The stakes have been raised and tensions are high, as the race for the final spots in the MLS cup play-offs. The Los Angeles Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids both asserted themselves for the play-off spots over the weekend. The Rapids were hosting the second place team in the western conference, Seattle Sounders. Saturday evening many attested to the strength the Rapids exhibited against a very reputable foe. Los Angeles Galaxy not only showed innovation in attack but their competence in defense.

Saturday night saw many games played throughout the MLS, but none stood out more than the erosion of the Sounders’ at Colorado. The fact that it took less than 20 seconds for the Rapids’ to find the breakthrough against Seattle indicates their capability of scoring. All through out the matches, Seattle found themselves dominating the possession of the ball. In a span of 11 minutes they were chasing the game at 0-2. Which could only prove that even with retaining possession of the ball throughout the majority of the game doesn’t factor into the game until one makes opportunities out of the possession. Granted not to discredit Seattle too much, they indeed created opportunities but found them beaten by the post and by Rapid’s keeper Clint Irwin.

Sunday afternoon in Carson witnessed the Los Angeles Classico, as the Galaxy took on their local rivals Chivas USA. The Rapid’s home display had to be on the minds of the Galaxy players as they began to run rampant on the goats. The breakthrough was quick in the sixth minute Zardes sent in a cross that was met by an unmarked Donovan to square it back for the run of Keane. The Galaxy would go ahead by two 21 minutes from kickoff, when Zardes again running at the red and whites right back whipped in another low cross. Again an unmarked Landon Donovan latched onto Gyasi pass and easily tapped the ball into the back of the net.  The rout was official five minutes after the second goal. Zardes found the back of the net as the build up play stumbled in the Chivas box, and the ball found its way to Gyasi’s feet and he banged it into the net.

The results at the weekend for both Colorado and Los Angeles were ideal in solidifying a play-off spot in the post season. The Rapids victory at home over an established opponent (Seattle Sounders) 5-1, creates a statement that the rapids will not let up in their final three games of the season. Credit to the Sounders, they dominated possession and created opportunities but they only managed to score once. The Galaxy although were playing against an opponent that have endured a woeful season in the MLS, they still exhibited an attacking prowess that has to be marveled by many. Zardes’ display on the left flank in the midfield proved to be a perfect position for the young winger. With Gyasi’s display Sunday, the Galaxy have another attacking option to place out on the pitch when encountering a team that leaves a lot of space in the middle of the field.

The Western Conference continues to heat up as Colorado and Los Angeles stay on track to lock up a play-off spot. Both also can’t afford a slip up in the final stages of the season, as San Jose and Vancouver are breathing down their backsides. The upcoming fixtures during the international break will prove to be crucial for all these teams, if they plan to make the MLS cup play-offs this year. 

Photo credit to Ali Gilmore and Prost Amerika