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.

Team of the Week

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.

The center back position at the senior national team has quality players and depth. As a result, none of these players have a chance of being a part of 2010 but will gradually be mixed into the next cycle. Here are the five best center back prospects for the US:

1. Omar Gonzalez, 20, LA Galaxy

The converted striker has excelled since his switch to defense. He stands at 6’5 and offers mobility along with size. He is a handful on set-pieces, but needs to work on his anticipation and reading of the game. It will come with more experience.

2. Kyle Davies, 20 FC Dallas

He gained valuable experience abroad, as he spent a couple of seasons in the Southampton youth program. He seems to have won a starting position for FC Dallas. His biggest weakness is his height, standing at only 5’11. He will captain the U-20 team in the upcoming World Cup.

3. Ike Opara, 20, Wake Forest

He would have likely been the number one draft pick last season, had he elected to leave school. He has a unique combination of size and speed. He will try to impress scouts at this summer’s U-20 World Cup. The question is will he go abroad to play, sign with MLS, or return to school for another year.

4. Eric Lichaj, 20, Aston Villa

He attended UNC for one season before heading abroad and signing with Aston Villa. He has not seen any first team action yet, but was named to the UEFA Cup roster. He can also play on the right and can step into the midfield as well.

5. Sheanon Williams, 19, Unattached

He appears to be following in the footsteps of Lichaj. He spent one season at UNC, but is now pursuing opportunities in Europe. He had a trial with VFB Wolfsburg, but did not sign with the club. He will play in the U20 World Cup, where he will try to impress clubs to earn a contract.

Honorable Mention:

Darius Barnes, 22, New England Revolution
Nathan Sturgis, 22, Seattle Sounders FC

What do you think of the future center backs for the USMNT? Do you see anyone missing? Are you excited about the size and speed this group has? Share below.