Major League Soccer, Week 29: Playoff Picture Not Quite As Clear As We Expected

This seemed like a pretty likely week to end most of the playoff speculation.

The Galaxy could have locked up the Supporters’ Shield.

The Earthquakes were playing for something while the Dynamo only had pride on the line, but it was enough on this night.

In a physical match, the Dynamo beat the team that gave birth to them, leaving San Jose likely looking at a trip to the Eastern Conference for the playoffs.

Conor Casey strikes in the 30th minute to put the Rapids ahead 2-1, dealing a blow to the Galaxy’s Supporters’ Shield hopes.

The Rapids seem intent on not letting the Galaxy ease into the Supporters’ Shield, tying the game on an Edson Buddle own goal.

The Galaxy move one step closer to clinching the Supporters’ Shield with Edson Buddle’s 17th goal in the 9th minute.

Andrew Hainault scores a diving header to put the Dynamo ahead of the Earthquakes.

A 31st minute goal from Shalrie Joseph has given the Revs a 1-0 lead over the Wizards, who need to win this match in order to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.

The Philadelphia Union got two first half goals and then withstood a late Red Bulls charge to earn a 2-1 victory.

Fred scored an eighth minute goal and Michael Orozco doubled the lead in the 28th minute.

William Hesmer’s stoppage time goal salvaged a point for the slumping Crew, who also retained the Trillium Cup — the rivalry trophy they share with Toronto FC.

Hesmer, a goalkeeper, had come forward on a corner kick and was a little lucky as he controlled a deflection off his chest and then struck the ball through several Toronto defenders.

Columbus Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer scored the equalizing goal in stoppage time.

Hesmer had come forward on a corner kick and was able to score on a deflected ball.

Steven Lenhart and Jon Conway have been red-carded for their roles in a scuffle during the Crew-Toronto FC match, leaving both teams with 10 men for the final 15 minutes.

On the play that led to the ejections, Lenhart crashed into Conway while going for a ball near the goal. Conway then threw the Crew forward to the ground, igniting a melee.

If the Sounders were to win on Saturday, they would also tie the single-season record for most consecutive wins in a season that did not include shootouts (DC United won 11 straight in 1999).

Steve Zakuani and Osvaldo Alonso scored the Sounders’ goals.

Teal Bunburry scores off a Josh Wolff pass to put the Wizards up 2-0 in the 80th minute. The magic lives!

The Wizards midfielder strikes during first-half stoppage time to put them on top of the Fire 1-0.