MLS Week Five Review

For the second successive week, Landon Donovan provided evidence of his good and bad sides. Thankfully the former prevailed with Donovan netting a hat-trick as Los Angeles Galaxy romped to a 5-2 win in the year’s first Superclasico against Chivas USA.

Donovan made his first impact on the game in the eighth minute, seizing upon Chris Klein’s long pass and sidestepping Brad Guzan, the onrushing Chivas goalkeeper, to find himself facing an empty net. The referee, however, picked up Donovan’s sly use of his arm to punch the ball around Guzan. Donovan may have escaped punishment for his petulant goading of Houston’s Patrick Ianni last week, but this time he was rightly booked for his conniving act.

Chivas have struggled defensively this season and their failure to clear a David Beckham free-kick on 18 minutes saw them punished by Donovan’s first positive contribution. His neat first touch to control a loose ball shifted it to his left side and he lashed an instant half-volley beyond Guzan from 20 yards. Sacha Kljestan, the impressive Chivas midfielder, ensured parity at the interval with a wonderfully curled equaliser which will further enhance his burgeoning reputation, but Donovan scrambled Galaxy back in front on 58 minutes after good work down the left flank by Mike Randolph.

Donovan completed his feat on 77 minutes. Alan Gordon displayed excellent control and strength to set him up for another crisp left-foot finish from 20 yards – his eighth goal in four games. Gordon had only entered the field minutes earlier, and had already nudged Galaxy 3-2 ahead after Ante Razov had capitalised on typically slapstick defending by Abel Xavier. He finished the scoring on 84 minutes, pouncing on Donovan’s scuffed attempt at the end of a break from the halfway line.

Ruud Gullit, the Galaxy head coach, has made some key tactical moves since the opening day humiliation at Colorado to limit his team’s regularly self-inflicted wounds. Randolph has been pushed forward from full back into a left midfield role which suits his athleticism and skill and does not punish his occasional lapses to the same degree. Likewise Greg Vanney, culpable in the 3-2 defeat to Toronto in Week Three, has been pushed out to left-back as Gullit seeks to shore up the centre of defence. Xavier, however, continues to bungle around looking like a peroxide Jules Winnfield, the character portrayed by Samuel Jackson in Pulp Fiction. Despite the former Portuguese international inadvertently laying his vengeance upon his own team all too frequently, Gullit must be delighted with the contributions he is now receiving from his unheralded squad members.

By contrast, this defeat was the third in five games for Chivas who overtake their neighbours to lead the league in goals conceded. The highly rated Guzan, who saw a proposed move to Aston Villa in January collapse due to work permit issues, was badly at fault for two goals in their 4-3 loss at Columbus a fortnight ago. Another brace of errors on the third and fifth goals ultimately cost his side yesterday.

But what of The English Tourist? Beckham produced another largely anonymous performance, notable only for the compulsive hamstring feeling and ankle touching. At least the watching teenagers still seem amused. He was generously credited with an assist on the last goal which the match commentators were only too willing to hype up. I assume it is part of the mandate. Beckham was, as always, centre-stage in the post-match interviews where he declared that “every one of our players tonight was fighting”. Not quite every one, David.

In other action, the league’s final unbeaten record was lost as New England Revolution recorded a slender 1-0 win at FC Dallas. Steve Morrow, the Dallas head coach, will be unimpressed with the soft goal gifted to Khano Smith, but his team remains top of the Western Conference thanks to Chicago Fire’s 2-1 win over Colorado. John Thorrington, another former Manchester United trainee plying his trade in America, scored twice to give Chicago an unassailable lead. Tam McManus grabbed a late consolation, his first goal since arriving from Scotland.

Toronto caused the weekend’s biggest surprise, beating Eastern Conference leaders Kansas City 2-0 to win their third straight match for the first time in franchise history. Amado Guevara netted both goals, the second an exquisite free kick, as the Wizards tumbled to fourth place. Kansas are replaced as division leaders by Columbus Crew who edged out Houston Dynamo through Alejandro Moreno’s scrambled goal. The defending champions remain winless and their form must now be starting to concern the coaching team of Dominic Kinnear and John Spencer. Never the most expansive attacking side, Houston’s recent successes have been built upon a solid defensive foundation, the individual brilliance of midfielders Brad Davis and Dwayne De Rosario and the battering ram presence of Brian Ching up front. Ching has yet to get off the mark this season, the midfield duo is yet to find top form and uncharacteristic defensive frailties have blighted Dynamo’s first month. With home games against Chivas and Colorado up next, it is imperative that they get that elusive first win under their belt.

