In an effort to cover the week of play in Major League Soccer, I'm introducing new feature called "The One Thing". These won't be match reports or recaps but will instead grab the most glaring (to me at least) story or element from the game. Keep in mind that each match's "The One Thing" is dependent on how much of it I'm able to see, and in those cases where I wasn't able to catch any of the action, I'll be focusing on the one moment, player, or decision that influenced the match the most (read: highlights).
If you're looking for a more comprehensive match report, I'll link to one in each capsule.
Here we go with the abbreviated Easter schedule, covering the full spectrum of defensive performances, the revival of striker on the West Coast, a surprising upset, and the usual from Omar Cummings.
Houston Dynamo 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Recap - Zach Woosley for Goal.com
The One Thing: Jamison Olave Happened
Things were looking pretty good for Real Salt Lake, and it appeared that they were going to start the season with two road wins; then Jamison Olave single-handedly gifted the Dynamo two penalties and a full three points. Olave is talented, and is still one of the best defenders in the league when he's not ill-advisedly leaving his feet in the penalty box, and whether you believe both calls were clear or not, he unfortunately put himself in a position to be called when he went to ground. Dive or no dive, Olave's mental mistakes were considerable. Lucky, lucky, Dynamo.
LA Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 0
Recap - LA Times
The One Thing: Maicon Santos' Miss
Sure, Edson Buddle scored a brace, and sure, LA probably deserved to win the game; but Maicon Santos' missed sitter, with the ball literally five yards from the goal line and begging to be slammed home, is the resonating image from the first Los Angeles derby of the year. If Santos scores, the game is tied and Chivas has a chance to salvage a point; as it was, they gave up a late goal to the Donovan-Buddle combo, killing any chance they had of coming back. Chivas didn't play well, but it's games like these, lost on chances like Santos', that will come back to haunt them down the stretch of the season when they're fighting for a playoff position.
Colorado Rapids 2, Chicago Fire 2
Recap - Our Sports Central
The One Thing: Was That a Penalty?
First, a note about Omar Cummings: He's good. But the crucial moment for the home team was Marvell Wynne's maybe-a-foul-maybe-not on Patrick Nyarko in the box, which was judged to be a penalty referee Terry Vaughan. Wynne was playing centerback again for Gary Smith, and having already been muscled aside by Collins John for the first Fire goal, now found himself the reason the Rapids earned one point instead of three. Harsh for the Rapids, and particularly harsh for Wynne. A Jamison Olave situation, this was not. Fair result? Probably. Fair on that particular penalty? Don't think so.
DC United 0, New England Revolution 2
Recap - CSN Washington
The One Thing: United Impotence
A good team wins this game going away at home, which can only lead me to believe that United is not a good team at the moment. They controlled possession through the bulk of the game, found themselves in the box with the ball on multiple occasions, but could never put it in the net. One too many passes, a hesitancy to pull the trigger, and a lack of forward strength did them in. DC might have a new coach, but nothing appears to have changed. Thanks to United's inability to turn possession into goals, New England jumped up for a nice road win thanks to a brace from Kenny Mansally, after the home team had run themselves ragged and gotten lazy.
Seattle Sounders 0, New York Red Bulls 1
Recap - Associated Press
The One Thing: New York's Defense
Who knew? The Red Bulls draft a surprisingly mature rookie, Tim Ream, pair him with an MLS veteran in Mike Petke, bring in Bouna Condul to play in goal, and suddenly they have a solid defensive core. Holding the Sounders down at home is no mean feat, and credit should be given where it's due. That doesn't mean that the Red Bulls will keep it up all season, but there's no reason to believe that their defense will be a liability, barring a major injury. That in itself is a big victory for New York, and it's clear Hans Backe has made a difference. Winning in Seattle, and breaking the terrible road losing streak they had, should be throw immediately into the "bonus points" pile, a collection they'll hope to add to and will certainly be happy they have when we get to playoff time. Seattle, for their part, will be fine.
