Saturday Games
Tampa Bay 8 Pittsburgh 2 - Pittsburgh leads series 3-2.
Goals:
TAM- Simon Gagne 2 (2), Steven Stamkos 2 (2), Vincent Lecavalier (2), Pavel Kubina 2 (2), Dominic Moore (1)
PIT- Mike Rupp (1), Chris Conner (1)
Notes:
Tampa Bay scored the game's first 7 goals... Tampa Bay scored just 9 goals in the first four games of the series before tallying 8 in game 5... Simon Gagne scored his 33rd and 34th career playoff goals. He scored 9 goals in last year's playoffs with the Flyers... 21 year old Steven Stamkos finally scored his first postseason goals in his 5th playoff game. Stamkos tallied 96 goals in 164 games for the Lightning over the past two seasons... Pavel Kubina scored just 4 goals in 79 games during the regular season before scoring two goals in Game 5. Coming into Game 5 he had just 1 playoff goal in 42 games... Game 6 is Monday night in Tampa.
Washington 3 New York Rangers 1 - Washington wins series 4-1.
Goals:
WAS- Mike Green (1), Alex Ovechkin (3), Alexander Semin (3)
NYR- Wojtek Wolski (1)
Notes:
Washington blew a 3-1 series lead to Montreal in last year's playoffs... Ovechkin finished the 5 games series with 3 goals and 3 assists. His career high for playoff goals is 11 back in 2009. He also added 10 assists that year in 14 games... 23 year old Michal Neuvirth allowed just 8 goals in the series posting a 1.38 goals against average and saving 140 of 148 shots against him (94.6%)... Washington becomes the second team to advance to the 2nd round, Detroit being the first.
Boston 2 Montreal 1, 2 OT - Boston leads series 3-2
Goals:
BOS- Brad Marchand (1), Nathan Horton (2)
MTL- Jeff Halpern (1)
Notes:
The Bruins have won 3 straight after dropping the first two games in this series... Tim Thomas saved 44 of 45 shots to earn the win... 23 year old Carey Price made 49 saves for the Canadiens... Brad Marchand's goal was his first career goal in the playoffs. He scored 21 times for the Bruins during the regular season... Nathan Horton scored 26 goals during the regular season, his first season with Boston. He had not played in the playoffs prior to this season, his 7th in the NHL... Game 6 is tonight in Montreal where the Bruins won Games 3 and 4.
Los Angeles 3 San Jose 1 - San Jose leads series 3-2.
Goals:
LOS- Wayne Simmonds (1), Kyle Clifford (3), Dustin Penner (1)
SAN- Patrick Marleau (1)
Note:
Jonathan Quick made 51 saves for the Kings to set a club posteason record. Quick also made 51 saves in a game this season against the Detroit Red Wings on December 13th... Kyle Clifford had just 7 goals and 7 assists in 76 games during the regular season. In 5 playoff games he has 3 goals and 2 assists... Dustin Penner's goal was his first since March 13th against Dallas... Game 6 will be tonight in Los Angeles.
Sunday Games
Philadelphia 5 Buffalo 4, OT - Series tied 3-3.
Goals:
PHI- Danny Briere 2 (5), James van Riemsdyk (3), Scott Hartnell (1), Ville Leino (2)
BUF- Rob Niedermayer (1), Thomas Vanek 2 (5), Nathan Gerbe (2)
Notes:
For the second time in this series, Brian Boucher earned a win in a game he did not start. In Game 2 he got the win in relief of Sergei Bobrovsky. In Game 6 he earned the win in place of Michael Leighton... Briere scored 12 goals and had 18 assists in 23 games for the Flyers in last year's playoffs... Vanek is one goal away from tying a career playoff high. He had 6 goals in 16 games in the 2007 playoffs... Game 7 will be Tuesday night in Philadelphia. The Flyers have just won once on their home ice this series.
Nashville 4 Anaheim 2 - Nashville wins series 4-2.
Goals:
NSH- Nick Spaling 2 (2), Steve Sullivan (2), David Legwand (2)
ANA- Teemu Selanne (6), Jason Blake (3)
Notes:
Nashville did not score fewer than 3 goals in any game in the series (4,3,4,3,4,4)... Teemu Selanne leads all players with six first round goals... Nick Spaling scored just 8 goals in 74 regular season games this year. Prior to Game 6, he had been scoreless in 11 career playoff games... The Predators became the 3rd team to clinch a berth in the next round joining Washington and Detroit.
Chicago 4 Vancouver 3, OT - Series tied 3-3.
Goals:
VAN- Daniel Sedin (5), Alex Burrows (1), Kevin Bieksa (1)
CHI- Bryan Bickell (2), Dave Bolland (2), Michael Frolik (2), Ben Smith (3)
Notes:
The Blackhawks became the 7th team in Stanley Cup playoff history to force a Game 7 after being down 3 games to 0. The feat was achieved most recently by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010 who went on to defeat the Bruins in Game 7... Ben Smith now has 3 career postseason goals versus just 1 regular season goal... Vancouver goalie Cory Schneider left the game with an injury after starting in place of Roberto Luongo. Luongo had given up 10 goals on 40 shots over the 2 previous games... Game 7 will be Tuesday night in Vancouver.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
MLS Wrap - Week 6
NEW YORK 4 DC UNITED 0
The New York Red Bulls and Thierry Henry are suddenly red hot. After breaking out with 3 goals this weekend, the Red Bulls were right back at it on Thursday night blowing out DC 4-0. Thierry Henry got it going in the 12th minute with a header from the penalty spot off a cross from Jan Gunnar Solli for his second goal in as many matches. Solli and Henry combined again in the 38th minute as Henry got on the end of his cross easily beating Bill Hamid from the top of the six yard box for his second goal of the match. Then it was Henry's turn to do the table setting as he sprung Joel Lindpere on a counterattack. Lindpere did a nifty bit of footwork to school Clyde Simms and hammered the ball home for his first goal of the year to make it 3-0. But New York was still not done. Juan Agudelo came on as a substitute and scored just a sensational goal to close out the scoring in stoppage time. Solli tallied his third assist of the match as Agudelo flicked the cross to himself and volleyed it past Hamid for just an amazing finish for the teenage sensation. DC was unable to break through against Bouna Coundoul with substitute Branko Boskovic coming the closest. Boskovic hit the post twice after coming on at halftime but was unable to prevent the shutout. Both teams are off this weekend as DC will play again next Friday at Houston and New York will host Kansas City as they look to continue their recent offensive explosion.
SEATTLE 1 COLORADO 0
Colorado's struggles continue as Brian Mullan was sent off in the third minute for a hard foul of Steve Zakuani. Zakuani's leg was badly broken on the play and the Sounders have likely lost him for the season. Fredy Montero scored on a counter attack in the 19th minute for his first MLS goal since August for the game's only goal. Matt Pickens made 3 saves for the Rapids to keep it close, including coming up huge to stuff O'Brian White from point blank range, but Colorado couldn't overcome the man-advantage and fell for the third straight match. Seattle's mood is sober despite the good win as they must now look to move forward without their star midfielder. The Sounders' next match is next Saturday at home against Toronto. The Rapids host the struggling Fire as they look to snap their own skid.
