Better late than never, a look back at the good, the bad, and the ugly from another week of MLS action:
The Good
Sure, it was against a DC United defense that has been positively porous over the last couple of weeks, but Will Bruin’s hat trick over the weekend was still impressive. He became the second youngest MLS player to accomplish the feat, getting help along the way in the form of some quality service from Brad Davis and Geoff Cameron.
Columbus’ gorgeous goal:
I’m a sucker for a good team goal; the Crew’s 17 pass build-up on Emilio Renteria’s second goal against Vancouver was a beauty.
Chivas USA:
After going winless in their first five league matches, the Goats have now put together their first win streak of the season thanks to a 3-0 win over New England last weekend. After a good deal of offseason activity, Robin Fraser’s squad seems to be gelling.
Philadelphia Union:
Despite playing a man down for over half of the game, the Union controlled the play and came away with a gutsy 1-0 win. Keon Daniel and second round pick Michael Farfan combined well down the left flank, while Sebastian Le Toux turned in a 2010-esque performance.
Tribute to Zakuani:
Props to the folks in Seattle for their tribute to Steve Zakuani in the eleventh minute of their victory over Toronto FC. Check it out here.
Mullan's Sentence:
The suspension was handed down, and it was a big one: 9 additional games and $5000. Some still won’t be pleased, but the league sent a strong message with regards to reckless physical play.
The Bad
It's hard to hate on them after their fantastic Champions League run, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who was hoping for a little more out of RSL in the second leg against Monterrey. A spot in the FIFA Club World Cup was in reach, but Jason Kreis' men just couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. The rough week was then capped off with their first loss of the MLS season at Portland. After a magical start to 2011, RSL has quickly come back down to earth.
San Jose:
The Earthquakes followed up their loss at home to previously winless Chivas USA by turning in another lackluster performance at PPL Park despite having a man advantage for most of the match.
New England’s Defensive Third Miscues:
The Revs got a wee bit too casual inside their own box, with a short back pass and an awful first touch setting up Alejandro Moreno for an absolute gift of a goal. I can only imagine what Steve Nicol had to say about this.
The Ugly
Toronto FC:
Apart from a 3-0 win over FC Edmonton in the first leg of the Canadian Championship semis, it has been a miserable April for TFC: 0 wins, 2 losses, and 4 ties, with a goal differential of -6 in league play.
And after spending my Saturday afternoon watching Mark Geiger lose control of the Philly-San Jose match, I’ll beat the dead horse and say that MLS officiating was less than ideal yet again.
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As always, add on if you’d like. Enjoy the matches on tap tonight.
