Soccer Goals: Toronto FC will debut Julian DeGuzman against the LA Galaxy in the Home Depot Center, who lost to FC Dallas 3-6. The Galaxy need to perform well after their poor performance, but TFC will be supercharged with their new DP signee. Chicago vs Columbus will be an excellent match with the Crew poised to secure their second consecutive Supporters Shield.
Soccer Videos: MLS Extra Time Episode 30 Act 3
Who will win this week's games? Will the Galaxy recover from their devestating loss? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: If you love watching Steve Nash break down defenders with 1v1 dribble penetration in the NBA, Steve Nash trains with the Whitecap reserves prepare for the ardous NBA season. Playing either sport, the Nashter is a straight baller. The Phoenix Sun point guard surprised his teammates with great touch and vision.
These soccer videos feature interviews and highlights of the player.
What do you think of Nash's skill? Will the Suns make the playoffs this season? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: If you haven't learned Spanish yet and would like to learn a second language while following MLS action, check out Futbol Pasion. Their soccer videos feature MLS coverage and focuses on the Houston Dynamo, offering their analysis and interviews of MLS players.
Soccer Videos: Bolstering the most talented midfield in MLS, TFC will attempt to make the playoffs with only five game remaining and 34 points. In order to qualify for the playoffs, TFC will need an improved production at the forward position and solid showing from the back line. With the addition of De Guzman, TFC could receive an injection of both defensive bite and deft passing. If they make the playoffs, they could be a dark horse that could make an impact.
Soccer Videos: Julian DeGuzman catches up with TFC and TV show with Mo Johnston.
What do you think of TFC's playoff chances? Will they make the playoffs? Do you like their DP signing? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: Who will make the playoffs? Who will win the Golden Boot Award? Those are just a few of the questions regarding the conclusion of the MLS Season.
Soccer videos: MLS Extra Time Episode 30 Act 1 & 2
Who will win the Golden Boot Award? What teams will make the playoffs? Share your thoughts.
Soccer Goals: Just when you thought the LA Galaxy were turning the corner, improving as a unit, their back line was exposed for its lack of speed and quickness, conceding six goals to the Hoops. Although not the most consistent team defensively, it has been evident most of the season that FC Dallas can move the ball with ease but have been plagued by a porous defense and suspect finishing. That changed on Saturday night as visitors when they exploded for a six goal performance which could have been higher if they would have finished several additional chances. Up next, the Galaxy returns to the drawing board.
Soccer videos: MLS Week 26 Highlights and soccer goals.
Continuing its home dominance, the Columbus Crew finished off the Houston Dynamo with a stoppage-time penalty conversion. If Guillermo Barros Scheletto can remain healthy, the Crew should secure their second consecutive Supporter Shield.
Having finally broken their road curse in MLS play, the Sounders won at DC United twice and drew with Toronto FC and Houston Dynamo. If they can continue to play well on the road and make the playoffs, the Sounders could make a large splash in the playoffs. Keeping Freddie Ljungberg healthy and maintaining strong road form will make them a playoff threat.
Let's take a look how the teams fared this week. With out further Adu, Soccer Addict News presents the MLS Power Rankings Week 26.
Team and Rank
Team
Record
Comment
1. 1
Columbus Crew
11-4-9
Is there any question that the Crew are the Kings of MLS? For those of you who doubted the Crew, shame on you. I always ranked them high despite their slow start.
2 2
Houston Dynamo
11-8-7
Despite losing to the top dog 2-1, the Dynamo still impresses me more than the Fire. But, the return of McBride could change their positions in the upcoming weeks.
3 4
Chicago Fire
10-6-9
They earned the draw in the oxygen-depleted confines of Rio Tinto Stadium. McBrides return signals an upward trend for the Fire. They are inching closer to the next spot.
4 7
Seattle Sounders
9-6-10
Convincing road wins against DC United and draws against TFC and Dynamo is a step in the right direction. Ljungberg must remain healthy to make a deep playoff run.
5 5
Colorad Rapids
10-8-6
The Rapids were man-handled in the midfield but managed to find two goals. With a remainder of home games, the Rapids need to pick up their play to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
6 3
LA Galaxy
9-5-11
After being exposed on the grandest of scales, every MLS team are going to attack the back line with speed to imbalance the defense. Their defense is not equipped for quick and agile teams. Playoffs are in the cards, but an early exit looks possible.
7 7
Chivas USA
11-9-3
The defense held strong against the Revs, but what is Preki's starting forward duo. They need stability at this position. With seven games remaining and with 36 points, the Goats should qualify, but their play does not warrant a first round advancement.
8 6
New England Revolution
9-8-6
Without Sharlie Joseph, the Revs just are not the same team. Their true advantage lies in their games remaining, seven, only trailing DC United by three points.
9
Toronto FC
9-9-7
Although Julian DeGuzman should make a strong impact for the Reds, it might be too little too late. With five games remaining and 34 points, TFC must win at least four of their five games to secure a playoff spot. The forwards need to score on a consistent basis.
10 8
DC United
8-6-12
Plagued by injuries to the back line in the second half of the season, DC United only boasts four remaining games to their schedule. Win all four and they are playoff bound, otherwise it will be a coin toss. What happened to their potent offense? The big money man need to step up (Fred, Gomez, and Emilio).
11 11
Real Salt Lake
9-9-7
They earned the draw against the Fire, but they could be the odd man out, come playoff time. Loaded with strong attacking players such as Espindola, Morales, Movsysian, and Findley, the Lakers can't seem to find a good offensive rhythm.
12 12
FC Dallas
7-11-6
Dismantling the Galaxy was pretty impressive, Their team speed exceeds expectations, but their defensive ways still plague their results. If the Hoops upgrade their central defense next season, they could move to the playoff picture. Daniel Hernandez does offer defensive bite and tenacity in the midfield.
13 15
Kansas City Wizards
7-11-6
In the battle of the bads, KC edged out the NYRB. The Kei Kamara acquisition was a smart deal: He offers speed and athleticism at the position. But, will he resign with KC next season?
14 13
San Jose Earthquakes
5-12-5
The one season legend, Darren Huckerby might retire after season ending hip surgery. I still have the dynamite. It's time to blow this team up.
15 14
NYRB
4-17-4
Ernst Oebster and Mac Kandji impressed in the battle of the bads. Another JCO acquisition bit the dust, Alfredo Pacheco. This team needs to form another strategy for international acquisitions. Build from the college ranks, MLS, USL, and sprinkle in some economical international acquisitions.
What do you think of the rankings? Will the Crew win the Supporters Shield? Which teams will make the playoffs? Share your thoughts.
