The Wrap Up

Sorry for the late updates been a tiring last couple of days and other commitments kept me away.

Portland Timbers 1 at 1 Seattle Sounders

The Saturday night match up did not fail to disappoint. Seattle went up one early in the first half as Eddie Johnson ran on to beautiful cross from Steve Zakuani.  The goal was class far post run and finish from EJ set up from a Portland turn over and an afterburner run from Zakuani. Portland Equalized on a 90th minute header from Rodney Wallace, when he was able to get free in the box.

This game was notable for the Seattle debut of designate player Obafemi Martins. Martins came on for the last 20 minutes showed a spark but also that it will take some time to gel with his teammates, maybe even a practice or two. The other notable development of this game is the improvement of Portland Timbers. The new strengthened midfield and possession style of play has paid off. The Timbers were able to maintain the majority of possession, 55% and out shot the home team 13 to 7. Caleb Porter so far has his team playing better defense and mentally tougher on home and on especially on the road. Going forward for Seattle the team will need could really use more players like Alonso to add an edge to what is become a weak team.


Toronto FC 1 at 2 Montreal Impact

Caught a bit of this game and have to say Montreal look strong. If they can stay healthy, a big if with so many aging players, they have a strong spine with the Italian center backs, DiVaio up front and a midfield with Bernier, Felipe Martins and Davy Arnaud, this team will be hard to beat. Toronto also improved from last season with the attacking prowess of newcomers Robert Earnshaw and John Bostock, at the forefront. Toronto is also an counter attacking team but more so out of necessity than by planned design.


Houston Dynamo 2 at 3 FC Dallas

Sunday afternoon had the game of week. Houston visited Dallas for is turning in to a derby in the stands if not on the field. This was an interesting game with long dull stretches punctuated by goal flurries at the end of both halves. Dallas scored two in quick succession George John on a header in the 34th and Andrew Jacobson a minute later. The second half was the same and Dallas looked to be able to hold on until, Andrew Driver in the 79th and Brad Davis in 83rd leveled the game.
The game then had a controversial ending, as Kenny Cooper scored the wining goal in the 90th minute on a play that featured a clear hand ball. Copper goes to head a cross, he mis times it but is able to bring it down off his bicep, and slot home the winner. As Ives Galarcep commented perfectly on twitter

Kenny Cooper's game-winner was Cooper in a nutshell. Completely botches attempt at the header, but poised enough to finish subsequent chance
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) March 18, 2013

Two thoughts on the play. One is that Cooper kept playing through the whistle and made the play. The second thing that struck me was how much celebrating Cooper did made me wonder if he realized the goal should have been disallowed? Just a thought.



Other bits (games I saw nothing of)

San Jose 1 at 1 Columbus

San Jose keeps on keeping on. Seeming out of the game the Quakes got themselves and equalizer in the 73rd minute from Justin Morrow. I thought that San Jose would struggle more with the comebacks, missing Gordon and Lenhart, but they still find away. Hats off to Frank Yallop and the culture he has fostered in San Jose.

New England Revolution 0 at Philadelphia Union 1

Both teams have some good pieces lets see what they can build on. Looking forward to be able to watch a NE game. Excited about Bengston, Nguyen and Toja.

Chivas USA 1 at 1 LA Galaxy

The other two where about time. This game was by flaw. My cable company does not offer me UniMas, and the game was blacked out on MLSLive. I have read it was a good game. Chivas getting an absurd red card yet still getting an equalizer against big brother the Galaxy is a great script. Have to say I feel that El Chelis will have Chivas competing this year, in spite of ownership. Don't expect them to be great but they will be tougher to play than the last couple of incarnations.