FC Dallas:2 vs Real Salt Lake:1

In the first leg of this playoff Western Conference matchup between FC Dallas and the defending MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake, FCD sqeuzed by to get 2 goals [the advancer is decided total goals scored in both legs].

The first goal came for Real Salt Lake's Fabian Espenosa in 5', the equalizer came in 44' for sub Jeff Cunningham, the second and winning goal was scored by Eric Avila in 88'. The series now goes to Salt Lake, where RSL have been undefeated all season. RSL must score at least one and keep Dallas from scoring any if they want to servive.Each team saw a Red Card RSL -- Javier Morales (ejection; Second Caution)  in 69' and DAL -- Atiba Harris (ejection; Serious Foul Play) IN 76' both will not be able to play in the second leg.

MLS names finalists for end-of-season awards

The MLS named the finalist for the end-of-season awards, here they are:
Goalkeeper of the Year Finalists

• Kevin Hartman (FC Dallas)
• Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy)
• Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake
• Fair Play Finalists - Individual
  
  • C.J. Brown (Chicago Fire)
  • Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union)
  • Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
  Comeback Player of the Year Finalists
  
  • Chris Albright (New York Red Bulls)
  • Bobby Convey (San Jose Earthquakes)
  • Brek Shea (FC Dallas)

Visa Defender of the Year Finalists

• • Nat Borchers (Real Salt Lake)
  • Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
  • Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)
  MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year Finalists
  
  • Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo)
  • Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards)
  • Seth Stammler (New York Red Bulls)
  adidas Referee of the Year Finalists
  
  • Mark Geiger
  • Kevin Stott
  • Baldomero Toledo
  
  Rookie of the Year Finalists
  
  • Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia Union)
  • Andy Najar (D.C. United)
  • Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls)
  
  Coach of the Year Finalists
  
  • Hans Backe (New York Red Bulls)
  • Schellas Hyndman (FC Dallas)
  • Jason Kreis (Real Salt Lake)
  
  Newcomer of the Year Finalists
  
  • Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
  • Joel Lindpere (New York Red Bulls)
  • Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake)
  Volkswagen Most Valuable Player Finalists
  
  • Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy)
  • David Ferreira (FC Dallas)
  • Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
  
  Awards Announcements Schedule:
  Schedule subject to change
  
  November 3: Rookie of the Year, Fair Play Individual & Team of the Year, and Goalkeeper of the Year
  November 5: Visa Defender and adidas Referee/Assistant Referee of the Year
  November 8: MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year
  November 10: Newcomer and Comeback Player of the Year
  November 11: MLS Coach of the Year
  November 15: 2010 MLS Best XI
  November 17: AT&T Goal of the Year and NAPA Auto Parts Save of the Year
  November 19: Volkswagen MVP & Commissioner’s Award
• who do you think will win?

Colorado Rapids:1 vs Columbus Crew:0

In the first leg of a 2 game series the Colorado Rapids played there first playoff game since 2006, the first ever in their new stadium, Dick's Sporting Goods Park. And guess what it was a win too, the goal that seperated the two teams was a goal by Rapid's captain Pablo Mastroni in 23' his first ever in the playoffs. This puts 1-0 in a series that is not decided by record, but by goals scored that advances to the next round, meaning Columbus will need to score 2 at home on November 6th. The playoffs semifinals first leg will contune on Saturday at 5:00ET/2:00PT with FC Dallas taking on the defending MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake, on the Fox Soccer channel.

MLS Cup Semifinals

The MLS cup playoffs start this Thursday, here are all of this semis matchup:
Thursday, Oct 28

Colorado Rapids vs. Columbus Crew 9 pm ET, ESPN2/Deportes/ESPN3.com

Saturday, Oct 30

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake5 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Deportes
San Jose Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls10 pm ET, Telefutura, Regional TV

Saturday, Oct 30

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake5 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Deportes
San Jose Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls10 pm ET, Telefutura, Regional TV

Sunday, Oct 31

Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy 8 pm ET, ESPN2/Deportes/ESPN3.com

Thursday, Nov 4

New York Red Bulls vs. San Jose Earthquakes 8 pm ET, ESPN2/Deportes/ESPN3.com

Saturday, Nov 6

Columbus Crew vs. Colorado Rapids4 pm ET, Telefutura, Regional TV
Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas10 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Deportes

Sunday, Nov 7

LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders 9 pm ET, ESPN2/Deportes/ESPN3.com

Kanas City Wizards:4 vs San Jose Earthquakes:1

 

Kanas City swamped San Jose mostly thanks to Birahim Durip who scored in 36', 60' and 76', to make sure the Wizard's desimated the Earthquakes the 'quake's Eduardo Da Silva in  92' who netted one in the back of his own net in 92'. The only Earthquakes goal came from Chris Wondolowski who netted his 18th to get ahead of Edson Buddle for the race for the Golden Boot. The Earthquakes will go on to the playoffs, but in the eastern conference. The wizards are elimated from playoff contention.

