Week 21 of the MLS campaign was highlighted by several quality goals and a few intense matchups that went down to the wire. There were also poor officiating decisions and a questionable ejection.
Game Recaps
FC Dallas 1, Houston Dynamo 0
FC Dallas opened the week with a Thursday night victory over the Dynamo. Jeff Cunningham continued his torrid pace, connecting for a goal in the 9th minute. Brad Davis was shown a red card for leaving the bench, even though he managed to restrain himself.
LA Galaxy 2, New England Revolution 1
The Revs staged a frantic comeback, but fell short to the streaking Galaxy. Landon Donovan connected on a wonder goal in the 21st minute. Jovan Kirvoski put the visitors ahead by two after a poor clearance by the Revs backline. Steve Ralston converted a penalty kick in the 83rd minute but the Galaxy held off additional pressure to win.
Columbus Crew 3, San Jose Earthquakes 0
The Crew struggled to create chances in the first half, but three quick goals but the game out of reach. Substitute Alejandro Moreno found the net first, followed by Robbie Rogers and Adam Moffat. The Quakes controlled the first half but quickly fell apart after surrendering the first goal.
Real Salt Lake 1, Seattle Sounders FC 0
Robbie Findley used his blazing pace to get behind a lackadaisical Sounder defense to score the only goal. The Sounders failed to create many chances against the stingy RSL defense, which silenced Fredy Montero. The Sounders should have been awarded penalty in the dying minutes of the match, when Will Johnson slapped a ball down in the area.
Colorado Rapids 4, Chivas USA 0
Connor Casey and Omar Cummings picked apart the weak Chivas USA defense, which featured Jonathan Bornstein in a center back role. Pablo Mastroeni scored a rocket in the first minute and Casey added three more. Shavar Thomas was shown a red card in the closing minutes of the first half.
Houston Dynamo 3, Chicago Fire 2
The Dynamo rebounded from a loss in the Texas derby with a win over the Fire. However, it did not come easy as the visitors scored two quick goals after half-time. Stuart Holden powerfully converted the game winning penalty kick to give the Western Conference leaders the win.
Player of the Week: Connor Casey, Colorado Rapids
Casey returned from injury to score a first half hat trick, giving his team a comfortable lead. While none of his goals were spectacular, he managed to put himself in a quality position and convert his chances.
Goalkeeper of the Week: Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
Rimando hit the pass on a dime that sprung Findley’s goal. He managed to turn away what few chances Seattle could muster and had a great read late in the match to ensure his team of three points.
Goal of the Week: Landon Donovan, LA Galaxy
Donovan put his team ahead in the 21st minute with a cracking first-touch left footed volley. The Fire’s Peter Lowry has to get honorable mention, with his sweet first-time side volley while running at full speed.
Save of the Week: Nick Rimando, Real Salt Lake
With his team nursing a 1-0 lead, Rimando snuffed out a chance late by coming off his line and calmly blocking the shot. He controlled the ball enough to scoop up the rebound and preserve the lead.
Assist of the Week: Robbie Rogers, Columbus Crew
Rogers unselfishly used his head to redirect a cross into the path of Moreno that led to the first goal for the Crew. He recognized he was not position to put the ball on frame while running at full speed.
Sub of the Week: Emmanuel Ekpo, Columbus Crew
Ekpo opened up the game for the Crew with his pace and quality distribution. His pinpoint cross to Rogers led to the first goal. He played both ways, contributing to the defensive effort as well.
Rookie of the Week: Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
He did his part in helping his team to a 2-1 win over the Revs. The talented center back combined with his teammates to limit the Revs to only four shots on goal.
Best Coaching Performance: Robin Fraser, Real Salt Lake
Fraser stepped in for Jason Kreis, who was serving a one game suspension for being ejected, and led RSL to a critical win. With several job openings looming, Fraser is sure to get an interview somewhere.
Worst Coaching Performance: Preki, Chivas USA
Preki had to somehow patch together a backline riddled by suspensions and injures, but the Goats came out of the gate with no energy and showed a lack of discipline. After giving up a goal in the first minute, it was painfully obvious the game was destined to be a blowout.
Best Refereeing Performance: Alex Prus
Prus kept everything under control in Rapids-Chivas USA game, which is not always easy to do in a blowout and with Jesse Marsch on the field. He correctly sent off Thomas. His decision to give the PK was also correct, since the foul occurred outside but continued into the area.
Worst Refereeing Performance: Jeff Gontarek
The players in the Crew-Earthquake had no clue what was being called a foul and what was not. Gontarek was inconsistent with his calls and failed to apply advantage in two key situations for Columbus.
What are your thoughts on this past week? Was Lowry’s goal better than Donovan’s? Was the handball in the RSL-Sounder game a penalty or not? Comment below.
