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The MLS 10

Seattle Draws L.A., D.C. Clinches, Nguyen Scores

From Sunday's high-octane Western Conference showdown to Lee Nguyen's latest heroics, here are the 10 most intriguing things happening in Major League Soccer right now.
BY Blake Thomsen Posted
October 20, 2014
1:06 PM
MLS DELIVERED DRAMA to spare this weekend, especially in a wild slate of games out West. Here’s all the news and highlights you need as the regular season heads into the homestretch.


WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. The Galaxy Got off to a Great Start…

In one of MLS’s biggest showdowns of the season, the Los Angeles Galaxy looked well on its way to a customary home victory Sunday night in Carson, Calif. A neatly taken goal from Baggio Husidic in first-half stoppage time opened the scoring, and after Marcelo Sarvas’s deflected effort early in the second half slipped past Seattle's Stefan Frei, L.A. looked to be in command. A win would have meant that the Galaxy would only need a draw in Seattle on Saturday to take the Supporters Shield.


2. …But Seattle Came Roaring Back

Seattle had other plans, however. Clint Dempsey got things going with a blistering left-footed slam to the near post after fine work from DeAndre Yedlin and a (likely) accidental wonder-flick from Obafemi Martins. Then Lamar Neagle completed the comeback with a weaker-foot effort of his own, sliding past Jaime Penedo to level the score at 2-2. The Sounders had the better of the play from that moment onward, and though the visiting side didn’t get the win, it did draw a second yellow on Omar Gonzalez, meaning he’ll be suspended for next weekend’s game in Seattle.

Now, L.A.’s task is simple enough. Win in Seattle without its U.S. national team center back, and take the Shield. Nothing else will do. Now that will be can’t-miss television.


3. Rimando Denies Portland

When Portland’s superb fan base looks back on the 2014 campaign, it will be hard to not look at this game as an absolute heartbreaker. The Timbers did more than enough to win, but a trio of fantastic Nick Rimando saves (as well as an impressive goal-line clearance from Luis Gil) kept Portland off the score sheet and likely out of the playoffs.

Below are highlights of the game—Rimando’s outrageous sprawling denial of Darlington Nagbe comes at the 2:55 mark.

4. Whitecaps Misfire at Buck Shaw

One of Major League Soccer's most humble—and most storied—stadiums saw its last MLS action on Saturday night, as the hometown Earthquakes closed Buck Shaw Stadium with a 0-0 draw. It must be said that for a stadium that has seen so many memorable moments, it was a bit of an anticlimactic finale.

As for playoff implications, Vancouver benefited hugely from RSL’s draw in Portland. With a one-point lead for the fifth spot, the Whitecaps need only beat lowly Colorado at home on the last day of the season to clinch a playoff spot for the second time in three years.


5. Dallas Moves into Third

Despite Rimando’s heroics, Real Salt Lake still dropped a spot in the Western Conference standings after FC Dallas nicked an away win at freefalling Colorado. In a rather drab affair, Blas Perez notched the important winner from the penalty spot. Dallas can clinch third spot in the West with a home win over Portland. The Timbers have been playing well of late, though, so that may be easier said than done.


EASTERN CONFERENCE

6. D.C. Clinches Home-Field Advantage

D.C. United completed its historic turnaround, clinching first place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 win at RFK over the Chicago Fire. Eddie Johnson picked up a goal and an assist in the win, scoring the decisive tally in the second half after a bad Chicago giveaway. Last season D.C. finished dead last in MLS with a shockingly low 16 points, and the 42-point improvement over last season is an MLS record. Props to the D.C. front office for hanging on to embattled manager Ben Olsen—many were calling for his head after last season’s dreadful showing.

7. Kinnear Goes Back Home

Northern California native Dom Kinnear announced this week that he will be taking over the San Jose Earthquakes job starting next season. It’s a huge coup for San Jose, as Kinnear is without a doubt one of the best coaches in MLS.

“This isn’t me going home and having parades and parties,” Kinnear said on Wednesday. “I’m going home to be the coach of this team and try to make it a successful team in 2015 and beyond.”

Houston, which uncharacteristically missed the playoffs this season, will now search for a new coach.


8. Nguyen Lifts Revs (Again)

It’s starting to become the same story again and again up in New England—Lee Nguyen is absolutely stealing the show. This week he produced a second-half brace to spark a come-from-behind victory in Kinnear’s final home game as Dynamo manager.

After neatly side stepping a defender, Nguyen unleashed this gorgeous top-corner curler to level the score. And to make his MVP (and U.S. national team) case even stronger, Nguyen swept home on a scramble in the box to win it in the 87th minute. With Nguyen and Jermaine Jones in terrific form, it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the fact that New England is a serious MLS Cup contender.


9. Sporting KC Continue to Stumble

Last year’s MLS Cup champions are not looking particularly imposing as the playoffs approach. Following a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union, SKC has won just two of its last nine games. It’s far from inspiring form, but only a brave soul would write off Peter Vermes’s battle-tested team in the playoffs.

One highlight for Sporting? Striker Dom Dwyer netted his 22nd goal of the season, converting from the penalty spot to equalize in the second half.

10. Columbus Thumps Red Bulls

The Crew ended New York’s terrific run of form on Sunday, quieting Red Bull Arena with an impressive 3-1 win behind a goal from Ethan Finlay and a brace from Aaron Schofield.

Here’s your updated playoff scenarios in the Eastern Conference: Columbus’s win leveled it with Sporting KC on points for third place in the East, but SKC has the advantage in wins and thus can clinch third spot with a home win over the Red Bulls. Columbus needs an SKC loss or tie and its own home win over the Union to clinch third (or a draw against the Union if SKC loses).

And to make things even more complicated, the Red Bulls still aren’t out of the race for third, either. New York needs to win in Kansas City and for Columbus to lose at home to the Union—if you want to get technical, a New York win by six goals and a Columbus draw would also do the trick, but don’t hold your breath on that one.

What stood out to you the most from the MLS weekend that was? Let us know in the comments section below.

Blake Thomsen is a frequent ASN contributor. Follow him on Twitter.

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