Melee mars excellent win for Revs

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Revolution advanced to the SuperLiga final with a 1-0 victory Wednesday against Mexico's Atlante FC.

But that victory, one hard-fought and well-earned considering the numerous chances the Revs created and the relative few Atlante could muster, was marred by a post-game melee to cap a contentious second half.

Revs defender Jay Heaps and Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar were sent off as tempers flared and punches were thrown as both teams attempted to get off the field.

Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said while he hoped the teams would separate, he knew that once the fists started flying, the confrontation would continue.

"You're just hoping that there enough calm heads there that are an influence in getting people away," Nicol said. "It is very difficult when somebody is attacking you, shall we say, to just turn around and let it happen. I certainly don't condone any of that behavior from their team or our team. When somebody is throwing fists at you it is easier for me to say just get away from them, but it is very difficult when there are so many of them at the same time. I don't condone it but some of it is kind of understandable."

With the Revs down to two healthy players who can play central defense, Heaps' loss will tax New England as it seeks to vanquish Houston at home and seal the club's second major title.

"Jay Heaps getting sent off is a real blow," Nicol said. "I'm hoping the referee will look at it and see whether he made the right decision. Jay said the guy punched him and he got sent off so hopefully we can look at that and the referee can look at it and hopefully he has made an error in judgment and speak up for it. But if he doesn't, we have to figure a way of getting ready for next week."

Next week will happen because Shalrie Joseph headed home a Steve Ralston free kick in the 30th minute. Atlante couldn't breach a Revolution rearguard missing Michael Parkhurst, one that didn't really seem like it missed a beat.

"I thought we were solid," Nicol said. "I don't remember them having a chance where they should have scored and we made two or three chances where we could have scored -- [Kheli] Dube hit the crossbar but it was on target. Defensively we were sound, Jeff [Larentowicz] did well moving to back and Jay [Heaps] did a great job. We're happy with the performance."

Larentowicz and Heaps combined well in the middle, with Larentowicz showing some of the anticipation that makes Parkhurst such an asset at center back. The combination limited the dangerous Atlante strikers to half chances.

"We did what we had to do," goalkeeper Matt Reis said. "I don't think they had too many chances on goal but we played really well defensively, even though we lost one of our key components in Michael Parkhurst. It gets marred by everything that happened [at the end]."

The 2007 Apertura champions weren't too keen to discuss how the match unfolded. Atlante striker Luis Gabriel Rey, who was sent off for striking Shalrie Joseph, thought his team tried to play the right way before the match descended into chaos.

"We tried to play a good game," Rey said. "We gave up the goal on a dead ball, which we didn't defend well. I think the referee let us play, but I think there were also times when he made mistakes. It's a good team and they handle the ball well and in the end it was the dead ball that made the difference."

Fire, TFC complete deal for McBride

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- The waiting is over for the Chicago Fire. Now all they have to do is sit and wait.

The Fire and Toronto FC completed a trade Wednesday that sends U.S. soccer superstar and Chicago area native Brian McBride to the Fire in exchange for forward Chad Barrett and a first-round draft pick next year. The deal has been talked about ever since McBride admitted earlier this summer his interest in returning to Major League Soccer following a successful stint with Fulham in the English Premier League.

McBride, 36, will not join the Fire until after the U.S. Olympic team completes play in the Beijing Olympics. McBride was one of three over-age players added to the Olympic roster by coach and former Fire midfielder Peter Nowak.

The first possible appearance by McBride will be Aug. 16 at home against D.C. United. If the U.S. advances beyond the opening round, McBride's start with the Fire will be delayed.

McBride's contract with Major League Soccer runs through the 2009 season.

The process by which McBride joined the Fire went like this: Toronto FC had the top allocation slot, which meant McBride was theirs to have, but McBride expressed interest in playing in Chicago, so TFC made the trade with the Fire.

McBride retired from international soccer after the last EPL season, but found MLS attractive enough to reconsider his decision.

"I am excited to be joining the Chicago Fire for many reasons," McBride said in a statement released by the Fire. "One of the most important of those is Chicago is my hometown. I have a great desire to win championships and hope to do so with the Fire. I am definitely looking forward to my future with the Fire."

McBride hails from Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago.

"Brian is an outstanding player and we're excited that he is returning to his hometown to join the Chicago Fire," team owner and chairman Andrew Hauptman said. "His tremendous skill and dedication to the sport are an inspiration to us all. We're thrilled we are able to bring him back to Chicago and MLS, and I am confident he will have an important impact on the team, as well as contribute to the community in meaningful ways."

The engineer of the trade was Fire technical director Frank Klopas.

"Brian is one of the greatest strikers in American history and we are thrilled to have him be a part of our team," Klopas said. "His career speaks for itself and we are looking for him to be an instant contributor to our club."

Although Toronto FC traded away a superstar player, they did receive back a striker they needed in Barrett, who had five goals and four assists for the Fire this season, and a total of 18 goals and 11 assists in four seasons with the team.

"First, I would like to thank all parties involved in getting this done," TFC director of soccer Mo Johnston said. "The real winners in this deal are MLS, the Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, and Brian McBride. The Fire has brought back a wonderful striker and we're getting in return, a promising young striker -- as well as a first-round draft pick. It was important that we received the No. 1 pick in this deal, and hopefully it will serve us well in the future."

McBride's professional soccer career is one of the most storied in U.S. soccer history, and its most recent conclusion was significant for an American player. He spent the last four and one-half seasons with Fulham FC in the EPL, and was the team's player of the year in 2005 and 2006. He made 154 career appearances for the team, started 111 games, scored 40 goals, 32 in EPL matches, and was the team's captain for the 2007-2008 season, a high water mark for a player from the USA.

He suffered a dislocated kneecap in the second game of last season, but returned in February, and helped the Whites win four of their last five games to avoid relegation.

McBride was also a mainstay of the U.S. national team for years. He earned 95 caps and scored 30 goals, he appeared in three World Cups -- 1998, 2002 and 2006 -- and is the only U.S. player to ever score goals in more than one World Cup. He has three World Cup goals, ranking second on the country's all-time World Cup scoring list.

