Did any Sounders make the top-11 despite their
first loss of the season? Aaron Weinberg / NSS
Week 4 produced five draws and only two MLS teams, Kansas City and Real Salt Lake, won all three points in their Saturday matches. Seven red cards were handed out between five of those matches, which may have played a factor in the lack of goals seen this weekend.
Chivas USA sit on top of the Western Conference after their 0-0 draw with the L.A. Galaxy, while the Chicago Fire took top spot in the East after a 3-3 goal fest with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Here is a look at the top performers for Week 4 of the MLS season.
To Continue...
Goalkeeper
Joe Cannon (SJ) - Cannon made eight saves during the Earthquakes' match against Chicago in San Jose. The veteran goalkeeper was busy all game as Chicago produced a total of 11 shots on goal. Unfortunately the three shots he did not save ended in goals for the Fire, but there is no doubt Cannon contributed his part in earning a draw for his side.
Defenders
Omar Gonzales (LA) - The Los Angeles derby may not have produced any goals, but there was drama as three players were sent off for tough tackles in the teams 0-0 draw. Gonzales did well to keep LA's defense organized and has shown some mettle as a rookie. The LA team still needs improvement though...
Jamison Olave (RSL) - Scored Real Salt Lake's opening goal against D.C. United in Salt Lake's 2-1 win. Olave is an imposing Colombian who plays strong in the center of defense.
Bobby Boswell (HOU) - Houston were another team that were unable to score a goal over the weekend, however Boswell made sure New York would not score as well. The former D.C. United defender has played all four games for his new club and is continuing to show his consistency with another goalless draw.
Jimmy Conrad (KC) - The attacking prowess of Seattle Sounders FC was not overlooked by the Kansas City Wizards. Conrad made sure that Fredy Montero and Freddie Ljungberg were constantly bothered, while Nate Jaqua had little room to work because of the defenders determination to press the team. Although down a man, Seattle attacked and were constantly stifled by a defender who knows how to keep control of a game.
Midfielders
Bobby Convey (SJ) - scored his first goal for San Jose on Saturday after picking up a loose ball and bursting through two Chicago defenders to shoot the ball past Chicago 'keeper Jon Busch. Convey's speed and elusiveness has been an added bonus for a San Jose team that has lacked creativity at times and his international experience should continue to help the team.
Javier Morales (RSL) - The Real Salt Lake playmaker was pivotal in the club's win over D.C. Morales scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of play after a buildup from Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman.
Dwayne DeRosario (TOR) - DeRosario scored his first goal of the season for Toronto FC off a header in the 17th minute of play. A long throw-in from Adrian Serioux was headed in by Toronto's new signing after he beat his defender in the air.
Luciano Emilio (DC) - Emilio scored his second goal in two games for D.C. in their 2-1 loss. The goals have to come from somewhere and Emilio is producing to keep D.C. in games, now if only the defense could keep teams from scoring.
Forwards
Conor Casey (COL) - Casey has been a presence at the forward spot for the Colorado Rapids. After his hat trick last weekend in L.A., Casey and the Rapids visited Columbus, where he added his fourth goal in two games in the 80th minute of the match against the Columbus Crew.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CRW) - Last season's MLS Cup MVP scored his third goal in five games for the Crew and is continues to be an important part of Columbus' offense. Schelotto has played almost every minute for the Crew this season.
Reach Jesse Amorratanasuchad at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
