just the norm. Not only is the attendance impressive, but the atmosphere around the club is. Once in a while an MLS team will pack their stadiums due to a big rivalry match-up, or playoffs are on the line. In the past couple of weeks attendance has been up, and attendances tend to shoot up during the playoffs. However Seattle has managed to pack the house for every game, and it is that kind of success the MLS needs to look towards as an example.

The key to the Sounder's success has been the clubs ability to create a soccer environment in Seattle. There always a good soccer culture in the Northwest, thus the three-way rivalry in the USL between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver was such a success. With Portland and Vancouver to get teams in 2011, the success of Soccer in the Northwest is bound to grow. Ever since the days of the old NASL, soccer has been in the mindset of people in the Northwest. That and people in the Northwest have always been ahead in terms of trends in America (Grunge Music, Over-Priced Coffee, Microsoft) it is only natural that soccer joins that list of this people in the Seattle-area like before everybody else does. The MLS did their homework on the Seattle-area, and are now being rewarded for with with great attendances. This should be a good future lesson for the league when they consider future expansion. If owners want to bring a soccer team to their town they better convince the MLS that their town has the culture to support a club, otherwise, you can just watch on TV.

Last but not least to this success story in Seattle is the part that matters most, that whole thing that happens on the field. The Sounders are the second expansion team in league to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural year, the Chicago Fire were the first expansion team to do so in 1998, when they won the US and MLS Cups. The Sounders finished third in the West with a (12-7-11) record, and a (9-3-3) home record thanks to the tremendous support from their fans. The Sounders have already won the US Open Cup by beating DC United 2-1 at RFK Stadium. Leaving the Sounders only four more games away from duplicating the Fire's accomplishment in their first year as a club.

With the almost perfect combination of outstanding attendances, a true soccer culture in a city that loves their MLS club, and great play on the field. The Sounders have went three for three in terms of goals for expansion franchises, setting a high bar for Philadelphia for next year. The Sounders have created a true soccer culture in America, a place where when the club plays everything stops. Whether it is the bidding of the management, or just people who were hungry to see some soccer, the Seattle Sounders organization, as they now have become the new standard of expansion franchises in the MLS. Don't believe me, turn into ESPN2 10pm Eastern Tonight, and tell me if you do not get the sudden urge to yell SOUNDERS in reply to the SEATTLE cheer from the thousands that will be in Qwest Field Tonight.

MLS Playoff Preview and Predictions

The best time for American domestic soccer is upon us. The MLS post-season is where the nation's best club soccer is showcased, and where play-makers make the difference, and create the spark that gets their club some silverware at the end of the year. While critics may argue that true soccer is meant to be played with a single table format, and the champions of the league should be whoever has the most points at the end of the year. What they don't realize is that the playoffs is where MLS teams get their biggest draw in attendance, and for fans they get to see the best soccer MLS can offer. So on all fronts the MLS having playoffs determine who is the league champion is a great idea. Here is a review of the Semi-Final series in the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs, and my predictions on who will advance.

Eastern Conference

#1 Seed Columbus Crew (13-7-10) 49 pts. vs. #4 Seed Real Salt Lake (11-12-7) 40 pts.

The Columbus Crew are back-to-back Supporter's Shield Champions for having the league's best regular season record for the second year in the row. The Crew built up a 24 home league unbeaten streak, but lost their last two at home to end the year. Real Salt Lake are in the playoffs by beating their arc-rivals Colorado in the final game for the second year in a row. Like the Crew, Real Salt Lake is dangerous at home, only losing once in Utah. This will be an intriguing series as both teams are strong at home. The Lakers won the first match in April, thoroughly stomping the Crew in Salt Lake 4-1, with Robbie Findley getting a hat-trick for Salt Lake. However Columbus returned the favor at Crew Stadium beat Salt Lake 3-1 after the Crew got off to a 3-0 lead. The key will come down to which team can crack the other's domain, while Salt Lake does get to play in their home first and get a win in Game 1, I still am looking for the Crew to use their superior depth and show why they are the best club in the league.

Prediction: Salt Lake 1-1 Columbus; Columbus 3-1 Salt Lake; Aggregate Columbus 4-2.

#2 Seed Chicago Fire (11-7-12) 45 pts. vs. #3 Seed New England Revolution (11-10-9) 42 pts.

This may sound like a broken record, but once again Chicago will play the New England in the playoffs. For the eighth straight year these two teams will meet in the post-season. The Fire got off to hot start, but struggles at home plagued the team throughout the year. While Chicago has strong roster, the question throughout the year was did this team have the drive to win it this year. As for New England last week's miracle was how the Revs got into the post-season. The Revolution have been struggling with injuries since Day 1, when Taylor Twellman went down, and thins seemed to fall apart in Foxboro. These two teams drew in their two regular season games, however the Fire did beat the Revolution in New England during SuperLiga. The Revolution are a beat-up team who barley made it in, and I still think the Fire have an extra gear they have not reached.

Prediction: New England 1-2 Chicago; Chicago 1-1 New England; Aggregate Chicago 3-2

Western Conference

#1 Seed Los Angeles Galaxy (12-6-12) 48 pts. vs. #4 Seed Chivas USA (13-11-6) 45 pts.

For the first time in league history two teams from the same city (heck, building) will play each other in the playoffs. The Galaxy had a rough opening stretch, but ever since the return of David Beckham, the team has been firing on all cylinders. Los Angeles is the team in form, as their late run got the Galaxy from 5th to 1st in the conference in a little over a month-not bad. As for their city-rivals Chivas is the exact opposite. The Goats only lost twice in their first 13 matches, but since then have fallen off. Still Chivas is a dangerous side, especially when playing their rivals. The SuperClassico was a tight affair as in their three matches only two goals were scored, with the Galaxy winning 1-0 twice. No real home game for either side, but my money says the Galaxy get way more support in the two matches in the Home Depot Center. I like the Galaxy in two very close matches, with lots of bookings.

Prediction: Chivas USA 0-1 Los Angeles; Los Angeles 2-0 Chivas USA; Aggregate LA 3-0

#2 Seed Houston Dynamo (13-8-9) 48 pts. vs. #3 Seed Seattle Sounders (12-7-11) 47 pts.

Kudos to ESPN for picking this series to cover, this is by far the most exciting one to watch. These two clubs have the most support in the league, and are evenly matches. The Dynamo did slip at the end of the year, or otherwise would of been the number one seed in the West. Houston is a strong team, and are looking for revenge after being upset by New York in last year's playoffs, Houston has only lost once at home. Meanwhile the Sounders are the success story of the year. The first year franchise has fanatical support from their fans, and the Sounders play excellent attacking soccer. The Sounders already are US Open Cup Champions, and are looking for their second trophy. The Sounder took the first match of the year 2-1 in Seattle, in Houston the two sides drew at 1-1. The Sounders also beat the Dynamo in route to the US Open Cup 2-1 in Seattle. Both matches are going to be intense, and the series probably go to who ever gets lucky. I see the Dynamo getting an injury time goal to force extra-time, and then pulling it off in the extra 30 minutes.

Prediction: Seattle 2-1 Houston; Houston 1-0 Seattle. Houston 1-0 in extra-time; Aggregate Houston 3-2.

Whatever the results it is sure to be an epic post-season, as a fan I can't wait. Forget single-table format. Bring the on the healthy dose of playoff soccer.

A Quick Overview of the MLS Playoffs

After 32 weeks of MLS regular season play it has come down to eight teams to determine who will be champions of the MLS. The playoff format is such, the top two teams in each conference are seeded as the #1 and #2 in their respective conferences. Then the next 4 teams, regardless of what conference they are in will receive a wild-card birth. The Wild-Card teams are assigned the conference they play will compete in during the playoffs by the higher positioned teams getting to play in their conference, and the lower teams being subject to having to switch conferences. Do not worry if it sounds confusing, because it really is. Just know that the top six teams are guaranteed to play in their own conference, and the bottom two might have to go to the other conference if their original one is full.

The playoff games themselves will work out like this. The opening round consist is a two-game aggregate series between #1 seeds vs. #4 seeds and #2 seeds vs. #3 seeds. A two-game series works out like this the two teams will play at the lower seeds home first, then a week latter at the higher seeds home. The series will be determined by whoever scores the most goals in the two games (no Away goal rule, that is one thing the Europeans do that is just plain stupid). If the series is tied after the two games, then the teams will play a 30-minute overtime session, if it is still tied after that, then the dreaded PK's will determine who wins the series.

Then it will be time for the conference finals. The conference finals will be one match fixture at the higher remaining seeds home field, if the match is tied then the two teams will go into extra-time and PK's to determine who will move on to the Final.

This year's final will be played at Qwest Field in Seattle, which judging by the Sounder's attendance records, was an excellent choice by the MLS. The final will pit the winners of the two conferences in a one match winner take all game. The winner of that match will be crowned MLS Champions.

Tomorrow's post will have a series by series preview of the matches, but here are the pairing for the 2009 MLS Cup.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 seed Los Angeles Galaxy vs. #4 seed Chivas USA

#2 seed Houston Dynamo vs. #3 seed Seattle Sounders

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Seed Columbus Crew vs. #4 Seed Real Salt

#2 Seed Chicago Fire vs. #3 New England Revolution

Monday League Review

The dust has finally cleared in what was the most dramatic ending of the regular season in league history. It went right down to week 32 to determine which 8 clubs would compete in the MLS Cup playoffs. Along with the new markets expansion provides, the more teams in the league the more precious a playoff spot is. With more teams missing the post-season regular season games are becoming more and more intense. This was proven as the difference between making or missing the post-season was goal differential: yea that's right, every goal matters. Here is a review of the weeks action that determined the playoff picture.

