This Weekend's Soccer on TV

By MICHAEL KLINE

The international break has come and gone, and the worlds top leagues return to action this weekend.

Bayern Munich take on Hannover 96 in their fifth league match of the young German season. Bayern trail Borussia Dortmund by two points in the league, and will have to beat an in-form Hannover 96 squad who sit tied for third-place after winning three of their first four matches. Pep Guardiolas club sit in tenth-place in goals scored through the first four matches, and will likely depend upon their solid defense to earn three points on Saturday.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Arsenals new signing Mesut Özil this weekend, as he attempts to wow the Gunner faithful with a strong first showing on the road to Sunderland. He will have had only a couple of training sessions with his new teammates under his belt, and will be forced to adjust quickly on Saturday.

A little bit later in the afternoon, Inter Milan and Juventus will duel it out in the San Siro. Carlos Tevez will relish his first new test in a Juve shirt, and he will look to continue his perfect goal scoring form (3 goals in 3 matches for Juventus) by netting against The Black and Blue.

Here is a rundown of This Weekends Soccer on TV:

FRIDAY

2:30pm beIN Sport – Bordeaux vs PSG

2:30pm GolTV – Hertha BSC vs Stuttgart

8:30pm ESPN Deportes – Querétaro vs Atlante

10pm NBC Sports Network – Seattle Sounders vs Real Salt Lake

10:30pm Univision Deportes – Santos Laguna vs América

SATURDAY

7:45am NBC Sports Network – Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

9:30am GolTV – Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Fulham vs West Bromwich Albion

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Hull City vs Cardiff City

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Stoke City vs Manchester City

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City

10am NBC Sports Network – Sunderland vs Arsenal

10am beIN Sport en Español – Atlético Madrid vs Almería

12pm beIN Sport – Inter Milan vs Juventus

12pm beIN Sport en Español – Levante vs Real Sociedad

12:30pm NBC – Everton vs Chelsea

2pm MLS Direct Kick – Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew

2pm Univision Deportes – Ajaccio vs Evian TG

2pm beIN Sport – Barcelona vs Sevilla

4pm UniMás – DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy

4pm beIN Sport – Villarreal vs Real Madrid

6pm Univision Deportes – Veracruz vs León

6pm Univision – Cruz Azul vs Tigres UANL

7pm MLS Direct Kick – New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC

7:30pm MLS Direct Kick – Philadelphia Union vs Houston Dynamo

8pm Univision Deportes – Monterrey vs Pachuca

8:30pm MLS Direct Kick  Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution

9pm MLS Direct Kick – Colorado Rapids vs Dallas FC

10pm Univision Deportes – Chiapas vs Atlas

10:30pm MLS Direct Kick – Chivas USA vs Portland Timbers

10:30pm MLS Direct Kick – San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps

SUNDAY

8am beIN Sport – Monaco vs Lorient

9am beIN Sport en Español – Lazio vs Chievo

11am NBC Sports Network – Southampton vs West Ham United

1pm beIN Sport en Español – Málaga vs Rayo Vallecano

1pm ESPN Deportes – Puebla vs Toluca

1pm Univision – Pumas UNAM vs Morelia

2:45pm beIN Sport – Sampdoria vs Genoa

3pm Univision Deportes – Olympique Lyonnais vs Rennes

3pm beIN Sport en Español – Real Betis vs Valencia

6pm UniMás – Guadalajara vs Tijuana

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica facing sanctions as FIFA investigates actions during qualifier vs. USMNT | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

The Costa Rican Football Federation did their best to put the U.S. Mens National Team off their game when the squads met up seven days ago, but it appears that they stepped over the line on multiple occasions.

According to reports in Costa Rica, the Federation is under investigation by FIFA for three separate incidents that occurred on September 6 at the Estadio Nacional. The reports state that prior to kickoff, fans booed and whistled during the United States national anthem, the PA turned off Clint Dempseys microphone as he read out a statement about fair play, and Costa Rica supporters pointed lasers at U.S. coaching staff and players.

In addition, FIFA is investigating the actions of Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell during the second half, which saw U.S. centerback Matt Besler yellow carded despite video evidence clearing him of wrong-doing.

The secretary of the Costa Rican Federations executive committee, Juan Carlos Roman, confirmed the news, and said that FIFA could potentially force Costa Rica to play their next home game (October 15 vs. Mexico) behind closed doors, taking away a key revenue stream for the organization.

