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Major League Soccer delivered excitement this week with its' slate of games starting with Chivas USA vs Seattle Sounders match up to determine the best in the Western Conference. After the result, is there any doubt who is the Best in the West? Coach Preki deserves some street cred after his Chivas USA team defeated the Sounders, America's team and the Dallas Cowboys of Major League Soccer. Coach Preki is proving that talent is just as available in So Cal or surrounding areas as much as Western Africa for example. Hey Preki, just to let you know - 15th and Columbus 7-9 pm - you might find a few hidden jems there.

 

Conor Casey was given an early Christmas gift and the opportunity to retain his quest for the golden boot but was denied a penalty kick by 41 year old goal keeper, Pat Onstadt. Kenny Cooper scored two goals bringing him even with Casey. Cooper's perfomance early in the season has caused concern for his potential move to Europe. His performance was supposed to be improved from last year's performance, but KC failed to capitalize on several opportunities that made him a soccer addict favorite. If he can rediscover his form, Kenny Cooper could surpass last year's stats and resume.

 

 

Team and Rank	Team	Record	Comment
1.  (4)	Chivas USA	4-0-1	Although not the most talented roster in MLS, Chivas USA boasts the deepest and most reliable one in MLS. Nagamura out, don't worry slide Kljestan centrally. Perhaps, if Preki is in a bind, he will opt to move Eskandarian to center back? I am just kidding, but you get the point. Once all the pieces to the puzzle return from injury, Chivas USA will be a scary opponent.
2.   (1)	Chicago Fire	2-0-3	The Fire lost their status as the deepest team in MLS, but still retain the title of the most talented. Well Rested and clever as ever, Blanco wowed fans with his bunny hop and his incisive passing. What happened to the Fire defense that resembled a fortress in 2008. Tim Ward has caught my eye for his versatility and skill on the ball and should remain with the Fire.
3.  (3)	Seattle Sounders	3-2	The Sounders stay in the top three because they boast a talented group. Montero struggled and shanked an early game opportunity. Ljungberg played well centrally offering his vision, but Evans should not be playing on the wing. What will be the best Starting Xl for Coach Schmid? The Sounders appear much more dangerous on a synthetic surface.
4. (4)	New England Revs	2-0-2	The Revs continue to roll without Reis and Twellman. Brad Knighton continues to prove that Coach Nichol evaluates prospects as well as anyone in the MLS. With the insertion of Steve Ralston, the Revs boast a more dynamic offense. Could this be the Revs year with the Crew and Fire appearing shaky defensively.
5.   (5)	Columbus Crew	0-2-3	Don't write off the Crew just yet. The next few games will prove if the Crew are ready to reassume their title of Giants of the MLS.
6.     (11)	DC United	1-1-3	After watching DC United hanging with a strong Revs team, it is apparent that DC United is a head of schedule on their rebuilding project. They have given up late game goals to the Galaxy and RSL, but their team focuses more on the defensive side of the ball. What a difference Ben Olsen makes when he is healthy.
7.  (6)	RSL	2-2	RSL were exploited on Saturday by the NYRB , and Mac Kandji thought Nat Borchers was one of his play toys demonstrating his version of the MLS And1 mix tape. The midfield opted to play direct and were out-hustled for most of the match.With Fabian Espindola returning to bolster their offense, will RSL remain a favorite in the West as many have predicted.
8.   (7)	Colorado Rapids	2-2-1	The Rapids remain organized and played a solid match, but the Ching header was the difference. When will Coach Smith realize that Terry Cooke is a key compentent to their offense on the right wing? He earned 12 assists last season which was 3rd in the MLS. Conor Casey could have been the hero and leader in goals scored but was denied by Pat Onstadt.
9.  (10)	Houston Dynamo	1-2-2	The Dynamo passed the ball quite well and threatned the Rapids who always play compact and organized. The loss of De Rosario of Jacqua will be a detriment to the Dynamo playoffs hopes. How old Pat Onstadt? He says that he is 41, but I am not sure about that after witnessing his penalty kick save on Conor Casey. MLS might want to test him again or I will have what he is having for breakfast. LOL
10.  (8)	KC Wizards	2-2-1	The Wizards late game heroics offered great entertainment value to a game that was one-sided for the first 70 minutes. The Wizards play well offenively when they are trailing; the TFC home opener. Trailing the majority of the games will not guarentee a playoff spot. Claudia Lopez is determined to earn this year's salary and make up for 2008 with an early season effort.
11.   (9)	Toronto FC	1-2-2	What has happened to TFC's Central Midfield? FC Dallas is not that bad, but Guevarra and Robinson are not getting the job done. TFC was fortunate that the game was not a blow out due to FC Dallas' normal lapses of concentration. TFC could have been marked down more, but they boast a strong team to recover from this set back. Ibrahim proves that he deserves to start on the left flank. Will he be called-up for the U-20 World Cup 2009?
12.  (13)	NYRB	1-2-2	The NYRB, the Jeckle and Hyde of the MLS, demonstrated why many rated them very high in the preseason. Despite having Jorge Rojas in the starting line up, the inclusion of Stammler and Conway offers a significant upgrade in experience and contribution. Kandji's moves were sick resulting in a goal and an assist. His majic trick on Nat Borchers makes many interested to watch the Red Bulls again. Goldthwaite earned MOTM with an excellent bicycle kick save and formidable defense. With another convincing win, the NYRB could jump as high as top five. Will Juan Pablo Angel heat up now that he is on the score sheet?
13.  (14)	FC Dallas	1-3-1	FC Dallas earned four points against TFC, but can they repeat this against other MLS teams? The TFC game was not even close, but FC Dallas always finds a way to keep the games close with their propensity for mental lapses. Ferreira has begun to make an impact despite his size: his passing, possession and familiarity with his teammates is becoming evident. Dave Van De Berg offered a few good crosses but has been Missing-in-action for most of the season. The central pairing of Richetti and McCarty is the reason for FC Dallas' strong play.
14.   (12)	San Jose Quakes	1-2-2	San Jose could only score one goal on the LA Galaxy. Their offensive woes remain a concern while Bobby Convey fails to make the impact many had hoped in 2009. San Jose does not have the depth or the talent, although Arturo Alvarez has looked good for stretches this season.
15.    (15)	La Galaxy	0-1-3	The LA Galaxy benefited from a late game Brian Jordan header. The idea of integrating Landon Donovan in the midfield was a great idead, but implementing a 3-5-2 just does not make sense. Why is Sean Franklin still playing in the midfield? Why not move to a 4-5-1 which will give Donovan the appropiate touches and force their opponents to earn their points. It might be a long year and a permanent spot at #15.

 

 

What was your favorite game of the week? Who impressed you the most this week? Is Chivas USA the best team in the MLS? Will Kenny Cooper win the Golden Boot this year?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Chivas USA is crowned in the Major League Soccer Powering Rankings Week 5 and the latest soccer news