Sounders, Chivas and Revolution bow out: Sorting through the MLS playoffs

The season has got to end sometime. And for the Seattle Sounders, the script could have had a better ending on a dream season -- one that would have culminated hoisting the MLS Cup in front of the Sounders faithful at Qwest Field on November 22. Unfortunately for the Emerald City, it was not to be, as Brian Ching and the Houston Dynamo had other plans.

Sunday's match in Houston marked the end of an excellent two-legged series that was sad to end. Drawn at 0-0 after more than 180 minutes, the tie seemed destined for penalty kicks. However, a fluke (and a technically superb) volley off the foot of Brian Ching consigned the visiting Sounders to visit.

Classifying the animosity between the two clubs as a 'rivalry' is a fair stretch at this point. It can be said that they are on their way, but it's a premature after one season -- though they did have several intense encounters. 

In the end, Ching's magic was enough to separate the two, and Houston heads on the road to face Los Angeles, while Seattle will regroup and try to avoid a sophomore slump.

Blanco Lights the Fire

It had to be said, right? The endless availability of cliches was too overwhelming to resist -- just like the temptation to name the Chicago Fire as favorites to hoist the cup in Seattle. That's a tad premature, as the insertion of John Thorrington added a vital boost to the Chicago attack. A pumped up crowd greeted the home team, inspiring a performance deserving of the victory.

Questions now percolate about the health of Brian McBride and just how much gas Cuautemoc Blanco has left in the tank. The wily veteran was scampering around Toyota Park with a vigor rarely seen during the regular season. After Patrick Nyarko stripped Emmanuel Osei in the corner, Blanco looked prime to ensure a Fire victory -- which he did calmly.

Credit is due to Steve Nicol despite the loss and subsequent elimination, as he kept his Revolution side in it despite having an injury list that closely resembled a first XI at times. Unfortunately, some mistakes at the back cost the team dearly. Without the likes of Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman, Nicol still managed to drag the club into postseason play once again.

Lot's of questions to answer if you're the Revolution, who have an impressive, if not aging side. Chicago now preps for a dangerous Real Salt Lake team, one win away from their first cup final since 2003.

Stars leading the way

Using the term SuperClasico becomes a bit grating, especially in MLS. It's too gimmicky and missing the genuine article. After their latest postseason encounter, there's a bit more substance to it. A Landon Donovan penalty kick proved to be the difference as the Galaxy won the game 1-0, taking the series 3-2.

For Chivas, drastic changes may be afoot with rumor swirling around Preki's future. With solid coaching credentials, it would seem foolish to dismiss Preki at this point, but at the same time feels like a change would do the Goats some good -- it's almost like Preki has taken them as far as they can go. There is plenty of talent out in LA, and with a different set of hands pulling the strings, maybe the Goats could go a bit further.

Overall, Los Angeles had too much attacking talent to provide that slight edge. In the world of MLS soccer, where parity is king, the presence of Donovan and David Beckham can be that difference. And it certainly was, as Beckham was doing what he does best -- knock the ball around the pitch, and put it on a dime from 50 yards away. One of those passes eventually led to the game-winning penalty, when Mike Magee was dragged down in the box.

Here's a few other MLS thoughts:

*Almost disappointing to see Real Salt Lake win, because Robbie Findley won't get a shot with the U.S. team. Foolish right? Findley, an inconsistent but talented striker can't get a game due to his team's success. Maybe it's the thought of Conor Casey, Eddie Johnson and Jeff Cunningham lining up as strikers that causes Findley-angst.

*Beckham choses LA? What? This goes out to all the hype and non-story about Beckham and his commitment to the England team over the Galaxy. Too much was made of this when he returned, because he was simply trying to play for his country. At what point is he to blame for trying to resurrect his international career?

*Will he stay or will he go? In the case of Landon Donovan, his future is murky, despite the Galaxy holding on to his contract/option for two more years. If he wins an MLS Cup, don't be surprised to see him cut-and-run. At the very least, a loan move to Europe in the offseason is likely.

*Decisions, decisions in the New England. Plenty of decisions for New England to make. Old hats like Ralston and Twellman have been just eating up salary on the Injured reserve, while Shalrie Joseph has assumed the role of club talisman. Maybe one of the two end up in Philly for some much-needed experience.