The first leg of the Quarterfinals is out of the way as teams move on to the final leg to see who advances. The first leg proved to be an unpredictable one. Amazing individual performances mixed with some shoddy goal keeping has turned the MLS upside down. I put in the highlights of the 2 top goals of the first round at the bottom, check them out.
Seattle v Salt Lake: Seattle and Real Salt Lake played to a dramatic 0-0 tie. Both teams were too tentative in the midfield and afraid to push the tempo at first. Seattle felt the pressure and began pushing the tempo. They created many opportunities but were unable to capitalize. RSL held a strong defense and were able to keep the Sounders at bay. The Sounders needed a win last night for they were the home team and now they must go into Rio Tinto and find a way to score. Salt Lake really excelled at keeping Seattle holding the ball in the midfield and cutting them off from the attacking third.
Man of the Match: Nick Rimando came up with 5 massive saves to preserve the tie. The Salt Lake keeper was Johnny on the spot and showed why he is one of the best goalies in MLS.
Next Outing: Salt Lake will be hosting Seattle on the 8th. Seattle will feel their backs against the wall and most likely push the tempo early. The longer the games stays nil nil the more confident RSL will get. I predict Seattle wins 2-1.
DC United v New York Red Bulls: The first leg went to a 1-1 draw in DC. DC United had a golden opportunity to walk away with a W but could not convert the PK that would have put them up. The game went completely out of control when NY scored an own goal and then shortly after United winger Andy Najar lost control and got a red card for throwing a ball at the ref.
Man of the Match: Joel Lindpear gets man of the match for consistent play. In a game where both teams made a number of mistakes and played sloppy, Joel worked hard in the midfield and worked as a facilitator for NY.
Next Outing: The next leg favors NY but DC is not eliminated yet. If DC can keep the game bogged down in the midfield then they will improve their chances of snagging an away goal. NY has been historically bad at closing out opponents in elimination situations. They are going to need the big guns to step up. I predict DC digs deep and finds a way to eliminate the Red Bulls.
Sporting KC v Houston Dynamo: Houston winning 2-0 is the biggest upset of the first round. SKC are the top ranked team in the East and now find themselves in a ditch trying to get out. The game was actually closer then the score line leads on. SKC had opportunities and solid possession but they were unable to capitalize.
Man of the Match: Adam Moffet scored an absolute goalazo from distance, a wonder strike that sunk SKC.
Next Outing: With their backs against the wall SKC are going to have to come out swinging. It is going to be a great match. KC need to score at least 2 goals if they want to advance. KC can do this, they have the offensive fire power but Houston is strong defensively. The key is going to be ball movement; Houston is strong so showing them a number of different looks will keep them on their heels. I predict that Houston will weather the storm and advance to the semis.
LA Galaxy v San Jose Earthquakes: Hands down, the game of the first round. A true run and gun shoot out between both teams with some great defending at times. Robbie Kean and Wondo in a showdown but neither of them able to find the back of the net. A number of times Robbie just missed the net or hit the woodwork. This game was crazy and then just when you think it was heading for a scoreless draw, San Jose nagged a stoppage time goal to steal a road win.
Next Outing: San Jose is up heading home but a one goal lead in this tie is nothing. LA has the fire power and is looking to strike. It is up to Landon Donovan to dig deep and make it happen. So much criticism over Landon and so much speculation, lets see how much gas is in the tank. Wondo will be looking to score a goal or two to steak his claim for best player in the league. It is just going to be a great match.
© 2012 mlssoccer.com
© 2012 mlssoccer.com
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