Week 13 had plenty of action. All of the games were contests, all but four of them were one goal games. Lets take a look at all the action. This week around MLS, week 13!
Toronto FC 5 Columbus Crew 0
Toronto put on a clinic against Columbus, solidifying them as the top team in the east. Columbus never really got into the match, and before the 40th minute were down 2-0. Having their opponents buried already, TFC pour on more in the second half. They scored three more goals three different ways. One from a free kick, one from the run of play and one from a headed cross. It’s safe to say the Crew were torched in Toronto. TFC will love adding another three points to their successful season, while Columbus will have to regroup to come back from this one.
Seattle Sounders 1 Portland Timbers 0
The Cascadia rivals Seattle and Portland met CeturyLink field and played through a gritty game. The home team started out strong, as a twice re-directed corner found its way into the net in the first five minutes. Seattle took the lead, and held Portland for the rest of the match. The two teams went back ad forth, but neither could find another goal. Portland pushed the game creating a few quality chances; however, the finishing just wasn’t there. Seattle will be pleased taking all three points from Portland, while the Timbers will have to wait to get their revenge on Seattle.
Vancouver Whitecaps 0 DC United 1
Vancouver had a hard time at home agaisnt DC United. The Whitecaps hit the crossbar several times in the match, and never found the net. They controlled the game for most of the match. Dc had very little oppertunities to create chances. One was created by DC’s Jose Ortiz. He dove in the box, and won a penalty for his side. DC converted and Vancouver looked dead. They kept trying, and found an opportunity in second half stoppage time. A penalty was given to them, however the attempt was put off the post. DC will be happy to bring all three points home, while Vancouver will be upset that they couldn’t stop hitting the crossbar.
New York Red Bulls 2 New England Revolution 1
New York and New England renewed their rivalry at Red Bull arena. The visitors wasted little time starting the scoring off. A penalty was given, and converted by New England in the first seven minutes. They took the lead into halftime. The Red Bulls came out on fire in the second half. They tied the match a minute into the second half and went on to find the winner. New England was completely shut down going forward by New York’s press. New England will be mad they let all three points slip from them, while the Red Bull will be happy winning at home.
Colorado Rapids 1 Sporting Kansas City 0
Colorado looked to put a stop to their woes against SKC. In the 11th minute they were on the front foot. A free kick was sent into the box, and a directed header found the net. Colorado was up, but not out of the fire yet. The rest of the match Sporting Kansas City pushed for the equalizer. But in vintage Colorado form, they sat back and defended like hell. In the end they were able to stop the barrage of SKC attacks, and walked out of the match with all three points. Colorado will love getting the much-needed points, while SKC will have to go back to the drawing board.
Minnesota United 1 Orlando City 0
The most surprising result came from Minnesota over the weekend. The Lions visited the Loons and had a tough time mauling them. Orlando dominated the first half, but couldn’t put any of their quality oppertunities into the back of the net. Minnesota came out in the second half and looked to strike quickly. 10 minutes into the half Christian Ramirez found his way behind the Orlando back line, dribbled around the keeper and scored the eventual game winner for Minnesota. Minnesota will love getting three points from a quality opponent, while Orlando will rue missing those first half chances.
Real Salt Lake 1 Philadelphia Union 0
Full analysis of this match here: Union show Real fatigue at Salt Lake
San Jose 2 LA Galaxy 4
The California Clasico was played in San Jose. This match had the most goals of the weekend. The first 38 minutes of this match were both teams trading goals. by the 38th minute it was 2-2 and there was still a lot of action to be had in this rivalry match. By halftime LA had found a third, and they tagged a fourth in the 64th minute. LA led 4-2, and San Jose tried to counter. Unfortunately all their attempts were bested by LA. LA will be glad to take the three points from their in-state rivals, While San Jose will wonder how they couldn’t played better defense.
Atlanta United 3 NYCFC 1
Atlanta United welcomed NYCFC to deep south. After 16 minutes New York was already in deep trouble Almiron scored the opener in the first quarter of an hour. Two minutes later Villalba doubled Atlanta’s lead. Almiron score again to make it 3-0 inside of the 30 minute mark. NYCFC were cooked. They fought to try to get back into the match, and found a break through in the 70th minute. Atlanta’s first half triple was too much for NYCFC in the end. Atlanta will love the three home points, while NYCFC will look for revenge agaisnt Atlanta later.
FC Dallas 0 Houston Dynamo 0
The Texas derby was the last match of the weekend, and it was one that feature some of the best saves . Dallas looked to be on the front foot in the first half. A spectacular free kick almost gave them the lead, but Tyler Deric snuffed out the chance. On the other side Jesse Gonzales made a huge save for Dallas minutes later. The rest of the match the keepers continued to play out of their minds. Both teams ended up splitting the points in the leagues lone tie. Houston will be happy to get a point at their rivals, while Dallas will feel they should have gotten one over on Houston at home.
Here’s where all teams stand after week 13:
Where we stand headin' into Week 14: pic.twitter.com/MrU5DH0wSN
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 31, 2017
Here are the goals of the week, saves of the week and team of the week.
Goals of the week:
Four goals, one winner: https://t.co/uMQ2KC39Yk #ATTGotW https://t.co/T0Sw5msDU1
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 30, 2017
Saves of the week:
Four big time stops, but only one can be the Save of the Week.
VOTE: https://t.co/8mBCwQsCVQ https://t.co/HklNsAlW1z
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 31, 2017
Team of the week:
Bench: Tyler Deric, HOU; Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, ATL; Kemar Lawrence, NY; Julian Gressel, ATL; Felipe, NY; Cristian Roldan, SEA; Joao Plata, RSL
Here are all the games slated for week 14:
Wednesday, May 31st:
Columbus 3 Seattle 0 FINAL
NYCFC 2 New England 2 FINAL
Orlando City 2 DC United 0 FINAL
Houston 5 Salt Lake 1 FINAL
Friday, June 2nd:
Portland 1 San Jose 0 FINAL
Saturday, June 3rd:
NYCFC vs Philadelphia
Kansas City vs Minnesota
Vancouver vs Atlanta
DC United vs LA Galaxy
New England vs Toronto
Montreal vs NY Red Bulls
Dallas vs Salt Lake
Colorado vs Columbus
Sunday, June 4th:
Orlando vs Chicago
Seattle vs Houston
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Follow me on twitter @TGing21 for Soccer Twitter fun! Coming soon: A preview of the US U-20’s World Cup quarterfinal clash with Venezuela. A recap US Men’s National team’s tune up vs Venezuela. A recap on how the Union did in NYCFC; as well as a recap of all the MLS action from week 14. Until then, peace out!
Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