CHIVAS USA 2 SAN JOSE 1
It took 6 games, but the Goats are finally in the win column. It didn't look good early though as Chris Wondolowski put the Earthquakes ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute beating Dan Kennedy with a flicked header for his 3rd goal of the year. But Chivas kept battling and eventually got the equalizer in first half stoppage time when Alejandro Moreno headed in a free kick from Heath Pierce for his second goal of the season. Then late in the second half, Chivas took the lead getting the go ahead goal from Mariano Trujillo. Justin Braun set the play up with a great run down the right side and while Jon Busch made a great save to deny Braun, the rebound deflected right to Trujillo who easily tapped the ball into the empty net for the game winner. Braun and Trujillo both came on as second half substitutes for the Goats. San Jose had a couple of chances late, but they couldn't quite get the final touch on the ball and they end up falling to their in-state rivals. Worse still, the Quakes now find themselves in last place in the Western Conference with a record of 1-3-2. San Jose is back in action again next Saturday when they travel to Philly to take on the Union while Chivas USA will play host to the Revolution.
COLUMBUS 1 TORONTO 1
For the second time this season we saw a player get sent off for picking up a second yellow during an excessive celebration. Tony Tchani scored the first goal against the Crew since their opener against DC United when he got on the end of a ball played over the top by Julian de Guzman. However, his decision to leave the field of play and celebrate with the home fans was deemed unsportsmanlike, and now Toronto was forced to go the rest of the match a man down. Three minutes into the second half, the Crew capitalized on the advantage when Emilio Renteria headed in a cross from Sebastian Miranda tying the game at 1. The Crew outshot Toronto 16-7 in the match, but forced Stefan Frei into making just two saves and were forced to settle for earning one point on the road. The Crew are now unbeaten in their last 5 matches and have moved up into 4th place in the Eastern Conference with 9 points. Toronto meanwhile gets their 4th draw of the year. The Crew take on another Canadian team next weekend when the host the Whitecaps while Toronto will head west to take on the Sounders.
DALLAS 2 VANCOUVER 1
Dallas fell behind early but battled back to steal 3 points on the road from Vancouver defeating the Whitecaps 2-1. Alain Rochat opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he headed a cross from Davide Chiumiento past Kevin Hartman for his first goal of the year. Chiumiento now has league-leading 5 assists this season. The Caps would take that lead into the intermission thanks to a missed PK from the reigning MVP David Ferreira. Ferreria had keeper Jay Nolly going the wrong direction, but he pulled his kick wide of the mark. It was a day Ferreira would just as soon forget as he would later leave the match with an injury in the 52nd minute. Almost immediately following Ferreira's exit, George John equalized for Dallas off a corner. Marvin Chavez drove the ball near post where it was flicked into the box by Jackson Goncalves and John then headed it in for his first goal of the year. The score would stay tied for another 30 minutes when Ferreira's replacement, Eric Avila would break through for the game winner. Avila ended up with the ball at the top of the box and beat Nolly with a driven shot to the back post for his first goal of the season. Dallas will look to build on this win when the host the Galaxy next Sunday night while the Caps will try and regroup for their match against the Crew on Saturday.
New England 3 Kansas City 2
The Revs overcame a 2-1 deficit and a brace from Kei Kamara to pull out a 3-2 win in front of the home crowd in Benny Feilhaber's MLS debut. Feilhaber wasted no time making an impact setting up Marko Perovic's long distance strike in the 12th minute to give the Revs a 1-0 lead. Kamara would tie it up a little over a minute later though beating Matt Reis at the near post with a low driven left-footed shot from near the top of the box. Kamara would then make it 2-1 after Teal Bunbury was taken down in the box by Kevin Alston burying the PK past Reis for his 2nd of the match and 3rd of the year. The lead was short-lived though as Shalrie Joseph would head a free kick from Kenny Mansally just under the bar to tied the game at 2 in the 72nd minute. Rajko Lekic would add another header about ten minutes later to make it 3-2 and giving the Revs back the lead. So the Benny Feilhaber era is off to a good start as the Revs take 3 points in front of the home crowd. With the loss Kansas City remains in last place in the East with just 4 points on the year through their first five matches. Next up for New England is a Saturday night match against Chivas USA while Sporting will travel to New York to take on the red hot Red Bulls.
Chicago 1 Houston 1
Chicago led almost the entire match, but Houston rallied late to tie it late salvaging a point on the road. Chicago's goal came as a result of a turnover by Houston's defense. Marco Pappa made the steal and got all the way into the box where after a brief scrum he was able to find Diego Chaves who slammed a shot past Tally Hall for his 4th goal of the year and a 1-0 lead. Chicago nearly made it 2-0 in the 66th minute when former Dynamo strike Dominic Oduro struck the crossbar after getting in behind the defense. The miss would prove costly as Bobby Boswell would equalize when he headed in a Brad Davis corner for his second goal of the year. Davis now has 4 assists. With the tie Houston is now in 3rd place in the East, leading the Crew and Revolution on goal differential while the Fire get out of the cellar and into 8th place with just 5 points through 6 matches (1-3-2). The Fire are currently tied for the league lead with 12 goals allowed. The Fire now head to Colorado to take on the Rapids, losers of 3 straight while the Dynamo will look to extend their unbeaten streak to 6 when they take on DC United on Friday night.
LOS ANGELES 3 PORTLAND 0
Landon Donovan broke out with a pair of goals and the Galaxy got their 4th win of the season thumping the expansion Timbers 3-0. Donovan, David Beckham and Juninho all returned to the lineup and it didn't take long to see the difference in the Galaxy's form. The Galaxy got on the board just 3 1/2 minutes into the game when Beckham and Donovan combined to assist Chad Barrett for a blistering half volley past Troy Perkins for the early lead. Then, not even 5 minutes later Donovan was fouled in the box by Rodney Wallace trying to get to a pretty ball from Beckham. Donovan stepped up to take the PK and got his first points of the season sending Perkins the wrong direction and easily rolling his shot into the lower left corner. The goal was Donovan's first in 731 minutes of MLS play. There would be no such drought between goals for Donovan this time as some pretty passing between Donovan, Chad Barrett and Juan Pablo Angel. It ended with Angel sending a floated cross from the touchline right across the six where a wide open Donovan easily headed it in for the brace. Donovan Ricketts made 6 saves to earn the shutout as the Galaxy improve to 4-1-3 and briefly take over first place in the Western Conference from idle Salt Lake. The Galaxy are next in action at FC Dallas on Sunday while Portland has a tough test hosting unbeaten Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
The New York Red Bulls and Thierry Henry are suddenly red hot. After breaking out with 3 goals this weekend, the Red Bulls were right back at it on Thursday night blowing out DC 4-0. Thierry Henry got it going in the 12th minute with a header from the penalty spot off a cross from Jan Gunnar Solli for his second goal in as many matches. Solli and Henry combined again in the 38th minute as Henry got on the end of his cross easily beating Bill Hamid from the top of the six yard box for his second goal of the match. Then it was Henry's turn to do the table setting as he sprung Joel Lindpere on a counterattack. Lindpere did a nifty bit of footwork to school Clyde Simms and hammered the ball home for his first goal of the year to make it 3-0. But New York was still not done. Juan Agudelo came on as a substitute and scored just a sensational goal to close out the scoring in stoppage time. Solli tallied his third assist of the match as Agudelo flicked the cross to himself and volleyed it past Hamid for just an amazing finish for the teenage sensation. DC was unable to break through against Bouna Coundoul with substitute Branko Boskovic coming the closest. Boskovic hit the post twice after coming on at halftime but was unable to prevent the shutout. Both teams are off this weekend as DC will play again next Friday at Houston and New York will host Kansas City as they look to continue their recent offensive explosion.