D.C. United have also struggled of late, none more so than in losing 4-0 at Real Salt Lake two weeks ago. Two contentious Jaime Moreno penalties put them on their way to a morale-boosting 4-1 win over the same opponents in front of over 23,000 in Washington, with Marcelo Gallardo sealing the win with a stunning volley which evoked memories of Marco Van Basten in his prime.

D.C. climbed briefly off the foot of the Eastern Conference until New York Red Bulls clambered back above them. Mike Magee and Jozy Altidore scored late goals in a 2-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday to complete the Week Five fixtures.

Week Five Results

Dallas 0 New England 1
Toronto 2 Kansas City 0
Columbus 1 Houston 0
D.C. United 4 Salt Lake 1
Chicago 2 Colorado 1
L.A. Galaxy 5 Chivas 2
New York 2 San Jose 0

Standings

Eastern Conference
1) Columbus 12 (played 5)
2) Chicago 10 (5)
3) New England 10 (6)
4) Kansas City 10 (6)
5) Toronto 9 (5)
6) New York 7 (4)
7) D.C. United 6 (5)

Western Conference
1) Dallas 8 (5)
2) L.A. Galaxy 7 (5)
3) Colorado 6 (5)
4) Salt Lake 4 (5)
5) Chivas 4 (5)
6) San Jose 3 (4)
7) Houston 3 (5)

MLS Week Four Review

Three weeks in and the only predictable element of this season’s Major League Soccer campaign has been its sheer unpredictability. Week Four did nothing to buck the trend, both from a results perspective and from the behaviour of one of the league’s supposed leading lights, Landon Donovan.

The weekend action started on Thursday night with D.C. United, surprisingly alongside Toronto at the foot of the Eastern Conference, seeking to kick-start their season at home to Columbus Crew. Sadly for the home fans, their side’s stuttering start continues as Columbus ran out deserved 2-1 winners. Luciano Emilio, D.C.’s Brazilian striker who picked up last year’s Golden Boot and MVP awards, has still to rediscover his sharpness and accuracy in front of goal as United toiled to convert their numerous chances. The result sent Columbus, without a play-off appearance since 2004, to the Eastern Conference summit for at least 48 hours.

New England Revolution missed their opportunity to topple Columbus by drawing 1-1 at New York Red Bulls. Steve Nicol will be pleased with a battling away point for his team after Mauricio Castro, the Honduran international midfielder, was dismissed for a foolishly petulant kick at Red Bulls defender Kevin Goldthwaite. Thankfully for Nicol, Revolution benefitted from a soft foul shortly afterwards when Adam Cristman, still standing in for the injured Taylor Twellman, appeared to lose his footing at the edge of the penalty area. Charitable defending aided Jeff Larentowicz who drilled a low shot under the wall and into the bottom corner which looked to be covered by Jon Conway, the Red Bulls goalkeeper.

With Canada’s harsh winter drawing to a close, Toronto finally got their home opener out of the way with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake in front of a boisterous sell-out crowd at BMO Field. These two teams finished bottom of their conferences last season, but have thus far shown renewed spirit and ability which should see both camps at least competing for this year’s play-offs. Laurent Robert, newly arrived from Derby County, scored the only goal with a deflected free kick. Rohan Ricketts, the former Tottenham midfielder, made his debut to add to Toronto’s growing contingent of ex-Premiership players.

Chicago Fire entered the weekend as arguably the most impressive team to date, topping the table with two wins and a draw. Kansas City travelled to the Windy City for their first away fixture level on points with the Fire, but having played an additional game. The visitors took a fourth minute lead when Jack Jewsbury seized upon an inviting pass from Claudio Lopez to round Jon Busch, the Chicago goalkeeper, and finish smartly. Despite the ensuing Fire pressure, orchestrated as always by Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the Wizards held out to finish the weekend ahead of Columbus at the top of the Eastern Conference.

The surprises continued out West with San Jose Earthquakes gaining their first points by beating Colorado Rapids, leaders before the match, 2-0 in Denver. Ronnie O’Brien gave the Earthquakes a deserved advantage shortly before half-time before Kei Kamara sealed the win on the hour mark after fine work by Ned Grabavoy. The goal was fitting for Kamara, the towering Sierra Leone-born forward, who suffered the passing of his brother during the week.

FC Dallas remain the only unbeaten team after a 2-0 win on the road at misfiring Chivas USA. Kenny Cooper, a former Manchester United trainee, gave them a fifth minute lead which they held until substitute Abe Thompson netted the decisive goal ten minutes from the end.

