MLS Playoff Wrap - RSL Grabs Late Winner

A late winner in Salt Lake City was the highlight of the first leg matches as Yura Movsisyan scored a deft flick to give RSL the advantage over Chivas USA.  Late goals were the flavor of the weekend as elsewhere, Columbus and Kansas City played to a 1-1 draw as did Houston and New York.  Both games were tied on late goals.

As the match drew to a close it looked like Chivas USA was about to survive a rowdy Rio Tinto crowd and head home on even terms Saturday.  That is until Javier Morales controlled a throw in and moved into the penalty area.  His low cross into the six found a waiting Yura Movsisyan who flicked the ball into the back side netting for the dramatic win.  Now Chivas USA must rally at home next week to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

In Kasas City it was another late goal that will have a heavy influence on the semifina matchup.  This time it was the visitors with the magic as Columbus grabbed the tying goal in the 93rd minute.  Kansas City looked to have the win in hand until Steven Lenhart picked up a deflection and scored the important goal.  Now Columbus only need win at home to move on.

Defending champions Houston Dynamo also needed a late rescue in their match in New York.  An undermanned Red Bull squad had taken the lead early in the 2nd half thru Juan Pablo Angel, but it was Kei Kamara's goal in the 85th minute that stole the show.  Now New York must somehow win in Houston where the Dynamo are almost unbeatable.