MLS Weekend Recap – October 20

The End is Near:
The final playoff spot in the East was settled this week, with the USA’s own Michael Bradley and Toronto FC just narrowly missing out on the post-season. Instead, it was Columbus who managed to extend their season with a statement win against the New York Red Bulls, trouncing last year’s Supporter’s Shield winners 3-1.

In the West, the Portland Timbers remain one point behind the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are left to duke it out over the final conference slot. Portland will next face CD Olimpia on Tuesday, traveling to Honduras for the final game of the CONCACAF Champion’s League Group stage — before facing off against FC Dallas away on Saturday for their final regular season match-up. Vancouver has an arguably easier schedule; with several days off before they host an already-eliminated Colorado Rapids side for their final regular season game.

However, there is still home field advantage and the Supporter’s Shield left to play for, so don’t expect things to settle down any for the last week of regular season matches. If this week was any indication, even the teams that solidified their places in the post-season weeks ago are gunning for 3 points.

Highs and Lows:
Legends never die: It turns out there are plenty of quotes from the The Sandlot appropriate for Landon Donovan’s last MLS game — but “The Babe” explaining to Benny the difference between heroes and legends is perhaps the most fitting: “Heroes get remembered but legends never die.” MLS bid a regular-season farewell to the league’s greatest ambassador with pre- and post-match ceremonies to honor #10, including a truly 90s national anthem sung by Boyz II Men. The only thing missing was a stoppage time performance of “End of the Road.” Hopefully the L.A. front office rights this egregious oversight in the post-season.

Nguyen and his headband lead New England to victory: Lee Nguyen’s ensured a comeback for the Revolution, with two goals in their 2-1 win over Houston — including the game-winner in the 87th minute. His performance earned Nguyen MLS Player of the Week honors (though an honorable mention should go to his headwear) and brought his goal tally to 17 for the season. Nguyen is a contender for MLS MVP this year and he currently leads the league with eight game-winning goals.

Choice words from Deuce: Obafemi Martins got an earful from Clint Dempsey this weekend against the L.A. Galaxy. Things got a bit tense in the first half when a pressing Seattle side couldn’t get much to happen in front of the net. Eventually, both were able to make the impact they were looking for and teamed up on Dempsey’s goal in the 67th minute. Seattle pulled another back just three minutes later thanks to midfielder Lamar Neagle to stun L.A. to a 2-2 draw.

RBNY and the no good, terrible, very bad Supporter’s Day: In what may have been Thierry Henry’s last game at Red Bull Arena, the New York side let down fans (head coach Mike Petke even tossed around the word “garbage” once or twice post-match) and were trounced by the Columbus Crew 3-1. For a day devoted to RBNY supporters, there was not much to celebrate beyond the assurance that the Red Bulls are still, for now, in the post season.

Boyz II Men (part 2): Their arrival to sing the national anthem before LAvSEA was brilliant; a definite high. However, Boyz II Men are a national treasure and should be employed to perform pre-game, post-game and at half-time at every MLS match in future. If Don Garber is serious about the outside world’s perception of MLS and the league’s commitment to development and progress, then this is a must for 2015.

(image courtesy of Robert Hanashiro/USA Today Sports)