MLS Morning Espresso 10/3

Welcome to first Espresso of October, the final month of the regular season. As we all know, the month of October can be especially cruel, as the wannabes are weeded out, leaving the only the legit alive at the end.

One of those wannabes was Toronto, who were given a 3-2 shellacking from Seattle last night. Although Dwayne DeRosario found the opening goal in the 16th, the Sounders responded with a flurry of goals from Steve Zakuani (21′), Blaise Nkufo (26′), and Sanna Nyassi (59′). Chad Barrett brought the Reds back to within one in the 88th, but time expired before the equalizer appeared.

Another hopeful who’s dreams were rudely interrupted was Chicago, who suffered a devastating 3-0 loss to FC Dallas. Milton Rodriguez provided the only goal Dallas would need in the 19th, while goals from Martin Chavez (46′) and Jeff Cunningham (67′) only served to humiliate their adversary further.

Similarly, Kansas City watched its playoff ambitions take a serious blow after a 1-0 loss to New York. The only goal needed to stunt the Wizards plans was a score from Dane Richards in the 6th, as the Red Bulls resumed their remarkable run to the postseason.

Colorado had its playoff hopes spoiled as well after taking it on the chin from DC United by the score of 1-0. Danny Allsopp’s goal (47′) was all the came between the Rapids and a crucial point as the home side bowed out to the Eastern Conference basement.

Meanwhile, Will Hesmer and Jon Busch battled it out as Columbus and San Jose were held to a 0-0 draw. A soggy pitch hampered the scoring chances, as the keepers kept the board unblemished.

Finally, Philadelphia and Houston battled to a 1-1 draw. Andrew Hainault put Houston on the board in the 12th before Sebastien LeToux leveled it in the 40th.