MLS Second Leg Playoff Preview

Defending MLS Cup Champs Columbus Crew Falls First

A stunner in Columbus, as the Crew go up 2 nil, but Real Salt Lake bounces back and somehow scores 3 goals to advance to the Eastern Championship. Columbus had chances and tried to hammer them in to no avail. Six teams are left in the hunt for the 2009 MLS Cup and their fates will be sealed this weekend.

New England at Chicago Sat. 5pm. Fox Soccer Channel
Chicago is down one goal and will have to go up two to advance.
LA sorta at Chivas Sun. 5:30pm. ESPN 2
Series is tied, winner take all.
Seattle at Houston Sun. Noon.
Series is tied, winner take all

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Perfect Aim with the Ball

The Home Depot Center - Stadium Profile

The Home Depot Center is located in Carson, California just out side of LA. It is home to the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA of the MLS. The first match was played there in June of 2003. It was developed and is operated by the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), this group also runs the Staples Center and a variety of other sports and music venues across the world. You are likely to hear more about AEG in the local news, as it is behind the upcoming renovations in the Rose Quarter.
The Home Depot Center is part of a large 125 acre development the encompasses the soccer stadium, a tennis stadium, track and field as well as many other training facilities used extensively by US Olympic athletes. The Stadium is soccer specific but also hosts lacrosse, football, rugby, concerts and the X-games. For the X-games the place hosts everything from motocross to rally cars.The official capacity of HDC is listed at 27,000 and it features a large slew of luxury boxes for LA's many rich and spoiled fans. The stadium has a partial roof that surrounds three sides of the field. The attendance figures for the Galaxy and Chivas are some of the best in the league. The stadium hosts the Honda SuperClasico, the MLS's only true local derby. The Galaxy has won 4 out of the 5 SuperClassicos. The intensity of this rivalry was upped this post season as they face each other in first round of the MLS playoffs. The first leg was a draw and the the second leg will be this Sunday with the winner going on to the Western Conference Finals.

2009 MLS Goal of the Year Nominees

You can vote for your favorite goal over at MLSnet.com, shittle is over represented so make sure to mark a goal for any other team.

MLS Playoffs Update First Leg First Round

The first leg of the first round of the MLS playoffs have been determined. The second leg of the playoffs will begin this Thursday in Columbus. In the first round of this knockout tournament, aggregate goals over two matches will determine the winners. We will keep you updated.

Eastern Conference

• Columbus Crew 0 - Real Salt lake 1
  
• Chicago Fire 2 - New England Revolution 1
  

Western Conference

• Los Angles Galaxy 2 - Chivas USA 2
• Houston Dynamo 0 - Seattle Sounders 0