MLS Matchday 5 Recap

Home Score:Score Away

Real Salt Lake 2:3 Los Angeles Galaxy

I gotta say, watching the second half of this game on Saturday that as much as I hate Landon Donovan with a fury because he's a crybaby who couldn't cut it in Europe, that he is capable of taking over games and making crazy plays look ridiculously easy. This one at Rice-Eccles saw RSL go up 1-0, then surrender 3 consecutive LA strikes, one from Donovan, and two assists of his boot. Clutch move for me picking him up on my fantasy team this week. Real looks genuinely awful this year. This team could very well lose 20 games if they don't kick it into gear soon. I don't care how early in the season it is, 1 point from 5 matches is a pretty terrible tally. Add to the fact that MLS all-time leading goalscorer Jason Kreis will be suspended following his double caution/red card booking in this match. RSL is playing Columbus, so they shouldn't be hurt that much. Then again....

DC United 1:1 FC Dallas

The top-of the table clash at East Capitol Street revealed exactly what we suspected. DC and FCD are the best teams in their respective conferences. As to which of the two teams is better head-to-head, we'll have to wait untill the rematch in Frisco, TX on July 4th. Hoops striker Carlos Ruiz is back from injury (regrettably).

Columbus Crew 0:1 Kansas City Wizards

Two teams that no one really gives a rat's ass about, so why should I do any differently. Amazed KC didn't win by more. Crew are improved, but the Hunt Park side needs to step it up if they're going to compete in an Eastern conference that already has runaway leaders in Kansas City and United, with strong teams like New England and Chicago in hot pursuit.

CD Chivas USA 0:0 Red Bull New York

Thank God this game wasn't on TV. It appears that Red Bull's promise to turn New York into a Superclub turned out to be what Gotham area fans have been hearing for years, a lot of empty promises, and a crap side to watch at Giants Stadium. In a way, Red Bull's purchase of the team formally known as the MetroStars is perfect. Red Bull gives a little kick at first, until you realize that you can put all the slick packaging and marketing on it you want on it, but it still tastes like crap unless you infuse some quality talent (vodka). RBNY has 3 points from 5 matches, and no wins. Yikes.

Colorado Rapids 0:1 Houston Dynamo

Brian Ching scores for the Orange, Colorado loses, history repeats itself from opening day in Houston. Man, looking at this crowd 7,225, Colorado probably can't wait till they move into their new 20,000 seat stadium next year so the place can at least look half-full in April. Dynamo still a question mark. Three wins in five matches, but two came against the woeful Crapids.

New England Revolution 1:2 Chicago Fire

Finally. That is all I can say. Chicago Fire scores a goal in Foxboro (3 games, First time since October 16, 2004). Fire win in Foxboro (First time since August 18, 2002) Fire come from behind to beat ANYBODY (First time since September 17, 2005 at Columbus--12 games)

Fire get some measure of revenge for New England knocking them out of the MLS Cup Playoffs in the Eastern Conference Final last year, but I would have liked to have seen this offensive production from Thiago and Chris Rolfe last October. Fire get their first win of the year and move from 6th to 3rd in the East (1-1-2, 5 points) Possible playoff preview? Might as well be. One team has ended the other's season in each of the last four campaigns.