The Back of the Net

Game Recaps for MLS Week 8:

Thursday, May 15:

• Colorado Rapids 2-0 Real Salt Lake

This was a solid game from the Rapids, and an absolutely terrible one from Real Salt Lake. Without Javier Morales on the field, RSL struggles in all aspects. Colorado was able to exploit RSL’s weakness.

Saturday, May 17:

• Columbus Crew 0-0 Toronto FC

What a snorefest this one was. I expected Columbus to win this one, but TFC put up a great game and got a good result for their team. For some reason I tend to underestimate TFC, but I think this game is helping me transition into their development into a solid club.

• Kansas City Wizards 1-1 New York Red Bulls

Not a bad game for either side, but Danleigh Borman’s late-game goal kept KC from gaining another win. Both these teams are solid, and will be a sort of silent assassin to the rest of the league.

• New England Revolution 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose continues to display the disadvantages of being an expansion side. New England had a pretty good game, and should be glad to have let James Riley go after that atrocious own goal.

• Houston Dynamo 2-1 Chicago Fire

Houston has finally begun to wake up after it’s poor start to the season, while Chicago seems to be on the downhilll after their spectacular start. It’ll be interesting to see what the next few weeks bring for these teams.

• Chivas USA 3-1 DC United

DC United has been absolutely horrible thus far. When will the torture end for DC fans? Chivas pulled out a solid game, especially RSL reject Atiba Harris. This kid seems to finally be getting the coaching he deserves.

Sunday, May 18:

• LA Galaxy 5-1 FC Dallas

Wow, seriously? FC Dallas should be ashamed. It’s no wonder Steve Morrow has been fired. LA seems to be picking up. Edson Buddle, where have you been?

And now, here are the weekly Power Rankings:

1. Columbus Crew: The Crew have got the best record, even though they just tied Toronto this week. But Toronto’s a team on the uprise.
2. New York Red Bulls: New York has had a great year so far and they’ll definitely be a solid contender for MLS Cup. Danleigh Borman seems to be doing big things for this team.
3. Chicago Fire: A loss to Houston brings them down, but recent weeks are what keep the Fire so high up on the list.
4. Toronto FC: Toronto has been a realy surprise this year, mostly due to their signings. Carver may be the best thing that has ever happened to this organization.
5. Colorado Rapids: After watching their most recent game, I think it’s pretty reasonable to put Colorado up here. They’re a solid team, no matter how thin their roster may seem.
6. New England Revolution: They’re finally beginning to look like the old Revs again. They’re winning games, even if it is only because of James’ Riley’s comical own goal.
7. Los Angeles Galaxy: You’d think a 5-1 win over Dallas would move LA up tremendously, but I still have doubts about this squad. Then again, the league is rigged to guarantee their entry into the playoffs, so I needn’t speculate their play.
8. Kansas City Wizards: This team does not impress me, but they seem to be doing well for themselves. Maybe they can coast through the season into a solid playoff spot.
9. Houston Dynamo: The defending champs are back to their winning ways, but can they continue it for a third win?
10. Real Salt Lake: I mislabeled them last week as a good possession team. Colorado proved otherwise.
11. FC Dallas: 2-1 to Salt Lake is bad enough, but 5-1 to the Galaxy? That’s just appalling.
12. Chivas USA: They won, but against the current worst side in MLS. Atiba Harris showed promise, could he be the solution to their woes?
13. DC United: These guys don’t look like 4-time MLS Cup champions to me. This organization is falling apart, and Tommy Soehn needs to clean things up.
14. San Jose Earthquakes: Expansion side, expansion results.