MLS Weekend: Playing Through

WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 13, 2008) USSoccerPlayers -- The United States National Team might have been hosting a World Cup Qualifier in an MLS venue, but the League played on.  Six games over the weekend, as the run-in to the playoffs continues.

Kansas City 1 - New England 0

With the Revolution already qualified for the playoffs after last week's games, Kansas City capitalized at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.  Jimmy Conrad had the game's only goal in the 61st minute, putting Kansas City into wildcard contention. 

"We're not going to get too excited," Wizards coach Curt Onalfo said. "We still need more points over the last two weeks to secure a playoff spot. It's a matter of regrouping and enhancing the things we need to get better on to get ready for San Jose. This win gives us confidence, though, that's for sure."

As for New England, the remainder of the schedule is about where they'll qualify.  Though they've had a lock on second place for several weeks, Chicago is pulling close and is the only realistic threat to drop the Revs to third. 

Dallas 2 - Toronto 2

In the battle of the FC's, Toronto is in a situation where splitting points won't be enough to save their season.  It won't help matters that they lost this one in the 93rd minute. 

Kenny Cooper gave Dallas the lead in the 34th minute, with Toronto turning on late for two goals.  Marco Velez equalized in the 72nd, and Marvell Wynne had the would-be winner in the 88th.  Instead, Toronto gave up a late and highly contested penalty, converted by Cooper.

"I'm disappointed because I think we've been robbed," Toronto coach John Carver said. "We deserved to be 2-1 up and late on the front foot. It's really disappointing. You go into the dying moments of the game and a decision is given against you. That's the story of our season. That's happened all season. You work hard from Monday to Friday. You step over the white line and it's in the hand of the gods. On this occasion, it's gone against us again."

Toronto remain bottom of the Eastern Conference, while Dallas is now a point off the wildcard race.

San Jose 0 - Chivas USA

Another game where Chivas USA took advantage of a would-be Western Conference hopeful.  With Chivas USA already qualified for the playoffs with a six-point lead in second over Real Salt Lake, San Jose might be forgiven for thinking they had a better than normal shot at playing spoiler.  Instead, it was a 7th minute gaol from Justin Braun that proved the difference the week after Chivas USA rolled over DC United.

"The team played our game tonight," Braun said.  "We've been playing good soccer these last couple of games and we are trying to carry it into the postseason."

San Jose will be looking for a late revival of their recent run of results and a lot of help if they have any chance at salvaging a wildcard slot.  Even with the worst points total in MLS, they have a game in hand and are only two wins out of contention. 

"Eventually every run comes to a sticky spot and ours has come at the wrong time," Said San Jose coach Frank Yallop.  "It would have been nice if it was midseason, but we are running out of games. I think we are missing some guys, obviously Ryan Johnson would have made a difference tonight and Ramiro Corrales is missing. We have done well to get where we are at, but we are not satisfied."

Chicago 2 - Columbus 2

Sunday's television game, and Chicago misses the chance to jump New England in the standings.  Instead, they close to within a point with one less game played.  Brian McBride put the Fire one up in the 13th, equalized by Eddie Gaven in the 59th.  Two minutes later, it was 2-0 Columbus through Guillermo Barros Schelotto.  Brian McBride finished off the scoring and split the points with his 79th minute goal. 

"I thought we should have had more goals today," McBride said. The ball was bouncing right and we had a chance to attack. When we moved the ball on them we caused some problems."

Good news for Chicago.  The draw puts them in the playoffs.  Columbus moves on not overly impressed with their ability to defend.

"I'm a little disappointed that both of the goals came off set pieces," Columbus coach Sigi Schmid said.  "That's something we work on and it shouldn't happen. McBride is like a magnet and the ball always finds him and the guy who was supposed to be marking him wasn't there, its definitely something that concerns me and we need to work on it at practice."

Houston 0 - DC 0

Though DC has the more pressing playoff concerns, Houston is also trying to stave off a late charge by Chivas USA for the top slot in the West.  Instead, both teas took a point when they needed more.  DC is now three points out of the wildcard slots and Houston has a point and two games in hand on Chivas. 

Making things potentially more disappointing for Houston.  Though they were missing Brian Ching, they had Dwayne De Rosario and a man advantage after Bryan Namoff was sent off in the 73rd. 

Los Angeles 3 - Colorado 2

Credit the Galaxy for continuing to press in a game where they were missing David Beckham.  With Landon Donovan making a surprise cameo the day after playing for the United States in Washington, DC, they got three goals and three points to make things slightly more respectable as they move up a slot from the bottom of the League. 

LA took the lead in the 36th, with Cory Gibbs pulling Colorado even in the 43rd.  LA got their second courtesy of an Ugo Ihemelu own goal in the 70th.  Brandon McDonald made it 3-1 Galaxy in the 80th.  Colorado got one back in the 88th from the penalty slot. 

"Well, we live for another day," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said.  "I like the competitiveness of our team tonight.  We continue to be a work in progress."