SEATTLE 1 COLORADO 0
Colorado's struggles continue as Brian Mullan was sent off in the third minute for a hard foul of Steve Zakuani. Zakuani's leg was badly broken on the play and the Sounders have likely lost him for the season. Fredy Montero scored on a counter attack in the 19th minute for his first MLS goal since August for the game's only goal. Matt Pickens made 3 saves for the Rapids to keep it close, including coming up huge to stuff O'Brian White from point blank range, but Colorado couldn't overcome the man-advantage and fell for the third straight match. Seattle's mood is sober despite the good win as they must now look to move forward without their star midfielder. The Sounders' next match is next Saturday at home against Toronto. The Rapids host the struggling Fire as they look to snap their own skid.
CHIVAS USA 2 SAN JOSE 1
It took 6 games, but the Goats are finally in the win column. It didn't look good early though as Chris Wondolowski put the Earthquakes ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute beating Dan Kennedy with a flicked header for his 3rd goal of the year. But Chivas kept battling and eventually got the equalizer in first half stoppage time when Alejandro Moreno headed in a free kick from Heath Pierce for his second goal of the season. Then late in the second half, Chivas took the lead getting the go ahead goal from Mariano Trujillo. Justin Braun set the play up with a great run down the right side and while Jon Busch made a great save to deny Braun, the rebound deflected right to Trujillo who easily tapped the ball into the empty net for the game winner. Braun and Trujillo both came on as second half substitutes for the Goats. San Jose had a couple of chances late, but they couldn't quite get the final touch on the ball and they end up falling to their in-state rivals. Worse still, the Quakes now find themselves in last place in the Western Conference with a record of 1-3-2. San Jose is back in action again next Saturday when they travel to Philly to take on the Union while Chivas USA will play host to the Revolution.
COLUMBUS 1 TORONTO 1
For the second time this season we saw a player get sent off for picking up a second yellow during an excessive celebration. Tony Tchani scored the first goal against the Crew since their opener against DC United when he got on the end of a ball played over the top by Julian de Guzman. However, his decision to leave the field of play and celebrate with the home fans was deemed unsportsmanlike, and now Toronto was forced to go the rest of the match a man down. Three minutes into the second half, the Crew capitalized on the advantage when Emilio Renteria headed in a cross from Sebastian Miranda tying the game at 1. The Crew outshot Toronto 16-7 in the match, but forced Stefan Frei into making just two saves and were forced to settle for earning one point on the road. The Crew are now unbeaten in their last 5 matches and have moved up into 4th place in the Eastern Conference with 9 points. Toronto meanwhile gets their 4th draw of the year. The Crew take on another Canadian team next weekend when the host the Whitecaps while Toronto will head west to take on the Sounders.
DALLAS 2 VANCOUVER 1
Dallas fell behind early but battled back to steal 3 points on the road from Vancouver defeating the Whitecaps 2-1. Alain Rochat opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he headed a cross from Davide Chiumiento past Kevin Hartman for his first goal of the year. Chiumiento now has league-leading 5 assists this season. The Caps would take that lead into the intermission thanks to a missed PK from the reigning MVP David Ferreira. Ferreria had keeper Jay Nolly going the wrong direction, but he pulled his kick wide of the mark. It was a day Ferreira would just as soon forget as he would later leave the match with an injury in the 52nd minute. Almost immediately following Ferreira's exit, George John equalized for Dallas off a corner. Marvin Chavez drove the ball near post where it was flicked into the box by Jackson Goncalves and John then headed it in for his first goal of the year. The score would stay tied for another 30 minutes when Ferreira's replacement, Eric Avila would break through for the game winner. Avila ended up with the ball at the top of the box and beat Nolly with a driven shot to the back post for his first goal of the season. Dallas will look to build on this win when the host the Galaxy next Sunday night while the Caps will try and regroup for their match against the Crew on Saturday.
New England 3 Kansas City 2
The Revs overcame a 2-1 deficit and a brace from Kei Kamara to pull out a 3-2 win in front of the home crowd in Benny Feilhaber's MLS debut. Feilhaber wasted no time making an impact setting up Marko Perovic's long distance strike in the 12th minute to give the Revs a 1-0 lead. Kamara would tie it up a little over a minute later though beating Matt Reis at the near post with a low driven left-footed shot from near the top of the box. Kamara would then make it 2-1 after Teal Bunbury was taken down in the box by Kevin Alston burying the PK past Reis for his 2nd of the match and 3rd of the year. The lead was short-lived though as Shalrie Joseph would head a free kick from Kenny Mansally just under the bar to tied the game at 2 in the 72nd minute. Rajko Lekic would add another header about ten minutes later to make it 3-2 and giving the Revs back the lead. So the Benny Feilhaber era is off to a good start as the Revs take 3 points in front of the home crowd. With the loss Kansas City remains in last place in the East with just 4 points on the year through their first five matches. Next up for New England is a Saturday night match against Chivas USA while Sporting will travel to New York to take on the red hot Red Bulls.
Chicago 1 Houston 1
Chicago led almost the entire match, but Houston rallied late to tie it late salvaging a point on the road. Chicago's goal came as a result of a turnover by Houston's defense. Marco Pappa made the steal and got all the way into the box where after a brief scrum he was able to find Diego Chaves who slammed a shot past Tally Hall for his 4th goal of the year and a 1-0 lead. Chicago nearly made it 2-0 in the 66th minute when former Dynamo strike Dominic Oduro struck the crossbar after getting in behind the defense. The miss would prove costly as Bobby Boswell would equalize when he headed in a Brad Davis corner for his second goal of the year. Davis now has 4 assists. With the tie Houston is now in 3rd place in the East, leading the Crew and Revolution on goal differential while the Fire get out of the cellar and into 8th place with just 5 points through 6 matches (1-3-2). The Fire are currently tied for the league lead with 12 goals allowed. The Fire now head to Colorado to take on the Rapids, losers of 3 straight while the Dynamo will look to extend their unbeaten streak to 6 when they take on DC United on Friday night.
LOS ANGELES 3 PORTLAND 0
Landon Donovan broke out with a pair of goals and the Galaxy got their 4th win of the season thumping the expansion Timbers 3-0. Donovan, David Beckham and Juninho all returned to the lineup and it didn't take long to see the difference in the Galaxy's form. The Galaxy got on the board just 3 1/2 minutes into the game when Beckham and Donovan combined to assist Chad Barrett for a blistering half volley past Troy Perkins for the early lead. Then, not even 5 minutes later Donovan was fouled in the box by Rodney Wallace trying to get to a pretty ball from Beckham. Donovan stepped up to take the PK and got his first points of the season sending Perkins the wrong direction and easily rolling his shot into the lower left corner. The goal was Donovan's first in 731 minutes of MLS play. There would be no such drought between goals for Donovan this time as some pretty passing between Donovan, Chad Barrett and Juan Pablo Angel. It ended with Angel sending a floated cross from the touchline right across the six where a wide open Donovan easily headed it in for the brace. Donovan Ricketts made 6 saves to earn the shutout as the Galaxy improve to 4-1-3 and briefly take over first place in the Western Conference from idle Salt Lake. The Galaxy are next in action at FC Dallas on Sunday while Portland has a tough test hosting unbeaten Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
Friday, April 22, 2011
NBA Playoff Update - Thursday Wrap
Chicago 88 Indiana 84
Derrick Rose made just 1 basket in the second half, but it was a game winning layup with less than 20 seconds to play as the Bulls took a command 3-0 series lead. Rose was just 4 for 18 in the field but still finished with a game high 23 points, Luol Deng chimed in 21, and Kyle Korver had 10 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter as the Bulls pushed Indiana to the brink of elimination. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 21 points but missed a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that could have won the game. Indiana was stymied by the Chicago defense as starters Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George combined to hit just 7 of 33 shots. Chicago can clinch tomorrow afternoon on Indiana's home floor.