After his collegiate career at Saint Louis University, McBride began his professional career with the Milwaukee Rampage of the A-League prior to the creation of Major League Soccer. He scored 17 goals with 17 assists in only 18 games. He then played for VfL Wolfsburg in the German 2.Bundesliga for two seasons (1994 and 1995) before returning to the U.S. to play for the Columbus Crew of MLS.

McBride was the first overall pick of the league in its inaugural draft. He played eight seasons with Columbus, scored 62 goals, had 45 assists and was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005, when the league celebrated its 10th anniversary.

During his time with the Crew, McBride was twice loaned to teams in England. He played with Preston North End in 2000 and with Everton in 2002, when he scored four goals in eight games.

Crew showcasing road quality

COLUMBUS -- Buoyed by a gritty 2-0 victory Sunday night in Colorado, the Columbus Crew have an opportunity Saturday to cement their reputation as one of the best group of road warriors in club history.

A win in Houston would improve the Crew to 5-3-2 in away matches and give then 17 road points, tied for fourth-most in club annals with five games left.

If victory No. 5 comes it would finally put the Crew over the hump. The Crew won four times outside Columbus in 2003 ... and '04 ... and '05 ... and '06 ... and '07.

In fact, in the previous 12 years of the club the Crew have won four road games in regulation play during a season nine times. Talk about consistency.

The benchmarks for away wins are the 1999 team that accumulated a record 21 points with nine victories in 16 matches -- although three of those wins came via the shootout (worth a point) -- and the 2001 squad that was 6-6-1 (19 points) before its last away match vs. Colorado was cancelled due to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Of special note is the Crew of 2004 who had 20 away points but managed only four wins to go along with eight ties and three losses. The team set an MLS record with a nine-game road unbeaten streak but had just two wins during the stretch.

This year's team seems better suited to handle the rigors of road life as illustrated by the win against the Rapids. The Crew struck first when rookie forward Steven Lenhart, in his first MLS start, scored his third goal in the 21st minute off a lead pass from Stefani Miglioranzi.

Lenhart became the goat just before halftime when he elbowed Facundo Erpen and was given a red card. The Crew relied on the brilliant goalkeeping of Will Hesmer (seven saves) and a late insurance goal by reserve Jason Garey to secure the points and move to within two points of New England for the most points overall.

"This team is fine going on the road and playing," Crew midfielder Eddie Gaven said. "We don't really look at it too much differently than playing at home. We just keep going out and playing the same style of soccer. That's what we did (Sunday) although we had to play a little more defense than we have in past games on the road."

All the key statistics favored the Rapids except the one that counted on the scoreboard. Colorado had 17 corners to none for the Crew. Columbus was outshot 23-5 and had but three of the 10 shots on goal.

"There's been other games this year where we've outplayed teams and come away with nothing," Crew coach Sigi Schmid said. "This is one that turned the other way around. It all equals out. Three points were left on the table somewhere else and we ended up stealing them a little bit in Colorado. You have to complement Will on his performance and all the guys, the defenders -- their resolution and battle were very good."

The Crew fielded a new 3-5-2 formation with Frankie Hejduk moving up from right back to the right wing and Gaven, in his first action since an ankle injury June 10, on the left as the Crew adjusted to the losses of Olympians Robbie Rogers and Emmanuel Ekpo.

"When the ball's on the other side of the field it's almost like I'm playing left back. It was a little more defense than I'm used to playing but I'll do whatever I can to help the team," said Gaven. "Maybe it wasn't the nicest soccer, the prettiest game to look at, but for this team to play hard and get those three points is huge for us."

Hesmer made a key diving stop of Conor Casey in the 12th minute and two more at the end of the match to preserve his fifth shutout of the season.

"The last two or three minutes when I knew we were going to get the win I wanted the shutout, not just for me but for the team," Hesmer said. "Everyone had worked so hard and you wanted them to be rewarded. We had been given up goals of late so it was a nice team effort."

Columbus had allowed 11 goals in its previous five matches but got the defensive effort needed after Lenhart's departure.

"An old friend of mine used to say, 'Code red. Everybody in the bunker and nobody leaves without permission,'" Schmid said.

The Crew withstood the Rapids' assault and got breathing room in the 75th minute when Hesmer sent a goal kick to the head of Brad Evans, who got the ball to Garey for an exquisite flick with the outside of his right boot.

"To go down a man like that; they were taking the game to us but we kept on playing, kept on clawing," Gaven said. "Will made some great saves. The defense held strong. Steve and Jason did well in taking their chances."

The match at Houston presents problems for the Crew. In addition to Lenhart's automatic suspension, Hejduk will sit because of an accumulation of yellow cards. Also, Evans suffered a knock to his ankle and will be evaluated this week.

"It's going to be tough losing those guys but at the same time we're a really deep team," Gaven said. "That's one the qualities of this team. There are plenty of guys who are ready and willing to step in and do their part."

Garey likely will start for Lenhart. If Evans can't replace Hejduk then Duncan Oughton or rookie Cory Elenio could get the call. No matter the lineup, the Crew is confident in its ability to adjust.

"We showed we can win in different ways whether having to play defense most of the game or being able to play a little more of a free-flowing game," Gaven said. "That's definitely going to help us down the road."

And, on the road.

RSL avoid late-match meltdown

SALT LAKE CITY -- With a crucial three points on the line against Toronto FC, it seemed like Real Salt Lake had cooked up the perfect recipe for a late-game disaster once again.

RSL yielded a slim lead in the 83rd minute when a foul by Jamison Olave set up a TFC direct free kick just outside the top of the penalty area. Amado Guevara curled his shot over the wall and under the post -- past a diving Nick Rimando and his outstretched hands -- to knot the game at 1-1.

But Robbie Findley refused to let the game become the latest to get away from Real in the closing minutes. Findley keyed a 2-1 RSL victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Monday night when he stuck a dagger in the Reds' comeback hopes with a spectacular game-winning goal in the 87th minute.

Findley netted his team-high fifth goal of the season when he corralled a ball after TFC 'keeper Greg Sutton deflected a shot by Kyle Beckerman toward the top of the box. He beat a pair of Toronto defenders to the bouncing ball and threaded a sliding strike right between to make it 2-1.