Chicago Fire 1-0 Chivas USA

The Fire officially clinched second in the East on a miserable Thursday night in the Windy City. Chicago dominated the match and out shot Chivas 9-5. Still it took an own goal off a corner kick by Chivas defender Eduardo Lillingston in the 68th minute to give Chicago the 1-0 victory. The men in red outplayed a Chivas team that already clinched a spot in the playoffs. With the win Chicago guaranteed themselves second in the Eastern Conference. It was also a big win for Denis Hamlett club, as the Fire have been dismal at Bridgeview. The loss was a big dent in Chivas' hopes of winning the Western Conference coming into the weekend.

New York Red Bulls 5-0 Toronto FC

Coming into the weekend Toronto need a win against the league's worst team to give the club its first ever playoff birth. Sounds easy enough, even if it is on the road. However the Red Bulls had other thoughts when it came to closing soccer at Giants Stadium. Macoumba Kandji in the 2nd minute, Juan Pablo Angel struck in the 33rd and 62nd minute and the rout was on. Another Kandji goal and 90th minute penalty by Mathew Mbuta gave the Red Bulls a proper close to their home since 1996. The loss was devastating for Toronto as the Reds looked to be a lock for the post-season, look for jobs to be lost north of the border in the off season.

Real Salt Lake 3-0 Colorado Rapids

Note to the MLS, make sure Salt Lake and Colorado play each other on the last week every year, IT'S EXCITING. For the second year in a row Real Salt Lake defeated the Colorado Rapids to win two thing. The first being the Rockey Mountain Cup (I'm from the Big Ten, I appreciate trophy rivalry games). But more importantly the Lakers go on the playoffs while kicking their arc-rivals out of the post-season. Robbie Findley scored in the 15th and 33rd minute to put the Lakers up 2-0. Then Yura Movsisyan put the game away in the 85th. Nick Rimando made 5 saves for the shutout. The result put RSL into the playoffs for the second straight year. As for Colorado, going winless in their final 7 games put them at the mercy of the Revolution as to whether or not they would be in the playoffs.

Kansas City Wizard 2-2 DC United

With the result in Utah, DC United need a win clinch a post-season spot. However the Wizards did not die in front of their home fans. Former Dynamo star Kei Kamara scored in the 30th minute to put KC up 1-0. Jaime Moreno scored on a PK in the 67th minute to even the score at 1-1. Then playoffs looked certain for the Screaming Eagles as Julius James scored in the 82nd. The tragedy struck for United as DC defender Fred was called for a handball in stoppage time. Wizards Captain Claudio Lopez stepped up and scored. The 2-2 draw eliminated DC from playoff contention, meaning the league's most willingest franchise will miss the playoffs for a second straight year. United Head Coach Tom Sohen looks almost certain to be fired this year.

Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes

Well hats to Bruce Arena, the former US boss turned the Galaxy from worst to first in the Western Conference in one season. The Galaxy won the Western Conference thanks to a 2-0 win over their Northern California rival San Jose. An own goal by San Jose's Bobby Burling in the 24th gave LA the 1-0, then Landon Donovan scored in the 77th minute to secure the home victory. The Galaxy out shot the Earthquakes 9-7, and Donovan Ricketts made 3 saves for the shut out. San Jose did finish the year out strong, especially since they did not have a chance at the playoffs since August. Now David Beckham and company will focus on the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Seattle Sounders 2-1 FC Dallas

While it may seem improbable, but FC Dallas had a shot at playoffs coming into the game against Seattle. The Hoops needed a win to advance, and were look for one in one of the most intimidating place in MLS. Atiba Harris scored in the 14th minute, and Dallas was looking good. Then Nate Jaqua put an end to that as he struck in the 61st to draw the Sounders even at 1-1. Brad Evens scored in the 84th minute to give the host the win, and send Dallas packing. Seattle will be a dangerous team come playoff time, and will threaten to win the Cup. At the same time Schellas Hyndman did a great job rallying the Hoops to a respectable finish after a dreadful start.

Chivas USA 2-3 Houston Dynamo

Seeding was the only thing on the line in this one, as the Galaxy already won the conference. Andrew Hainault scored in the 26th minute, and Dominic Oduro scored three minute latter. Abe Thompson made it 3-0 in the 52nd. However the Goats did not give in as Michael Lahound scored in the 59th minute to pull Chivas back one. Eduardo Lillingston scored of a PK in the 88th for Chivas, but that is all they could muster. Houston will take the number two seed, while Chivas will be the four seed in the West.

Columbus Crew 0-1 New England Revolution

With the Supporter's Shield already won, Columbus really had nothing to play for, unless you count that whole unbeaten in 24 straight home games thing. The Revolution had everything to play for as they needed a point to advance. The Revs got all three with a goal off a free kick by Jeff Larentowicz in the 79th minute. The match was even with the exception of the goal, as both clubs posted 7 shots. New England's Matt Reis posted 5 saves for the key shutout win to send the Revolution to the playoffs. Steve Nicol's bunch is now in their eighth straight playoffs appearance.

The MLS regular season was all an American Soccer fan could hope it to be. There was drama upsets, barn-burners, blow-outs, and nail-bitters all they way down till the end. The difference between playoffs or an early off season was goal differential: Note to self, be sure to remember at the beginning of the year, that every goal truly matters. With Philadelphia coming into the league next year, the playoff race will be even tighter, and the games more competitive. All an all it was a successfull MLS regular season, and it really great playoff season. Here are the opening round playoff pairing. So now fans it's time to be jolly: PLAYOFFS ARE HERE.

Only One American Club advances to CCL Knock-out stage

The group stage to this year's edition of the CONCACAF Champions League is over, and from the surface American Clubs are not do a whole lot better in the second time around in the competition. Columbus was the only team to advance, as both DC and Houston fell in the group stages. Still the American clubs have done a better job overall in the tournament, as three MLS teams made the group stages. And more importantly, none of the MLS clubs looked like a JV squad in the tournament. While it is not the success that one might hope for in the continent's premier club competition, MLS teams are offering some hope after this year's group stage. Here is a review of the American Teams in the CONCACAF Champion League.

Houston Dynamo (2-3-1) 7 pts. 3rd in Group A: The Dynamo were in control of their own destiny coming into their final match of the group stage. Houston trailed Arabe Unido by three points, Unido lost to group winners Pachuca. With that result Houston need only to beat Isidro Metapan to advance. The task seemed simple enough, as Metapan were 0-5 in the Champions League. However, it would not be so in El Salvador as Metapan came to play. Elias Montes scored in the 7th for Metapan, and Anel Canales struck a minute latter to put the host up 2-0. The Dynamo came back with a goal from Geoff Cameron in the 28th. Then before the half Goalkeeper Craig Waibel sent a long ball that went over the head of the Metapan Goalkeeper, and bounced into the net, evening in the score at 2-2 at the half. However Metapan had the last laugh as Emerson Umana scored in the 57th to give Metapan the win. The Dynamo could not answer and fell 3-2. Houston finished third in the group, three points behind Arabe Unido. Houston missed an opportunity to advance to the knockout stages for the second time, by failing to beat a previously winless club.

DC United (3-2-1) 10 pts. 3rd in Group B: DC United need a win to secure advancement into the knockout stages of the tournament. Chris Pontis fired a rocket into the net in the 5th minute to give the Screaming Eagles the lead. United looked like they would hold on, but a controversial PK call allowed Israel Lopez to score in the 60th minute. United could not find a way to break the tie, and settled with a point in Mexico. With the result pointless San Juan Jabloteh to at least draw with Marathon. That was not meant to be as Marathon went on the road to beat Jaboteh 4-2, eliminating United from the competition. United fell two points shy of advance, or losing their opener at RFK proves to be the killer. Still, United faired much better in the Champions League this year, as they only managed one point in last year's tournament.

Columbus Crew (2-2-2) 8pts. 2nd in Group C: The Columbus Crew are the only American Club to advnace to the knock out round of the competions, proving that they are indeed 'America's Hardest Working Team'. The Crew needed a win at Puerto Rico to make sure that they would advance. However Noah Delgado gave the home side Islanders the lead in the 34th minute. The Crew railed for the tie thanks to the 74th minute strike by Emilio Renteria. The tie meant that the Crew would have to wait and see if what the result of the Cruz Azul Saprissa game would be. Saprissa would have to beat Azul in order jump past the Crew. But the Costa Rican club could not pull it off, as they fell to the Mexican Powerhouse 2-1. With the results the Crew are the only American side in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Puerto Rico Islanders (0-3-3) 3pts. 4th in Group C: The Islanders were out of contention a while ago, but the men of Puerto Rico were still playing for pride. On the final match day the Islanders were looking to stay undefeated on their island. They did so with the 1-1 draw against the Crew. While it is a far cry from their dream Cinderella semi-final run, the Islanders would not give in to the other three superior clubs in the group, as they fought hard to earn three draws in on their home soil. Look for the Islanders to be in the Champions League again, as they continue to be one of the more dominate clubs in the Caribbean.

While some critics may argue the overall worth of the CONCACAF Champion League, I still believe it is worth while. The more the tournament is played, the more rivalries can be created. Especially if American clubs play Mexican clubs more, and the heated International Soccer rivalry can trickle down to the club level. Also it gives the MLS good exposure in all of CONCACAF, which is important if the MLS is to become the dominate league in the region. While only one of the MLS clubs advanced to the quarter-finals, (and only one American based team, as the Islanders failed to advance), their still was improvement from the MLS in the CCL. Three MLS sides made it to the group stages, better than last year. Also all three MLS clubs were more than competitive, as both Houston and DC barely missed advancement. Now it is up to the Columbus Crew (who with a second straight Supporter's Shield I say is the best team in the MLS) to represent the States in the continent's premier club competition. Now for the American clubs it is back to the domestic league, as Champions League play will not resume until March.