Miami 100 Philadelphia 94
For 3 quarters, the Sixers had Miami on the ropes, but they couldn't hold it together as Miami outscored them 27-19 in the 4th and took a 3-0 lead in their best of seven series. Dwyane Wade had 32 points, 10 boards and 8 assists, LeBron James had 24 points 15 rebounds and 6 assists and Chris Bosh chimed in 19 to lead the Heat. Miami also outrebound the Sixers 50-34. The Sixers turned the ball over only 6 times and got 21 points and 11 rebounds from Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday added 20 and 8 assists, but still Philadelphia finds themselves on the brink of elimination. The Sixers will have one last chance on Sunday to try and get back into the series.
Portland 97 Dallas 92
Wesley Matthews had 25 points, LaMarcus Aldridge had 20, and Brandon Roy chimed in with 16 points off the bench as the Blazers got their first win of the series. Dallas got 29 points and 7 assists off the bench from Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki had 25 and 9 boards, and the Mavs shot over 50% from the floor, but it still wasn't enough. Dallas turned the ball over 16 times and hit just 13 of 23 free throws as they lost a golden opportunity to take a 3-0 lead in the series. Portland can now even things up on Saturday afternoon.
Derrick Rose made just 1 basket in the second half, but it was a game winning layup with less than 20 seconds to play as the Bulls took a command 3-0 series lead. Rose was just 4 for 18 in the field but still finished with a game high 23 points, Luol Deng chimed in 21, and Kyle Korver had 10 of his 12 points in the 4th quarter as the Bulls pushed Indiana to the brink of elimination. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 21 points but missed a 3-pointer in the closing seconds that could have won the game. Indiana was stymied by the Chicago defense as starters Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George combined to hit just 7 of 33 shots. Chicago can clinch tomorrow afternoon on Indiana's home floor.
Miami 100 Philadelphia 94
For 3 quarters, the Sixers had Miami on the ropes, but they couldn't hold it together as Miami outscored them 27-19 in the 4th and took a 3-0 lead in their best of seven series. Dwyane Wade had 32 points, 10 boards and 8 assists, LeBron James had 24 points 15 rebounds and 6 assists and Chris Bosh chimed in 19 to lead the Heat. Miami also outrebound the Sixers 50-34. The Sixers turned the ball over only 6 times and got 21 points and 11 rebounds from Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday added 20 and 8 assists, but still Philadelphia finds themselves on the brink of elimination. The Sixers will have one last chance on Sunday to try and get back into the series.
Portland 97 Dallas 92
Wesley Matthews had 25 points, LaMarcus Aldridge had 20, and Brandon Roy chimed in with 16 points off the bench as the Blazers got their first win of the series. Dallas got 29 points and 7 assists off the bench from Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki had 25 and 9 boards, and the Mavs shot over 50% from the floor, but it still wasn't enough. Dallas turned the ball over 16 times and hit just 13 of 23 free throws as they lost a golden opportunity to take a 3-0 lead in the series. Portland can now even things up on Saturday afternoon.
NHL Playoff Update - Thursday Wrap
Thursday Games
Boston 5 Montreal 4, OT - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
BOS- Michael Ryder 2 (2), Andrew Ference (1), Patrice Bergeron (2), Chris Kelly (2)
MON- Brent Sopel (1), Mike Cammalleri (2), Andrei Kostitsyn (2), P.K. Subban (1)
Notes:
The road team has won all four games in this series... Michael Ryder scored two goals in a game just once during the regular season, also against Montreal... There were only 6 penalty minutes accrued during the entire game... Game 5 is back in Boston tomorrow night.
Chicago 5 Vancouver 0 - Vancouver leads series 3-2.
Goals:
CHI- Marian Hossa 2 (2), Duncan Keith 2 (4), Patrick Kane (1)
VAN- none
Notes:
Chicago has outscored Vancouver 12-2 over the last two games after falling behind 3 games to 0 in the series... Marian Hossa scored just 3 goals in 22 playoff games during Chicago's run to the Stanley Cup title last year... Patrick Kane's goal was his first since April 5th... Corey Crawford had 4 shutouts during the regular season... The series heads back to Chicago for Game 6 on Sunday night.
San Jose 6 Los Angeles 3 - San Jose leads series 3-1.
Goals:
SJ- Ryane Clowe 2 (4), Jason Demers (1), Joe Thornton (1), Joe Pavelski (3), Torrey Mitchell (1)
LA- Brad Richardson (2), Justin Williams (2), Alexei Ponikarovsky (1)
Notes:
Ryane Clowe has scored 2 goals in each of the last two games... There were no goals scored in first period... After being held to 3 goals in their two home games, the Sharks scored 12 goals in their two road games... Jonathan Quick allowed just 6 goals in a game twice in 60 starts during the regular season... San Jose can clinch the series at home on Saturday.
Boston 5 Montreal 4, OT - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
BOS- Michael Ryder 2 (2), Andrew Ference (1), Patrice Bergeron (2), Chris Kelly (2)
MON- Brent Sopel (1), Mike Cammalleri (2), Andrei Kostitsyn (2), P.K. Subban (1)
Notes:
The road team has won all four games in this series... Michael Ryder scored two goals in a game just once during the regular season, also against Montreal... There were only 6 penalty minutes accrued during the entire game... Game 5 is back in Boston tomorrow night.
Chicago 5 Vancouver 0 - Vancouver leads series 3-2.
Goals:
CHI- Marian Hossa 2 (2), Duncan Keith 2 (4), Patrick Kane (1)
VAN- none
Notes:
Chicago has outscored Vancouver 12-2 over the last two games after falling behind 3 games to 0 in the series... Marian Hossa scored just 3 goals in 22 playoff games during Chicago's run to the Stanley Cup title last year... Patrick Kane's goal was his first since April 5th... Corey Crawford had 4 shutouts during the regular season... The series heads back to Chicago for Game 6 on Sunday night.
San Jose 6 Los Angeles 3 - San Jose leads series 3-1.
Goals:
SJ- Ryane Clowe 2 (4), Jason Demers (1), Joe Thornton (1), Joe Pavelski (3), Torrey Mitchell (1)
LA- Brad Richardson (2), Justin Williams (2), Alexei Ponikarovsky (1)
Notes:
Ryane Clowe has scored 2 goals in each of the last two games... There were no goals scored in first period... After being held to 3 goals in their two home games, the Sharks scored 12 goals in their two road games... Jonathan Quick allowed just 6 goals in a game twice in 60 starts during the regular season... San Jose can clinch the series at home on Saturday.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
NBA Playoff Update - Wednesday Games
Wednesday Games
Oklahoma City 106 Denver 89
While the first game in this series was all about Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Game 2 was all about the Thunder's supporting cast. Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 12 rebounds, James Harden scored 18, Nick Collison had 10 points and 8 boards and Kendrick Perkins pulled down 11 rebound, 6 on the offensive end as OKC got out to a 2-0 series lead. The Thunder outrebounded the Nuggets 54-31 in the game as their size and depth was just too much for Denver. Ty Lawson finished with 20 points to lead the Nuggets while Nene and Raymond Felton each chimed in with 16 in a losing effort. Kevin Durant finished with 23 to lead all scorers. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night in Denver.