Just like that, a seeming draw was back to a sure win.

"It's such a relief," defender Chris Wingert said. "It would have been such a disappointment if we came away with a draw in that game after working so hard. It would have been a real letdown."

That moment also proved to be sweet redemption for Findley. He had a ready-made opportunity to put RSL up 1-0 in the 27th minute when Wingert set Findley up with a perfect cross inside the six-yard box, only to see him clank a chip shot off the left post and back out the other side.

It would have been easy enough at that point to second-guess himself, but Findley was determined to make another play when the situation arose to do so.

"It's always tough if you miss a goal early in the game," Findley said. "You usually think about it the whole game. I think I did a good job of letting it go and just keep on focusing on the game."

In terms of confidence for the front line, the late goal was a huge thing too. Kreis had worked to keep both Findley and Yura Movsisyan thinking positive at halftime after several first-half shots did not go their way.

Getting such a dramatic goal, the RSL boss thinks, will have a long shelf life for Findley.

"I'm so glad that things fell Robbie's way there in the end because I think it's very important for his development here," Kreis said.

Another player who also took an important step forward was Olave. The Colombian defender netted his first career MLS goal when he pushed a header over Sutton for the match's first goal in the 63rd minute.

Olave nearly netted his first header on a free kick from Javier Morales two minutes earlier, but that attempt sailed wide. He finally broke through when Wingert sent in a long ball from the right side toward him in front of the left post.

Olave leapt into the air and got his head under the ball -- easily pushing it over Sutton and into the net.

For Kreis, the goal proved just how well-rounded a player he is.

"He's been nothing short of spectacular and defensively tonight he was spectacular as well," Kreis said. "I was very excited to see him score a goal because I known all along he could be dangerous for us on attacking corners."

Olave nearly traded his good fortune for bad with his foul and subsequent yellow card in the 83rd minute. But with disaster averted, he could walk away instead feeling satisfied at his contributions to another victory.

"Fortunately, I'm starting to reach a good level," Olave said. "Every day, I'm working a little bit harder to get to the level I should be at."

The win not only helps RSL hold onto first place, but it shows another step in the club's maturation process -- namely the ability to pull out a late-game goal when needed.

For Kreis, that is the sweetest part of finally guiding his players to a rare winning record.

"It makes me feel very good," Kreis said. "It makes me feel like my faith is well-placed in them and I know it's a mentally strong group."

Alvarez back where it all began

FRISCO, Texas -- On Monday afternoon, FC Dallas traded midfielder Arturo Alvarez back to the team that drafted him in 2003, the San Jose Earthquakes. With the Quakes off on Wednesday, Alvarez returned to the club he's called home for nearly four seasons to gather some personal effects and also to say goodbye to his now former teammates.

"There are some great memories here," Alvarez said. "I was here for three and a half years and a lot of stuff happened. I think I came here, developed and matured on and off the field as a player. There were good moments here. Last year was probably the highlight of my career here in Dallas. Hopefully, I can go to San Jose and start playing the way that I should be playing."

The decision to trade Alvarez wasn't an easy one for FCD head coach Schellas Hyndman, but in the end, he saw it as the right move.

"I think Arturo (Alvarez) is a very gifted player on the ball," Hyndman said. "At times, what I was looking for on the flanks was to get behind the opposition by making deeper runs, getting to the baseline and serving balls. I think he felt more comfortable in the middle third of the field. It's almost like he liked being that withdrawn striker or a holding center midfield.

"I said to him that if we would keep you here, as the year goes on, I think our relationship would sour because I would keep asking you to do something you don't want to do or can't do. So, I don't want it to end on that note," Hyndman continued. "I think you're a good player and let's find a place where you can do the type of things that you can do."

On Sunday, Alvarez started and played 88 minutes in FCD's 4-0 win against the LA Galaxy. Later that evening is when the swap with San Jose started coming together.

"I think it all came down Sunday night," Hyndman said. "We were all talking about it and it got finalized on Monday. But there had been discussion with a couple of teams. San Jose wasn't the only team that showed interest in Arturo. With all fairness to Arturo, I think he might be a little bit relieved as well only because the demands I was having on him in that position, I don't know if he was willing or capable of doing it.

"That does not mean that he's not a good player, it means that maybe the style or structure wasn't bringing the best out of him. I told our players today that that was not something that was easy for me to do. I had never done it before, so it wasn't easy for me," added Hyndman. "But I always believe in being honest and letting the player be the first to know. I did that and let the team know that this has nothing to do with the quality of Arturo. This might not have been the best fit for him and we want him to do well. I know (Frank) Yallop really likes him and that's why they came up with such a high bid for him. We wish him nothing but the best."

Alvarez knew a swap was in the works but when he learned he would be joining the Earthquakes again, it made him very happy.

"I had been talking to my agent and knew that a couple of teams were interested," he said. "It really wasn't that big of a surprise. I'm really excited. I think maybe it was time for a change and what better place to go than to San Jose where it all started for me. I'm excited about that and can't wait to get going. I know they had [Wednesday] off, so I'm here getting some of my stuff and saying goodbye to some of the guys that I was friends with here. I'm happy to be at San Jose now."

He spent two seasons with the Earthquakes, 2003 and 2004, before being traded to FCD in January 2005. He was part of the team that won the MLS Cup in 2003.

"I was 17 or 18 when I was there," Alvarez said. "I do have some great memories. I remember winning MLS Cup with them in 2003. So, hopefully, good memories like that can repeat again. I know they're a new team this year and it's always difficult for a new team to get going here. I think Frank (Yallop) is a great coach and he will have the players to maybe have a better second half of the season and maybe even a better season next year."

Coincidentally enough, Alvarez's last game for FCD was against the Galaxy and his first game back with San Jose could very well also come against LA, who the Quakes meet on Sunday.

"I'm really happy that we won that game," Alvarez said of his last game with FCD. "I felt like I played well. It was a good win for this club because things hadn't been going well here."

