Game Recaps – MLS Week 25
August 23, 2015
Last night was full of Major League Soccer, with seven games across conferences. Some teams working hard to establish their current standing, others fighting for playoff positions. As always with Major League Soccer, last night was exciting, full of action, and full of surprises.
D.C. United vs. San Jose Earthquakes
There was no change of fortunes last night for either side of this match. D.C. United has registered its second loss in a row, whilst San Jose Earthquakes seem to be building on their mid-week victory over Sporting Kansas City.
San Jose’s Chris Wondolowski scored an early first goal 4 minutes into the game, then topped with Shea Salinas completing the win with his own second-half goal (52’).
San Jose Earthquakes are now tied with Seattle Sounders FC for the last playoff position, and D.C. United remains at top of the MLS Eastern Conference table despite its recent two losses.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Sporting Kansas City
At first, this game seemed to be going in Sporting’s way, with Canadian midfielder Marcel de Jong, who just joined Sporting Kansas City this season, scoring the first goal of the match, and his first in Major League Soccer (16’).
Assisted by Kei Kamara, Columbus’s Ethan Finlay replied with a goal for the hosts (35’). A goal that marks the 10th this season that was produced by the Finlay/Kamara duo assisting each other.
Sporting Kansas City replied in the second half with Graham Zusi assisted by Matt Besler (62’) and for a while it seemed as if Kansas will be able to maintain the lead and possibly recover from this mid week’s agonizing defeat to San Jose Earthquakes at home.
However, this hope was short lived, as Crew’s Toni Tchani scored at the 80th, followed by Jack Mclnerney’s late goal (88’) to secure Columbus Crew’s win. This is Mclnerney’s first goal with Columbus Crew, having transferred to the team this season from Montreal Impact.
Montreal Impact vs. Philadelphia Union
Although hosts Montreal Impact dominated most of the first half, it was Sebastien Le Toux’s single goal of the match that gave visitors Philadelphia Union a late win (78’).
International star Didier Drogba did not really get a chance to do much, coming in for his Montreal debut on the 59th minute.
This win does provide Philadelphia with an opportunity to catch up with NYCFC and Orlando City SC who are below the MLS Eastern Conference’s red line, but it will depend on tonight’s NYCFC result against LA Galaxy.
Chicago Fire vs. Colorado Rapids
Not much to report back from this match, as the only goal of the night was scored by Colorado’s Dillon Serna 51 seconds into the game. As hosts Chicago Fire controlled most of the game thereafter, the Rapids didn’t get a chance to build on the early momentum. Neither did Chicago manage to capitalize on its efforts.
Both sides remain bottom dwellers in MLS Eastern and Western conferences, and playoff hopes seem to be far for both.
Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC
This match was all about hosts Real Salt Lake. Sitting at 9th place in the Major League Soccer Western Conference, yet only 3 points behind Seattle at sixth place, Real’s life is on the line in terms of this MLS post season playoffs.
And, Real Salt Lake went out and played last night as if it life depends on it. Real took an early lead as Seattle’s defender Roman Torres raised an arm to block a ball in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Javier Morales capitalized to give Sal Lake an early lead (12’).
Sebastian James with a beautiful header scored the second goal just a few minutes later (19’), sealing Salt Lake’s win. Although both goals came early on, Seattle Sounders were clearly not finding their forms for the rest of the match, with only one shot on target all night.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. FC Dallas
Although only one goal was scored in this game, it was a great display of soccer, will and determination from both sides. The score could have ended differently very easily, as a lot of opportunities were created, as well as denied by both teams.
The one chance that did materialize was hosts Vancouver’s Christian Techera, clipping the ball with his back heel into goal (32’).
FC Dallas did apply serious pressure towards the end of the match, but with no joy. Last night’s victory leaves Vancouver at the top of the MLS Western Conference table, 7 points ahead of Dallas in fifth place.
