Another round of games passed by in this MLS season this weekend with some surprising results and noteworthy games. The biggest story line came out west in Portland, where Sporting KC’s perfect start to the season finally snapped with a 1-0 away loss to the Timbers. Of course the winning streak could not have lasted forever and it still has nonetheless been a very impressive start from KC. Additionally, in a game of local rivalry and traditional bad blood, DC United put together a wonderful display at home to dismantle the Red Bulls by a score of 4-1. A Chris Pontius hat trick was the difference for DC, who essentially put the game to bed after the first half, where they were up 3-0. The result saw DC overtake the Red Bulls for second place in the Eastern Conference.
In Europe a number of surprising results ensured that some titles will run down to the last day, where others weeded out any final pushes from competitors. In England, a surprising slip up from Manchester United saw them draw 4-4 at home against Everton. After United seemed to be cruising, up two goals in the second half, Everton scored two goals in the final ten minutes to secure a good point for them. Elsewhere, Manchester City won away at Wolves 2-0, which narrowed down the gap at the top to just three points. There are only three games to play, including the big one next weekend when the teams face off against each other. While United seemed to have all but wrapped up the title just a few weeks ago, their unusual late slip ups in the season have cost them and opened the door for Manchester City to be right back in the title race.
In Spain, the major talking point came from the Nou Camp stadium, where Real Madrid achieved a decisive victory over Barcelona, 2-1, all but securing them the league title. While Barcelona could have blown the title race open with a victory, goals from Khedira and Ronaldo gave the visitors a priceless 2-1 victory. Not only did the result all but ensure Real Madrid would take the La Liga crown from Barcelona, but the psychological barrier of Madrid finally has been lifted as they were able to beat Barcelona, especially in Barcelona – quite a feat indeed. In Italy the surge from Juventus continued as they easily defeated Roma by a score of 4-0. On the other side, the recent dip in form of AC Milan continued as they tied at home to Bologna. A last minute strike by Ibrahimovic was crucial in stealing a point for the home side. The result leaves Juventus three points clear of Milan with only five games remaining, so either one could still snatch the title.
These were the major story lines from acrross the world of soccer this week. As always, feel free to express your own thoughts and comment and some of the stories from the weekend or what you think may have been left out.
(image courtesy of espn.com)