Roman mentioned that the Federation has until September 16th to respond to the complaints lodged by U.S. Soccer, and the investigation is currently going through the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

Costa Rica head coach Jorge Luis Pinto commented on the investigation of Campbell on Friday, though he likely did himself no favors here in the United States.

Pinto complained that when Costa Rica was at the Estadio Azteca and in El Salvador, fans booed their national anthem and lasers were pointed, but nothing was done. He also said that U.S. Soccer shouldnt have been allowed to place cameras around the stadium, where they could catch certain incidents, like Campbells folly.

I am worried about Campbell, Pinto said on Costa Rican TV, transcribed by Diez.hn in Honduras. I hate the licit gesture from the United States for putting a camera behind the coachs area. Theyre not going to refute that, but we should not allow that. Its a camera that confuses regulations.

Its an aggressive act and its resentful of the United States.

–

What do you think of these reports? Glad FIFA is investigating the claims from the match? Do you see Costa Ricas next match played behind closed doors? What do you think of Pintos comments?

Share your thoughts below.

Americans Abroad: Weekend Preview | Soccer By Ives

By FRANCO PANIZO

There will be no shortage of mouth-watering Premier League games involving U.S. Mens National Team players this weekend.

Several Americans are set to partake in some of the most intriguing matches in Europe this weekend, including Tim Howard. The veteran goalkeeper and Everton will host second-placed Chelsea in a Saturday match the Toffees are hoping will end with them grabbing their first win of the season. Everton has settled for three straight draws to start the campaign, so an upset victory over the Blues would be the perfect remedy for the Toffees recent struggles.

Jozy Altidore is another player anticipated to be involved in a high-profile game, as Sunderland welcome fourth-placed Arsenal to Stadium of Light on Saturday. Altidore and the Black Cats are expected to have their hands full in the match, especially if talented midfielder Mesut Ozil makes his Arsenal debut, but they will be playing for a much-needed victory after coming out of the gates at 0-2-1.

Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Stoke City do not need to win as badly as Sunderland does, but they will still be looking for a major upset over Manchester City to keep themselves near the top of the table. Stoke are currently in fifth place in the standings and a victory at home on Saturday over star-studded City would only add to the Potters strong start to the season.

Here is who the Americans Abroad battle this weekend

FRIDAY

John Anthony Brooks and Hertha Berlin play VfB Stuttgart.

Bobby Wood and TSV 1860 Munich play VfR Aalen.

Josh Gatt, Ben Spencer, Ethan Horvath and Molde FK play Aalesund. (Gatt is out injured.)

SATURDAY

Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Newcastle United.

Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu, Brek Shea and Stoke City play Manchester City. (Edu is out injured.)

Jozy Altidore and Sunderland play Arsenal.

Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Norwich City.

Tim Howard and Everton play Chelsea.

Tim Ream, Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play Leeds United. (Holden is out injured.)

Zak Whitbread and Leicester City play Wigan Athletic.

Eric Lichaj and Nottingham Forest play Barnsley.

Jonathan Spector, Will Packwood and Birmingham City play Queens Park Rangers. (Packwood is out injured.)

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 play Bayern Munich. (Cherundolo is out injured.)

Michael Parkhurst and FC Augsburg play SC Freiburg.

Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 play Mainz 05.

Andrew Wooten and Kaiserslautern play SV Sandhausen.

Alejandro Bedoya and FC Nantes play Sochaux.

Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play KV Mechelen.

Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna play FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Jose Torres, Jonathan Bornstein and Tigres UANL play Cruz Azul.

Alonso Hernandez and Monterrey play Pachuca.

SUNDAY

Danny Williams and Reading play Brighton Hove Albion.

Fabian Johnson, Joe Gyau and TSG Hoffenheim play Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Timmy Chandler and FC Nurnberg play TSV Eintracht Braunschweig.

Alfredo Morales and FC Ingolstadt 04 play FC Union Berlin.

Aron Johannsson and AZ Alkmaar play Go Ahead Eagles.

Eugene Starikov and FK Tom Tomsk play Anzhi Makhachkala.

Conor OBrien and Odense BK play Brondby IF.

Steve Clark and Honefoss BK play IK Start.

Mix Diskerud and Rosenborg BK play Tromso.

DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Orozco and Puebla play Toluca.

Herculez Gomez, Joe Corona, Edgar Castillo, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola and Club Tijuana play Chivas de Guadalajara. (Gomez is out injured.)

Freddy Adu and Bahia play Coritiba FBC.

MONDAY

Michael Bradley and AS Roma play Parma. (Bradley is out injured.)

Brian Span and Djurgarden IF play Malmo FF.

Which of these matches are you most looking forward to? How do you see Howard and Everton faring vs. Chelsea? Think Altidore will score on Arsenal?

Share your thoughts below.

Cosmos Notes: Dimitrov calls Saturday a "must-win"; Turf surface a factor for scoring troubles; and more

By DAN KARELL

Through the first half of the North American Soccer League fall season, the New York Cosmos are still not where theyd like to be.

The rebooted club currently have nine points and sit in fourth place in the NASL standings, though theyre only one point behind the Carolina RailHawks, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who are in a three-way tie for first place. Had the Cosmos been able to convert a second of their nine shots on goal last Saturday in their 1-1 draw with the Atlanta Silverbacks, they Cosmos would be in first place right now.

Its likely this thinking, and the fact that the team failed to win at home for the first time this season last Saturday, that forward Stefan Dimitrov is calling this Saturdays game against Minnesota United a must-win.

We know that the upcoming game against Minnesota is a must-win game for us, because we dont want to be dropping points at home, Dimitrov told SBI in a phone interview. We (want to) create a lot of chances, score goals, and take away the game early in the first half so we dont allow the opponent to get their confidence.

Following Saturdays match, the road ahead is a difficult one for the Cosmos, with games against the current top five teams in the standings (excluding the Cosmos) in each of the next four weeks.

Here are some more notes on the Cosmos this week:

TURF SURFACE IS A FACTOR FOR SCORING WOES

Despite the Cosmos having a group of forwards with MLS experience (Peri Marosevic, Stefan Dimitrov), international experience (Henry Lopez, Satoru Kashiwase), and European league experience (Alessandro Noselli), the team has scored only six times through six matches.

Throughout the season, questions about the teams finishing issues have been brushed away by both the players and the coaches, with the narrative centering around how chances were created, and its only a matter of time. However, according to Dimitrov, playing on artificial surfaces like the one at Shuart Stadium does play a factor.

We are adjusting to the (home) field in terms of being artificial versus our training ground being natural grass and that takes a little bit of an adjustment, Dimitrov said. Traveling in and out, playing on the different surfaces put you a little bit off your touch.

The Bulgarian-born forward refused to use the switching of fields an excuse for the teams goal output, but did admit that it makes it tougher sometimes to convert a opportunity at full speed.

(The surface) is a bit in the back of the minds of our forward and midfield players because were anticipating bad bounces or just looking at the ball where it goes, Dimitrov said. Its not an excuse, we all know that, but its also a factor thats very crucial in a split second sense.

COSMOS TO HONOR NYPD AND FDNY PRIOR TO SATURDAYS MATCH

Earlier this week, the Cosmos announced the final details of their pre-match ceremonies on Saturday.

As part of what the Cosmos are calling Heroes night, the team will honor the NYPD and FDNY soccer teams prior to the start of the Cosmos match against Minnesota United, as well as Harold Dinzes, a 96-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran, who was an original Cosmos season ticket holder.

Throughout the evening, the USO of Metropolitan New York will also be taking donations for troops stationed overseas. The USO Show Troupe will also be in attendance and perform prior to the match and at halftime.

–

What do you think of these notes? Do you agree that this Saturdays game is a must-win? Do you believe the turf has been an issue this season?

Share your thoughts below.

MLS Ticker: Supplemental draft reportedly abolished; Earthquakes' stadium delayed; and more

By DAN KARELL

Not much different from the way the retention fund rule came to light this summer, it seems that Major League Soccer has ended the Supplemental Draft without any prior notice.

A trade executed on Friday sent Philadelphia Union backup goalkeeper Chris Konopka to Toronto FC for a third round draft selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, a move that would not have been possible in the last two seasons after MLS shortened the regular draft to two rounds. According to a report from Philly.com, the Supplemental Draft is now indeed abolished, as the league has again installed four rounds for the 2014 MLS SuperDraft set for this offseason in Philadelphia.