Tororonto FC:3 vs D.C. United:2

In the game that was truly special for a United fan was ruined by Toronto FC, but after the final whistle blew it was all about one man: Jaime Moreno who was  the leader in goals intil Jeff Cunningham tied him, who retired yesterday.

Surprisingly for D.C. they got on the board first after Santino Quaranta in 2', then Maicon Santos tied it up in 23'. Then Jaime Moreno took the top goal scorer honor again and give D.C. a won goal lead in 39'.Dwayne De Rossario scored two in 48' and 65' to win the game.
Both teams have not qualified for the playoffs and will now begin the off season.

Houston Dynamo:2 vs Seattle Sounders FC:1

As the final gameweek of the regular season started today with a 2-1  come from behind win by the Houston Dynamo, the team that ended the Seattle Sounders FC's inaugural season last year in the second leg of the Western conference semifinal, this time it was the Dynamo's turn to have their season end, one that has been rather disappointing for Houston who will not be making it to the playoffs for the first time since they moved from San Jose in 2006.
But now you want to hear what acutely happened: after many chances for both teams the Sounders got on top off of a goal from James Riley, his first of the season in 12'. Then Houston made the game level by a goal from Geoff Cameron in 27'. Then right at the start of the second half  [46' to be exact] the Dynamo's Cam Weaver scored to put the Dynamo on top on fan appreciation day, letting the fans see the season end on a high note. Houston is now out of the season while the Sounders will start their 2010 MLS Cup playoff campaign on Halloween [October 31] at home against a team not yet known.

New York Red Bulls:2 vs New England Revolution

 

In then rivalry that has been controlled by New England their record being 8 wins and 6 draws since the Red Bulls won in 2005. This also meant that the Red Bull's got the top of the Eastern conference from the first time since 2000. The first goal came in the Jamaican Dane Richard got his 5th of the season in the 17'. The revs did gert some good scoring chanceas and going into the second half the Red Bulls were very fortunate to to be in the lead.
The second half got very dangerous for Red Bull's keeper Bouna Coundoul, with lots of chances for the revs, but they some how didn't score even after Coundoul was on the ground after an error in deflecting a corner from New England. Then in added time [92'], Joel Lindpure nets one, so not only did he score NY's first goal of the season, but he also scored their last.
Both teams already have their playoffs future the Red Bulls win go on to the playoffs, and possibly even the MLS cup, while the revs have not qualified for the playoffs since 2002.

Sorry

I was away for two weeks so I wasn't able to post any of the past two week's action, sorry!

Seattle Sounders FC:2 vs Chivas USA:1

The Sounders easily slipped past the goats on fan appreciation night in Seattle, the first goal came from Steve Zakuani in 9' who tied Freddy Montero with most goals of the season so far. The second came from Osvaldo Alanso in 25' The only Chivas goal came from Jeus Padilla who scored in extra time. The Sounders have a playoff birth and will conclude their season in Houston this Saturday. While Chivas has been eliminated and will end their season at home againt Chicago this Saturday.

Player of the week:Sana Nyassi

Last week the Seattle Sounders FC's scored three goals in two games, the first two came in the u.s. open cup final which thanks to him the sounders won 2-1 over Columbus Crew giving the sounders the trophy the trophy two times in a row. The third came in the 2-1 victory over Kanas City Wizards last weekend where he scored the first goal.

Kanas City Wizards:2 vs Chicago Fire:0

Kanas City was able to keep them dim playoff dreams alive by getting the three points off of goals from Davy Araud[46'], and Teal Bunbery[80']. But if the Colorado Rapids get one more point in their next two games Kanas is out. The Fire has all ready been eliminated.

Team USA:0 vs Team Columbia:0

In a national match between our boys and Columbia at PPL Park in Philadelphia there was a uneventful game, the only thing that came out of this game's was FC Dalla's Brea  Shae's first interrnational cap. The US's final game of 2010 will be on November 8 at 2:00ET/11:00PT.

New York Red Bulls:0 vs Real Salt Lake:0

Yesterday The Red Bulls and RSL played a scoreless draw. This is a possible and maybe even a probable preview of this year's MLS cup, but the teams regarded it in very different way, while NY thought it as a good sign after beating last year's MLS cup champion, while RSL thought it was a definite win.

Chicago Fire:2 vs Columbus Crew:0

Today Chicago got a bright spot in otherwise droopy season off of goals from Peter Lowry[30'] and Brian McBride[53']. Because of other teams that control the playoff race winning this gameweek Chicago is out of this year's playoffs. The Crew however have already got a playoff birth.