Halfway through group stages of the UEFA Champions League

Midway through the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and some upsets are beginning to unfold. Every match is pivotal, and none are guaranteed as Europe's best fight for continental supremacy. While the group stage is not the one glamorized when the tournament is over, one must navigate through their respective groups if they are to be crowned Kings of Europe. Here is a group-by-group look of the UEFA Champions League after three of six rounds.

Group A: Bordeaux took the group lead thanks to a 2-1 home win over Bayern Munich. The match was an ugly one as the German Giants were on the board first do to an own goal by Michael Ciani early. Ciani then redeemed himself in the 29th with a strike for Bordeaux to even the score at 1-1. Marc Planus scored in the 40th minute, after a Bayern defender kicked the ball off him, and deflected into the net. With the win Bordeaux moved into first in the group with 7 points. Then Juventus kept their undefeated record with a 1-0 home victory of Maccabi Haifia. Giorgio Chiellini scored the game's only goal in the 47th to give the Italian club the win. Bordeaux hold the group lead with 7 points, with Juventus in second with 5 points, Bayern has four points and Haifia looks to be out of the running, as the Israeli Champions are still pointless.

Group B: CSKA Moscow gave all Manchester United could handle in Russia, but the Red Devils finally broke through in the 86th minute to give the English Champions the win on the road. Antonio Valencia scored to give Manchester United the win in a match where United out shot Moscow 17-7, but could not find the three points till late in the match. In the other match, Turkish Champions Besiktas got their first point of the competition with a scoreless draw in Wolfsburg. The German Champions played even with Besiktas, a club that usually struggles on the road. Manchester United now control the group with a perfect 3-0 record. Wolfsburg sit in second with 4 points, and Moscow has 3. Besiktas is now on the board with a point. However it looks like the real race will be between Wolfsburg and Moscow for second position.

Group C: Who would of thought that this would be one of the more closer groups in the competition at the halfway point. However, that is the case after AC Milan came from behind to win 3-2 at Madrid. Raul struck first for Real Madrid in the 19th minute, after poor goalkeeping. Then Milan scored two goals in rapid succession from Andrea Pirlo and Pato in the 62nd and 66th minute. The Spanish powerhouse would not go away as Royston Drenthe equalized in the 76th minute. However Pato ended the goal fest in the 88th minute to give AC Milan the 3-2 road victory, amidst a game of controversy in the Spanish Capital. In the other match. French side Marseille finally got points in the competition with a 1-0 win at Zurich. Gabriel Heinze scored in the 69th minute to give Marseille the win over the Swiss Champions. Despite the loss Real Madrid still hold onto the group lead over AC Milan thanks to goal differential. Marseille and Zurich are still in the hunt, as both clubs have 3 points, and only trail by three. Much is still

to be determined in this group, despite the two giants who looked to dominate the group.

Group D: Chelsea kept a perfect record as the rolled over Atletico Madrid 4-0. The English Powerhouse embarrassed the Spanish side with goals from Salomon Kalou in the 41st and 52nd minute. Frank Lampard scored in the 69th, and an own goal by Atletico was how Madrid ended an overall brutal night. Petr Cech made 5 saves for the Blues to give Chelsea the shut out. In the other match Porto's Alvaro Pereiera scored an own goal in the 21st to give Apoel Nicosia the 1-0 lead. However Hulk scored in the 33rd and 48th minute to give Porto the 2-1 home win of the Cyprus club. With the results, Chelsea only needs a draw to advance, and Porto is in second with 6 points. Meanwhile, Apoel and Atletico are struggling with a point a piece.

Group E: The season is going from bad to worse for Liverpool. They are off to not a great start in the EPL, and they lost at home to Lyon. Yossi Benayoun scored in the 41st to put the Reds up 1-0. But the English club could not hold the lead as Lyon came roaring back. Maxime Gonalons equalized in the 72nd minute, and a stoppage time goal by Cesar Delgado broke the hearts of the Anfield faithful. The other match was a goal fest as Fiorentina edged Debrecen 4-3. The Hungarian club got off to flying start with a goal in the 2nd minute. However Fiorentina scored three in a row to put the Italian club up 3-1. Gergely Rudolf scored 28th minute to pull the host within one. Then a 37th minute strike by Mario Santana put the game out of reach for Debrecen, despite a late goal. Fiorentina pulls off the 4-3 road win and is in position to advance. Lyon is in the driver's seat with 9 points, and Fiorentina is only 3 points back. Liverpool has work to do as they only have 3 points, and Debrecen are the basement dwellers with a 0-3 record.

Group F: In what has to be the ultimate surprise of the group, all teams are deadlocked halfway through the group stage. Dynamo Kiev went to Milan and drew with Inter 2-2. Taras Mikhalik put Dynamo up 1-0, the Dejan Stankovic put the Italians on level terms in the 35th minute. The an own goal in the 40th by Ferreira Lucio put the Ukrainians in the lead 2-1. Walter Samuel ended the night with a 47th minute strike to give Inter Milan the 2-2 draw at home. The ultimate upset of the tournament happened in Barcelona on Tuesday as Rubin Kazan defeated the defending champions 2-1 in Spain. The Russian side went up early in the 2nd thanks to a goal by Aleksander Ryazantsev, Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalized in the 48th for the Spanish Champions Karadeniz Gokdeniz gave Kazan the 2-1 win with a 73rd minute goal. Barclona still hold the lead in the group with mere 4 points, Kiev and Kazan both have 3 points, and Inter Milan only have one point.

Group G: Sevilla kept their perfect record with a 3-1 win at Stuttgart. Sebastien Squillaci opened the scoring in the 23rd minute for the Spanish side. Gonzalez Jesus Navas scored in the 55th to double the lead, and Squillaci put it away in the 72nd for the win in Germany. The other match saw the Cinderella of the group stages Unirea Urziceni embarrass Rangers 4-1. Ricardo Gomes Vilana scored an own goal to give the Scottish Champions the early lead. Then Unirea came roaring back with a goal by Marius Bilasco in the 32nd evened the match. Two own goals in a row conceded by Rangers put the Romanian club up 3-1, and then Pablo Brandan finished off Rangers in the 65th. Sevilla's 3-0 record is in first, a win away from advancement. The race for second is still tight, Unirea has four points, but Stuttgart and Rangers are still in contention despite underachieving through the first 3 matches.

Group H: Arsenal was seconds away from going 3-0 in the group. Then an injury time strike from AZ Alkmaar's David Mendez Da Silva saved a point for the Dutch host. Cesc Fabregas scored in the 36th minute to give the Gunners the 1-0 lead. In the other match Greek Champions Olympiakos sent Belgian Champions Standard Liegue packing with a 2-1 victory. Igor De Camargo scored in the 37th minute to give Standard the 1-0 lead. Then Konstantinos Mitroglou equalized two minutes before the half for the Olympiakos. Then in stoppage time Ieroklis Stoltidis gave the host a valuable three points. Arsenal has the group lead with 7 points, one ahead of Olympiakos. AZ Alkmaar trail with only 2 points, and Standard Liege is struggling with only one point.

Only half of the group stage script is written, and plenty of more drama and excitement is in store. The next set of matches will answer big questions. Will the superpowers hold on to their status? Can the smaller clubs overthrow the giants of the Continent? Will early success lead to just more heartbreak latter? And the most important question. Who will advance to the knock-out stages to the road to Madrid.

Controversy And Criticism With The UEFA World Cup Qualifying Round Draw

Rage, Fits, and just down right anger are flowing through Europe right now. Last week UEFA announced that they would seed the teams involved in the playoff round of World Cup Qualifying. The seeding would take place by having the four nations with the highest FIFA ranking play one of the four teams with a lower FIFA ranking. This decision by UEFA has caused uproar. And rightfully so.

Ireland was the most vocal about the seeding procedure, saying that it was a conspiracy by FIFA in order to get the better teams into the World Cup. Whatever the true reason UEFA and FIFA thought this was the best way to go about determining the playoff proceedings.

I would be okay if FIFA and UEFA would tell all the football associations involved with qualifying before the games started, that the top eight second place teams would be seeded by the Wolrd FIFA rankings. That way there would be no surprises. Instead, UEFA threw the teams a curve ball during the qualification process, and now the less teams will have to suffer. One of the main ideas of competition is to have the rules set BEFORE, the competition was done. In all honesty a real cheap shot by UEFA and FIFA.

Another thing that comes in question is the whole validity of these FIFA World Rankings. The Rankings have been called into questions before, especially when the US was tied for 5th heading into the 2006 World Cup, and finished last in their group. This year they're a couple of teams that are highly ranked, yet will not be in the World Cup. No. 8 Croatia, No. 15 Czech Republic, and No. 26 Israel are all not in the World Cup, yet North Korea at No. 91 is in, and No. 83 New Zealand and No. 94 Qatar are in a playoff to get in. You know what that means-The Rankings are USELESS. A decent guide to gauge how good a team will fair in a match, yes. A tool to have a factor in who will play who in World Cup Qualifying, NO.

However, if you feel the necessary to actually seed the playoff teams by the FIFA rankings, make sure you do so before the qualification process begins. That way all the teams competing know what they are getting into. Next time UEFA make sure everybody knows the procedures that way your not throwing anybody for a loop.