So finally to Home Depot Center and the antics of Mr Donovan, a man held in seemingly equal regard as the most talented American player of his generation and the most over-rated. Despite dominating the first half, Houston Dynamo had only a solitary Brad Davis goal to show for their efforts. Ruud Gullit, the Galaxy head coach, spruced his team up at the interval and the changes brought immediate dividends with some early pressure in the second period.

On 61 minutes, Donovan made his first unsavoury contribution to the evening’s events. Chasing a long pass which was sailing harmlessly into the hands of Tony Caig, the Dynamo goalkeeper, defender Patrick Ianni made certain that Donovan would not reach the ball by blocking the forward’s run with a shoulder challenge. Donovan, supposedly a professional athlete weighing some 160lbs, crashed to the turf and required a few minutes of treatment for what seemed little more than an innocuous bump. It appeared to be little more than a crass attempt to win a free kick and earn a booking for a fellow professional to which the referee took no notice.

Minutes later, Donovan dived in front of Ianni to head home an equaliser from David Beckham’s cross. Not content with the goal, Donovan stooped over the prostrate Ianni to goad him. It was a classless, disgusting act which should have earned the Los Angeles forward a yellow card. Indeed, he would have garnered little sympathy if Ianni had responded with a right hook.

Dynamo retook the lead through Franco Caraccio on 78 minutes and will feel extremely disappointed not to have held on for three points. Donovan netted a scarcely deserved second equaliser on 84 minutes from another Beckham cross after the Englishman had eluded Wade Barrett, the Dynamo captain, far too easily.

The 2-2 draw sees Houston, the back-to-back defending champions, as the only side without a win after four rounds: another scenario which would have seemed improbable a few short weeks ago.

Week Four Results

• D.C. United 1 Columbus 2
• Toronto 1 Salt Lake 0
• New York 1 New England 1
• Colorado 0 San Jose 2
• L.A. Galaxy 2 Houston 2
• Chicago 0 Kansas City 1
• Chivas 0 Dallas 2

Standings

Eastern Conference

1. Kansas City 10 points (5 games)
2. Columbus 9 (4)
3. Chicago 7 (4)
4. New England 7 (5)
5. Toronto 6 (4)
6. New York 4 (3)
7. D.C. United 3 (4)

Western Conference

1. Dallas 8 (4)
2. Colorado 6 (4)
3. Salt Lake 4 (4)
4. Chivas 4 (4)
5. L.A. Galaxy 4 (4)
6. San Jose 3 (3)
7. Houston 3 (4)

MLS Week Three Review

On Fox Sports’ Football Fone-In show at the start of the week, Alexi Lalas, the Los Angeles Galaxy general manager, claimed that Major League Soccer is “the most competitive league in the world”. With a number of instruments in place to retain parity, such as salary caps and draft picks, it is difficult to disagree.

A glance at the league table after three rounds of fixtures backs up his claim. Picking a winner for November’s MLS Cup Final at this early stage seemingly requires a large degree of luck rather than any skilled judgement. Only two teams, Chicago Fire and FC Dallas, remain unbeaten whilst Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes are the only sides awaiting their first victory.

Chicago lead the way after a narrow 1-0 triumph in the Bay Area. The original San Jose franchise relocated to Houston for the 2006 season after their owners, Anschutz Entertainment Group, failed to secure a commitment from local businessmen and councillors to build a soccer-specific stadium. With agreed plans now in the pipeline, the returning Earthquakes will share Santa Clara University’s 11,500 capacity Buck Shaw Stadium in the short term. Their home opener, however, was switched to the Oakland Coliseum, home of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics, to accommodate over 20,000 enthusiastic fans.

As in their first match at L.A. Galaxy, the Earthquakes conjured a decent performance for an expansion side and were unfortunate not to take an eighteenth minute lead when Gavin Glinton’s effort was brilliantly tipped wide by the flying Jon Busch, the Chicago goalkeeper. One minute later, Cuauhtemoc Blanco made his only significant contribution in the stifling afternoon heat; retaining possession under pressure before threading a through ball for Tomasz Frankowski. The Polish striker saw his attempt palmed away by Joe Cannon, the Quakes goalkeeper, but team-mate Chad Barrett was quickest to the rebound to score the game’s only goal.

Shea Salinas, San Jose’s rookie forward, will be the only person who knows how his side did not gain a share of the points in injury time. After Ramiro Corrales hit the bar with a misguided cross, Kei Kamara saw his header from the continuing attack deflected on to the foot of the post. From four yards out, and with Busch stranded on his knees, Salinas contrived to fire the rebound high over the bar with the net gaping. Another defeat, but head coach Frank Yallop can take heart from the early endeavours of his fledgling squad.

