MLS Morning Espresso 9/19

It was another action-packed Saturday in the league, as the MLS playoff picture came into greater focus.

After their mid-week management shakeup, Toronto FC faced off against Houston down at Robertson Stadium. Bring Ching put the Dynamo up early with an 18th minute strike before his former teammate Dwayne DeRosario scored a second-half brace with goals in the 60th and 94th minutes to give the guests the 2-1 victory.

Out in Sandy, UT, Real Salt Lake set a new standard for home turf excellence by claiming their 23rd consecutive uneaten league match at Rio Tinto Stadium with a 1-0 victory over Chicago. Alvaro Saborio’s goal in the 47th minute put his club in the MLS record book.

Seattle embarrassed Columbus 4-0 in C-town thanks in large part to Swiss international Blaise Nkufo, who picked up his first career hat trick with goals in the 4th, 39th, and 75th minutes. Nathan Sturgis aided the effort by converting a penalty in the 42nd minute.

Lastly, in a pairing of clubs taking opposite paths, Los Angeles bested DC United 2-1 at the HDC. Andy Najar gave the Gals a scare when his 60th minute goal gave the MLS-worst United a 1-0 lead. But Landon Donovan dashed any dreams for a DC upset with a pair of goals in the 81st and 86th minutes to secure the expected three points.