San Antonio 93 Memphis 87
Four players scored at least 16 points for Manu Ginobili led by Manu Ginobili's 17 as the Spurs rebounded from a Game 1 loss to beat Memphis and even the series at one game apiece. The Spurs didn't make it easy on themselves turning it over 18 times and missing 10 free throws, but they persevered in the end. Memphis wasted another good game from Marc Gasol who ended up with 12 points and a game high 17 rebounds for the Grizzlies. All 5 Grizz starters finished in double figures led by Sam Young's 17. Now the series heads to Memphis for Game 3 on Saturday night.
Los Angeles 87 New Orleans 78
Like the Spurs, the Lakers also bounced back from a rough game 1 to even their series at one game apiece. Andrew Bynum led 4 Lakers in double figures with 17 and added 11 rebounds, and 6th Man of the Year Lamar Odom added 16 points and 7 boards as the Lakers overcame poor shooting nights from Kobe Bryant (3/10 11 pts) and Pau Gasol (2/10 8 pts). Chris Paul had another strong game finishing with 20 points and 9 assists and Trevor Ariza had a game high 22, but the Hornets couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and 12 missed free throws. The series now heads to New Orleans with Game 3 tomorrow night.
Oklahoma City 106 Denver 89
While the first game in this series was all about Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Game 2 was all about the Thunder's supporting cast. Serge Ibaka had 12 points and 12 rebounds, James Harden scored 18, Nick Collison had 10 points and 8 boards and Kendrick Perkins pulled down 11 rebound, 6 on the offensive end as OKC got out to a 2-0 series lead. The Thunder outrebounded the Nuggets 54-31 in the game as their size and depth was just too much for Denver. Ty Lawson finished with 20 points to lead the Nuggets while Nene and Raymond Felton each chimed in with 16 in a losing effort. Kevin Durant finished with 23 to lead all scorers. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday night in Denver.
San Antonio 93 Memphis 87
Four players scored at least 16 points for Manu Ginobili led by Manu Ginobili's 17 as the Spurs rebounded from a Game 1 loss to beat Memphis and even the series at one game apiece. The Spurs didn't make it easy on themselves turning it over 18 times and missing 10 free throws, but they persevered in the end. Memphis wasted another good game from Marc Gasol who ended up with 12 points and a game high 17 rebounds for the Grizzlies. All 5 Grizz starters finished in double figures led by Sam Young's 17. Now the series heads to Memphis for Game 3 on Saturday night.
Los Angeles 87 New Orleans 78
Like the Spurs, the Lakers also bounced back from a rough game 1 to even their series at one game apiece. Andrew Bynum led 4 Lakers in double figures with 17 and added 11 rebounds, and 6th Man of the Year Lamar Odom added 16 points and 7 boards as the Lakers overcame poor shooting nights from Kobe Bryant (3/10 11 pts) and Pau Gasol (2/10 8 pts). Chris Paul had another strong game finishing with 20 points and 9 assists and Trevor Ariza had a game high 22, but the Hornets couldn't overcome 16 turnovers and 12 missed free throws. The series now heads to New Orleans with Game 3 tomorrow night.
NHL Playoff Update - Wednesday Wrap
Wednesday Games
Washington 4 New York Rangers 3, 2OT - Washington leads series 3-1.
Goals:
WAS- Alexander Semin (2), Macus Johansson 2 (2), Jason Chimera (2)
NYR- Artem Anisimov (1), Marian Gaborik (1), Brandon Dubinsky (2)
Notes:
Henrik Lundqvist saved 49 shots for the Rangers... The Rangers led this game 3-0 at the end of the second period... 20 year old Center Marcus Johansson scored 13 goals during the regular season this year, his first in the NHL. On two occasions prior to last night had he scored 2 goals in a game... Washington can clinch the series at home on Saturday afternoon.
Pittsburgh 3 Tampa Bay 2, 2OT - Pittsburgh leads series 3-1.
Goals:
PIT- Tyler Kennedy (2), Arron Asham (3), James Neal (1)
TB- Martin St. Louis (4), Sean Bergenheim (1)
Notes:
Dwayne Roloson made 50 saves in a losing effort... James Neal came over from Dallas midway through the 2010-2011 season. In 20 regular season games with the Penguins he had only scored 1 goal... Neal and Tampa's Sean Bergenheim both scored their first career playoff goals... Steven Stamkos had 45 goals during the regular season for the Lightning but has been held to just 1 assist and only 5 shots on goal through the first four games... Pittsburgh can clinch on their home ice on Saturday.
Buffalo 1 Philadelphia 0 - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
BUF- Jason Pominville (1)
PHI - none
Notes:
Ryan Miller earned his second shutout of the series saving all 32 shots he faced last night. In 44 career playoff games Miller is 24-20 with 3 shutouts and a 2.36 goals against average... Jason Pominville scored 22 goals during the regular season. His goal last night was his 12th in 44 postseason games... The team that has scored first has won every game in this series while Philadelphia has won every game they've scored in.
Anaheim 6 Nashville 3 - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
ANA- Cam Fowler (1), Saku Koivu (1), Teemu Selanne (5), Corey Perry (2), Ryan Getzlaf (2), Brandon McMillan (1)
NAS- Patric Hornqvist (2), Joel Ward (2), Matt Halischuk (1)
Notes:
29 goals have been scored in the first four games of this series... Corey Perry's game winner was scored shorthanded... The Ducks outshot Nashville 38-22... The game was tied 3-3 after two periods... Teemu Selanne has already scored more goals in the series than he did in 13 playoff games in 2009.
Detroit 6 Phoenix 3 - Detroit wins series 4-0.
Goals:
DET- Tomas Holmstrom (2), Patrick Eaves 2 (2), Niklas Kronwall (1), Daniel Cleary (1), Todd Bertuzzi (1)
PHO- Taylor Pyatt (1), Shane Doan (3), Martin Hanzal (1)
Notes:
Phoenix has not won a playoff series since 1987 when they were the Winnipeg Jets... The Coyotes had a 3-2 lead in the second period before Detroit ended the game with four unanswered goals... Henrik Zetterberg missed all four games in this series... Phoenix now awaits an uncertain future as this may have been the last game they play in Arizona.
Washington 4 New York Rangers 3, 2OT - Washington leads series 3-1.
Goals:
WAS- Alexander Semin (2), Macus Johansson 2 (2), Jason Chimera (2)
NYR- Artem Anisimov (1), Marian Gaborik (1), Brandon Dubinsky (2)
Notes:
Henrik Lundqvist saved 49 shots for the Rangers... The Rangers led this game 3-0 at the end of the second period... 20 year old Center Marcus Johansson scored 13 goals during the regular season this year, his first in the NHL. On two occasions prior to last night had he scored 2 goals in a game... Washington can clinch the series at home on Saturday afternoon.
Pittsburgh 3 Tampa Bay 2, 2OT - Pittsburgh leads series 3-1.
Goals:
PIT- Tyler Kennedy (2), Arron Asham (3), James Neal (1)
TB- Martin St. Louis (4), Sean Bergenheim (1)
Notes:
Dwayne Roloson made 50 saves in a losing effort... James Neal came over from Dallas midway through the 2010-2011 season. In 20 regular season games with the Penguins he had only scored 1 goal... Neal and Tampa's Sean Bergenheim both scored their first career playoff goals... Steven Stamkos had 45 goals during the regular season for the Lightning but has been held to just 1 assist and only 5 shots on goal through the first four games... Pittsburgh can clinch on their home ice on Saturday.
Buffalo 1 Philadelphia 0 - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
BUF- Jason Pominville (1)
PHI - none
Notes:
Ryan Miller earned his second shutout of the series saving all 32 shots he faced last night. In 44 career playoff games Miller is 24-20 with 3 shutouts and a 2.36 goals against average... Jason Pominville scored 22 goals during the regular season. His goal last night was his 12th in 44 postseason games... The team that has scored first has won every game in this series while Philadelphia has won every game they've scored in.