In a week that saw the MLS Players Union reveal 2008 player salaries, a move which is commonplace in America’s major sports, the paucity of riches afforded to the Los Angeles Galaxy rearguard was matched only by their lack of defensive abilities. In a battle between two of last season’s three worst teams, Toronto left Home Depot Center with maximum points after a 3-2 win courtesy of a late strike from substitute Jeff Cunningham.

It has become increasingly obvious that showering fortunes on the Beckham-Donovan connection (combined annual base salary of $6.4 million) is futile when their typically half-hearted efforts are so easily undermined by errors from the likes of Greg Vanney and goalkeeper Steve Cronin (combined annual base salary of $166,800). As if to magnify the team’s shortcomings, half of the 26 man roster earns less than $40,000 per year. Galaxy’s defence are not so much the supporting cast as background extras. It was also interesting to note the announced crowd of 20,426 given that 27,000 sell-outs are routinely proclaimed by Brand Beckham’s promoters. Huge spaces in the stands suggested that the revised figure may too have been subject to inflation, but there was little doubt about the feelings of true Galaxy fans as they subjected their team to a chorus of cat calls at full time.

By stark contrast, Real Salt Lake, the third side in last season’s inglorious bottom trio, has reshaped their team around a collection of hard-working if unspectacular players, allowing them to improve the overall quality and depth of the squad. In further comparison with Los Angeles, only a quarter of their roster falls below the $40,000 mark in base salary. After finishing the previous two campaigns in last place in the Western Conference, head coach Jason Kreis is aiming for definite improvement ahead of the team’s move to their impressive new home later this year. Salt Lake made a real statement of intent on Saturday night with a 4-0 thrashing of D.C. United, many analysts’ favourites for this year’s title.

Finally, in the weekend’s most action-packed fixture, Columbus Crew withstood a late rally by visiting Chivas USA to scrape a 4-3 win. The points looked secure when Robbie Rogers put the Crew 3-1 ahead with nineteen minutes remaining, but goals from midfielders Jesse Marsch and Paulo Nagamura hauled Chivas level before Rogers completed the scoring on 82 minutes. Hopes of a further Chivas comeback were extinguished by uncharacteristic dismissals for Francisco Mendoza and Sacha Kljestan, though the latter can feel extremely unfortunate to have received a straight red card for a clumsy late challenge.

If any Arsenal scouts were watching Brad Guzan, the highly rated goalkeeper for Chivas, they will not have been impressed. His positioning looked suspect throughout the match and can be blamed for the third goal. Rogers’ winner came as a result of poor setting and catastrophic handling. On a day that saw the Gunners’ fans witness lingering hopes of silverware extinguished at the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson’s exhilarating Manchester United side, they will not sleep any easier in the knowledge that, for the time being at least, they are better off with Jens Lehmann.

Midweek Result
Kansas City 1 New England 3 (one apiece for the Rev's Gambian teenagers)

Complete Weekend Results
San Jose 0 Chicago 1
Columbus 4 Chivas 3
New England 0 Colorado 1 (Rev's inconsistent start continues)
Kansas City 0 Houston 0 (valuable clean sheet for the struggling defending champs)
Dallas 2 New York 0 (Kenny Cooper - "tremendous touch for a big man")
Salt Lake 4 D.C. United 0
L.A. Galaxy 2 Toronto 3

Standings

Eastern Conference
1) Chicago 7 points (3 games)
2) Kansas City 7 (4)
3) Columbus 6 (3)
4) New England 6 (4)
5) New York 3 (2)
6) D.C. United 3 (3)
7) Toronto 3 (3)

Western Conference
1) Colorado 6 (3)
2) Dallas 5 (3)
3) Chivas 4 (3)
4) Real Salt Lake 4 (3)
5) L.A. Galaxy 3 (3)
6) Houston 2 (3)
7) San Jose 0 (2)

CONCACAF Champions' Cup Semi-Finals

Europe was not alone in feasting upon continental competition this midweek. Following Barcelona and Manchester United’s confirmation of their much-anticipated Champions’ League semi-final meeting, the teams from CONCACAF battled it out to establish who will meet in the region’s Champions’ Cup Final at the end of April, with a chance to represent the region in the FIFA Club World Championships also at stake.

Despite providing two winners in the early years of MLS (D.C. United in 1998 and Los Angeles Galaxy in 2000), no American team has reached the final since Galaxy’s success. The timing of the eight-team tournament does not favour MLS clubs whose league season only commences at the end of March. Nonetheless this year’s representatives, D.C. United and Houston Dynamo, safely negotiated the quarter finals (against Jamaica’s Harbour View and Guatemala’s CSD Municipal respectively) to progress to testing semi-final match-ups.

With a place in the final a mere 90 or 120 minutes away, it’s time for Fox Soccer Channel to guide us through the evening’s action.

D.C. United vs Pachuca

First up, it's over to RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. where United were endeavouring to overhaul a 2-0 deficit from their first leg visit to Pachuca, last year's Champions' Cup winners. The Mexicans are currently one of the Western Hemisphere's most decorated sides, with five national championships in the last decade as well as two Champions’ Cups, a Copa Sudamericana and last year’s inaugural SuperLiga trophy. Not content with that impressive haul of medals, many of their squad are thought to be in training for this August’s Olympic diving competition, so long as the Mexican Government refrains from boycotting the event.

D.C. suffered in the latter stages of the first leg as altitude became a factor, and their suffering continued throughout the first half here with Luciano Emilio, their Brazilian striker, coming closest to hauling them back into the tie. As the home side began to commit more players forward in the second half, they were eventually outdone by Pachuca’s counter-attacking when Damian Alvarez pounced on a loose ball to give the Mexicans a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead overall with only 14 minutes remaining.

Much to their credit, United continued to bring the fight to their opponents and got on the scoresheet through Rod Dyachenko with five minutes left. Franco Niell coolly slotted a second as the fourth official indicated two additional minutes of stoppage time to be added, but despite a last ditch assault on Pachuca’s goal, “Los Tuzos” held out for a 3-2 aggregate victory to set up a possible third instalment in their growing rivalry with Houston Dynamo (whom they narrowly beat in last year’s semi-final before ousting the Texans from SuperLiga via penalties).

Deportivo Saprissa vs Houston Dynamo

Through the wonders of satellite television we were transported live to San Jose, Costa Rica, as the reigning MLS champions were now saddled with the burden of breaking America’s drought in this tournament. In truth, Houston should already have had one foot safely in the Final after dominating the first game at Robertson Stadium, but Saprissa stayed alive thanks to the wastefulness of Brian Ching, Dynamo's US international striker.

The "Purple Monster" stadium was full to its 23,000 capacity with blood definitely pumping through its veins as the locals created an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors. None of the four previous MLS guests had registered a victory on this ground, and the artificial surface would undoubtedly hinder Dynamo's ambitions.

Tony Caig, Houston’s back-up goalkeeper, endured a tortuous debut in Sunday's 3-3 draw with Dallas after replacing the injured Pat Onstad on 28 minutes. Fox Soccer Channel's Christian Miles rather misleadingly informed us that "the England goalkeeper" continues in Onstad’s continuing absense. He's English, yes, but this description screamed at being wildly aspirational! Then again, given Caig's bungled attempt on Kenny Cooper's second goal for Dallas, he might be in with a shout of impressing Fabio Capello. Constant howlers don't seem to have caused David "Calamity" James any enduring damage.

Dynamo entered the match minus the central defensive partnership of Bobby Boswell (suspended) and Eddie Robinson (injured). A number of other key players were also missing from the line-up, such as the skilful midfield duo of Brad Davis and Stuart Holden. As if the situation could not be more testing for Dominic Kinnear, the Dynamo head coach, his makeshift centre-back, Craig Waibel, limped off with an apparent hamstring strain within three minutes.

Ronald Gomez, the Saprissa forward, had the first chance of the night - a glaring opportunity from five yards that he contrived to head over the crossbar. The miss was eerily reminiscent of Ching's (lack of) finishing in the first leg. On the half hour, Gomez again arrived in the six yard box, but Dynamo captain Wade Barrett mounted enough of a challenge to ensure that Gomez could not make a clean connection with his attempt.

At the other end, Houston were lacking accuracy in the final third with Dwayne De Rosario, their main playmaker, struggling to find his passing range on the lively surface. Poor Franco Caraccio, the young Argentinian striker, simply struggled to stay on his feet and received an earful of derision from the home support after flopping over near the touchline.

Despite being on the back foot throughout the first half hour, Houston managed to prevent any direct shots on goal. Caig, however, was finally called into action on 35 minutes as Armando Alonso's deflected effort rolled tamely towards the diving goalkeeper. He failed to re-adjust, allowing the ball to tamely squirm under his prostrate body into the net. Thankfully it was 3.35am in London - let's hope Mr. Capello was safely tucked up in bed!

A saddening first period, at least for those wanting to see the Americans progress, was brightened before the break when Miles, commentating with authority from his immaculate viewing position in a Los Angeles studio, managed to confuse Wade Barrett (the 5' 8", 155 pound left back) with Geoff Cameron (the 6' 3", 185 pound right midfielder). To be fair, it must be hard to decipher the players through that Southern Californian smog.

Our hero was not finished there though as he coined a new nickname for Houston - Orange Crush! It's not quite the end of the world as I know it, but it could be heading that way.

Saprissa started the second half by hastily regaining the ascendency. After three minutes, the makeshift Dynamo rearguard failed to deal with a long throw and found themselves two goals adrift. A combination of hashed clearances and awkward bobbles allowed the ball to travel along the eighteen yard line to Celso Borges, Saprissa's 19 year old Costa Rican international, who finished in style with a powerful right foot shot on the turn.

Shortly afterwards Michael Barrantes had two good chances to end the tie, but missed the far post with a left footed effort on his first attempt before blazing an even clearer opportunity high over the bar from twelve yards.

Houston fought back momentarily in the final quarter. At one stage it looked as though Keilor Navas, the Saprissa goalkeeper, was trying to emulate his opposite number when flapping at a cross. Ching seized upon the loose ball and fired a decent effort towards goal, but Navas quickly recovered his ground to make a brilliant diving save.

Brad Davis, returning from injury, was thrown on for the final fifteen minutes in the hope of supplying Ching with ammunition from the flanks, but the game was over on 77 minutes before he received his first touch. Houston's defence did not cope with a routine long ball and Jairo Arrieta found himself in possession and racing in on goal. Despite the presence of three chasing defenders in close proximity, Caig decided to stray outside of his penalty area. A delighted Arrieta rounded the goalkeeper with ease before slotting into the empty net.

Let's hope the possibility of a corruption trial keeps Mr. Capello suitably occupied and prevents him from perusing YouTube.

A Bad Night For MLS

Congratulations to Pachuca and Saprissa, who will contest the Final over two legs to be played on April 23rd and 30th. Miles signs off on FSC’s broadcast by proclaiming that Saprissa have put on “a clinic” – appropriate given that my head is pounding so much I feel like I’m in dire need of medical assistance.

Who better than Michael Stipe of REM to provide the evening's final words:

"Everybody hurts, sometimes.........."

MLS Week Two Review

The second weekend of MLS action saw the goals and excitement continue. After an enjoyable season opening, which brought twenty-one goals in the first eight league matches, this weekend saw a goal glut; twenty-two in the five games played.

Game of the round took place on Sunday afternoon in front of over 20,000 fans at Robertson Stadium, Houston, as the defending champions opened their home campaign in the Texas Derby with F.C. Dallas. The pre-match entertainment saw a “Back-to-Back Champions” hat giveaway, parachutists arriving in the centre circle, the unveiling of the Dynamo Girls’ new cheerleading line-up, fighter planes soaring over the stands at the conclusion of the national anthem and a video message of encouragement from one of the city’s most illustrious residents, former President George H. W. Bush. How the home support must have wished that the slick off-field operations could have been transmitted to Dynamo’s beleaguered back four.

Despite temperatures reaching into the 80’s, the players served up a fast-paced, physical encounter which saw Franco Caraccio, the young Argentinian forward signed during the close season, notch his first MLS goal to edge Houston ahead after 21 minutes. Injury to Pat Onstad, Dynamo’s veteran Canadian goalkeeper, saw another new signing, Tony Caig, making his first appearance on 28 minutes. The former Gretna man could not have envisaged a more turbulent welcoming.

His first task was to pick the ball out of his net on 35 minutes after being lobbed by Kenny Cooper, the imposing Dallas front man who shrugged off a challenge from Wade Barrett before finishing in style. His second task, on the stroke of half-time, was identical as Cooper converted from Juan Toja’s pass. Though Caig may be absolved of any blame on the first goal, his positioning appearing to be correct, he should have done better than let Cooper’s second effort slip under his body although he had been cruelly exposed on both occasions.

Dynamo’s success in recent years has been built upon a solid foundation with their defence proudly boasting the fewest number of goals conceded in four of the last seven regular seasons (dating back to their previous incarnation as the original San Jose Earthquakes). However, the loss of Ryan Cochrane back to San Jose as part of this year’s expansion draft appears to have unsettled their understanding. Bobby Boswell, a native Texan and MLS Defender of the Year in 2006, was acquired from D.C. United, but he has struggled so far to settle into his new surroundings and looked uncomfortable throughout the afternoon.

