Major League Soccer had 14 teams in action on Saturday, with Los Angeles getting an awkward win, Colorado causing more problems for Seattle, and Salt Lake once again showing they're the defending champions. In Houston, Philadelphia shocked the Dynamo and DC United beat Chivas USA at home.
Columbus 0 - Los Angeles 2
If you wanted an indication of A's credentials, minus their two primary attacking threats and with Columbus squandering multiple chances, they still managed to take the three points at Crew Stadium. Michael Stephens put LA up in the 10th minute and Tristan Bowen made it 2-0 in the 88th. Columbus finished with 12 corners to the Galaxy's 0, but only put one of a dozen shots on frame. LA put all three of their shots on goal. Donovan Ricketts picked up the shutout with a single save.
DC 3 - Chivas USA 2
Chivas USA were on the board early through Justin Braun in the 15th minute. DC equalized through Andy Najar in the 26th, and both teams settled in well into the second-half. DC took the lead through Adam Cristman in the 75th, and this time it was Chivas USA's turn to answer back with an 80th minute Maykel Galindo goal. Carey Tally converted a penalty in the 89th minute for the win. Chivas USA keeper Zach Thornton was sent off in stoppage time.
New England 3 - New York 2
The Red Bulls did everything they could to make this one difficult, though they looked competitive early. The Revolution were up 7 minutes in when Marko Perovic scored. New York answered back through Seth Stammler in the 19th, but five minutes later the Revs were in front from a Red Bulls own-goal. Late in the first-half, Revolution keeper Preston Burpo broke his leg. With backup keeper Bobby Shuttlesworth pressed into service, Juan Pablo Angel pulled the game even in the 49th. New York went a man down in the 56th when Carlos Mendes was sent off, and lost another when Roy Miller followed in the 76th. Zack Schilawski scored the Revs' winner in the 80th minute.
"It was just horrific," Revolution captain Shalrie Joseph said about the Burpo injury. "It was emotional to start off with. A lot of the guys just turned around and started crying. I didn’t start crying, but Preston was so brave. He came out and sacrificed his body for the team. I just wanted to go over there and console him and hold his hand and tell him how much we really appreciate what he’s doing. I was just going over there and console him."
Houston 2 - Philadelphia 3
The Union jumped out to a first-half lead courtesy of Shea Salinas's 39th minute goal, but it was Houston getting the better opportunities in the second. Brian Ching equalized in the 51st and Eddie Robinson put the Dynamo in the lead in the 58th. Philadelphia's regular offensive threat Sebastian Le Toux equalized in the 68th, and Danny Mwanga got the winner in stoppage time.
Colorado 1 - Seattle 0
Conor Casey had the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute, with Seattle only putting 1 of their 9 shots on goal. Rapids keeper Matt Pickens only needed that save for the shutout. Colorado are in 5th, last among three teams tied with 16 points. Seattle is 7th with 12 points from 10 games.
Salt Lake 4 - Kansas City 1
After a first half where Salt Lake made it 2-0 with goals three minutes apart (Espindola in the 30th and Saborio in the 33rd) Kansas City answered back with a 41st minute goal from Josh Wolff. With the game seemingly settled, the Wizards went a man down when Davy Arnaud was sent off in the 83rd. Salt Lake responded, scoring twice in the final five minutes to win at Rio Tinto.
San Jose 1 - Toronto 3
San Jose's recent run of form took a hit courtesy of Dwayne De Rosario and Toronto. Chad Barrett already had Toronto up in the 30th when De Rosario got his first goal in the 66th minute. Ramrio Corrales made it 2-1 in the 75th, but De Rosario scored again in stoppage time.
Depth Chart
1. Los Angeles (no question) even
2. Salt Lake (stepped up against KC) +1
3. Columbus (lost to the best in MLS) -1
4. Colorado (winners after a week off) +3
5. Houston (lost at home) -1
6. San Jose (streak over) -1
7. Toronto (won away) +3
8. Dallas (drew with 9) even
9. Chicago (drew with 8) even
10. New York (road losers) -4
11. New England (wouldn't let NY take advantage) +2
12. Kansas City (late pile on from RSL) -1
13. Seattle (can't win on the road either) -1
14. Philadelphia (beat Houston) +1
15. Chivas USA (lost to DC) -1
16. DC (it will take more than another win) even