The Western Conference flexed its collective muscle yet again this weekend, with the top four teams in the West combining for a 3-0-1 record with just one goal allowed (and an own goal at that) in four matches.
Real Salt Lake stated its case as a favorite to repeat as MLS Cup champions on Saturday with a convincing 2-0 win against the Columbus Crew, which had its own hot streak going before being cooled off at Rio Tinto Stadium. Javier Morales likely scooped up MLS Player of the Week honors with his stunning two-goal performance for RSL.
The Los Angeles Galaxy returned to the winning ways of the first half of the season with a 1-0 victory against New York at Red Bull Arena. The Galaxy's stingy defense made Edson Buddle's first-half goal stand-up.
FC Dallas has been the most surprising team in MLS this season, but the club's latest victory pushes FCD a step closer to title contender status rather than upstart status. Three different players scored goals (four if you count Jair Benitez's own goal) as Dallas pushed its unbeaten streak to ten games.
Here is a rundown of the weekend's MLS action:
Union 1, Rapids 1
A questionable no-call costs the Union the win, giving the Rapids a precious point.
Galaxy 1, Red Bulls 0
Edson Buddle was clinical again, Rafa Marquez was tired and awful and Thierry Henry remains goal-less in MLS.
FC Dallas 3, D.C. United 1
Misery continues for D.C. as Dallas dominates in rare road win.
Revolution 1, Dynamo 0
Newly-signed Ilija Stolica pays immediate dividends by netting winner in his Revs debut.
Real Salt Lake 2, Crew 0
Some bulletin board material, and Javier Morales, helped RSL halt a previously red-hot Columbus squad.
Earthquakes 1, Wizards 0
Joe Cannon shines in his return to the San Jose lineup, while Chris Wondolowski recaptures his scoring touch.
Chivas USA 0, Sounders 0
Zach Thornton shuts down Seattle yet again, a job made easier after crushing Fredy Montero.
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What did you think of this weekend's matches? Who impressed you the most? Disappointed with New York's performance? Starting to believe in FC Dallas as serious contender?
Share your thoughts below.
Oh my me…not QUESTIONS!?! We were last in the league a year ago. Can’t we just enjoy the ride?
How many goals do the DP loaded Red Bulls have since signing them ?
Unfair question this early ? Maybe, but pretty soon, with the history of too many DPs, many people are going to start asking questions.
true, true. KC will never reach the playoffs if Vermes never teaches them the offsides rule haha. As a quakes fan, im glad the officiating did a decent job of getting those offsides calls right
ignore my ignorance, misread your comment.
“at 21 he will be ripe to tear up Europe. I also hope by 21 he will be a US Citizen.”
huh?
If MLS had relegation and promotion, DC United would be relegated to USSF D-3. Terrible team. Firing Onalfo was just a sign of the Front Office’s incompetence. They continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Successss!
KC had three goals called back by offside calls. Teal Bunbury should have had at least a brace in the first half. KC is shooting themselves in the foot at this point…
The refs sucked, the Union offense did not and was snake bitten by the refs and the post.
Danny Mwanga is great and should only get better. I hope he stays in the MLS for another two seasons and is then sold. I think Nowak will continue to help him and at 21 he will be ripe to tear up Europe. I also hope by 21 he will be a US Citizen. His goal was class.
Just when Philly stops beating themselves, the refs pick up the slack. Argh.
Luis Gil loaned to AC St Lous
I know you probably meant FCD had a rare win AT D.C. United. Let’s not get confused. Dallas winning on the road this year is anything but rare!
David Ferreira for MVP.
Zach Thornton versus anyone = Zach Thornton.