Here are the fixtures for the Playoff Stage of UEFA World Cup Qualifying:

No. 16 Greece vs. No. 22 Ukraine

No. 9 France vs. No. 34 Republic of Ireland

No. 10 Portugal vs. No. 42 Bosnia-Herzegovina

No. 12 Russia vs. No. 49 Slovenia

Monday League Review

After 217 games, the MLS playoff picture is still not fully decided. With only eight games remaining in the regular season three playoff spots are up for grabs. From here on out every game matters in the quest for the post-season. As the New York Red Bulls proved last year, anything can happen in the playoffs as you just need to put four consecutive wins to become MLS Cup Champions. This year, the last stages of the regular season are proving to be just exciting as the playoffs themselves, to quote Toronto FC Head Coach Chris Cummins 'Every match for us in a Cup match'. With that kind of mentality the regular season finale should prove to be a real nail-bitter. Here is a review of last week's action, that will serve as a set-up to the regular season finale.

Real Salt Lake 2-0 New York Red Bulls

Real Salt Lake need this one badly as the Lakers have to finish out their last three matches with three wins. Still it did not come easy, on Thursday night, at Rio Tinto Stadium as it took until the 80th minute Andrew Willimas to put Salt Lake on the board. Even though RSL out shot New York 12-3, the Red Bulls hung in the match. It took a stoppage time goal from Fabian Espindola to secure the 2-0 win for Salt Lake. The Lakers Nick Rimando made two saves to earn the shutout. With the win Real Salt Lake still are in contention for the playoffs heading into the weekend.

Toronto FC 1-0 Real Salt Lake

It was a battle of desperation in Toronto, as both Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake both need three points to give themselves a fighting chance in the last week of the season. Jim Brennan scored in the 47th minute to give Toronto the 1-0 home win, and three valuable points. The match was even as both sides posted 9 shots, but Toronto's Brian Edwards posted six saves compared to Nick Rimando's five. With the win Toronto trails Dallas for the final playoff spot, being only 8 markers back in goal differential. The Reds need a win and some help if they want to get the franchise's first playoff birth. RSL still has a shot for the post-season, but they need to jump four teams in order to do it. The loss north of the border might finally do in Salt Lake. Still both sides have a chance this weekend to make some magic happen.

New England Revolution 0-0 Chicago Fire

A tale of two teams that have been falling off in terms of form as the season ends. The Fire had a chance to secure second in the conference, but will have to wait till Thursday as they could only get a point in New England. The Revolution had the biggest advantage of getting a playoff birth as they had a couple of games in hand compared to the rest of the league. Now the Revs are looking for some last match magic to get them into their eighth consecutive post-season. New England out shot Chicago 15-8, but Jon Busch made six saves for the Men in Red, while Matt Reis posted 3 saves for the Revolution. The Fire need a point to guarantee second in the East, while the Revs need a win and some help.

DC United 1-0 Columbus Crew

Talk about clutch wins, DC United needed a win to keep in the playoff race, and they had to do it against the defending champions. However Luciano Emilio's 17th minute goal gave United the 1-0 in the RFK. The Crew out shot the Screaming Eagles 8-2, but DC keeper Steve Cronin, in his first MLS start, made four saves for the shutout. The Crew completely outplayed United, but the United's only shot on target managed to go into the net to give United the 1-0 upset win. With the result DC has a fighting chance to make the post season, as they sit in ninth in the league, only trailing Dallas on goal differential. As for the Crew, Columbus has not officially won the Supporter's Shield yet, but only Chivas can threaten them by winning their last two matches.

FC Dallas 2-1 Colorado Rapids

If somebody in August told me that FC Dallas would make the playoffs, I probably would try to put you in a mental institution. However Dallas has won five of their last six matches, and currently are in the last last playoff position. Coming into the weekend, Dallas controlled their own destiny. George John put Dallas on the board early in the 4th minute, and the home side was up 1-0. Ugo Ihemelu doubled Dallas' lead in the 66th minute. Pat Noonan pull one back in the 71st minute, but it was not enough as FC Dallas defeated the Rapids 2-1. Dallas is in eight in the standing, the last playoff spot. The problem for Dallas is that they travel to Seattle to finish the year, which will be no easy task. Colorado is in seventh in the league, and by no means safe. The Rapids play arc-rivals Salt Lake in Utah. This weekend will be vital for both clubs as wins will probably be necessary if both teams want to be in the post-season.

Kansas City Wizards 2-3 Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders clinched a playoff birth in the franchise's first year with a 3-2 win at Kansas City. Other than Seattle officially getting into the playoffs of this game, instead of next game which they probably would of got in anyway, there were no real implications for both clubs. Tyrone Marshall scored in the 28th minute to put Seattle up 1-0. Then the Wizards Zoltan Hercegfalvi and Josh Wolff scored three minute apart to put the host Wizards up 2-1. Then Seattle's Roger Levesque scored in the 69th minute, and Nate Jaqua scored in the 76th minute to give the Sounders three points. It has been a rough season for the Wizards, with the firing of their had coach, and a dismal 8-13-8 record. The Sounder's have had a dream first season, with the best fan's in the league (avg. attendance over 32,000), Seattle has created a true soccer atmosphere in the Northwest. Look out for Seattle in the playoffs.

Chivas USA 2-2 San Jose Earthquakes

Chivas still has an outside shot at claiming in the Supporter's Shield, but a 2-2 draw against the mediocre Earthquakes will not help. Maykel Galindo scored in the 7th minute for Chivas, but the Earthquakes came back with goals from Brandon McDonald in the 21st minute, and Ryan Johnson in the 58th. However, the Goats found away to salvage a draw at home when Justin Braun struck in the 66th to save a point for Chivas. San Jose has been play well lately, losing only once since August. Chivas can still win the Supporter's Shield but will need two wins if they want any shot at the regular season title.

Houston Dynamo 0-0 Los Angeles Galaxy

This was supposed to be a match that would make the Western Conference table a lot more clearer. Instead, we are left with three teams time for first in the West. The Galaxy out shot The Dynamo 11-9, but neither side could find the net. With the both teams in the playoffs, the these teams is seeding, as no team wants to be on the road for the second match of a two-match fixture. Both teams will wait to see what the result of the Chivas match this Thursdays. Then the three competitors will all be even on games left, and know what each team needs to do for the last week if they want the Western Conference title.

The last week of the season will prove to be exciting, every match will have an impact on the standings, as chances are it will come down to goal differential to determine who is in and who is out. Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Chivas USA, Seattle are all in. Chicago needs a point to make sure they are in, but goal differential still will keep them in if they lose against Chivas. Colorado controls their own destiny as a win will put them into the post-season. Dallas, DC, New England, and Toronto all have 39 points, and RSL has 37 points. What might be the most odd is that of the teams fighting for the playoffs, none of them playoff each other. Nothing else can be said until the weekend is played out. As the MLS regular season is coming down to the wire in the most exciting season yet.

UEFA Qualifying Wrap-Up

The dust has settled in the year long battle for qualification in Europe. While not all the teams are set, the nine group winners have already secured spots in South Africa 2010. More excitement will come once the playoff draw is announced on Monday, and the playoffs actually take place. But for now the focus is on the nine nations who won their group, and earned a right to play in International Football's most prestigious competition. Here is a review of how the nine groups in Europe came to an end.

Group 1: Winner-Denmark: Playoffs-Portugal: Out-Sweden, Hungry, Albania, Malta. Denmark clinched the group on Saturday with a 1-0 home win in Sweden, a match that determined first in the group, and Denmark's fourth World Cup appearance. Jacob Poulson put in the match's only goal in the 78th minute. At the same time Portugal gained three valuable points thanks to Pepe's 10th minute strike to give Portugal a 1-0 at Hungry. With the win, Portugal was one point ahead of Sweden heading into the final day. Sweden thumped Albania 4-1, meaning Portugal had to win to get into the playoffs. However the Portuguese had no problems with Malta, beating the island nation 4-0. With the win, Portugal qualified for the playoffs to get into the World Cup.

Group 2: Winner-Switzerland: Playoffs-Greece: Out-Latvia, Isreal, Luxembourg, Moldova. The Swiss won the group thanks to a 3-0 at Luxembourg, and then a 0-0 draw against Israel to clinch a World Cup Birth, the ninth for Switzerland. Greece and Latvia met in the match to decide second place on Saturday. Theofanis Gekas put the Greeks up 1-0 early, but Maris Verpakovskis scored two in a row for Latvia. Then the Greeks came back in force, Gekas put in three goals in the second half, as the Greeks rolled to a 5-2 win. With the three point lead, the Greeks only need a point to secure second-they got three. Greece beat Luxembourg 2-1, while Latvia beat Moldova 3-2. With the win, Greece secured second, and a playoff birth.

Group 3: Winner-Slovakia: Playoffs-Slovenia: Out-Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, Poland, San Marino. Thanks to an own goal by Poland's Sewryn Gancarcyk in the 4th minute, the Slovakians avoid blowing a 5 point lead with two rounds left. On Saterday Slovakia could of clinched the nations first World Cup as an independent nation, but they were upset at home to Slovenia 2-0, thanks to goals by Slovenia's Valter Birsa and Nejc Pecnik. With the win the Slovenia trimmed the Slovakian lead from 5 point to 2. Slovenia then beat San Marino 3-0 to put the pressure on Slovakia, but the 1-0 win for Slovakia was enough to win the group. Slovenia still will be the playoffs as their win over San Marino made it impossible for the Czech Republic to catch them.

Group 4: Winner-Germany: Playoffs-Russia: Out-Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein. The top two in this group was decided a while ago, leaving the only matter on the table on who would win the group, and who would have to go through the playoffs. Germany won the group with Miroslav Klose's 35th minute strike to beat Russia 1-0. With the win, Germany secures the nation's 17th World Cup (only missed two due to being banned because of causing WWII, and the first one, because of the problems of getting to South America in the 1930's). Russia will be in the playoffs as they were guaranteed second after losing to Germany.

