Week Eight Recap: Eddie Johnson show and a week of ejections.

Saturday, June 2

New England 0, Real Salt Lake 0

A somewhat surprising result considering the shot chart as RSL had three times fewer shots than a potent Revolution offense. Again, the key is in finishing, which didn't happen. For RSL, it seems that a contest has started between them and Columbus for a monopoly on ties. The shot total was 23 for the Revolution and Taylor Twellman had about a third of those. Should this tie worry New England supporters?
Because I Think...'s MVP: Jason Kreis, for taking the reins of this team. Hopefully he's the answer.

NER: NONE
RSL: NONE

Toronto FC 2, Colorado 1
BMO Field

Dichio capped off a Marvell Wynne right-side run to put Toronto ahead early, but Gomez finished a nice solo effort to delay the win for TFC. It looks like Toronto FC is starting to fulfill their potential even without the brunt of their Canadian influence. Andrew Boyens started off his MLS career shaky but has been as of late one of the most consistent centerbacks next to Michael Parkhurst of the Revolution. TFC's attack has become somewhat organized and it certianly helps that BMO Field is turning into the fortress that many hoped it would be.
Because I Think...'s MVP: Andrew Boyens, for a good defensive performance as well as opening his goalscoring account with a John Terry-like header.

TFC: Dichio (3), A. Boyens (1)
COL: H. Gomez (4)

Kansas City 3, Red Bull New York 2
Arrowhead Stadium

The Bulls still deserve the number one spot on most peoples' power rankings. They shouldn't be overly penalized for a Clint Mathis forearm to Kerry Zavagnin's face. It's a shame though, the last time Mathis was sent off - RBNY still held on to beat Houston 1-0. Kansas City's offense has been charged as of late thanks to another amazing performance from Eddie Johnson. Only problem is, where are the goals gonna come from once he is gone for the Gold Cup and Copa America? Angel continues to score though and RBNY will be dangerous in the games to come. They should rebound.
Because I Think...'s MVP: Eddie Johnson - you can't even argue this one.

KCW: E. Johnson 3 (9)
RBNY: Angel (4), D. Kovalenko (1)

D.C. United 0, Los Angeles 0
Home Depot Center

A bore draw for the most part with DC having the brunt of the chances. Landon Donovan was rather ineffective and the most entertaining part of the game was probably Fred. It has taken the Brazilian sometime to adjust to the American game, but he is coming on strong and starting to help the formidable D.C. foreign triumverate of Emilio, Moreno, and Gomez come together. Los Angeles did well for putting a makeshift backline together and dealing with the loss of Chris Albright and Ante Jazic.
Because I Think...'s MVP: Bobby Boswell - must have been trying to prove to Bob Bradley that he made a mistake for not including him.

DCU: NONE
LAG: NONE

Sunday, June 3

Houston 2, FC Dallas 1

Pat Onstad was ejected in the 78th minute and Houston still held on for a much needed win, especially since Ching, Clark, and De Rosario will be leaving shortly for the Gold Cup. I had watched this game up until the half and Juan Carlos Toja and Pablo Ricchetti had firmly won control of the midfield. Abe Thompson had shown that he can be counted on while Carlos Ruiz is gone, but a fragile Dallas defensive line broke down late and allowed Clark and Ngwenya to score their respective firsts of the season. A good three points to have before your three most effective players leave on international duty.
Because I Think...'s MVP: The Dynamo, for fighting back to win this one. Ngwenya specifically for getting his first goal since his move over from the Columbus Crew.

HOU: R. Clark (1), J. Ngwenya (1)
FCD: A. Thompson (1)

Chicago 3, Columbus 2

Guillermo Barros Schelloto helped about as much as he could tonight, but two Crew goals were not enough to deter Chicago from getting back on track after a much-maligned run of form. Somewhat a shame because when are the Crew going to strike for two goals again? Chicago used some unlikely characters to sink the Crew. But one familiar face provided the winning goal. Chad Barrett, Mr. American Rooney himself, put in the third for the Fire as they struggled somewhat to get by a hurting Columbus squad. It was nice to Chad Marshall make his presence known again, as he was once seen as a contender for USMNT duty. There's still time, he's young. This game also included 2 ejections - one for each squad. It brought the weekly total to four ejections. Because I Think...'s MVP: Willian Oliveira, who wreaked havoc on a choppy Columbus defense.

CHI: J. Curtin (1), W. Oliveira (1), C. Barrett (3)
CLB: D. Oughton (1), C. Marshall (1)