The Colorado Rapids are all but qualified, the San Jose Earthquakes still have some work left to do, the Crew are forced to wait and the Sounders are left to ponder what could have been.
Those were the verdicts from Wednesday night’s action involving MLS clubs.
In losing 3-0 at home to Freddie Ljungberg and the Chicago Fire, the Quakes say a penalty kick which was not awarded to them in the first half was the turning point. San Jose still enjoy a six-point cushion in the playoff standings.
The Rapids rode one of the hottest strikers in MLS, Omar Cummings, to a 4-1 win against Philadelphia and 41 points, which should be enough to get them to the postseason. The Jamaican credits his scoring streak to a tactical formation change made by manager Gary Smith.
MLSsoccer.com Crew beat writer Craig Merz spoke to members of the club after their 2-1 loss at Municipal, which leaves Champions League qualification pending until the final matchday. The result came on a muddy and rainy Guatemalan night reminiscent of Real Salt Lake’s match at Cruz Azul.
After defeating Marathón 2-0 for their first points of the CONCACAF Champions League, Sounders manager Sigi Schmid has his fair share of regrets and he is also critical of the unbalanced schedule his team received in the competition.
CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer speaks out for the first time about the new World Cup qualifying format which would eliminate the US-Mexico rivalry.
In another CONCACAF country, the Canadian Soccer Association is at odds with the country's MLS clubs regarding the new player rules which could mean fewer spots for Canadian players.
One of the best Canadian players, Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario spoke about the check-writing incident on Wednesday and apologized for the gesture. He says that he believes that TFC still have a shot for the postseason.
An injury to Canadian goalkeeper Pat Onstad could open the door for Tyler Deric to make his MLS debut this weekend for the Houston Dynamo.
The latest report from FC Dallas training camp indicates that George John and Ugo Ihemelu will probably not be ready for this weekend’s match vs. Chicago.
Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Angel explains how being off the Giants Stadium turf has helped rid him of a recurring back problem.
One soccer writer handicaps the race for the Manager of the Year award in MLS.
In England, American midfielder Stuart Holden has made enough of an impression to have his contract extended with Bolton Wanderers through 2013.
Lastly, read about NBA head coach Phil Jackson making reference to David Beckham in a discussion about whether his star player will see time when the Lakers travel to England.
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads
Loss at home to the Fire is a wakeup call for the San Jose Earthquakes
Colorado Rapids feel a playoff berth is within reach
Freddie Ljungberg says that the win in San Jose was all about pride for the Chicago Fire
Michael Fucito proves a force for Seattle in Champions League appearances
