The goalfest continues: Xavier's Debut a Win, FC Dallas Outplayed

First off, the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 are set.

It will be USA vs. Canada at 7pm on Thursday, June 21st (Telefutura)
and Mexico vs. Guadeloupe at 10pm on Thursday, June 21st (Telefutura)

Gold Cup Quarterfinals:

Canada 3, Guatemala 0
USA 2, Panama 1
Mexico 1, Costa Rica 0 (AET)
Guadeloupe 2, Honduras 1

Clearly, the stunner here is Guadeloupe beating a Honduras team that really looked as if it could cause some damage in the latter rounds of the knock-out round. Bocanegra's header fueled the US over a scrappy Panamanian squad, while Mexico beat the Ticos in dramatic but extremely ugly fashion. Even if Mexico comes through and wins this tournament, I gotta think Sanchez could still be on his way out. Canada looked the strongest of the four advanced, dispatching Guatemala 3-0. Sorry for the lack of coverage but, as of late and maybe some people agree, the MLS has been much more entertaining to watch.

Sunday, June 17th
Toronto FC 4, FC Dallas 0
BMO Field

The last home game before a six game road trip (thanks to the U-20 World Cup) could have ended any better for the Reds. Steve Morrow must really be confused. Four separate scorers got in on the action, while Carl Robinson stood out as a player much looking forward to being the fulcrum of this Toronto squad. Edu, Dichio, Robinson, and Cunningham all got on the board as the veterans clearly set the tone for Toronto FC. Once again BMO Field was teeming with energy and electricity and now I truly understand what the pundits mean when they say, "[so-and-so's team] wants to make their home field a fortress". Was it a Giants/Eagles game? No. But could it be someday? Possibly - without the unnecessary violence and "accidental" beer spilling. Regardless, TFC shows their colors yet again. Downside: six game road trip awaits and some of it might have to be without Danny Dichio who was taken off just after halftime.
Because I Think...'s MVP: Carl Robinson, the Welsh international made every good chance he had worth it; he had a hand in three of the four TFC goals and helped pick apart an unusually disorganized FC Dallas backline


TFC: Edu (2), Dichio (4), Robinson (1), Cunningham (5)
FCD: NONE

Los Angeles 3, Real Salt Lake 2
Home Depot Center

Daniel Torres set the tone for RSL in the 4th minute gifting a goal to the struggling Nate Jaqua when he tried half-assedly to pass the ball back to keeper Joe Cannon. Jaqua still almost managed to mess it up. Veteran Chris Brown tried desparately all game to keep Salt Lake in this, equalizing in the 6th minute and making it 3-2 in the 73rd. New acquisition Abel Xavier had a functional first showing for the Galaxy but looked a tad off his mark (especially if you had seen him play before M'brough). It was good to see Edson Buddle get a goal and you could tell he was relieved as well as he wore his emotions on his sleeve by falling to the ground afterwards and pumping fists of determination. Buddle, immensely talented, has been the league's journeyman as of late being used as trade bait extraordinnaire. Cobi celebrated his 37th birthday with a goal fed by Kyle Martino. Overall - RSL needs to find a couple pieces to right the ship, while LA needs Beckham and another good physio.
Because I Think...'s MVP: Edson Buddle


LAG: N. Jaqua (1), C. Jones (2), E. Buddle (1)
RSL: C. Brown 2 (3)

That was one h