MLS semifinals set

The first round of the 2007 MLS playoffs offered some very exciting and dramatic matches as the four quarterfinal pairings all were hardfought until the end.  Only the New York Red Bull - New England Revolution matches were a snore with only 1 goal in 3 hours of play.....at least it was highly competetive.

Houston Dynamo 4  FC Dallas 2
Following a 1-0 home win, FC Dallas went to Houston looking to knock out the defending MLS champion and arch rival.  An early goal from Carlos Ruiz gave FC Dallas a 2 goal lead but a silly red card to Arturo alvarez would help change the match completely.  A pair of Houston goals within 5 minutes would even the aggregate at 2-2 and send the pairing to overtime.  Houston scored 2 more goals in overtime and FC Dallas once again lost a 2 goal lead in playoff in the last 30 minutes.

New England Revolution 1  New York Red Bulls 0
Both squads could only muster a single goal over 3 hours of play in a highly competetive, but ugly series.  After a scoreless first 3 halfs of play it would be a wonderful pass with which Shalrie Joseph split the Red Bulls defense with to Steve Ralston who latched onto the ball, bore towards goal, and dished to Twellman on his left side. Twellman tapped towards the open net and the ball finally skittered over the line as Conway's slide to stop the momentum pushed the ball inside the left-hand post.

Kansas City 1  Chivas USA 0
A strong and attacking Chivas USA side were unable to break down a stiff Kansas City defense and were eliminted from the MLS playoffs.  Few, if any, thought Kansas City could shut out Chivas at the Home Depot Center where Chivas USA has been nearly unstoppable all year.  The Wizards defense, however, was up to the challenge and pulled out its third consecutive shutout. This one, though, sees them through to next Saturday's conference championship against Houston Dynamo.

Chicago Fire 3  DC United 2
The most exciting series of the first round saw red hot Chicago eliminate DC United.  DC United returned home down a goal after a loss in Chicago and went right on the attack in a wide open match, but it was the Fire who turned the tables.  A pair of first half goals would put the Fire up 3-0 and looking very comfortable.  However, DC was not ready to fold up and go home.  A furious 2nd half rally saw Chicago scrambling to hold on.  Early 2nd half goals fro Christian Gomez and Clyde Simmons pulled DC United to within 1 and an injury time equalizer was called back on handball as Chicago held on.

MLS Semifinals:
Kansas City at Houston Dynamo
Chicago Fire at New England Revolution

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