Photo by ISIphotos.com
The Columbus Crew re-asserted its position as a top MLS Cup contender on Saturday by thrashing the Houston Dynamo, 3-0, on Saturday.
Emilio Renteria, Andy Iro and newcomer Leandre Griffit all scored goals for the Crew, which extended its lead atop the Eastern Conference to eight points.
Real Salt Lake welcomed back Kyle Beckerman from a foot injury, but his return couldn't keep the defending champs from dropping points in a 1-1 tie against Chivas USA. An uncharacteristic blunder from All-Star goalkeeper Nick Rimando allowed Jesus Padilla to score for Chivas USA.
Here are highlights from both matches (including a stunning goal from RSL's Ned Grabavoy):
Crew 3, Dynamo 0
Real Salt Lake 1, Chivas USA 1
What did you think of Saturday's performances? See Columbus challenging the LA Galaxy for the MLS Cup title? Still see RSL as a contender to repeat?
Share your thoughts below.
He is a New to MLS, that is what he meant.
Poor, sloppy performance from RSL. They had all the possession the entire game, but couldn’t do anything with it. Hopefully they wake up against DC next week.
I’m pretty sure Giffit isn’t a rookie..i think he played for Southampton a few years ago
I think people are forgetting about the Crew because they haven’t made any transfer news, but this is still one of the two best teams in the league.
Galaxy is a wild card because we still don’t know what will happen with Ronaldinho and Donovan and whether Beckham will have much of an impact this season. If there is a big shake-up, it could change the team chemistry.
That was a one-in-a-lifetime strike by Grabavoy. He’s a good player, but I don’t think there’s room for him in the deep US midfield pool.
KC and Chivas have both been pretty successful at using a 4-5-1 bunker-and-counter approach to getting a point at Rio Tinto.
RSL has cost itself with poor finishing and an inadequate use of the field’s width to stretch those teams.
I’ve often wondered why Grabavoy has never gotten a run with the national team.
That was a sweet volley by Real Salt Lake. Should have won that game.
Looked like a nice crowd at Rio Tinto. Well done RSL.