Group 5: Winner-Spain: Playoffs-Bosnia-Herzegovina: Out-Turkey, Belgium, Estonia, Armenia. This group was decided in June as the Spanish went a perfect 10-0, outscoring opponents 28-5. That left second place up for grabs, however Bosnia secured second with a 2-0 win at Estonia, while the only team that could catch them Turkey lost 2-0 at Belgium. This made the last day of play useless, as Spain already secured the nation's thirteenth World Cup birth, while Bosnia-Herzegovina will fight in the playoffs for spot in South Africa.

Group 6: Winner-England: Playoffs-Ukraine: Out-Croatia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra. England wrapped the group up a long time ago. However the one blemish on their 9-1 record proves to be significant to the group as Ukraine won at home against the English 1-0, thanks to a 29th minute goal by Sergey Khizhnichenko the Ukrainians pulled one point ahead of Croatia, and needed a win to secure a playoff spot. Croatia added pressure to Ukraine by beating Kazakhstan 2-1, to force Ukraine to get three points in order to finish second. However, Ukraine made it anti-climatic with 6-0 thrashing of Andorra. England will be in their thirteenth World Cup, while Ukraine will test their luck in the playoffs.

Group 7: Winner-Serbia: Playoffs-France: Out-Austria, Lithuania, Romania, Faroe Islands. Serbia rolled over Romania 5-0 to give the country it's first World Cup birth as the Nation of Serbia, they have qualified as Serbia and Montenegro in 2006, and nine times as Yugoslavia. With the win over Romania, their last game did not matter. The race for second was not close as France ended up seven points clear of Austria. France's 5-0 win over the Faroe Islands officially put them into the playoffs.

Group 8: Winner-Italy: Playoffs-Ireland: Out-Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro, Georgia. World Champion Italy continue the defence of the Cup by winning their group. The Italians clinched their seventeenth World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Ireland on Saturday. Twice the Italians came back to take a point on Erie. That same draw also secured second for the Irish, with the 2-2, Ireland played their last match against Montenegro to a scoreless draw. With second the Irish advance into the playoffs.

Group 9: Winner-Netherlands: Out-Norway, Scotland, Macedonia, Iceland. OK, opening rant: It is COMPLETELY unfair to the teams in the ninth group to only play eight points to qualify. It does not affect the group standings, but when the eight best second place finishers qualify for the playoffs it is a severe disadvantage to the second place team who does not have enough games to collect points to compete with the other second place finishers. Thus, as comes no surprise, the second place finisher did not have the points necessary to compete with the other groups. Netherlands went a perfect 8-0 to qualify for their ninth World Cup. The group was decided by June, and second place Norway only accumulated 10 points in 8 games, which to be fair to UEFA, would not get them in the World Cup in any group.

With the group stages over most of the nations fates are sealed. For the eight second place finishers, the Monday draw will prove to be interesting. FIFA has announced they will seed the drawing, so that the four better teams will each play a weaker team as determined in the ranking. Leaving the Irish upset that FIFA chose to 'fix it so the stronger teams will be in to sell more tickets'. The seeded teams are France, Russia, Portugal, and Greece. Leaving Ireland, Austria, Ukraine, and Bosnia-Herzegovina as the remanding teams. The two-games playoff series will prove to be exciting as the final four of thirteen spots UEFA has in the World Cup will be determined.

An Emotional Ending

It's funny how human emotions work, and how quickly they can be turned upside down. The United States Men's Soccer Team was trailing, at home to Costa Rica heading into stoppage time. The Americans were creating boat loads of opportunities but lacked that last finishing touch. Meanwhile, Costa Rica was counting down to the nation's World Cup birth, as a win would put them threw. The loss would end the Americans home unbeaten run in World Cup
Qualifiers, dating back to their last loss in 2001 in RFK Stadium against Honduras. Also with the loss the Mexico would pull ahead of the US and be winners of the CONCACAF group.

Then the moment of decision, an astounding five minutes into stoppage time the US earned a corner kick. Robbie Rogers, who just came into the game, sent the corner into the box looking for somebody to put a head on the ball. Then Jonathan Bornstein put the ball in the back of the net, and RFK Stadium was rocking. The last minute equalizer came after both the head and assistant coach for Costa Rica were sent off, and had to watch the last minute unfold on the locker room television.

The Americans fell behind 2-0 after Bryan Ruiz put in goals in the 20th and 23rd minute to give Costa Rica a secure lead heading into the late stages of the match. The Ticos needed a win to guarantee themselves a spot in next year's World Cup, and heading into the last twenty minutes of the match it looked like that to be the case. Meanwhile elsewhere in the region, Trinidad and Tobago was holding on to a 2-2 scoreline against Mexico-thus only a tie would be necessary for the US to win CONCACAF. As for Costa Rica, Honduras was holding a 1-0 edge over El Salvador, meaning a win is necessary for the Ticos to qualify tonight.

Then the world began to fall on the Costa Ricans. Michael Bradley put in a goal in the 71st minute, finally the breakthrough the US needed after a night of creating opportunities and not finishing them. The goal sparked life into the American crowd, as the tension began to build. Costa Rica began to fall back more, and the sending off of two coaches did not help their cause. Still, Costa Rica looked good heading into the closing seconds of the match. Then the US earned a corner, and everybody got a suspicious feeling that the Americans might pull this one out of nowhere. -At the same time, the Mexican/Trinidad result is final 2-2, the US needs only to tie to win the group. Also Honduras looking for their second World Cup birth all-time won 1-0, meaning Costa Rica needs to hold on-. Bornstein's header just made it inside the right post, and made the scoreline 2-2. In one second the United States went from desperation to jubilation, while Costa Rica descended from hope to despair. The final whistle blew, and the Americans celebrated another first place in CONCACAF, and finishing off a successful bid to qualify for the nation's sixth straight World Cup. Also the American finished ahead of Mexico in the final table, always an accomplishment to finish ahead of your hated rivals.

In addition to the official qualifying celebration, the US were sending salutes to Charlie Davies, the star-forward who was involved in a car accident this Monday Night, and required 8 hours of surgery. The team held a banner of Charlie's number 9, as well as the initials AJR, in honor of Ashley J. Roberta, 22, who was killed in that accident. Sam's Army as well as DC's Barra Brava showed support for Davies in the 9th minute by holding up his number throughout the minute-in which Conor Casey had a golder opportunity to put a goal in the ninth to make the story pure Hollywood. Still, it was a dream match for the Americans. A 2-2 draw was enough to secure first in the region, and end an emotional roller-coaster that is World Cup Qualifying. On the other side of the pitch, Costa Rica's emotions took a back seat. In the course of 30 seconds the Ticos went from being in the World Cup, to having to play a 2-game playoff with South America's 5th place team Uruguay, not fun. But, it is the hour belongs to the Americans, who after winning the group, still have an outside shot of claiming a seed for the World Cup in June, if other qualifying playoff results go their way. For now that is not the focus, instead that is on the people and families involved in Monday's crash, and an American team that can take a much needed rest after the grueling 16 month qualifying campaign, that began so long ago, with an 8-0 thumping of Barbados.

US Playing For Something More Than Qualification

With the 3-2 victory over Honduras on Saturday the United States Men's National Team has secured a spot in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The moments after the match were joyful, and full of celebration, as the nation would be in their sixth straight world cup, dating back to the Americans remarkable 1990 Qualification run. However, the mood changed following a car accident that involved United State's Forward Charlie Davies, as well as the driver of the car, and the death of a young woman. Now Soccer seems to be the least important thing on the minds of the American players as they approach the finale to their qualification campaign. Still, Bob Bradley must keep the team focused, as it is still important that the Americans finish out qualifying on the right note.

Right now the US holds the top spot in CONCACAF and looks to maintain on that spot, and have the bragging rights of being the best of the region. Even though the US is now on the World Football scene, every American Soccer fan still smiles when they see the United States ahead of Mexico in the standing-in an overall effort to dispel the myth that Mexicans are superior to Americans in the World's game. Also if some of the giants of Europe, or even Argentina fail to qualify for World Cup, being first in the region gives the US a better chance of being seeded into the tournament, which will prove to be a barrier against being drawn into a 'group of death'. With that on the line, the US still finds it important to do well in this match in the nation's capitol, and finish first in CONCACAF.

Winning tonight will also help create momentum coming into the World Cup. Tonight's match against Costa Rica will be the last meaningful match for the Americans heading into South Africa. The US will play friendlies against team's like Denmark and Iran. While playing against possible World Cup opposition is a good thing, it will not surpass the intesity of playing in a qualifer. In truth, with Costa Rica desperate for point to make sure they finish in the top three (right now Costa Rica is in third with 15 points, and probobably needs a win to finish in the top 3, since Honuras is favored to win agianst El Salvador). In addition to this game being the last match that matters for the US, the Americans have made it impossible for forign opposition to win a Qualfiy in the US, the Americans last home loss was September 2001, when the Red, White, and Blue lost in RFK Stadium, to El Salvador. Bradley's side will look to make sure that winning streak will continue. With first place, and pride on the line, the US will be looking to defend the nation's capitol when they take the field.

However, the what might be the biggest reason why the US goes for the win is for Charlie. With Davies out the Stars and Stripes will have extra motivation to get a win in for him. Two things happen when a team goes through tragedy, they either fold or get stronger. Knowing Bob Bradley and his stoic mannerism, the US will get stronger. While thinking of their injured comrade and his family (as well as the others involved in the crash), the US will overcome this tragedy. The Americans have worked for more than a year to get to this point, and they won't let anything stop them. Sam's Army will be out to support the US for their final game of the qualification process. This game offers a different challenge, not one on the field, but in the player's minds. With Pride, Seeding, Defending Home, and Playing for an Injured Teammate, the US will be playing for a lot against Costa Rica. As the match tonight in the RFK Stadium is not about qualifying, it's about character.