Anaheim 6 Nashville 3 - Series tied 2-2.
Goals:
ANA- Cam Fowler (1), Saku Koivu (1), Teemu Selanne (5), Corey Perry (2), Ryan Getzlaf (2), Brandon McMillan (1)
NAS- Patric Hornqvist (2), Joel Ward (2), Matt Halischuk (1)
Notes:
29 goals have been scored in the first four games of this series... Corey Perry's game winner was scored shorthanded... The Ducks outshot Nashville 38-22... The game was tied 3-3 after two periods... Teemu Selanne has already scored more goals in the series than he did in 13 playoff games in 2009.
Detroit 6 Phoenix 3 - Detroit wins series 4-0.
Goals:
DET- Tomas Holmstrom (2), Patrick Eaves 2 (2), Niklas Kronwall (1), Daniel Cleary (1), Todd Bertuzzi (1)
PHO- Taylor Pyatt (1), Shane Doan (3), Martin Hanzal (1)
Notes:
Phoenix has not won a playoff series since 1987 when they were the Winnipeg Jets... The Coyotes had a 3-2 lead in the second period before Detroit ended the game with four unanswered goals... Henrik Zetterberg missed all four games in this series... Phoenix now awaits an uncertain future as this may have been the last game they play in Arizona.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MLS Wrap - Week 5
LOS ANGELES 0 TORONTO 0
Chad Barrett hit the crossbar in the 13th minute, Todd Dunivant hit the crossbar in the 61st, and David Beckham hit the right post off a free kick in the 70th minute, but the Galaxy couldn't figure out a way to beat Stefan Frei as they were forced to settle for one point on the road. Already without Landon Donovan who didn't travel with the team, the Galaxy got more bad news as David Beckham earned his 5th yellow card of the young season which means he'll be facing a suspension, and Juninho got sent off in stoppage time meaning a suspension for him as well. Donovan Ricketts made a pair of big saves to preserve the shutout denying Gianluca Zavarise in the first half and Joao Plata on headers from close range, one in each half. This game marked the third straight 0-0 draw between these two teams. Toronto hosts Columbus next Saturday while the Galaxy will host the expansion Timbers.
REAL SALT LAKE 1 COLORADO 0
Real Salt Lake takes an early lead in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup after getting a stoppage time winner from Fabian Espindola. Espindola's goal was not without contoversy though as replays show he appeared to be offsides when he scored. The play started when Javier Morales' free kick in the 93rd minute struck the right post, but deflected to Paulo Jr whose touch went forward to Espindola who tucked it home from close range. No flag on the play though as Espindola gets his first goal of the season, and Real Salt Lake continues to roll winning their 4th straight. Espindola also put one in the net in the first half, but was ruled offsides. The Rapids have now dropped two straight after winning their first three and were without Conor Casey in this one going instead with Omar Cummings and Caleb Folan up top to start the match. Colorado heads back home to take on Seattle next Saturday while Salt Lake will try to keep rolling this week as they have the first leg of their Champions League Championship match on Tuesday night against Monterrey.
PORTLAND 4 CHICAGO 2
The Timbers have their first MLS win knocking off the Chicago Fire in a high scoring affair 4-2 in Portland on Thursday night. After Kenny Cooper's header off a corner kick in the 11th minute was called back because the kick was ruled to have gone out of bounds before curling back in it looked like it might not be the Timbers' night, but they responded. Kalif Alhassan sprung Jorge Perlaza in the 29th minute and he was able to beat Sean Johnson for his first goal of the season. The Timbers were just getting started though. Rodney Wallace drilled home a poor clearance from the top of the box in the 38th minute to make it 2-0. Then less than 2 minutes into the second half it was Perlaza again, this time jumping on a bobble by Johnson for the easy goal putting the Timbers up 3. They nearly made it 4 when Alhassan hit the cross bar less than 5 minutes later. The Fire would fight back though. First Eric Brunner deflected a ball past his keeper Jake Gleeson for an own goal to make it 3-1. Then with just 10 minutes to go, Marco Pappa scored his second goal of the season with a beautiful left footed shot to make it 3-2. But Portland caught a break when an apparent handball in the box by Cooper went uncalled and the ensuing scrum led to an own goal by Dasan Robinson when he failed to clear the ball off the endline giving the Timbers a 2 goal advantage which they'd ride to the end. Next up for the Timbers a trip to L.A. on Saturday while the Fire host the Dynamo.
PHILADELPHIA 1 SEATTLE 1
Seattle stole a point from the Union on Saturday getting a goal in the 91st minute from Alvaro Fernandez to salvage a tie on the road. Carlos Ruiz opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with his 2nd goal of the year. Ruiz hit a free kick from just outside the box that deflected off the wall just enough to fool Kasey Keller and find its way into the net. That goal held up all the way until stoppage time when Fredy Montero lofted a ball into the box that Fernandez put a head on and knocked it off the post and in for his first goal of the season. It was just the second time all year that Faryd Mondragon and the Union defense had been beaten in 5 games. Seattle, who hasn't lost in there last four matches after starting the season 0-2, will head to Colorado to take on the Rapids on Friday while the Union have a long layover, not playing again until April 30th against the Earthquakes.
DC UNITED 3 TORONTO 0
Charlie Davies made his first start for United, and DC wasted little time getting to work against Toronto. Chris Pontius got them on the board in the 5th minute with a fantastic individual effort before ripping a left footed shot toward the fat post and past a helpless Stefan Frei. Then it was Davies turn. Josh Wolff's initial effort was saved by Frei, but the rebound deflected right to Davies who hit it home first time for this league leading 5th goal of the young season. Things only got worse for Toronto in the second half as Ty Harden was sent off early in the second half for a tackle on Chris Pontius leaving Toronto a man down and chasing two goals. Pontius would make it three a little while later, this time scoring with his right foot for the brace on an assist from Fred. Bill Hamid needed to make just one save to get the shutout as DC earned their second win of the year. For Toronto it snapped a four game unbeaten streak as they drop to 1-2-3. Next up for United is a home game against New York on Thursday while Toronto hosts Columbus on Saturday.
VANCOUVER 0 CHIVAS USA 0
Chivas USA remains the only winless team in MLS following their 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. While Chivas has picked up points in their last three matches, they've still failed to get over the hump and have been shut out in two straight. Dan Kennedy made a pair of saves for Chivas and got a little help from the woodwork as both Wes Knight and Eric Hassli hit the post in the first half. Jay Nolly had 4 saves for Vancouver as they recorded their first shutout in franchise history. Chivas will look to make it 4 in a row without a loss as they travel north to take on in-state rival San Jose on Saturday. Vancouver meanwhile will play host to FC Dallas.
COLUMBUS 1 KANSAS CITY 0
Suddenly the Crew, who looked so bad in an early 3-1 loss to DC United, can't be scored on. Will Hessmer and company posted their 4th straight shutout and suddenly look like a contender in the East. Taking on Sporting Kansas City who was again without star Omar Bravo, the Crew defense held fast and the offense eventually broke through when Dilly Duka flicked a pass from Kevin Burns to the back post where Robbie Rogers was able to gather it in and beat Jimmy Nielsen for the goal. Eddie Gaven had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 68 minute on a beautiful setup from Rogers, but Nielsen made a brilliant kick save to keep the lead at one. Any hopes Sporting had of coming back were dashed in the 72nd minute though when Julio Cesar received his second caution for a questionable handball and was sent off. The Crew will now look to make it 5 shutouts in a row as they take on struggling Toronto FC north of the border on Saturday while Kansas City plays at New England.