Even though it has been more than three years since he last played in the Bay Area, Alvarez still knows some of his new teammates, including Ronnie O'Brien, who played with him at FC Dallas in 2005 and 2006.

"I know Ronnie O'Brien, Ramiro Corrales, who I played with in San Jose, Ryan Cochrane, who I played with in San Jose and the assistant coach Ian Russell, who I played with when he was a player in San Jose," Alvarez said. "I know a lot of the guys there and being in the league, I know some of the players they have now like Eric Denton, Joe Cannon, Nick Garcia and stuff like that. It's a good group and I can't wait to be in the mix."

Those won't be the only familiar faces to greet him with his new side. Alvarez also played for Frank Yallop as a rookie in 2003.

"For the few coaches that I've had in my young career so far, I've got to say that he's one of my favorite coaches," Alvarez said. "I think I'm really excited about that. I'm going to play for a coach that's really going to appreciate my game. He knows the kind of player that I am and is excited to have me. When a player is happy, that's when he performs well. So, I'm going to go out there and do my best."

Corrales currently wears No. 12, which Alvarez wore with the Hoops. But Alvarez said he will switch to a new number to signify a fresh start.

"I'm going to wear 17 now," he said. "I wore it a couple of times with the youth national teams. It's a good number. It was one of the numbers open, so I figured that I might as well take it. It's a new start."

On Oct. 2, San Jose will face FCD at Pizza Hut Park and Alvarez admits playing against the Hoops will be a little strange but the goal will remain the same.

"Yes, it will be weird but just like it is when I go to (my hometown) Houston and play against them, I will try and come here and get three points," he said. "There's nothing weird about that."

Highly motivated Hoops break out

FRISCO, Texas -- The last time FC Dallas scored four goals in a league game was 60 games ago, on July 29, 2006 when the Hoops exploded for a 4-1 win against Colorado at Pizza Hut Park. FCD can now add Sunday night's 4-0 win against the Los Angeles Galaxy to that list.

FCD got a pair of goals from Kenny Cooper, who now has goals in five of his side's last six games, plus one goal each from Dominic Oduro and Abe Thompson in the first league win for the Hoops under new head coach Schellas Hyndman.

"It was obviously an outstanding performance by FC Dallas," Hyndman said. "We played a 4-4-2 structure and I thought the players worked extremely hard playing in the structure -- we worked on both sides of the ball."

The outcome was much better for the Hoops than the last time the two MLS Western Conference sides met. That was May 18 when the Galaxy handed the Hoops a 4-1 defeat, a setback that cost then-head coach Steve Morrow his job the next day.

Hyndman definitely used that result as motivation for his team on Sunday.

"The players were very focused on getting a good result after the last time playing LA here was an embarrassment," he said. "We had a lot of fans question what FC Dallas was all about. Very seldom in life do you get a chance to come back and redeem yourselves. Today, I thought they did a fantastic job of coming back and playing for their pride and their community. The players all played for each other and we did something that we haven't done very often, score first and score again."

The bottom line for the FCD coach was that his team outworked LA and that was what contributed most to the win.

"I think it was a game that we deserved to win," Hyndman said. "We worked very hard from the start to the end, got on them early and stayed on them."

Cooper agreed that Sunday's victory was key for the Hoops, who won for the first time in the month of July.

"It was a big win for us," he said. "Coming into the game, we were all aware of the last result. Coach Schellas told us before the game that very seldom in life would we get a chance to redeem ourselves and we had that opportunity today to play in front of a sold-out stadium against a very good Los Angeles Galaxy team that is playing very well."

For the FCD striker, who is tied for second in league scoring with 11 goals, the result was a testament to the hard work he and his teammates have been doing since Hyndman took the helm in mid-June.

"It feels very good to walk away with the win," Cooper said. "I thought we did the things that the coaches have asked of us. I feel that Schellas has been making a good impact on us on a daily basis. It's nice to show that in a result like today."

For much of the last few weeks, rumors have been swirling about a potential transfer to Europe for Cooper. However, the FC Dallas striker wasn't about to address those rumors and instead wanted to enjoy the win. "I don't know (if this was my last game here)," Cooper said. "I hope not. In all honesty, I'd rather keep this focused on the game. I don't want to take away from our coach's first victory and a great effort by the team. I'm proud to be part of that. I don't know what my future holds. I love being here but I want to focus on our great win today."

Hyndman was especially happy to get his first MLS win even though it took him five games to get there.

"It's wonderful," he said. "The only thing that's really sad is that both my wife and daughter aren't here. I would love for them to be part of this excitement. This has been pretty exciting."

FCD played in a 4-4-2 system for the first time since a 1-1 draw at Houston on June 26 and the shift in formations was a success.

"It was outstanding," Hyndman said. "This is what we all want to do, is win. We train very hard, want to find success and make a difference. I just felt that we had to get more people involved in the attack instead of just two. It's hard to ask players to do things when you don't show them and design it for them."

Wizards, Fire still streaking

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Kansas City Wizards extended their unbeaten streak to seven games and the Chicago Fire theirs to five games in a 0-0 draw at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on Saturday night. The Wizards had the better of the chances but Chicago goalkeeper Jon Busch held his fort and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman did the same for Kansas City for their league-leading seventh shutouts of the season.

The match began promisingly for each side on the attack as both showed the ability to be dangerous. Fire forward Chris Rolfe nearly broke the match open in the 14th minute as he went in alone on Hartman after a long pass out of midfield. His shot from the top of the box forced Hartman to leap high while palming the ball out with his left hand for a corner.

The Fire corner turned counter for the Wizards, though, as forward Claudio Lopez was loosened into the Fire end where he forced a corner that resulted in Davy Arnaud redirecting Lopez's service into the box at the near post. But Busch gobbled up the attempt and kept the scoreboard empty into the 15th minute.

By the half-hour mark, the Wizards' high pressure on the ball was serving them well as Chicago built well but found little near K.C.'s box. The home side's possessions, however, broke down in combinations that lacked the necessary timing and combination.

The emotion and energy of the match began to grow as the overflow crowd's noise spiked late in the half. To the delight of the crowd and those standing on vehicles outside the stadium, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Wizards right back Michael Harrington tussled in the K.C. box before a 44th-minute corner. Arnaud then broke in on Busch's left after a clearance and beat midfielder Logan Pause, but failed to get off a cross despite the promising situation.

