Avoiding the Drop

Here’s what has happen so far…

Houston Dynamo 0

Seattle Sounders 0

I realize that a goalless draw will never turn an infidel into a soccer fan, but this truly was an exciting match for fans of both sides. I actually think a draw of any kind- but especially a nil all draw- sets the stage for a super match in Houston. I generally don’t like the aggregate goals set up that MLS uses, but in this case, I think it should create a fairly “open” match- especially if one of the teams scores early and forces the other to move forward looking for the tying goal. This match could go to penalty kicks, but I doubt it- there are just too many talented players on both sides. The conventional wisdom says that Houston has the edge now that they are at home, but I think Seattle is going to take this series.

Columbus Crew 0

Real Salt Lake 1

I try to refrain from patting myself on the back- at least overtly- but in this case, I will. I noted prior to this match that Columbus better not “sleep” on RSL after what I saw in their final regular season match against the Rapids, and then they went and did exactly that. Not only that, they left Guillermo Barros Schelotto on the bench! It would be one thing if he was hurt- though I’ve heard nothing along these lines- but to leave the league’s third best goal scorer sitting there in his warm-ups is inexcusable. Almost as bad as letting Robbie Findley and Yura Movsisyan be the players to team up for the goal. Shut down the stars and let the rest of the side try to beat you- that’s a basic tactic in any sport!

Los Angeles Galaxy 2

Chivas U.S.A. 2

Even with the four goals, I’m not sure I enjoyed this match as much as the Dynamo-Sounders match. I feel like either team could have won this match if they’d wanted too enough, but I just didn’t see that from either side. However, I did have one thing confirmed for me as a result of this match, something that I’ve repeated on this site ad infinitum and ad nauseum- Alan Gordon is terrible. Terrible. If he were a baseball player I would call him a “AAAA” player. Too good for the minors, but not good enough for “The Show.” The Galaxy should win this series, but after the first match I can easily see this one ending in penalty kicks, and that being the case, we all know that anything can happen.

New England Revolution 2

Chicago Fire S.C. 1

Dear Chicago Fire Head Coach Denis Hamlett, stop whining. Your post-match rant and referee bashing was Ferguson-like. Your team was out-hustled and out-muscled and you need to accept it and move on. I’m sure that you will “show everyone” by having your side play the most beautiful game of soccer ever witnessed by anyone living or dead, but I’m also sure that the Revolution are completely capable of grinding out a draw against your side. New England has had a lot of troubles this year, but the defense has been pretty solid- Jay Heaps has had a career year, Emmanuel Osei has been a revelation, and Kevin Alston may win the “Rookie of the Year” award. Oh, and Matt Reis is good.