Battered, Beaten, and Bloodied- but Qualified

It may have taken longer than what people may have wanted it to. But the United States is qualified for the World Cup in 2010. It became official when the United State's Men's National Team won their second straight World Cup Qualifier on the road, defeating Honduras 3-2. However many fans of the United States National Team will complain that the Stars and Stripes lock on qualification took too long, as the American needed nine matches to punch their tickets to South Africa. However one must look at the basic facts, the United States is in the World Cup, and that is all that is necessary in qualification.

The US secured their second road win on the road to improve their record to 2-2-1, .500 is not half-bad. Julio Leon struck first for the home side in the 47th minute to put Honduras up 1-0. Down 1-0 on the road, it was not a great situation for Bob Bradley's side, then Colorado Rapids man Conor Casey equalized in the 58th minute. Then Casey made struck again only seven minutes later to put the Stars and Stripes up 2-1, Qualification is now in sight. Then Landon Donovan (give praise to Landon Donovan) scored in the 69th minute to put the US up 3-1, people started making hotel arrangements in the Rainbow Nation. Then Leon scored his second of the night for the host to pull Honduras back into one, okay small worries. Then a handball call on the US in the box gave Honduras their best chance to pull out a draw. Carlos Pavon stepped up to take the PK, with time running low this was it for the host. However Pavon, a world-class player, sent the kick wide. Avoiding the scare Bob Bradley's team escapes Honduras with the 3-2 win.

The United States is now locked into the World Cup for 2010, with 19 points the US is now assured a spot in South Africa, along with Mexico with 18 points. The win was tainted on Monday Night with news of US Forward Charlie Davis suffering an injury from a car-crash. It is unclear how the impact will effect Charlie's career. Right now, the injury is not life-threatening, instead it is officially being labeled as 'possible career threatening'. However, it is still unclear whether or not Charlie Davis will be able to play anytime soon, or at all. Right now that is not important, what is important that Davis gets to a speedy recovery.

As for the rest of the team, the focus is not set on Costa Rica tomorrow at RFK Stadium. While, the US is still already qualified for the World Cup, Costa Rica needs a win as chances are Honduras will pass them by beating El Salvador. The US have not lost in the US since they lost in September of 2001, and with the injury to Davis, the US might have more to play for than just qualification. Still, for the Bob Bradley must take a quick sigh of relief before preparing his squad for Costa Rica. It has been a rough road, and with Davis' injury, the road will still be rough. But battered and beaten the US marches on to 2010 South Africa.

Monday League Review

Writer's Note: Due to complications involving my Internet connection, this week's Monday League Review Column was pushed back to Tuesday, thus I will post two Tuesday articles.

With the rest of the soccer world focused on the FIFA International play this weekend, there were only 3 matches this week. However each match featured a team in the middle of the playoff race, so every match was significant. Also most of the teams needed to make up games on the other team, so this weekend's action cleared up the playoff scenario. Here is a review of the set of matches on the weekend.

Toronto FC 1-1 San Jose Earthquakes

In the middle of a playoff race, playing a match at home against the pathetic Earthquakes, Toronto FC NEEDED 3 points, instead they only can get one point. Dropping the two points could be the death of the playoff bid for the Reds. Nana Attakora-Gyan scored in the 47th minute to put Toronto up 1-0. The Reds controlled the game, and out shot San Jose 9-3, forcing Earthquake keeper Joe Cannon to make 6 saves. However Cornell Glen scored in stoppage time off San Jose's only shot on target. The tie against San Jose was a killer for Toronto, who is looking to make their first post-season in franchise history. The Reds are two points behind the Revolution for the last playoff spot, and have to jump clubs to get into position to pass New England. The good news is that Toronto's last two games are home against Salt Lake, and at the league's worst New York, however this too was supposed to be an easy game against a bad team, yet they could only collect one point.

New England Revolution 0-1 Columbus Crew

This result comes close to confirming what most knew all along, the Columbus Crew are the best team in MLS. It is not official since the Crew need to take a win and tie of their last two matches to make it official. What is even more impressive than the Crew's record, is the depth of the club. Playing well in the Champions League, and MLS is a testimony to the club's depth as Gino Padula scored the only goal in the 34th minute to secure the 1-0 road win. The Revolution did out shoot the Crew 7-5, but could not find the back of the net. With the win, the Crew are only four points away from claiming the Supporter's Shield for the second year in a row. The Revolution are in the last playoff spot with 38 points, a two point advantage over three clubs with two rounds left. Problem is the Revs play the top two in East, Chicago and Columbus to close the year out. Getting in playoffs may be to close to call at Gillette Stadium.

Chivas USA 2-0 Kansas City Wizards

Chivas USA did something no other playoff contender did: Help themselves. The Goats hosted the Kansas City Wizards, and beat them on two second half goals. Justin Braun struck in the 72nd minute, and Sacha Kljestan found the net two minute later to secure the 2-0 home win. The Wizards out shot Chivas 9-7, but Zach Thornton made three saves recorded his MLS leading 12th the shutout, that's 44% of all games Chivas has played, can you say playoff sleeper. With the loss the Wizards are officially out of the playoff race-they've only been in post-season limbo for a month and a half. Chivas is now second in the West, and with a game on hand against Columbus, Chivas is the Crew's biggest threat for the Supporter Shield. Now that the Goats have locked up a playoff spot, they can focus on improving their seed in the Western Conference, this looks like a solid team to compete for the MLS Cup.

Two weeks left and half of the playoff spots are still up for grabs. While they are not safe yet, Chicago and Seattle should secure their playoff spots by the end of next week, joining Columbus, Houston, and both Los Angelas teams (which would be the first time in league history that two teams from the same city would be in the post-season together.) That leaves the final two spots to the survivors of the dogfight that is about to take place. New England and Dallas have the inside track, but I still will not give up on Toronto, and that weak schedule they have left. Either way, this last two weeks in the league should be fun.

US looks to wrap-up Qualification tonight.

After playing 16 games, it will come down to the last two matches to determine the United States' future concerning South Africa 2010. The United States leads the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying with 16 points heading into the final week of qualifying. The Americans already have secured a top 4 position, meaning the worst scenario for the Yanks would be to play the fifth place team from South American in a two game playoff (nightmare). However, there really is no reason why the Americans can not clinch a top 3 position, as the Americans only need to win against Honduras tonight, or tie Costa Rica on Wednesday. Even if they can not do either, there still is a good chance the Americans will advance anyway.

The task for the United States tonight is to secure a win on the road against a solid Honduras side. With the win the US will be qualified for the World Cup, and will not have to worry about securing a spot on the last day of qualification. Still, the idea of getting three point on the road for the US is not an enticing proposition. So far the United States are 1-2-1 in their other road matches, and have been outscored 7-5. In addition Honduras are a perfect 4-0 at home, outscoring their opponents 12-2. With this history one must wonder if Bob Bradley will take the conservative approach and play for the tie in a difficult situation.

However, the idea of clinching Qualification tonight is too big of an award to be passed up. A win tonight is a victory on two fronts, one the US is in the World Cup, now it is time to focus on next summer in South Africa. And two, the US is more than capable of going into a hostile crowd (literally), and playing and beating a home team that is looking for points just as much as the US are. The knock on the Americans being the 'Giants of CONCACAF' is that they can not beat the inferior teams on the road, and with a 1-2-1 record including a tie at El Salvador and a 3-1 in Costa Rica, those claims are justified. By winning tonight, the United States sends the message to the continent, and the world that the US is here to stay in terms of top-notch international football.

This summer's Confederation Cup success has put the Men's National team on the map in both the United States, and the World. While a disappointing performance in Mexico did taint that, the US are doing well in the second half of qualification coming into tonight with a two game winning streak. Tonight is not just about qualifying, it's about sending a message. Even if the Americans fail to win at Honduras, they still can qualify with a Costa Rica loss or tie. Still you want your destiny in your own hands, and relying on Trinidad to get a win at Costa Rica is never a good strategy. So for now, the equation to qualification is simple, win and your in. Otherwise Sam's Army might have to sweat through a last day qualification match with Costa Rica, a game that might decide the entire fate of US Soccer for the next for year. So for the US, win at Honduras, and avoid limping into the World Cup in South Africa.

The Don Has Spoken

This week what has to be considered as just plain old odd will take place in the world of football (soccer). Don Garber, commissioner of the MLS, the American soccer league that is a financial minnow in terms of soccer financial backing, will be giving advice to European League about how to keep their clubs and league in financially security. -----I will hold while we all ponder this----. The guy in charge of the the league with a salary cap roughly above a flimsy $2.6 Million a club, compared to the European Leagues who can spend all the money in Fort Know to put a team on the field.

Okay, at first glance the obvious thought has to be should not this process be the other way around. I mean, lets do math, Manchester United averages 76,000, DC United averages 19,000. Real Madrid boast Christiano Ronaldo, Raul, Kaka, and Xabi Alonso. Houston Dynamo boast Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark, and Brian Mullen. It is not a secret that European Football trumps American soccer in most categories.

However if there is one thing the MLS knows how to do, it save money. Only the MLS could survive while clubs like New York, and Dallas average about 8,000 for a game. The MLS, whether it is a blessing or a curse, is a league that is built to survive harsh economic times, something Europe's Top teams can't. Case in point, how is Newcastle United, a Premiership Club since the conception of the EPL in financial ruin. Why is Portsmouth threatening to close. Why is Manchester United, the most famous club in the world, in debt? Yet at the same time, the Houston Dynamo are turning a profit.

