For most of Wednesday’s trio of Major League Soccer matches we had a paucity of goals, Montreal’s potent attack the only thing assuring it wasn’t zero.
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But the final half hours in two of our three matches proved fruitful for the box scores.
Montreal Impact 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
With Didier Drogba resting, the Impact still managed to strengthen their playoff plans while crushing San Jose’s hopes for the second season. Dominic Odoro buried a rebound early before MVP hopeful Ignacio Piatti made it 2-0 before halftime. Piatti later helped Johan Venegas put the game away late.
Chris Wondolowski scored his 11th goal of the season to pull San Jose within a goal with just under a half-hour to play, his 120th in MLS has him 25 behind Landon Donovan of the LA Galaxy for the all-time record.
.@ChrisWondo cuts the lead in half with his 120th MLS goal. #MTLvSJ https://t.co/NnSiqdRSHD
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 29, 2016
The loss leaves San Jose seven points shy of a playoff spot with four matches to play.
Toronto FC 0-0 Orlando City
There were chances, sure: Michael Bradley looped a gorgeous pass that Jonathan Osorio somehow hit over the net from inside the six, and Cyle Larin was denied by a diving Alex Bono at the other end.
Two yellow cards to Tosaint Rickets in a 14-minute span left TFC down a man for the final 20 minutes, but the Reds held on for a point at home. Orlando is now five points shy of the East’s final playoff spot, while Toronto used its game-in-hand to pull ahead of New York Red Bulls and New York City FC for the top spot in the East.
DC United 3-0 Columbus Crew
This one saw the chances evenly distributed but the ball mostly with the visitors. Fortunately for DC’s playoff hopes, Lloyd Sam’s third goal of the season opened up a 1-0 lead in the 71st minute off a slick feed from Luciano Acosta. Lamar Neagle had a classy finish to make it 2-0, then assisted Alvaro Saborio to end this game and Columbus’ playoff hopes.
Beautiful vision from Lucho. Quality finish from Lloyd Sam. #DCvCLB https://t.co/dd1z4Olhvd
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 29, 2016