NEW YORK 3 SAN JOSE 0
New York had been struggling to score goals lately, but all those problems went away on Saturday as Luke Rodgers and Thierry Henry combined for 3 goals in a route of the Earthquakes at Red Bull Arena. Rafa Marquez's corner set up the first goal in the second minute. Jan Gunnar Solli flicked the ball all the way to the back post where Dane Richards volleyed it back across the goal mouth with Rodgers flicking it past Jon Busch for his first goal of the season. Then Thierry Henry stole the ball from Ramiro Corrales and slotted a cross right across the goal mouth to a wide open Rodgers who made it 2-0 not even 15 minutes in. Henry had several chances throughout the match getting denied by Busch of multiple occasions and missing wide from close range early in the second half. Finally, in the 87th minute, Rodgers floated a cross to the back post for Henry who ripped a header past Busch, finally getting his first goal of the season, and first league goal since September 11, 2010. New York outshot San Jose 16-6 in the match, and Busch managed to make 6 saves, but the Red Bull offense was just too much as New York finally got their second win of the year. The Red Bulls will look to build on that tomorrow night as they take on DC United while San Jose plays host to Chivas USA on Saturday.
LOS ANGELES 2 CHICAGO 1
The Galaxy, playing without Juninho, David Beckham, or Landon Donovan, bounced back from a midweek tie with Toronto FC to beat struggling Chicago 2-1. Chad Barrett made a well timed run through the Chicago defense and received a perfect pass from Miguel Lopez en route to his first goal of the season. Lopez also picked up the assist on the second goal when Omar Gonzalez headed home his corner kick in the 72nd minute to put LA up two. Dominic Oduro was able to cut the deficit to 2-1 when he scored on Donovan Ricketts from a tough angle in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late as the Galaxy defense held up against a late charge by the Fire and picked up the 3 points on the road. At 3-1-3, the Galaxy now sit in 2nd place in the Western Conference, while the struggling Fire, at 1-3-1 are in last place in the East. The Fire will try and get back on track when they host Houston on Saturday while the Galaxy will try to keep rolling when they host the expansion Timbers.
PORTLAND 3 DALLAS 2
Just days after their first MLS win, the Timbers picked up another jumping out to a 3-0 lead for the second straight match. Just like against Chicago earlier in the week though, they watched their lead get cut to one before bearing down and clinching the win. Jack Jewsbury opened the scoring in the 13th minute taking a pass from Kalif Alhassan and blasting in literally through Kevin Hartman for his second goal of the year. About 20 minutes later it was Jewsbury doing the table setting for Kenny Cooper when his corner found Cooper's head and he too beat Hartman for his second goal of the year. Then it was Rodney Wallace's turn to get in on the action. After Alhassan beat 5 Dallas defenders before finding Wallace in the box to make it 3-0. Things started getting dicey in the final ten minutes though. First the reigning MVP David Ferreira got Dallas on the board in the 83rd minute when he redirected a cross from Brek Shea past Jake Gleeson. The two would combine again just two minutes later, this time with Ferreira finding Shea who took a ball out of the air with a beautiful first time finesse volley deflecting over Gleeson's outstretched arms. Gleeson would save the Timbers from an embarrassing collapse when he just got his fingertips off a blast from Ferreira forcing it off the crossbar in the 93rd minute preserving the 3-2 win. So the Timbers survive and get a pair of wins behind 7 goals this week, but now travel to LA to take on the Galaxy this weekend. Dallas meanwhile will try and regroup as they go north to take on Vancouver.
HOUSTON 1 NEW ENGLAND 0
The Dynamo won their second in a row taking advantage of the Revs missing Pat Phelan and Shalrie Joseph. The Dynamo outshot New England 27-11, took 11 corners and forced Matt Reis to make 6 saves. New England also cleared a couple balls off the goal-line, and Houston hit the post a couple twice. All the pressure finally paid off for Houston in the 86th minute when defender Hunter Freeman broke the scoreless deadlock. The play started with a corner and Cam Weaver's header hit the crossbar and went straight up in the air. Freeman got himself positioned for the rebound and the ball appeared to deflect off his hand and into the goal. No call was made giving the Dynamo a well-deserved, if controversial result as they dominated the match. Houston looks to make it 3 in a row at Chicago on Saturday while New England looks to regroup as they host Kansas City. The Revs were able to add US National Team member Benny Feilhaber to their roster this week so that should help them out moving forward.
Chad Barrett hit the crossbar in the 13th minute, Todd Dunivant hit the crossbar in the 61st, and David Beckham hit the right post off a free kick in the 70th minute, but the Galaxy couldn't figure out a way to beat Stefan Frei as they were forced to settle for one point on the road. Already without Landon Donovan who didn't travel with the team, the Galaxy got more bad news as David Beckham earned his 5th yellow card of the young season which means he'll be facing a suspension, and Juninho got sent off in stoppage time meaning a suspension for him as well. Donovan Ricketts made a pair of big saves to preserve the shutout denying Gianluca Zavarise in the first half and Joao Plata on headers from close range, one in each half. This game marked the third straight 0-0 draw between these two teams. Toronto hosts Columbus next Saturday while the Galaxy will host the expansion Timbers.
REAL SALT LAKE 1 COLORADO 0
Real Salt Lake takes an early lead in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup after getting a stoppage time winner from Fabian Espindola. Espindola's goal was not without contoversy though as replays show he appeared to be offsides when he scored. The play started when Javier Morales' free kick in the 93rd minute struck the right post, but deflected to Paulo Jr whose touch went forward to Espindola who tucked it home from close range. No flag on the play though as Espindola gets his first goal of the season, and Real Salt Lake continues to roll winning their 4th straight. Espindola also put one in the net in the first half, but was ruled offsides. The Rapids have now dropped two straight after winning their first three and were without Conor Casey in this one going instead with Omar Cummings and Caleb Folan up top to start the match. Colorado heads back home to take on Seattle next Saturday while Salt Lake will try to keep rolling this week as they have the first leg of their Champions League Championship match on Tuesday night against Monterrey.
PORTLAND 4 CHICAGO 2
The Timbers have their first MLS win knocking off the Chicago Fire in a high scoring affair 4-2 in Portland on Thursday night. After Kenny Cooper's header off a corner kick in the 11th minute was called back because the kick was ruled to have gone out of bounds before curling back in it looked like it might not be the Timbers' night, but they responded. Kalif Alhassan sprung Jorge Perlaza in the 29th minute and he was able to beat Sean Johnson for his first goal of the season. The Timbers were just getting started though. Rodney Wallace drilled home a poor clearance from the top of the box in the 38th minute to make it 2-0. Then less than 2 minutes into the second half it was Perlaza again, this time jumping on a bobble by Johnson for the easy goal putting the Timbers up 3. They nearly made it 4 when Alhassan hit the cross bar less than 5 minutes later. The Fire would fight back though. First Eric Brunner deflected a ball past his keeper Jake Gleeson for an own goal to make it 3-1. Then with just 10 minutes to go, Marco Pappa scored his second goal of the season with a beautiful left footed shot to make it 3-2. But Portland caught a break when an apparent handball in the box by Cooper went uncalled and the ensuing scrum led to an own goal by Dasan Robinson when he failed to clear the ball off the endline giving the Timbers a 2 goal advantage which they'd ride to the end. Next up for the Timbers a trip to L.A. on Saturday while the Fire host the Dynamo.