Thanks to the MLS salary cap the American clubs are not allowed to by every talented player under the sun, and you better believe most MLS owners could do it easily. Instead the salary cap avoids a 'Manchester City' from forming on this side of the pond. This summer Manchester City spent $200 Million in this summer alone, and that number was not enough to be the top spender of the summer, as Real Madrid put out $355 Million to put together their Super Team. Okay people this is getting out of hand. It may turn out that the lowly MLS needs to shake some sence into these bigger European clubs before they self-destruct. For those who say I am exaggerating see Leeds United, a club in the UEFA Champions League in 2001, now in Football League One, England's Third tier...ouch.

While an MLS style salary-cap may be a bit excessive, European clubs need to come to a consensual agreement of how much is too much. Perhaps a limit on how much one players transfer can be, or a limit on the individual salaries of players. Either top European Clubs figure out a way to be more sustainable in this economic climate, or some the giants of Europe will find themselves to be dwarfs. The world is in a recession UEFA, get with the program and cutback all ready.

EPL Overlook

After eight of third-eight rounds the plot of the English Premier League is starting to take shape. Each week offs a new challenges for every club. While the top clubs will be looking for the league crown and a spot in the Champions Leagues. Smaller clubs may be shooting for the Europa League as a possible goal. Even the bottom dwellers have their own race to compete is, and the always painful effort to avoid the embarrassment of relegation. After eight weeks here are some
observations around the league.

Usually Suspects On Top: Right now Chelsea lead the league with 21 points, and Manchester United trails with 19. The two clubs came in as the favorites, and they are not disappointing. Didier Dragba leads the Blues with 6 goals, and 5 assist. Chelsea can attribute their success to an undefeated record at Stanford Bridge (4-0). The Red Devils are at there heels with Manchester's 2-2 draw with Sunderland as the difference between first and second. Wayne Rooney leads Manchester with 6 goals, and crowd favorite Ryan Giggs has 5 assist, the most among Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The top two play their first game against each other November 8th at Stamford Bridge.

Champions League Spoilers: Every year you here the same old story from the experts. Which one of the 'Big Four' will take the crown, and can anybody crack into this fantastic four. Well this year two of England's elite are out of the top four, and one would miss international competition all together. Tottenham Hotspur sits in third with 16 points, ahead of Manchester City in fourth who trail the Spurs on goal differential. At the beginning of the year I received some criticisms for not putting the Spurs in my top 7 for the league, (this is my sincere apology). Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe lead the Spurs with 5 goals a piece. Meanwhile Manchester City (with all the money in the world, seriously you are threatening the financial market of the game). OK rant over, Manchester City sits in the final Champions League position, looking to become clean of the mark of being the team in Manchester that nobody cares about. City was predicted to have lots of turmoil, but give credit to Mark Hughes who has this side in fourth. Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor both have four goals. Despite losing in a thriller to their cross-town rivals. The Blue club in Manchester is proving to be money well spent.

Giants On The Outside Looking In: With Tottenham and Manchester City breaking into the top 4, two clubs are left out: Liverpool, and Arsenal. Arsenal was the one threatened to drop since they have such a young club. The Gunners are doing well enough with the youth right now in fifth, good for a Europa League spot. However in North London, Champions League is still the expectations, and Arsene Wenger. A positive not to Arsenals play so far is the goal scoring. Arsenal has put in 24 goals in only 7 games, scoring 4 or more goals in 4 games. The other big club that would be out of all international competition would be Liverpool (the club that I picked to win the EPL -AND I'M STICKING BY IT). Liverpool had a slow start losing two of its first three matches. Then the Reds went on a roll until losing a match at Chelsea 2-0. Fernando Torres is doing most the work in Northeast England putting in eight goals, which is more than a third of Liverpool's total production. Other teams that I though would threaten the top four are Aston Villa: 7th, Everton 10th and Fulham: 15th. Win Some Lose Some.

The Battle Of The Bottom-Feeders: One idea that needs to make it to this side of the Atlantic:Relegation. Just think then the Detroit Lions, and the Oakland Raiders of the NFL will never have to ruin a league of high quality teams. In English Football the teams at the bottom of the standing have to fight to stay in the top division, as the best of the minor-league teams will be promoted to the big show. Right now Hull City, West Ham United, and Portsmouth would be relegated. None of those clubs as big as Newcastle who were in the guillotine last year. West Ham being relegated would be a shock (and make for a really good plot to Green Street Hooligans II)-cult classic I recommend it. Clubs flirting with the disaster area are newly promoted Wolverhampton, Blackburn (former EPL Champions), and Fulham (yes, my beloved Fulham who I picked to be a contender for the Europa League are flirting with disaster.) What is an interesting note is that right now Wolverhampton, Stoke City, and Birmingham, all promoted teams are still above the relegation zone. Still a long way to go to be thinking your safe from the bottom three, and plenty of time to get out of English Football limbo.

The important thing to note is that it is still early in the year. The current plot is bound to change, and new characters will emerge in lead rolls. With every game proving to be a challenge, it should be another great year of English Premier League Football.

Nothing But Positives can be drawn from US Hosting World Cup.

Last week thousands of people in the city of Chicago were disappointed as they watched the IOC announce the Windy City as the first team to be eliminated from contention to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. While most were disappointed with the IOC decision, many people were pleased that Chicago did not receive the bid, citing that the City could not host such a large event. From a lack of geographic space, the cost of the games, and the just plain of lack of space are all valid reasons why Chicago hosting the games could do more harm than good to the city. However America has another chance to secure a bid to host a large international sporting event: The World Cup.

Former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger right now is the head of the United States' bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup Bid, and with the abstinence of the Olympics in 2016, the United States might have a better shot of securing the World Cup in the following years. While the same political motives may cut down the US bid to host the Cup, most of the arguments against the Olympics to be held in Chicago cannot be made against the World Cup. Here is a brief run-down of why an American World Cup is more reasonable and beneficial than the Olympics in a crowded city like Chicago.

1. The Nation host the tournament, not one particular city. One of the greatest parts about the World cup is that the nation gets to host the tournament, and not one city. This creates a sense of national unity, as the whole county, and not one particular area gets to host the international community. Also the format for the World Cup spreads the burden for the host cities. Instead of having people from every county of the world in one area, the travels will be spread out through 8-10 cities as they follow their team. The multiple cites format trumps the Olympic format one two fronts. More cities get to reap the rewards of hosting the tournament, and the multiple cities can share the burden of hosting the international community.

2. The Infrastructure required for the World Cup is already established. United States World Cup Infrastructure check list: Large Stadiums with lots of parking spaces- (Rose Bowl, LA Coliseum Cowboys Stadium, Giants Stadium, Liberty Mutual Field, Solider Field, etc.) CHECK. Transportation city to get fans to travel across the country so they can follow their favorite clubs- (Very sophisticated and well organized and built highway system, second only to Germanic Nations, Also a good excuse to get the nation to invest in a high-speed train system before the tournament starts, enviormentalist and sustainable energy people should be pushing this if the US gets the bid, and finally the air-lines, window are aisle?) CHECK. Hotels to lodge people for a month long tournament- (What else are the Hiltons good for?) CHECK. The rest are minor detail really. I would suggest a more integrated train system, but for the most part the US could host the World Cup in two months, and not a whole lot would have to be done.

3. The World Cup is a Guaranteed Money Maker: The biggest drawback for Chicago hosting the Olympic Games was how much the games would cost, and the uncertainty that the investment would pay off-especially for a city already in financial trouble. With the World Cup, that is not going to be a worry. The World Cup makes money PERIOD. Critics will say Soccer is not popular in the United States, how will the tournament make any money. However, history is on the US Bid's side. In 1994, a time when Soccer was WAY less popular in this country than it is now-Soccer is well on it's way to challenging Hockey for the title of America's Fourth Sport. When the US hosted the 1994 Cup the tournament was attended by a World Cup record 3,587,538 people attended the tournament for an average of 68,991 a match. This proved to be the highest grossing tournament in World Cup History. With larger Stadiums, more games, and a bigger enthusiasm for soccer in the United States, those figures are bound to exceed the '94 Cup. This would be revenue from the tournament alone, think about the tourism, travel, hotels, etc. The World Cup would be a great stimulus package for the American economy, now that Change I believe in.

Hosting the World Cup has so many more advantages than the Olympics could ever fathom. Sure, many will argue soccer is not big in the country, however few will argue the game is growing in the US, who knows where it will be by 2018. Also even with a minimal soccer following the United States World Cup of 1994 was a great success. With more than one city being able to host the tournament, and America's capacity to already make it a successful tournament. Americans and FIFA would be foolish not to have the World Cup in the US. So to all who are bummed about a lack of lorel wreaths, and Olympic Tradition that will not take place in the US. I say smile- bigger fish are coming our way-and they have bigger dollar signs on them.

Monday League Review

With three weeks left in the season, and the MLS playoff race is still a big mess. Columbus is in the playoff race, and Los Angeles and Houston clinched spots today. That leaves seven teams with a realistic possibility of claiming the final five playoff spot. With the current cutoff point coming down to two points, every goal, point and, win will affect have on the standings as the season comes to a draw. As the season plays into the cold months, the playoff racing is heating up. Here is a review of the week's action.

FC Dallas 1-0 New England Revolution
Heading into the playoff push the New England have a big advantage over the other teams, having two games on hand over their closest competition. However games in hand do not help when you do not get results. Steve Nicol's side traveled to Dallas to play a feisty squad looking to finish out the year strong. Dallas out shot New England 8-1, and Jeff Cunningham scored in 75th minute. Dario Sala only had to make one save for the Hoops to get a shutout win at the clubs first match at the Cotton Bowl since 2004. Dallas still has a slight chance for the post-season, but it's not going to happen in Dallas. The Revolution need to pick it up to secure a spot in the playoffs, otherwise all these games in hand at the end of the season will go to waste.

Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 Chicago Fire
In the course of 3 months the Galaxy saved their season, from yet another disappointment, to the clubs first playoff birth since the 2005 MLS Cup winning season. Captain Landon Donavan chipped Fire Keeper Jon Busch in the 42nd minute to give the Galaxy a 1-0 win at the Home Depot Center. The Galaxy's Donovan Ricketts made four saves for his seventh shutout for the season. The Galaxy are the league's best home team and now are tied with Houston with 41 points, and trail by 6 markers in goal differential. For the Fire, the Men in Red will have to wait until next week to secure a spot in the playoffs. Chicago is five points behind the Crew for the lead and East so their focus will be on making their playoffs for the rest of the season. The Galaxy trail the Crew by two points for the Supporters Shield, but the Galaxy have one less game to play than the Crew.

DC United 0-2 Chivas USA
The myth of DC United's invincibility at RFK Stadium has been officially been expelled after Chivas' 2-0 win in a pivotal wild-card position. Goalkeeper Milos Kocic was responsible for an own-goal for United for the Goats to go up 1-0 in the 32nd minute. Jesus Padilla scored in the 53rd minute to secure the three points of the road for Chivas. Zach Thornton made five saves for his league leading 11th shutout. With the win Chivas has put them in a great position to put themselves in the playoffs as they sit three points behind Houston, and LA for the conference lead, and have two games in hand on both clubs. It is time to panic for the United faith full, as the Screaming Eagles are in danger of missing the playoffs for the second straight year-which means Head Coach Tom Sohen's job could be in trouble. United now sit 9th overall two points out, with two matches left in the season. DC desperately needs two wins to finish the year.

Columbus Crew 0- Seattle Sounders 1
It was a sweet homecoming for Seattle manager Sigi Schmidt as his Seattle club defeated league leaders Columbus to end the Crew's 24 home game league unbeaten streak. Roger Levesque scored his first career goal in the 36th minute to give his boss a win at his former club. Kasey Keller continued his impressive season by making two saves to get the shutout for the Sounders. Columbus dominated the play out shooting the Sounders 8-3, but could not get one past Keller. Seattle still managed to steal three points on the road, and now sit in the first wild-card spot with two matches to play. The Sounders need only a tie in their final two matches to make the post-season in their first year, the last time that was done Chicago won the 1998 MLS Cup. The Crew still hold two point advantage over the Galaxy and Dynamo, and have a game in hand on both clubs, meaning that a win and a tie will make the Crew back-to-back Shield Champions.

Colorado Rapids 1-1 New England Revolution
Alright, here is a tale you might recognize. The Colorado Rapids are in a playoff chase playing an important game. Their opponents outplay them in every fashion, but a Conor Casey PK gives the Rapids a point when they did not deserve anything. Yep, it this one yet again, seems like Colorado's games are in re-runs as it is the same ole' plot every match. New England's Kheli Dube put the Revolution up 1-0 in the 29th minute. Then Conor Casey was taken down in the box in the 58th minute, Casey stepped up and took the penalty and finished for his league leading 16th goal of the year. With the draw Colorado has 40 points and are seventh overall, while New England is in eight with 38 points. The Revolution do play an extra game, however both teams will look back on this one as a place where they could of secured more points, and help cement a spot in the post-season.

San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 New York Red Bulls
In the ultimate battle of mediocrity the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the New York Red Bulls in a battle of the bottom two. Ryan Johnson scored off a penalty in the 24th minute, that strike along with Joe Cannon making one save for the shutout was enough for the Earthquakes to get the win at home. San Jose out shot the Red Bulls 7-3 and just outplayed New York. The Earthquakes are a surprising 4-2-3 in their last nine games, giving them something to work on for in the future. Both teams are well out of playoff hopes, so the two clubs will be looking to finish the year strong, and carry momentum into 2010, after a disappointing 2009.

Houston Dynamo 1-1 Kansas City Wizards
With Columbus losing at home, and the Galaxy breathing down their necks, the Dynamo were looking for a home win against the desperate Wizards. Instead the Orange will be disappointed with only claiming a draw at home. Luis Angel Cortes Landin struck in the 26th minute, to put the home side up. But the Wizards responded with a late goal in the 73rd minute by Zoltan Hercegfalvi. Kansas City was not intimidated at the Robertson Stadium out shooting the Dynamo 9-6, but could not find a second goal. With the draw the Wizards playoff hopes are now as slim as ever. Kansas City needs to win out to have a shot at post-season play. The Dynamo are qualified for the playoffs, but the draw does not help their cause as the Galaxy are now tied with them for first in the West with two matches for both clubs remaining. The two teams face each other next, in a match that will determine who will win the regular season Western Conference Championship.

Three weeks left in the season and so much is still left to be determined in the season. Since Houston could not take full advantage of the the Crew's loss at home, Columbus still is in command of the Supporter's Shield Race, needing only four points in three games to claim the prize. The last 5 playoff spots are still out there, with Chicago and Seattle as teams that are reasonable safe for post-season births. After that the next three spots might be determined on the last day, and it may come down to goal differential to determine who is in and who is out. Who says baseball gets to have all the fun during October.

American Teams Enter Final Round of Champions League Group Play

The CONCACAF Champions League is drawing to a close. All the teams in the competition have played five of their six Champions League fixtures. As the final matches approach all of the groups are competitive, and there should be some dramatic finished come October in CONCACAF's Premier Club Competition. As it stands now three of the four American sides have a good shot at advancing to the knock-out stage of the tournament. However whether of not the American clubs improve on last year's effort will come to down to the final matches they, and the results of the other games in their respective groups. Here is how the four American sides are fairing in the second edition of the CONCACAF Champions League.



Houston Dynamo (2-2-1) 7 points, 3rd in Group A: Houston hosted group leaders Pachuca in a pivotal match that could of helped Houston's shot at claiming a top two spot. The Dynamo out shot the Mexican club 13-7, but Pachuca Keeper Miguel Calero made six saves to keep the Dynamo off the score sheet. Pachuca's Edgard Benitiez Santandar scored the match's only goal in the the 22nd minute. The 1-0 home loss for the Dynamo was a tough pill to swallow at Robertson Stadium, as Houston had a chance to jump into the lead for the group. Now the men in orange sit in third position. The Dynamo's last group match is at group bottom dweller Isidro Metapan, who is 0-5 in the competition. The Dynamo need to win the match to get to 10 points, then hope that Pachuca defeat Arabe Unido at home. However, Pachuca is already clinched advancement in the tournament, and might not be motivated to go for the win. Even if Pachuca wins, the Dynamo still needs to make up four markers in the goal differential category. Houston should beat Metapan, and the more goals they win by the better. But advancement will rest solely on the hopes that Pachuca defeat Arabe Unido, advancement for the Dynamo will be a real nail-biter.

DC United (3-2) 9 points, 2nd in Group B: Last year's dismal performance in the tournament is a distant memory. United now sit in second in their group after a 5-1 thrashing of San Juan Jabloteh. Christian Gomez started the night off in the 13th minute, then the Screaming Eagles put two more in the net before the half. Gomez added another in the 68th to make it 4-0 for the home side. Jarrel Britto struck in the 83rd minute for Trinidad Champions, however Boyzz Khumalo ended the night with another DC goal to cap off the 5-1. After the result it looked like the United would be in control of their own destiny, and might only need to tie to advance. Then Marathon upset group leader Toluca, to make the group scenario interesting coming into the final matches of group play. DC travels to group leaders Toluca, who they trail by three points, while Marthon who trails DC by goal differential travels to Jabloteh, who have yet to win a game. It may come down to DC having get 3 points at Toluca, who in all probability will advance thanks to goal differential. However if United can not get a win they will be rooting for Jaboteh get a win or draw against Marathon, a team who has yet to score on the road.

Columbus Crew (2-2-1) 7 points, 2nd in Group C: The Crew had a golden opportunity to secure advancment last Tuesday. After Robbie Rogers scored in the 26th off a PK, Columbus looked to score a 1-0 home win against their closest competition Saprissa. Then a last minute goal by Alexander Robinson gave the Costa Rican club a 1-1 draw on the road, and kept the club's hopes alive. Columbus still holds a 2 point edge over Saprissa. The Crew can guarantee a spot in the top two with a win at Puerto Rico, however the Islanders have played tough at home, securing two draws. If the Crew can only manage a point, they can still advance as long as Saprissa does not win when they host group leaders Cruz Azul. What might be comforting for the Crew is the fact that Cruz Azul has not lost yet in the tournament. however with Cruz Azul already winning the group, who knows how hard they will try to secure a result. Still, the Crew are odds on favorites to advance, and a win at last place Puerto Rico can guarantee them a spot in the quarterfinals.

Puerto Rico Islanders (0-3-2) 2 points, 4th in Group C: Talk about playing for pride. The Islanders started off the tournament going 0-2, and that was the end of their hopes. However, the Islanders pulled off two draws at home and are proving to be a thorn in the side of the group contenders. Goals by Mario Virginio Ortiz in the 5th minute, and Emanuel Villa in the 51st were the difference as Cruz Azul beat the Islanders. The Islanders are now playing to keep their undefeated home record in the Champions League as they host the Crew, who will be playing hard for three points. Either, way it will not be the repeat performance for the Islanders who made it to the semifinals last year.

The final matches of the CONCACAF Champions League will prove to bring some excitement. The three MLS teams in the tournament all have a shot at advancement, with the Crew and United in control of their own destines, and could still advance with losses if results go their way. The Dynamo need some help with a big win, and hope that Arabe Unido lose to Pachuca so they can advance. Hopefully the American clubs can improve on last year's dismal run, and show the continent that American Club Soccer can compete.