By TRAVIS CLARK
Major League Soccer is back with a weekend of action already in the books. Picking up where it left off at the start of June, a full slate of action greeted fans across the country. Perhaps the biggest news was the opening game at PPL Park, as Philadelphia downed Seattle 3-1 along the banks of the Delaware River.
The break in the action gave some teams a chance to regroup and rest, at least in some corners of the country, while others were itching to keep its momentum rolling into the hot summer months. For many sides, the same issues plaguing them before the break continued. Teams badly in need of a win — the likes of Chivas USA, D.C. United and Kansas City — all came up empty.
Others saw success continue — particularly for the Red Bulls, as a Juan Pablo Angel brace keyed a 3-0 win over the Wizards.
Here's a look at the MLS action from this past weekend:
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 0
Jon Busch made his debut in a San Jose Earthquakes uniform, and put in a performance that suggests he might not relinquish that role for awhile. Busch was only called into action a few times, but he looked sharp and provided a strong vocal presence to help keep San Jose's young defense organized. Fabian Espindola left the game's best chance begging, unable to hit the target as the two sides finished scoreless. Sam Cronin also made his debut for the Earthquakes after getting traded from Toronto earlier last week.
Toronto FC 0, Los Angeles Galaxy 0
This was one of the those matches where the break was telling — both sides struggled to create chances, and the G20 Summit in Toronto left its impact in the stands as Toronto and the Galaxy sputtered to a 0-0 draw. Los Angeles' impressive defensive run continues — this made it clean sheet number ten for Donovan Ricketts and the Galaxy defense, allowing just four goals in 14 games.
New York Red Bulls 3, Kansas City Wizards 0
An encouraging win before the break gave Kansas City hope. They had snapped an eight-game winless streak against Philadelphia prior to the World Cup, hoping to steer the team's trajectory towards the top of the table. However, a Wizards defensive mistake in the second half by Aaron Hohlbein let Salou Ibrahim open the scoring, before a hustling Juan Pablo Angel added two late goals to seal the 3-0 win. Kei Kamara was one of Kansas City's only bright spots, testing Bouna Coundoul on a few occasions.
Columbus 2, D.C. United 0
Controversy marred this match out in Ohio, as Guillermo Barros Schelotto's hand played a role in his control over the game's decisive tally in the second half. United had its chances, mostly in the first half, but the profligacy of Chris Pontius and Santino Quaranta proved costly. Eric Brunner then padded the lead off a Schelotto corner kick in the 87th minute, comfortably securing the Crew victory.
FC Dallas 2, Chivas USA 1
Life without Sacha Kljestan began Saturday night, and it began in disastrous fashion as Chivas USA were unable to deliver and send FC Dallas home as losers. An own goal by Ante Jazic — who had a poor night in the Chivas backline — pegged them back before an Osael Romero equalizer, but when Jazic committed a foul in the box, and David Ferreira's penalty made up the difference at the Home Depot Center.
Colorado Rapids 2, Houston Dynamo 2
One of the solid performers pre-World Cup, Colorado, continued to post positive results, earning a point at Robertson Stadium. Houston's Joseph Ngwenya popped up to score an equalizer late in the second half, denying the visitors from grabbing all three points. Danny Cruz gave Houston the lead, before a pair of defensive errors gifted Colorado two goals — Conor Casey put one home, and then a Lovel Palmer own goal handed the lead to the Rapids.
Philadelphia Union 3, Seattle Sounders FC 1
Fueled by the emotion of a new stadium and a boisterous home crowd, Philadelphia fought back from a 1-0 deficit to win the first-ever game at PPL Park over the Seattle Sounders. Pat Noonan's goal before the half gave Seattle a lead, but it wouldn't last long, as Sebastian LeToux equalized from the penalty spot. Chris Seitz then came up big for the home side, stopping a Noonan penalty kick later on, before Fred and Danny Mwanga each scored, sending the Sons of Ben home happy.
Chicago Fire 1, New England Revolution 0
Even with a healthy Shalrie Joseph back and in the lineup, the New England Revolution couldn't finish chances in front of the goal, and a Marco Pappa goal was enough for Chicago to go home winners at Gillette Stadium. Rookie Zack Schilawski wasted two chances in front of Andrew Dykstra's goal. There was some good news for New England, as Matt Reis started in goal for the first time this year.
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What did you think of this weekend's action? Who stood out? Were you at PPL Park?
Share your thoughts below.