Dominating the chances through the opening half of the second 45 minutes, the Wizards tried to take some of the drama out of the match. Midfielder Kurt Morsink hit 25-yard shot first that Busch bobbled but held on to. Then left midfielder Roger Espinoza used a stepover and a spin to beat his man on the left side of the Chicago box but Busch knocked his attempt off the crossbar.

After a 54th-minute Arnaud volley from 16 yards off an Espinoza penetration that finished off a nice combination, Arnaud laid the ball back for an onrushing Jewsbury whose low, blistering cross just evaded midfielder Sasha Victorine but sat for Lopez at the far post in the 64th minute. His attempt forced a save from Busch at his right post.

The Fire tried to ignite their attack four minutes later during a scramble in the Wizards box, but the resulting shot from Blanco from a prone position did little to trouble Hartman.

In the 74th minute, the Fire dodged a bullet. A Michael Harrington cross was aimed in from the left flank and John Thorrington, who had moved to right back, saw it hit his arm and bounce down. Referee Mark Geiger ruled it was a handball, but just outside the edge of the area, and the resulting free kick came to nothing. But the Wizards felt the foul had occurred inside the area.

But despite the Fire's defensive posturing and the Wizards three offensive substitutions, Chicago still saw the better late chances. First Patrick Nyarko got off a quick shot under a defender that nearly caught Hartman napping, but the veteran 'keeper was still able to the parry the chance in the 74th minute.

Thorrington went high and wide with a bullet shot in the 81st from 19 yards followed by substitute Stephen King who went wide left from the right side five minutes later.

In the end, the hot hands of the two goalkeepers had earned each their seventh shutout of the season, to tie with Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake, despite the efforts of each side's attackers.

The Wizards visit D.C. United at RFK Stadium next Saturday while the Fire play host to Chivas USA at Toyota Park.

Hammers pleased with performance

TORONTO -- The final score wasn't what West Ham United was looking for at the Pepsi MLS All-Star Game, but as far as the Premiership club was concerned, their performance in the 3-2 defeat was still positive.

"For everyone concerned it's been a success," said West Ham manager Alan Curbishley. "Some goals scored, [with more] chances put away it could've been a bit more of a scoreline, but I think everybody came away with something tonight."

The Hammers came closer than any opponent has to upending the MLS All-Stars in any of the five All-Star Games that have featured the MLS team against international opposition. West Ham were the first side to both gain a lead, and to score more than once against the All-Stars.

Both goals were courtesy of West Ham's leading scorer, Dean Ashton. The forward took a header from fellow striker Carlton Cole in the 26th minute and raced downfield before putting away a hard strike. After the MLS side responded with two goals of their own, Ashton equalized in the 67th minute on a shot from outside the penalty area that deflected off Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad and into the net.

"The first goal was a good flick-on from Carlton Cole. I think it attracted a few defenders and left me with space and it was just a case of composing myself and hitting it where I wanted to hit it," Ashton said. "Obviously the second goal that was pretty lucky in terms of ... hitting the guy on the ear or wherever and going in but you know, I'll take them whenever."

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• Garber's State of the League address
• All-Stars aim to defeat West Ham
• All-Star first for MLS luminaries
• De Rosario shines in spotlight
• West Ham visits land of opportunity
• MLS announces All-Star First XI
• MLS All-Stars to face West Ham
ANALYSIS • Davis: All-Star Game earns high marks
• Davis: All-Star matchups
• A look at West Ham United roster
PRESS RELEASES
• MLS All-Stars defeat West Ham United
• MLS seeks two expansion teams by 2011
• MLS finalizes '08 All-Star roster
• West Ham to face MLS All-Stars
• Toronto to host 2008 All-Star Game
SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Highlights: MLS 3, WHU 2: 350K

Postgame press conference: 350K

Awards presentation: 350K

David Beckham postgame: 350K

Dwayne De Rosario's penalty kick: 350K

Dean Ashton's double: 350K

Cuauhtemoc Blanco's bender: 350K

Christian Gomez's goal: 350K

MLS-West Ham Preview: 350K

All-Star Highlights, part 1: Photos

All-Star Highlights, part 2: Photos

2008 All-Star First XI: Photos

Ashton came away from the game impressed with the quality of the MLS side, which included his England national teammate David Beckham. Ashton exchanged jerseys with Toronto FC's Jim Brennan after the final whistle, and said he was taken by the enthusiasm of Brennan's hometown fans.

"I was quite surprised at just how good the support was. That could've been any ground in England, it was that strong," Ashton said. "If I was a Toronto player, I'd love to play in front of that every week.

"It's always great to play against great players such as David Beckham, but there's other great players out there. [All-Star Game MVP Cuauhtemoc] Blanco played for Mexico, and [there were] American internationals and Canadian internationals, so it was a real great game to play in. I was honored to play, I'll definitely keep this shirt for a long time."

The All-Star Game was an eye-opening experience for defender Joe Widdowson. The 19-year-old product of the West Ham academy has gotten the chance to start all three matches in West Ham's preseason thus far, thus matching his entire total of professional games played while on loan at Rotherham United last season. It was a long way from Rotherham United to playing 90 minutes matched up against English legend Beckham, an experience Widdowson said he would remember for the rest of his life.

"It's great to play against him ... he's just a top man, really," Widdowson said. "It was crazy. It's the most people I've ever played in front of. It was definitely the biggest game of my life. It was just really good, I enjoyed it."

The All-Star Game was the third of seven exhibition matches for West Ham in their preseason schedule, which also included a 3-1 friendly win against the Columbus Crew last Sunday. Curbishley said he was pleased his team got some solid work in and escaped with no injuries as the Hammers approach their Premier League opener August 16 against Wigan Athletic.

"We know we've got a heavy three weeks for us coming up, quite a few games. There's a progression for us to build up to the 16th," Curbishley said. "We're very grateful for Columbus to play us last week because we needed to play two ... because of the preseason situation.

