Photo by Kelley L. Cox/ISIphotos.com
The San Jose Earthquakes gave their playoff hopes a major boost, while the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC wasted their own chances to scoop up valuable points in this weekend's MLS action.
The Earthquakes overcame defensive injuries to knock off the Los Angeles Galaxy, while FC Dallas extended the longest unbeaten streak in Major League Soccer to 11 games by beating Chivas USA.
Toronto's first MLS at home in more than a year came against New York and allowed San Jose to jump ahead in points to currently give the Western Conference six playoff teams if the season ended today.
Here is a rundown of this weekend's MLS action, with links to all the highlights:
Red Bulls 4, Toronto FC 1
Marquez scores his first MLS goal while TFC commits key blunders to help New York moves closer to playoff berth. HIGHLIGHTS
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Los Angeles Galaxy 0
Despite fielding a short-handed defense, Earthquakes shut out a struggling Galaxy attack to move into playoff position just as Geovanni arrives. HIGHLIGHTS
Columbus Crew 3, Colorado Rapids 1
The Crew dismantles a normally-stingy Rapids defense to keep stranglehold on first in the East and keep Colorado from strengthening its own weak grip on a playoff berth. HIGHLIGHTS
Kansas City Wizards 4, New England Revolution 1
Birahim Diop scores a pair to revive KC's faint playoff hopes and hurt New England's. HIGHLIGHTS
FC Dallas 1, Chivas USA 0
Brek Shea scores again, and the FCD defense posts another shutout, as Dallas extends unbeaten run to 11 matches. HIGHLIGHTS
Houston Dynamo 4, Chicago Fire 3
Brian Ching nets a hat-trick, including a bicycle kick, as the Dynamo keep some very faint playoff hopes alive, while the Fire waste a great chance to gain ground in the playoff race. HIGHLIGHTS
D.C. United 2, Philadelphia Union 0
Andy Najar boosts his rookie of the year candidacy as D.C. wins I-95 rivalry now known as The Battle to Avoid the Basement. HIGHLIGHTS
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Which performance impressed you the most this weekend? Who delivered the most disappointing display? Still amazed Brian Ching hit a bicycle kick? Think Kansas City can still make the playoffs?
Share your thoughts below.