The game in 100 words (or less): Too many teams qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. There, I said it. Because MLS rules are written as such, two of Sporting Kansas City, Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders will likely make it this year, and that’s two too many. On Saturday, the former most narrowly outplayed an even worse San Jose Earhthquakes side, to the tune of 2-1, to go fifth in the Western Conference and move eight points clear of the 7th-place Sounders. The worst part about the current playoff structure: one of the above mentioned sides will almost certainly get hot in the postseason, after doing very little over the course of 34 games to establish themselves as one of the league’s elite. You know, just like the Timbers did last year. Anyway, Dom Dwyer, Simon Dawkins and Kevin Ellis scored the goals on the night. Neither side is any good, nor should they be in the playoffs. That’s MLS.
[ MORE: Playoff Picture — 4 teams can clinch playoff berth this weekend ]
Three moments that mattered
7' — Dwyer heads home for the early opener — The ball from Paulo Nagamura was inch-perfect, and the header by Dwyer was unstoppable.
Just like that. @Ddwyer14 gives @SportingKC the early advantage. #SJvSKC https://t.co/N04mZn96lG
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
42' — Coelho whiffs, Dawkins makes it 1-1 — That’s just unlucky, if you’re Nuno Coelho.
Everyone loves a back heeled assist.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
Game on in San Jose. #SJvSKC https://t.co/PDboQZnsgV
81' — Ellis bundles the corner kick home for 2-1 — A fitting winner to this game.
That's one way to do it. @SportingKC reclaim the lead. #SJvSKC https://t.co/thDIveMSGP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 25, 2016
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Man of the match: Tim Melia
Goalscorers: Dwyer (7'), Dawkins (42'), Ellis (81')