Los Angeles Galaxy:1 vs Philadelphia Union:0

LA got the three points they needed to stay at the top of the West, the Supporter's Sheild Race, and the Playoff race, The only goal came in 27' when David Beckham took a throw in and Edson Buddle was there to get his 16th goal. Besides good work from the front, Donavon Ricketts also did a very good job in the back.

Game of the Week:Los Angleles Galaxy vs Philedelphia Union

 

This week's game of the week is Los Angleles Galaxy who need a win to stay ate the top of the supporter's sheild race, while Philadelphia win be playing for pride seeing how their chances of making in to postseason in this, their first year is already gone. But it will be the Union's Sebastien Le Toux who has 13 goals this season and is currently tied for second in the race for the Golden Boot to catch up with LA's Edson Buddle who is currently 1rst with 15 goals, and it will be very intresting to see how they interact. Tune in Today [Thursday, October 2, 2010] at 8:00 ET/ 5:00PT team on ESPN2 or ESPN Depotes.

U.S. Open Cup Final

On October the 5th Seattle Sounders FC will take on Columbus Crew, I however will be away for 3 days so I will not be able to cover it. You can watch it on the Fox Soccer Channel at 10:00ET/7:00PT.

Los Angles Galaxy:2 vs Chivas USA:1

In the fight for LA, the Galaxy came out on top. The first goal came from Edson Buddle, his 15th of the season in 23'.The second was scored by a penalty kick, it came from none other the David Beckham, his first after the injury in 39'. Then in the second half it looked like the goats could get back in the game, but they were able to score only one from Alan Gordon[63']. This now takes Chivas USA out of the playoff race for the first time in their 4 year spand. This also puts LA back at the top of the Western Divison.

D.C. United:1 vs Colorado Rapids:0

D.C. United ended a 10 year curse of never winning in Colorado today off of a goal Danny Allsopp in 47'. Though D.C. is already out of the running for this year's playoffs they did play some excellent football.

FC Dallas:3 vs Chicago Fire:0

FC Dallas scores three to land them a spot in the playoffs off of gaols from Milton Rodriguez[19'&67'], and Marvin Chivez[47']. However Chicago Fire's dim hops off reaching in the playoffs just got alot dimmer.

Real Salt Lake:2 vs New England Revolution:1

The second half was a big half, after battling till halftime [0-0], Real Salt Lake scored off of a goal from Nathan Borchers, while Kenny Mansally scored by the Revs in 82', Alavaro Saborio scored in 84' to give Real Salt Lake another victory as well as keeping their record unbeatan streak of  24 games alive.

Columbus Crew:0 vs San Jose Earthquakes:0

In a scoreless draw that a drippy rainy day game, the only thing that came out of this was Columbus Crew getting a spot in the playoffs, and letting them lose the top of the Eastern Division to the Red Bulls of New York.

New York Red Bulls:1 vs Kanas City Wizards:0

The Red Bulls clintched a playoff spot, as well as top of the easten divison, off of a goal by Dane Richards in 6'. This also put Kanas City another game back from a now disapearing dream of making the playoffs.

Philadelphia Union:1 vs Houston Dynamo:1

It was win or die time for the Union, unfortunately for them, it was a 1-1 draw, this puts them along with already put out opponent Houston along with the New England Revolution out of the playoff race. Houston opened strong with a goal in 12' by Andrew Hainaut, but in 40' Sebastien Le Toux nets his 13th of the season, scoring the last goal of the game.Though their playoff dreams are out, you can still bet the Union fans will be out cheering almost as loudly as Sounder fans against their next game against Los Angles Galaxy this Thursday at 8:00ET/5:00PT on ESPN2.

Seattle Sounders FC:3 vs Toronto FC:2

In front of a sellout crowd [I was in that crowd] the Seattle Sounders FC scored three against Toronto, this game probibly gave them a spot in the playoffs, Toronto's Dwayne De Rossario scored first in 16', in 21' Steve Zakuani scored the equalizer, then new star Blaise Knufo knocked in one in 26' giving the Sounders a 2-1 lead. In 59' Sanna Nyassi got his first goal in MLS to give the Sounders an insurance point. In 88' Chad Barrett scored for Toronto but in the end the Sounders came out victorious. The Sounders now focus one the coming Tuesday, where they will try to defend the U.S. Open Cup Final against Columbus Crew.

Game of the Week: FC Dallas vs Chicago Fire

 

FC Dallas will look to continue their unbeaten streak of 18 games, while Chicago will be desperate to win, seeing how it is the only way to keep their dim playoff dreams alive, but after the 3-0 win over San Jose this Wednesday we've seen they still have some fighting power in them. Tune in this Saturday at 8:30 ET/5:30 PT one the Fox Soccer Channel.