The same could not be said, however, of midfielder Geoff Cameron, making his first professional start after being acquired in 42nd place during January’s Superdraft. Cameron made an immediate aerial impact, flicking on a few headers from the right flank to set up his forwards in dangerous areas, but he also displayed good ability on the ground. He provided the assist for Houston’s 57th minute equaliser, picking up Dwayne De Rosario’s lay-off to cross for Brian Ching to bundle over the line from inside the six yard box.

Much to the crowd’s disbelief, Dynamo fell behind again within seconds of the restart as Houstonian Arturo Alvarez raced clear with his path to goal unobstructed. He finished with ease, leaving Caig and Boswell to partake in a minor altercation. Dallas should have wrapped up the win with two chances on the counter-attack as Houston committed men forward, but profligate finishing and selfish decision-making kept the home side alive.

As injury time arrived, with tempers becoming frayed on the home bench, Cameron capped his impressive afternoon with a thunderous equaliser to rescue a point for Dynamo. He picked up possession in the middle of the Dallas half and laid the ball into Brian Ching, who did well under pressure to hold off a challenge and set up a return for the advancing Cameron. The rookie did not need a second invitation as he thrashed his right-foot shot high beyond Dario Sala in the Dallas goal to level the score at 3-3.

Saturday’s action saw Kansas City Wizards remain top of the Eastern Conference with a thrilling second half display to see off Colorado Rapids by 3-2; substitute Scott Sealy grabbing a late winner after Colorado had fought back from Jimmy Conrad’s brace. The Wizards’ victims in Week One, D.C. United, experienced further troubles in the midweek loss to Mexican side Pachuca in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions’ Cup Semi-Final, but bounced back to sweep past Toronto F.C. by 4-1. Overturning the 2-0 deficit at RFK Stadium this Wednesday evening will pose a significantly stiffer test.

Elsewhere, New York Red Bulls opened their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Colombus Crew; both goals coming in the opening eight minutes.

Chivas USA underlined their potential with a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake at Home Depot Center. In midfielders Sacha Kljestan and Francisco Mendoza, Chivas possess two of the league’s most attractive and intelligent players, and only the unfortunate timing of injuries to their strike pairing of Maykel Galindo and Ante Razov derailed their campaign last season as the play-offs commenced. Kljestan, who will captain the US U-23 side at this summer’s Olympic Games, opened the scoring on 32 minutes after a fine counter-attacking move, a hallmark of this team, involving Mendoza and Galindo. The midfield duo also played a significant role in setting up Atiba Harris for the second on 55 minutes.

Kenny Deuchar, another former Gretna man now plying his trade in the States, pulled a goal back for Salt Lake before Alecko Eskandarian, whose father played for Iran in the 1978 World Cup, sealed the win in stoppage time.

Complete Weekend Results

Chicago 4 New England 0
LA Galaxy 2 San Jose 0
Kansas City 3 Colorado 2 (great five man pile-up for Rapids' equaliser)
New York 2 Colombus 0 (brilliant penalty save, pity about the first goal!)
D.C. United 4 Toronto 1 (some amazing saves, but Toronto's goalkeeper left helpless)
Chivas 3 Salt Lake 1
Houston 3 Dallas 3

Standings

Eastern Conference

1) Kansas City 6 points (played 2)

2) Chicago 4 (2)

3) New York 3 (1)

4) D.C. United 3 (2)

5) Colombus 3 (2)

6) New England 3 (2)

7) Toronto 0 (2)

Western Conference

1) Chivas 4 (2)

2) Colorado 3 (2)

3) L.A. Galaxy 3 (2)

4) Dallas 2 (2)

5) Salt Lake 1 (2)

6) Houston 1 (2)

7) San Jose 0 (1)

MLS Week Two - Thursday Night Live

After Fox Soccer Channel’s groundbreaking MLS double-header to open the 2008 season last Saturday, ESPN quickly followed suit by providing another feast on Thursday night with vastly contrasting fortunes for two of the participants; New England Revolution and Los Angeles Galaxy.

As always, Galaxy provided the biggest story in Week One with their insipid performance at Colorado Rapids. The turnaround could not have been more complete as they dispatched San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 in front of a near capacity 27,000 crowd at Home Depot Center. However, further derision looked likely in the opening minutes when San Jose defender Ryan Cochrane, the first player picked by head coach Frank Yallop in selecting his new team from the expansion draft, appeared to head the Quakes in front only for the assistant referee to erroneously flag for offside.