This isnt the first time that MLS has suspended or removed the Supplemental Draft. After its creation in 1996, the league ended it in the year 2000. In 2005 it was started up again, only to be removed in 2008 once the league roster size was cut. It was re-introduced again in 2011, but it appears that the 2013 Supplemental Draft is the last one for now.

Of note from last years draft is San Jose Earthquakes forward Adam Jahn, who has had a solid campaign in his rookie season, scoring four goals in 21 matches, 11 starts.

Here are some more stories from around the league:

EARTHQUAKES STADIUM DELAYED AGAIN

The San Jose Earthquakes will have to spend another full season at Buck Shaw Stadium after a fresh round of delays at their new stadiums construction site.

In a press release sent out on Friday, the club said that due to unforeseen circumstances, the new stadium would not be open for business until the start of the 2015 season. Originally the team had hoped to have it ready by the start of next season, though discoveries at the construction site in July pushed the opening estimate to mid-season of 2014.

Without the certainty that we can open next year, we felt that the best decision would be to move the opening to the start of 2015, Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said in a statement on the clubs website. We are obviously disappointed, but we are more committed than ever to build a first-class venue that we know our fans deserve.”

According to the release, the new delays have to do with the complications in connecting the stadium to the citys sewer system, and a high water table has slowed down other work. Despite this, the release says that the new team office building is set to be built in November, and the stadium seating bowl should begin construction in December.

BURLING EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA havent had many positive moments on or off the field this season, but they certainly had a reason to smile on Thursday.

The club announced that defender Bobby Burling has signed an extension with the club through 2015. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Burling, 27, first joined the team in 2007 as a developmental player, playing 23 times for the Goats through 2009, when he was acquired by the San Jose Earthquakes. After two years in Northern California, he was selected by the Montreal Impact in their expansion draft, though he didnt sign. Chivas USA stepped up and acquired in him July of 2012 after months away from soccer, and he stepped back into the lineup for the team and has been starting throughout the 2013 season.

“Obviously I have a special place in me for this club,” Burling said in a statement. “It’s the second time I’ve been here and there are a lot of familiar faces. I just want to be part of the re-building process and I’m excited to be able to stay in L.A. and be a part of the turnaround of this club.”

SOUNDERS REMOVE ZAKUANI FROM DISABLED LIST

The Seattle Sounders still have former No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani in their plans this season.

On Thursday, the Sounders took Zakuani off the disabled list, just one day before the MLS imposed roster freeze that would have ended his season. Zakuani has missed the bulk of the last three seasons with injuries, the first a nasty leg break that kept him out for 14 months between the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and this season, hes been hampered by a hernia injury.

Back in June, Zakuani completed successful hernia surgery and has been rehabbing from the injury since. Prior to the hernia injury, Zakuani had started the Sounders first six matches of the season, though he hasnt played a minute since April 20.

Sam leaves RBNY practice early, could miss Toronto FC visit | Soccer By Ives

Photo by ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

HARRISON, N.J. One of the players that has helped spark the New York Red Bulls offense the last couple of weeks might not be healthy enough to play this weekend.

Lloyd Sams availability for the Red Bulls home game against Toronto FC on Saturday is in doubt after the right-sided midfielder was seen leaving practice early on Friday morning with a trainer. Sam, who for precautionary measures trained individually on Thursday after feeling tightness in his groin, started Fridays session by taking part in the team drills but was not able to last until the end of practice.

I havent got the 100 percent word if hes good to go or not, said Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke. I know that he walked off, he felt a little something, so it doesnt look phenomenal (but) it doesnt look dire as well. Were somewhere in the middle. Its going to be a decision that we make, if not right after I go inside and figure things out, then possibly wait for the last minute before the game tomorrow to make a determination.

If Sam is out against Toronto FC, the Red Bulls will be without one of their more creative midfielders. Sam has started and scored in each of New Yorks last two games and has also shown a propensity for delivering dangerous crosses.

In the case that (he is sidelined), itll be a big loss, said midfielder Dax McCarty. Hes a guy that I think when hes gotten his chance this year, hes taken it and done really well, and the past couple of weeks have just kind of been the cherry on top for him.

I think hes a guy that always needs to make sure hes fully fit because when hes fully fit, hes incredibly dangerous. Hes a guy that brings a little bit of a speed element to our team, but hes a lot more than speed. Hes got great technical ability and hes very direct. Hes a change of pace than what weve had for the most part this year in the midfield. It would be a big loss, but were hoping he can come through and recover and obviously keep bringing what hes been bringing to the table.