"For me, I know the boys who have been on this trip, we're looking sharper than we did at perhaps this same time last year in preseason."

Curbishley said he believes his team's participation in this year's All-Star contest will only help to raise the North American profile of West Ham, and also will show Premiership fans how much talent there is in Major League Soccer.

"They showed that they can compete," Curbishley said. "That was the big thing. The reason for the game is for the MLS to show off ... their talent and they've done that."

New faces key Quakes' draw with NY

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Jose Earthquakes have been experiencing the growing pains every MLS expansion team faces as they build a new team from scratch, but the club is hopeful for a strong finish to its first season back in the league after the signings of three new players this month.

Darren Huckerby, Francisco Lima and Scott Sealy all figured prominently in San Jose's 1-1 tie against New York Sunday afternoon at Buck Shaw Stadium. Huckerby scored his first MLS goal, banging in the rebound of a Sealy shot, while Lima controlled the midfield for most of the match.

The Earthquakes' first two games with their new players have ended in ties, but with an overall 3-9-6 record, San Jose has already shown an improvement from the beginning of the season.

"I think the first half today was probably the best we've played this year," San Jose coach Frank Yallop said after Sunday's game. "Overall, our performance was excellent, to be honest. I thought we were very good today, and I was really happy with the spirit and the togetherness and everything, the creation of chances. Finishing is the thing we can't do now, but again, that will come."

For the most part, San Jose controlled the run of play Sunday against New York, and the three newest Earthquakes were a large part of the team's showing, even if they have barely met their teammates. After giving up an own goal in the fourth minute, San Jose scored the equalizer nine minutes later.

"Scott makes the first (shot) and Darren scores it, so that's always a good start," Yallop said. "I thought Lima held possession well. Both Darren and Lima have been in Canada for the week. Lima got back on Friday night, practiced Saturday and played, so he has not even trained. Darren was there 'til Thursday so he missed training as well, but I thought both guys did great. Scott's more game-fit.

"We're building a team here that's going to be good for many years, hopefully, and I think that we all, myself included, get carried away with the results we've had," Yallop continued. "I look at the performances of individuals and the team, and we're not far off. I think that we've got a pretty solid team. We need to add in certain areas and juggle around the (salary) cap and all that stuff, but I thought we were the better team today with the ball."

San Jose has struggled on the offensive side of the ball so far, scoring just 12 goals in their 18 games, so even though he's pleased with his three new signings, coach Yallop admits he isn't finished putting his side together.

"We're always looking," he said. "I think, the three guys we signed have been terrific for us. If we can add one more ... You know, Ryan Johnson is a terrific player for this club -- wherever he plays he does his best and he tries hard, and I think he does well. (But) he's not a natural forward and a goal scorer. If we can add another quality forward, I think that will make us more of a force."

New York's coach Juan Carlos Osorio had good things to say about the trio of new Earthquakes.

"With their new signings, they should have a good second half of the season," Osorio said. "Darren (Huckerby) is a threat, not only because of his pace but also because of his ability to come inside and combine with the strikers. Lima has a good left foot, good quality, and also a good free kick taker. Sealy is a very good forward, and a proven goal scorer in this league, so I think they're on the way up and they'll be a difficult team to play against, as they proved today."

San Jose, after another week getting acclimated to their new teammates, will have the chance to show just how difficult they can be next Sunday when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy at home.

Cooper, Toja excited for All-Star Game

FRISCO, Texas -- On Tuesday morning, FC Dallas' two MLS All-Stars leave for Toronto. Rumors have been swirling around FCD about the possibility of Kenny Cooper and Juan Toja possibly leaving for Europe in the near future, but for now, the Hoops forward and midfielder are more focused on enjoying the All-Star experience.

This will be Cooper's first trip to the midseason classic and the Dallas native, who leads FCD with nine goals, still can't believe that he was named to the First XI about 10 days ago.

"(I am) very excited about it," Cooper said. "I'm still taken aback by the news and feel so thankful to those who have chosen me to be there. I'm really excited to be out there. It was definitely a surprise. I was at home and my parents and girlfriend were there. It was a special moment for sure. I'm still taken aback by it even though it's been almost a week since I found out about it. I'm really excited about it."

NEWS • Blanco plays the hero for MLS
• All-Stars demonstrate strength of MLS
• Stars gush over All-Star experience
• All-Star nod No. 9 fine for Mastroeni
• All-Star notebook: Long day's end
• Hammers pleased with performance
• Blanco leads MLS past West Ham
• Garber's State of the League address
• All-Stars aim to defeat West Ham
• All-Star first for MLS luminaries
• De Rosario shines in spotlight
• West Ham visits land of opportunity
• MLS announces All-Star First XI
• MLS All-Stars to face West Ham
ANALYSIS • Davis: All-Star Game earns high marks
• Davis: All-Star matchups
• A look at West Ham United roster
PRESS RELEASES
• MLS All-Stars defeat West Ham United
• MLS seeks two expansion teams by 2011
• MLS finalizes '08 All-Star roster
• West Ham to face MLS All-Stars
• Toronto to host 2008 All-Star Game
SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Highlights: MLS 3, WHU 2: 350K

Postgame press conference: 350K

Awards presentation: 350K

David Beckham postgame: 350K

Dwayne De Rosario's penalty kick: 350K

Dean Ashton's double: 350K

Cuauhtemoc Blanco's bender: 350K

Christian Gomez's goal: 350K

MLS-West Ham Preview: 350K

All-Star Highlights, part 1: Photos

All-Star Highlights, part 2: Photos

2008 All-Star First XI: Photos

While Cooper is a first-time all-star, this is the second consecutive trip for Toja. He scored the second goal in a 2-0 win against Celtic FC in the 2007 event.

"It's very nice to be there again," he said. "I'm very happy and it's good for me. I want to play there and see what happens."

Toja was chosen by New England head coach Steve Nicol last week, a selection that was somewhat surprising considering that the Colombian international has struggled to find his top form this year and has just two goals and two assists.

"(I was surprised) because the first part of the season wasn't the best for me," Toja said. "It's a good surprise and I will have to enjoy it."

Cooper is clearly excited to have Toja along for the ride in his first all-star game.

"I'm really excited for Juan," he said. "He's been a player that has had such an incredible impact on this team since he came last year. He was an all-star last year and our team MVP. He's somebody that I admire because he works so hard in training every day and in games. I'm, happy for him that he gets the opportunity to go out there."

And Toja is expecting a different experience at this year's midseason classic than a year ago.

"Last year, I was very new," he said. "I wasn't speaking good English then, but now I have gotten better. This year, going with Kenny is good because he is my teammate. We will be together on that team and that is good."

Yet another plus for Toja is getting to play alongside his countryman, New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel for the second consecutive year.

"I met him last year at the All-Star Game," he said. "He's a great guy who is from Colombia. He is a great player and I'm happy to be his teammate again. I will try to enjoy the moment again. Being an all-star is something fun because you get to play with new people."

Both players expect an incredible atmosphere at BMO Field for the game on Thursday night. This will be Cooper's first ever trip there, while Toja has played there once before.

"I have never been up there but hear incredible things about the city and their support," Cooper said. "I see it on TV and it's amazing. I'm sure it will be the same for the all-star game and will be a great occasion against a very good West Ham team."

Said Toja: "I think it's great," he said. "There are a lot of people in the stadium and everybody is jumping and singing. It's a lot like it is in South America. That's very good because you feel like it is a great soccer atmosphere. It is in the top three in the league for the best places to play."

Five-a-side: What's hot around the league

MLS Five-a-side:The skinny on five things that matter this week in Major League Soccer:

1. Last one out of Dallas, turn out the lights: OK, it's not that bad. In fact, it could come to pass that no one leaves Pizza Hut Park at all during the current transfer window. Or, the face of the team changes significantly. It really could go either way.

Team officials insist that the Juan Toja's sell to Steaua Bucharest is not final. FCD management say Toja is excited about the chance to play in Europe, especially at a place where a fellow Colombian already resides. But they say Toja also understands the circumstances, and knows the club can't just give him away. So, they continue to negotiate with Steaua.

Kenny Cooper's situation is trickier. Norwegian standard bearer Rosenborg is not only maintaining interest, but has upped its transfer offer (with a higher value based on incentives), according to sources familiar with negotiations.

But Cardiff City of the English Championship has now entered the picture, and aggressively so. They are offering something similar in the way of a transfer fee and want the young MLS All-Star in their camp ASAP, which is adding pressure to the whole thing.

Major League Soccer has offered Cooper a new deal. But will it be enough? Commissioner Don Garber spoke with Cooper and members of his family while in Toronto, hoping to discern for himself exactly what Cooper wants to do.

In addition, it looks increasingly likely that former Ajax man Victor Sikora, 30, will soon be joining FC Dallas following a two-week trial at Pizza Hut Park.

2. McBride in a Fire jersey? Not just yet: Garber indicated Thursday from Toronto that a deal that would finally plant Brian McBride in Toyota Park is all wrapped up.

But is it?

Chicago Fire team spokesman Gregg Elkin said Friday that it's still premature to say "case closed," and that no announcement is imminent. Elkin did say that the basic elements of the trade with Toronto are in place, but that McBride has yet to sign with Major League Soccer, which owns all player contracts.

"There are still little details that need to be worked out, and until then, he can't sign with the league," Elkin said.

He indicated that basic terms for the league contract are not an issue. Rather, he characterized the unfinished business as minor, but essential.

Adding yet another complicating factor is that McBride leaves Friday for China with the rest of the U.S. Olympic team. If things can be sorted out, Elkin said an official announcement would not necessarily wait until his return. Rather, they would simply link up McBride over the phone for the announcement.

3. Draft picks and their worth: Interesting thing about the draft choices involved in recent swap talks, like the exchange that could help McBride land in Chicago and the San Jose-Houston dealings: the trades included choices in upcoming drafts.

Now, that's pretty standard stuff in terms of pretty much all domestic professional sports. But here's where it will get increasingly tricky in the MLS world: at some point, these draft picks could become far less valuable to the process of talent acquisition. Why? Because MLS is changing the country's development model with the youth initiative.

Currently, a reasonable percentage of the top U.S. talent still resides in the college game. How much is hard to say. What is clear is that the percentage of top talent now choosing the traditional college route is shrinking -- and possibly quite fast. And the MLS youth academies -- where the intent is to guide young players through the individual clubs' youth ranks and onto the first teams -- promise to skew that ratio even further.

All that means that a tipping point will likely be reached soon, when draft picks will be worth far, far less than they are today because the traditional draft system will shrink in relevance. Teams could be left holding draft picks that simply aren't worth as much as before. It's like holding onto a bunch of dollars, then discovering that rampant inflation has significantly decreased those dollars' buying power.

The clubs that accurately forecast that tipping point will be ahead of the game.

4. "De Ro" back at home -- in more ways than one: If Dwayne De Rosario seemed to have a little something extra at Thursday's All-Star contest, perhaps it was because "De Ro" was back at home, so to speak.

Most people know, of course, that De Rosario is a native of Toronto. But less obvious, perhaps, is how much De Rosario enjoys that central midfield role that he played after entering the match for Christian Gomez.

De Rosario was once a forward in MLS. He moved into that playmaking spot back in 2006 for Dominic Kinnear. But lately down in Houston, owing to Stuart Holden's emergence in Houston's midfield and the Dynamo's lack of striking firepower behind Brian Ching, De Rosario has once again been moved into a forward role in Houston's 4-4-2.

So, back in the old, familiar playmaker's spot, De Rosario giddily buzzed around midfield Thursday, making things happen in the 3-2 win against West Ham.

Kinnear will have more choices going forward, as Houston now has recently re-acquired Nate Jaqua and newly acquired Kei Kamara from which to choose in a suddenly improved the rotation of strikers.

5. Officially speaking: Instead of gathering at the All-Star happenings in Toronto, MLS referees are meeting this weekend in Dallas.

They are gathering along with supervisor of officials Joe Machnik and refereeing supervisors from the U.S. and Canadian federations to review the first half of the MLS season and see where improvements might be made.

Longtime MLS referee Brian Hall is among the voices who will be heard during the weekend's events. Hall, a four-time MLS referee of the year who also presided over matches at the 2002 World Cup, has stepped away from calling MLS matches.

Hall, 47, returned from major knee surgery to man the middle for 15 matches last year. MLS has no age limit for referees -- that would be illegal under U.S. law. They are permitted to officiate as long as they can pass the fitness exams.

Inability to finish again haunts TFC

TORONTO -- Tuesday's Canadian Championship match was Toronto FC's first chance at winning a major trophy, but unfortunately for the Reds, the result seemed all too familiar.

The 1-1 draw with Montreal bore some eerie similarities to TFC's last two home results -- a 1-0 loss to Vancouver in an earlier Canadian Championship game and a 0-0 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes last Saturday. In each of those games, Toronto dominated the second half in terms of ball possession and scoring opportunities, but just couldn't put the ball into the back of the net.

The scoring problem reared its ugly head against on Tuesday. The Reds created the majority of chances in the latter 45 minutes, including a six-minute span at the end of the game where they collected three shots. But it was to no avail, as Montreal was able to hold on for the championship-clinching tie in front of a boisterous but ultimately crestfallen BMO Field crowd.

"We took the game to them again and huffed and puffed and couldn't blow the house down," said Toronto head coach John Carver. "I'm disappointed for everybody. It's really disappointing for me and the players and the staff, but mostly for the fans, since they gave us everything tonight and we do appreciate that."

Montreal led the three-team Canadian Championship tournament with six points in three games entering Tuesday's match, while TFC trailed with four points in three games, three of which came from a 1-0 win in Montreal in the tournament opener on May 27. But the Reds could only manage one point in two games against Vancouver while the Impact scored a pair of 2-0 wins against the Whitecaps.

Montreal therefore needed only a draw in order to capture the Voyageurs Cup and advance to the CONCACAF Champions League, while Toronto needed a win. The Reds jumped out to an early lead after a Rohan Ricketts header in the 15th minute for the club's first competitive goal at BMO Field since June 14.

It took the Impact just 11 minutes to equalize, however, when striker Roberto Brown headed in a corner kick from Joey Gjertsen. TFC captain Jim Brennan was marking Brown, and said the Montreal forward simply beat him.

"It was a great ball in, [Gjertsen] whipped it and it came in with pace," Brennan said. "The two of us were fighting for it, it was an outswing and [Brown] just got onto it. I had my arm on his shoulder, we were both fighting for it and it came off the side of his head and went into the net. It was a good finish.

"We knew what our game plan was, we wanted to score quick. We just couldn't hold the lead. We had a few more chances and we couldn't put them away. Overall, yeah, we're disappointed."

Once the game was tied, Montreal took a more defensive approach while Carver used every tactic he could think of in the second half to create another goal. Midfielder Maurice Edu moved up to play striker in the final 15 minutes, and the U.S. Olympian nearly converted a partial breakaway in injury time.

Edu said it was the first time he had played forward since early in his college days at Maryland. While he said it wasn't his most comfortable role, he was more than willing to do whatever was necessary to generate some offense.

"I don't think it's a matter so much of that's my best position, but that's what the team needed at that point in time," Edu said. "They felt they needed [help up] top, so that's where I played."

Jeff Cunningham and Julius James were substituted into the game in the second half, Cunningham to try and jump-start the attack and James for his prowess at headers in front of the net. Both substitutions nearly paid off in the same play in the 88th minute.

Amado Guevara snaked in a direct free kick and James leapt above the fray and got his head on the ball. The shot, however, bounced off the left post in the area of Cunningham, who saw defender Nevio Pizzolitto back-heel the ball off the line and couldn't get a touch before Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan covered on the ball.

Edu was in the midst of the scrum in front of the net and could only see part of the play.

"I saw it hit the post and a little bit of a scuffle in there," Edu said. "Somehow it just went back to the goalie's hands. On a different day it takes a bounce and ... it takes a deflection and goes in. It's kind of been the case lately, the bounces aren't falling for us."

The Reds sent everyone short of goalkeeper Greg Sutton up in the final minutes to generate an attack, which gave Montreal a few chances on the counterattack. Through TFC controlled most of the second half, they tied the Impact 3-3 in shots on goal and only outshot them 7-5 overall in the final 45 minutes.

"We had to go and win the game tonight," Carver said. "A draw wasn't good enough. We did leave ourselves open a little bit, but I had to try and get my fullbacks involved in the game to try and create something. Normally you don't have both fullbacks up at the same time, and unfortunately the lack of quality was disappointing."

Sixteen-year-old rookie Abdus Ibrahim started his third consecutive game for TFC, which Carver said underlined his team's lack of depth at forward. With scoring leader Danny Dichio out with a concussion, Guevara more suited to an attacking midfield role and both Cunningham and Jarrod Smith struggling, the Reds lack a true finisher up front. Carver said the team is working hard to land some scoring help before the close of the summer transfer window in order to both get some goals and to set up further tactical changes.

"I think it's blatantly obvious what we need to do," Carver said. "We don't need one striker, we need two strikers and we need somebody to put the ball in the back of the net.

"I feel Amado can play in a 4-4-2 with Carl Robinson, and if we get two strikers in, we can move on to the next step."

The loss sends Toronto into the All-Star break on a down note. Since beating Colorado 3-1 on June 14, the Reds are a combined 0-5-4 in MLS league play, two friendlies and three Canadian Championship games. The lack of scoring is at the heart of the problem, as Toronto has just six goals in those nine games.

"We're in a bit of a funk right now," Edu said. "We haven't won a game in a while. We just need to find a way to score goals. That's what it comes down to. [We] create chances, work hard, but at the end of the day if you can't score goals you can't win games."

Carver gave full credit to the Impact for the victory and said that this year's tournament was the start of a great rivalry between the Canadian teams over the Voyageurs Cup.

"They're off to a great start, first year of the competition they've gone and won it," Carver said. "I'm sure the fans will look forward to the competition in the future. It's a great idea and it shows that there's not that much difference between the two leagues.

"They got the result they deserved. ... They've done enough to win this competition, so fair play to them."