clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The League's Lowdown: July 31st - August 7th 2014

We go in depth into all the action around the league not just the Houston Dynamo and take a look at how it will interact the Dynamo and the playoff race. We also investigate small rumors and important events taking place within MLS.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the first ever "The League's Lowdown" we look at all the games of the week Thursday to Thursday. This week has been an important few days for MLS as action all around the United States had major talking points and important events.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union (1-1)

This game was a one sided game that can only be summed up by the term "Hanging by a thread". Sporting KC enjoyed 2/3 of the possession but were punished by 1 second of falling asleep. Goals by Graham Zusi for KC and Brian Brown for Union.

LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers (3-1, LA)

I have yet to be convinced whether the LA Galaxy are finally hitting stride or if Seattle and Portland just didn’t play well. Whatever it is one thing is for sure, the LA Galaxy are a team you don’t want to play right now. Goals by Diego Valeri for Portland and Gyasi Zardes (1) and Robbie Keane (2).

Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC (0-2 Toronto)

Overall a fairly equal match it just came down to the talent of finishing that day. Toronto put it in the back of the net in the 11’ with a goal coming from Gilberto and never looked back, while adding an insurance goal in the 54’ from Luke Moore.

New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution (2-1 NYRB)

They say no guts no glory, and that sure was true in this match. After scoring in the 20’ by Charlie Davies and a 47’ red card to Red Bulls player Matt Miazga, the Revolution stood around while the always dangerous Red Bulls pushed for a win and got one after goals by Dax McCarty and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew (1-1)

To sum it up nice and easy, the talent of both teams showed up but everyone else was left home. For the Chicago Fire, Mike Magee scored the Fire’s only goal with a PK, and for Columbus Crew, Federico Higuain struck from about 6 yards out.

Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake (0-1 RSL)

The song "Staying Alive" was being played in the stadium during this game as RSL scored in the 14’ by Javier Morales but went down to 10 men after a last ditch foul by Aaron Maund. The Colorado Rapids then took 22 shots and had 2/3 possession but could not find the back of the net to lose the Rocky Mountain Cup at home.


San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders (1-0 SJ)

Home sweet home! San Jose, playing in front of nearly 45,000 people in the inaugural event for the new Levi's Stadium, scored one goal by Yannik Djalo in the 42'. In fitting glory in the last 5 minutes of the game fireworks from a nearby amusement park and the inaugural event was, in terms, a "bang".


Houston Dynamo vs. D.C. United (1-0 Dynamo)

We huffed, we puffed… and D.C. United opened the door. Oh also D.C. United played with 10 men most of the game. For those that didn’t notice Eddie Johnson was downtown at the Texans training field trying to get a contract with them. Goal by the Dancing Bear, Will Bruin in the 91’


Chivas USA vs. FC Dallas (0-1 Dallas)

I could talk about this boring game in which Tesho Akindele scored for FC Dallas in the 49’ but I’d rather make fun of Chivas USA for having less people at the game than the average Dash games. If MLS keep Chivas USA in LA with the re-branding, someone deserves to be fired.

Other News around the League:

This week transfer rumors was the hype of the league. USMNT midfield Jermaine Jones was reportedly heading to Chicago Fire as a Designated Player but then the real news broke that the club had offered less money than reported and Jermaine Jones had turned the offer down.

Saturday Mix Diskerud released on twitter a hint that he would be heading to the Columbus Crew where he will be playing in my opinion at the position that Dominic Oduro played. However don’t expect any pizza in Mix’s hair.

The All-star game also occurred yesterday which had some major talking points in it, one of which was the decision of Caleb Porter to bring in Liam Ridgewell. Liam Ridgewell has only had 3 games in MLS, however Caleb Porter justified his actions saying it was to not interrupt other teams actions and plans. Myself I am happy the Dynamo aren't sending anyone to this "entertainment extravaganza" and the players can focus on Seattle.

Also lets try to pack BBVA! Invite a friend, tell your friends, do all you can lets try to pack the house!