With Sams status for Saturday up in the air, Petke will have to start thinking of alternatives just in case the veteran midfielder is unable to go. The most obvious decision would be to push Eric Alexander back out wide, but that would leave a hole in the middle given that Tim Cahill is still not fully recovered from an ankle injury.

In any case, Petke has players from which to choose from.

Theres many options, many options, said Petke. We slipped Peguy (Luyindula) back in the midfield for the latter part of the game last week, we have a young Michael Bustamante who has played well and is hungry, we can slide Eric out wide, we have a young Marius Obekop who is hungry and coming along, we have options to put Bradley Wright-Phillips out wide.

We have options. Its first and foremost to see what Lloyds prognosis is and figure out what the best course is.

What do you think of Sam possibly missing out on Saturdays match vs. Toronto FC? Who would you like to see start in his place if he cant go?

Share your thoughts below.

The SBI Show: Episode 69 (Talking MLS Expansion, Week 29, and more) | Soccer By Ives

By IVES GALARCEP

MLS expansion is the hot topic in American soccer circles heading into the weekend, after reports revealed that Atlanta has emerged as a front-runner to secure an MLS team in the next round of expansion.

Episode 69 of The SBI Show takes a closer look at the MLS Expansion race, and the leagues game plan to populate the Southeast with multiple teams.

Co-host Garrett Cleverly and I also look at MLS Week 29, including some important match-ups with playoff implications in both conferences.

We also answer listener questions in the latest SBI Show QA.

Give Episode 69 a listen after the jump:

What did you think of the show? Agree with our take on the MLS expansion contenders? What city do you hope takes up one of the four expansion slots in MLS

Soccer Saturday: Your Running Commentary | Soccer By Ives

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By JUSTIN FERGUSON

After a busy international break, the top leagues from all around the world are back in action on a jam-packed Soccer Saturday.

The English Premier Leagues spotlight match Saturday will be Everton vs. Chelsea, which will be televised on NBC here in the United States. Chelsea ended their winless run at Goodison Park last season, and the Blues will be eyeing to start a streak against Everton in Saturdays match. With only four goals through its first three league matches, the Chelsea attack will have to step it up against an Everton squad that has posted back-to-back scoreless draws.

Elsewhere in England, Arsenal fans will get their first look at superstar signing Mesut Özil as the Gunners hit the road to take on winless Sunderland. Manchester United will most likely debut their newest signing Saturday when former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini enters Old Trafford for the first time as a Red Devil.

In Germany, second-place Bayern Munich will look for all three points against third-place Hannover 96 at the Allianz Arena. The defending champions steamrolled Hannover in both of their matches last season, but their opponents on Saturday have won back-to-back matches heading into this big Bundesliga matchup.

The Derby dItalia will resume Saturday as Inter Milan heads to Turin to take on traditional rivals Juventus. Carlos Tevez has scored three goals in three matches for his new club, and the former Manchester City forward will go toe-to-toe with an Inter defense that has not surrendered a goal in their first two Serie A matches.

If you will be watching today’s action, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and some play-by-play in the comments section below.

Enjoy the action (Today’s TV schedule is after the jump):

7:45am – NBC Sports Network – Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

9:30am – GolTV – Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96

10am – NBC Sports Live Extra – Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

10am – NBC Sports Live Extra – Fulham vs West Bromwich Albion

10am – NBC Sports Live Extra – Hull City vs Cardiff City

10am – NBC Sports Live Extra – Stoke City vs Manchester City

10am – NBC Sports Live Extra – Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City

10am – NBC Sports Network – Sunderland vs Arsenal

10am – beIN Sport en Español – Atlético Madrid vs Almería

12pm – beIN Sport – Inter Milan vs Juventus

12pm – beIN Sport en Español – Levante vs Real Sociedad

12:30pm – NBC – Everton vs Chelsea

2pm – MLS Direct Kick – Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew

2pm – Univision Deportes – Ajaccio vs Evian TG

2pm – beIN Sport – Barcelona vs Sevilla

4pm – UniMás – DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy

4pm – beIN Sport – Villarreal vs Real Madrid

6pm – Univision Deportes – Veracruz vs León

6pm – Univision – Cruz Azul vs Tigres UANL

7pm – MLS Direct Kick – New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC

7:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – Philadelphia Union vs Houston Dynamo

8pm – Univision Deportes – Monterrey vs Pachuca

8:30pm – MLS Direct Kick –  Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution

9pm – MLS Direct Kick – Colorado Rapids vs Dallas FC

10pm – Univision Deportes – Chiapas vs Atlas

10:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – Chivas USA vs Portland Timbers

10:30pm – MLS Direct Kick – San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Timbers can't get past Chivas USA, settle for draw

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

BY MIKE DONOVAN

Despite being mired at the bottom of the Western Conference standings for months, Chivas USA has started to embrace their role of spoiler.

That trend continued Saturday night at the Stubhub Center, as the Goats held the playoff-contending Portland Timbers to a 1-1 draw. Bryan de la Fuente had the goal for Chivas USA, while Diego Valeri answered for Portland.

While the visiting the Timbers held a major possession edge, solid defending by Bobby Burling and company gave Portland little room to work inside the 18-yard box. The draw gives Chivas USA eight points in their last five matches, which is their best run since March.

After going into the locker room at the half down a goal, the Timbers quickly answered the bell and found the back of the net. Minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute, Valeri made his presence felt as his deflected shot left Dan Kennedy little chance to make a save. The goal was the Argentine DPs seventh of the season to go with his 12 assists. It was the second consecutive game Valeris insertion into a match gave the Timbers a major boost. Unlike last weeks 4-0 victory over Toronto, Portland was unable to find a winner.

Chivas USA got on the score sheet first when midway through the first half an unmarked Carlos Borja connected with  de la Fuente in the middle of three Timbers defenders. De la Fuente rose above and headed the ball off the post and in, leaving Donovan Ricketts helpless.

While Erick Torres came into the match on a tear with five goals in four matches, he struggled to find openings against the much larger Pa Modou Kah. Torres did find one chance after breaking through an offside trap, however, but he was unable to get around Ricketts in the 68th minute. Replays showed slight contact between Ricketts and Torres but referee Matthew Foerster did not blow his whistle for a penalty.

The draw drops the Timbers to fifth-place in the Western Conference standings with six games left to play. FC Dallas, Vancouver, and San Jose are all within five points of Portland as the season continues its home stretch.

Despite a recent run of form by Chivas USA, the announced attendance of the match was 5,123, which is the lowest attended match in club history.

Next up for Portland is a Friday night clash with the Rapids. A win at Jeld-Wen Field would see the Timbers leapfrog Colorado in the standings and into third place in the West.

The draw Saturday officially ends any chance that Chivas USA will make the MLS playoffs. It is the fourth consecutive season the California club has missed out on the postseason. The Goats will look to continue to spoil the hopes of other clubs when they take on the Houston Dynamo Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium.

Dynamo top Union to leapfrog into playoff position | Soccer By Ives

By IVES GALARCEP

The Houston Dynamo looked like a team in danger of falling out of the playoff picture, but if we have learned anything over the years, it is that you can never count the Dynamo out when the post-season is approaching.

The Dynamo snapped a four-match winless streak, and catapulted into fourth place in the Eastern conference, on the strength of a 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday night at PPL Park.

Ricardo Clark headed home a long free kick from Brad Davis to give the Dynamo a precious road win that helped them move back into a playoff place after previously residing in sixth place to start the weekend.

The match had its share of controversy after a 30th-minute Keon Daniel free kick beat Tally Hall only to be waved off after Amobi Okugo was whistled for interfering with Hall on the kick.

The Dynamo nearly opened the scoring in the 21st minute, but Cam Weaver squandered two quality scoring chances just seconds apart to keep Houston off the scoreboard early.

The Union nearly found their own opening goal just three minutes later when Conor Casey headed a perfect Fabinho cross just over the crossbar for what was one of the Unions best chances of the night.

Jack McInerneys struggles continued as he saw a golden opportunity to equalize slip by him in the 72nd minute. The second-half substitute slipped a close-range shot just wide of goal on a night that extended his goal-less drought to 12 matches.

The loss dropped the Union into sixth place in the East, tied on points with fifth-place Chicago, which has a game in hand. The Union have a week off now before returning to action against Sporting Kansas City on Sept. 27th.

Here are the match highlights: