MLS / Liga MX Report: Chivas Play Club America to Draw in "Super Clasico", Thierry Henry's Two Assists Help NY Red Bulls Upset DC United
Major League Soccer (MLS)
The 2014 Major League Soccer (MLS) conference semifinals kicked off this weekend, and already, the number one seed in the East, DC United, find themselves in trouble.
After defeating defending MLS champions Sporting Kansas City 2-1 in last Thursday's Eastern Conference Knockout Round game, Thierry Henry was instrumental in the New York Red Bulls 2-0 win over DC United in Sunday's first-leg semifinals match. Henry found league-leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips open with a beautiful heel kick that opened the scoring for the Red Bulls in the 40th minute. Later, in the 70th minute, Henry found a streaking Peguy Luyindula on a long pass to give the New York the win over the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Second-seeded New England Revolution took down the Columbus Crew 4-2 in their first-leg match Saturday afternoon, thanks to Charlie Davies' two goals. Kelyn Rowe found Davies open on a free kick, getting the ball past Columbus keeper Steve Clark on a diving header. Davies would score again in the 78th minute, blasting a shot from right outside the box to give the Revolution a two-goal lead going into Sunday's second-leg match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
For the latest sports news, follow @LatinPostSports on Twitter
In Western Conference playoff action, the second-seeded LA Galaxy, looking to give Landon Donovan one more MLS Cup before retiring, could only manage a 0-0 draw against last year's finalist Real Salt Lake. Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo was the star of the night, with six saves, including punching RSL midfielder's Javier Morales' attempt to score over the crossbar in the 90th minute of the match.
Supporters' Shield winner Seattle Sounders could also muster a 1-1 draw in their first-leg match against FC Dallas -- who beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 last Wednesday in the Western Conference Knockout Round playoff game. Seattle midfielder Marco Pappa hacked Andres Escobar Diaz in the box, which allowed Michel to score a penalty kick to take the 1-0 lead. Osvaldo Alonso would save the day for the Sounders, heading a free kick past FC Dallas keeper Raúl Fernández to tie the game up 1-1.
The MLS postseason continues this weekend with the Red Bulls-DC United facing off on Saturday, the New England Revolution-Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake-Los Angeles Galaxy playing their match on Sunday and Seattle Sounders-FC Dallas going at it on Monday.
LIGA MX
Liga MX leader Club America failed to extend their lead over the weekend, playing to a 0-0 draw in their "Super Clasico" rivalry game against Guadalajara.
The Chivas, who have had an abysmal season mired in 17th place in the standings, parked the bus against their bitter rivals in front of a sold-out crowd at Azteca Stadium to eke out a point against America. The point was much needed for Guadalajara's new coach Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre, who is hoping to keep his team out of the relegation zone.
For America, the draw allowed for Toluca to gain ground on the Liga MX table leader after defeating Tijuana Friday night on the strength of Isaác Brizuela's goal in the 25th minute of the match. The win by Toluca gives them 28 points in the season -- two behind America -- leap-frogging Atlas, who lost to León on Saturday.
Mauro Boselli scored twice for León in their 4-0 blowout of Atlas, who has slid to fourth in place in the standings. Boselli's two goals, his tenth and 11th goals of the season, put him ahead of Queretaro's Camilo Sanvezzo in the league's top scorers table, while helping León slide into the eighth spot in the 2014 Liguilla playoff chase. León has won four league matches in a row.
America also needs to look out for Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (U.A.N.L.), who beat Queretaro on Saturday. Los Tigres of U.A.N.L. are now undefeated in their past eight league games after Juninho scored off a free kick in the 73rd minute of the match to help U.A.N.L. finish the day in third place with 27 points, three behind America.
FOR MORE LIGA MX, MLS AND SOCCER NEWS, VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!