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.
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