PHILADELPHIA 1 SEATTLE 1
Seattle stole a point from the Union on Saturday getting a goal in the 91st minute from Alvaro Fernandez to salvage a tie on the road. Carlos Ruiz opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with his 2nd goal of the year. Ruiz hit a free kick from just outside the box that deflected off the wall just enough to fool Kasey Keller and find its way into the net. That goal held up all the way until stoppage time when Fredy Montero lofted a ball into the box that Fernandez put a head on and knocked it off the post and in for his first goal of the season. It was just the second time all year that Faryd Mondragon and the Union defense had been beaten in 5 games. Seattle, who hasn't lost in there last four matches after starting the season 0-2, will head to Colorado to take on the Rapids on Friday while the Union have a long layover, not playing again until April 30th against the Earthquakes.
DC UNITED 3 TORONTO 0
Charlie Davies made his first start for United, and DC wasted little time getting to work against Toronto. Chris Pontius got them on the board in the 5th minute with a fantastic individual effort before ripping a left footed shot toward the fat post and past a helpless Stefan Frei. Then it was Davies turn. Josh Wolff's initial effort was saved by Frei, but the rebound deflected right to Davies who hit it home first time for this league leading 5th goal of the young season. Things only got worse for Toronto in the second half as Ty Harden was sent off early in the second half for a tackle on Chris Pontius leaving Toronto a man down and chasing two goals. Pontius would make it three a little while later, this time scoring with his right foot for the brace on an assist from Fred. Bill Hamid needed to make just one save to get the shutout as DC earned their second win of the year. For Toronto it snapped a four game unbeaten streak as they drop to 1-2-3. Next up for United is a home game against New York on Thursday while Toronto hosts Columbus on Saturday.
VANCOUVER 0 CHIVAS USA 0
Chivas USA remains the only winless team in MLS following their 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. While Chivas has picked up points in their last three matches, they've still failed to get over the hump and have been shut out in two straight. Dan Kennedy made a pair of saves for Chivas and got a little help from the woodwork as both Wes Knight and Eric Hassli hit the post in the first half. Jay Nolly had 4 saves for Vancouver as they recorded their first shutout in franchise history. Chivas will look to make it 4 in a row without a loss as they travel north to take on in-state rival San Jose on Saturday. Vancouver meanwhile will play host to FC Dallas.
COLUMBUS 1 KANSAS CITY 0
Suddenly the Crew, who looked so bad in an early 3-1 loss to DC United, can't be scored on. Will Hessmer and company posted their 4th straight shutout and suddenly look like a contender in the East. Taking on Sporting Kansas City who was again without star Omar Bravo, the Crew defense held fast and the offense eventually broke through when Dilly Duka flicked a pass from Kevin Burns to the back post where Robbie Rogers was able to gather it in and beat Jimmy Nielsen for the goal. Eddie Gaven had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 68 minute on a beautiful setup from Rogers, but Nielsen made a brilliant kick save to keep the lead at one. Any hopes Sporting had of coming back were dashed in the 72nd minute though when Julio Cesar received his second caution for a questionable handball and was sent off. The Crew will now look to make it 5 shutouts in a row as they take on struggling Toronto FC north of the border on Saturday while Kansas City plays at New England.
NEW YORK 3 SAN JOSE 0
New York had been struggling to score goals lately, but all those problems went away on Saturday as Luke Rodgers and Thierry Henry combined for 3 goals in a route of the Earthquakes at Red Bull Arena. Rafa Marquez's corner set up the first goal in the second minute. Jan Gunnar Solli flicked the ball all the way to the back post where Dane Richards volleyed it back across the goal mouth with Rodgers flicking it past Jon Busch for his first goal of the season. Then Thierry Henry stole the ball from Ramiro Corrales and slotted a cross right across the goal mouth to a wide open Rodgers who made it 2-0 not even 15 minutes in. Henry had several chances throughout the match getting denied by Busch of multiple occasions and missing wide from close range early in the second half. Finally, in the 87th minute, Rodgers floated a cross to the back post for Henry who ripped a header past Busch, finally getting his first goal of the season, and first league goal since September 11, 2010. New York outshot San Jose 16-6 in the match, and Busch managed to make 6 saves, but the Red Bull offense was just too much as New York finally got their second win of the year. The Red Bulls will look to build on that tomorrow night as they take on DC United while San Jose plays host to Chivas USA on Saturday.
LOS ANGELES 2 CHICAGO 1
The Galaxy, playing without Juninho, David Beckham, or Landon Donovan, bounced back from a midweek tie with Toronto FC to beat struggling Chicago 2-1. Chad Barrett made a well timed run through the Chicago defense and received a perfect pass from Miguel Lopez en route to his first goal of the season. Lopez also picked up the assist on the second goal when Omar Gonzalez headed home his corner kick in the 72nd minute to put LA up two. Dominic Oduro was able to cut the deficit to 2-1 when he scored on Donovan Ricketts from a tough angle in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late as the Galaxy defense held up against a late charge by the Fire and picked up the 3 points on the road. At 3-1-3, the Galaxy now sit in 2nd place in the Western Conference, while the struggling Fire, at 1-3-1 are in last place in the East. The Fire will try and get back on track when they host Houston on Saturday while the Galaxy will try to keep rolling when they host the expansion Timbers.
PORTLAND 3 DALLAS 2
Just days after their first MLS win, the Timbers picked up another jumping out to a 3-0 lead for the second straight match. Just like against Chicago earlier in the week though, they watched their lead get cut to one before bearing down and clinching the win. Jack Jewsbury opened the scoring in the 13th minute taking a pass from Kalif Alhassan and blasting in literally through Kevin Hartman for his second goal of the year. About 20 minutes later it was Jewsbury doing the table setting for Kenny Cooper when his corner found Cooper's head and he too beat Hartman for his second goal of the year. Then it was Rodney Wallace's turn to get in on the action. After Alhassan beat 5 Dallas defenders before finding Wallace in the box to make it 3-0. Things started getting dicey in the final ten minutes though. First the reigning MVP David Ferreira got Dallas on the board in the 83rd minute when he redirected a cross from Brek Shea past Jake Gleeson. The two would combine again just two minutes later, this time with Ferreira finding Shea who took a ball out of the air with a beautiful first time finesse volley deflecting over Gleeson's outstretched arms. Gleeson would save the Timbers from an embarrassing collapse when he just got his fingertips off a blast from Ferreira forcing it off the crossbar in the 93rd minute preserving the 3-2 win. So the Timbers survive and get a pair of wins behind 7 goals this week, but now travel to LA to take on the Galaxy this weekend. Dallas meanwhile will try and regroup as they go north to take on Vancouver.
HOUSTON 1 NEW ENGLAND 0
The Dynamo won their second in a row taking advantage of the Revs missing Pat Phelan and Shalrie Joseph. The Dynamo outshot New England 27-11, took 11 corners and forced Matt Reis to make 6 saves. New England also cleared a couple balls off the goal-line, and Houston hit the post a couple twice. All the pressure finally paid off for Houston in the 86th minute when defender Hunter Freeman broke the scoreless deadlock. The play started with a corner and Cam Weaver's header hit the crossbar and went straight up in the air. Freeman got himself positioned for the rebound and the ball appeared to deflect off his hand and into the goal. No call was made giving the Dynamo a well-deserved, if controversial result as they dominated the match. Houston looks to make it 3 in a row at Chicago on Saturday while New England looks to regroup as they host Kansas City. The Revs were able to add US National Team member Benny Feilhaber to their roster this week so that should help them out moving forward.
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