Galaxy responded instantly with some lively attacking play resulting in chances for Alan Gordon and Ely Allen before David Beckham fired them into a ninth minute lead. The unfortunate Cochrane again found himself as the central figure, under-hitting a pass back which Landon Donovan seized upon before feeding Beckham in space at the right of the penalty box. The captain duly remained composed and slotted the ball under the advancing Joe Cannon, the Quakes ‘keeper who played for Galaxy under Yallop last season.

In a lively opening spell, both teams kept up a high tempo and pushed forward in numbers but it didn’t take long for San Jose’s major shortcoming to be exposed. As Maurice Johnston found out last year at Toronto FC, scoring goals can be a problem for a new team. With existing clubs permitted to protect ten players on their rosters, the expansion side is then allowed to select one unprotected player from any ten teams to form their initial pool. As expected, Yallop and John Doyle, the Quakes’ general manager, chose to build from a solid defensive base, adding to the squad through the college draft as well as other acquisitions and trades. Cochrane caused further concerns for Galaxy’s defence from another set-piece in the 22nd minute, but as the first half wore on their lack of potency in the final third allowed the home side to assume control.

What will be pleasing for Ruud Gullit, the Los Angeles manager, are not so much the infinitely improved performances of Beckham and Donovan but the contributions he received from much of the squad’s lesser lights. Gullit was forced into making changes to his starting line-up due to the suspension of Abel Xavier and injury to Carlos Ruiz. Alan Gordon assumed front man’s duties and offered an entirely different proposition in attack. Whereas Ruiz excels as a predatory, instinctive striker, Gordon proved effective in linking up with Beckham and Donovan as Galaxy produced some slick, inventive football. Against Colorado, much of Beckham’s distribution was speculative, launching 40 yard Hollywood passes with little end result. Here, his passing was short, specific, incisive and ultimately effective.

The trio combined to seal the game on 37 minutes. Two beautiful first time passes from Gordon and Beckham released Donovan, the third man running in the move. The American international burst past Cochrane before clipping a delightful chip over Cannon into the net.

Galaxy’s attack was ably assisted by midfielders Alvaro Pires, a 23 year old Brazilian plucked from Spartak Nalchik of the Russian Premier League, and Chris Klein, a veteran of ten MLS seasons. Pires should have added a third goal minutes before the interval, but contrived to head a Beckham free-kick wide from six yards. Mike Randolph (pictured in friendly action against Glasgow Rangers) also provided willing support with frequent raids into attacking positions from left-back.

In many ways, Randolph exemplifies today’s average American footballer. A local product, he enjoyed a successful debut season with Portland Timbers of the unrelated United Soccer League First Division before being signed by Galaxy last year. He possesses stunning speed and athleticism, combined with excellent technical skills and two-footedness which are the equal of many players in the world’s top leagues, but he frequently lets himself down due to his lack of tactical awareness and erratic decision-making. He received a sixth minute caution for a blatant jersey pull and was fortunate that Ronnie O’Brien, the Quakes’ Irish midfielder who so nearly beat Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King in Time Magazine’s “Person of the Century” poll in 1999, escaped his clutches a little over ten minutes later after a similar offense. Having avoided a second booking, Randolph went on to give an assured and impressive display.

San Jose offered little threat in the second half, but coach Yallop can still take some encouragement from his team’s first competitive fixture whereas Ruud Gullit will pleased and relieved in equal measures to have finally seen his team finally play to their potential after a dismal pre-season and opening fixture.

As all turned sweet for the Galaxy, Steve Nicol’s New England Revolution was left feeling sour in Chicago after their opening day destruction of Houston Dynamo, the reigning champions. Already trailing to Chad Barrett’s fourth minute opener, Nicol saw his side reduced to ten men two minutes later when Jeff Larentowicz was dismissed for a two-footed lunge. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire’s Mexican superstar, took full advantage of the additional space as the Fire obliterated the Revs with a first half onslaught.

Tomasz Frankowski, the Polish international who had a recent spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers, marked his home debut with two goals and looks set to become a firm favourite in a city with a large Polish community. Blanco added to his season opener at Real Salt Lake by emphatically converting from the penalty spot as the Fire registered a 4-0 win. Since arriving in the Windy City last July, Blanco has transformed the fortunes of his team. His array of flicks, heels and dummies are to joy to behold, but his lack of pace emphasises how vital that attribute is in the modern game to truly make an impact at the very highest level.

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday
Kansas City Wizards vs. Colorado Rapids
New York Red Bulls vs. Colombus Crew
D.C. United vs. Toronto FC
Chivas USA vs. Real Salt Lake

Sunday
Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas