The Only Football Blog That Matters

Saturday, March 8, 2014 Seattle Sounders F.C. 1 - 0 Sporting KC Columbus Crew 3 - 0 D.C. United  Vancouver 4 - 1 New York Houston 4 - 0 New England                       FC Dallas 3 - 2 Montreal Real Salt Lake 1 - 0 LA Galaxy Portland 1 - 1 Philadelphia  Sunday, March 9, 2014 Chivas USA 3 - 2 Chicago Fire  Eastern Conference  Houston Dynamo Columbus Crew Philadelphia Union Toronto FC Chicago Fire Montreal Impact Sporting Kansas City New York Red Bulls D.C. United New England Revolution Western Conference  Vancouver Whitecaps Chivas USA FC Dallas Real Salt Lake Seattle Sounders Portland Timbers Colorado Rapids San Jose Earthquakes LA Galaxy  Player of the Round Will Bruin - Forward - Houston Dynamo 2 Goals / 1 Assist 

The overall performance put together by Uncle Sam's Army was, for a lack of better word, bad.   With the 2014 World Cup 98 days away, the United States took a step in the wrong direction in Cyprus.  Jürgen Klinsmann's side was composed of many players hoping to provide validation for earning of a spot on the World Cup roster.  Players who specifically needed to have strong performances included John Brooks, Oguchi Onyewu, Edgar Castillo, Alejandro Bedoya, Brek Shea and Aron Johannsson. Although the USA will be playing three more friendlies before heading to Brazil, this may have been some player’s last chance to show Klinsmann why they should be picked in the final squad.  Defensive Struggles   The lack of communication between Brooks and Onyewu resulted in conceding an embarrassing goal in the 12 th minute.  A direct run through the heart of the defense allowed a one-on-one chance for Denis Garmash.  After Tim Howard saved his initial chance, the defense was caug