MLS Table Update as of 7/12/10

 - Past week's results:

• Two late week match-ups saw defending champions, Real Salt Lake top Chicago 1-0 and Toronto extended their unbeaten run to eight matches against Colorado with a 1-0 victory.
• San Jose 2-1 Philadelphia - The Union tried to follow up their great stadium opening win over Seattle with another over the visiting Earthquakes. They got the early goal and everything seemed to be going smoothly. As the game built San Jose's confidence grew and a stoppage time goal stole 3 points for the West coast team. 
• New England 2-0 LA Galaxy - The big upset of the week as the struggled Revolution stunned the MLS league leaders by two. On the road and without Donovan definitely hurt LA, but on the whole their defense still played a great games. The Galaxy's offensive spark was not the same this weekend and need to bounce back quickly as RSL is charging fast. 
• DC United 0-0 New York Red Bulls - NY had several good chances in a mostly lackluster match-up. The big news surrounding this game had more to do with the pending announcement of Thierry Henry joining the Red Bulls than the action on the field. 
• Columbus 0-0 Houston - These two sides should be able to put on a better performance will so many quality players on the field. Three shots on goal - total - for both clubs combined. The Crew can fall back on the fact that they were on the road and leading the East, but Houston needed to win this game (I'm looking at you Brian Ching and that tap in miss). 
• Chivas USA 2-0 Kansas City - Chivas' first win in eight matches against another of the league's bottom clubs. The Goats have always had the talent to compete and score week in and week out, but usually can't control the game. Two Justin Braun goals picked apart a soft Wizard defensive. 
• Seattle 1-1 FC Dallas - The Sounders are still winless against the Western conference and it took a wonder strike from Ferreira to save a point for Dallas. Seattle started a very young line-up, got the early goal and dominated play until a red card in the second half - perhaps a casualty of that youth. Ferreira now has four goals in the last five matches and is a forming a great strike force with Brek Shea and Jeff Cunningham. 

 - Current MLS Table:

• East: NY (26) missed a golden opportunity to catch Columbus (28) this week by not putting away DC United, and everyones expectations will only grow as the season continues with the big announcement scheduled for later this week. Toronto (22) and Chicago (17) are both quality MLS sides when all the pieces and health issues come together. While the playoff spots seem rather set even half way through the season, Philadelphia continues to impress as a young club with a new stadium and could be a contender next year. 
• West: The LA loss closes the gap between them at the champs (RSL) to 6 points and an extra game played, but make no mistake about it - these two teams are far away the leaders in the West at 36 and 30 points respectively. Dallas's latest win created a three way tie for 3rd with Colorado and San Jose at 22 points. Seattle (16) are dangerously close to becoming the bottom of the West and continue to be a major disappointment for their fans and the MLS in general. 

Thoughts?

Soccer Table Update as of 5/24

MLS:
 - Past week's result:

• Eastern Conference Home Games: New York hosted Columbus on the ESPN game of the week and even without three of their stars the Crew out-classes the Red Bulls who could use Henry yesterday. Toronto remained perfect at home after four games with a 1-0 result over the Revolution. The Crew took to the road on Sunday, and while Kansas City had several great opportunities, Schelotto's return made the difference in a 1-0 victory. 
• Western Conference Home Games: LA traveled to Dallas without Donovan and Buddle, but remained undefeated behind a strong defensive (1-0). San Jose traveled to Seattle to continue the current surprising form for both clubs. The Sounders striking power is seriously lacking despite their strong line-up, but fell to the Earthquakes 1-0. The champions (RSL) rolled off their fourth straight victory against a World Cup weakened Chivas USA. Houston topped DC United (shocking, right?) 2-0 behind an amazing goal by Oduro. 

 - Current MLS Table:

• East: Despite the slow start (due to the schedule) the Crew (20) have finally risen to the top of the East and are by far and away the best team in the conference. New York (15) remains second based on their strong start, but Toronto (13) has charged to 3rd place. It probably goes without mentioning, but DC United remains at the bottom with 3 points on 9 matches. (Note: last year NY has 8 points by this point)
• West: LA (26) along with the Crew are in a league of their own at this point leading the West by 10 points. Good news - This two undefeated clubs face each other next week. Bad news - The match will be without Donovan, Buddle, Rogers and Marshall (unless someone is sent home early). The next trio is tied for second place at 16 points - Real Salt Lake, San Jose, and Houston. The bottom of the West is still ahead of the middle of the Eastern conference, however Seattle (12) cannot be satisfied at this point based on last year's inaugural season. It will be interesting to see how they try to change this strong line-up, coaching staff and front office during the transfer window if this trend continues. 

Also check out my recaps of the UEFA Champions League and USSF D2 posted over the past few days.