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Crew strengthen grip in MLS East

July 26, 2010

Associated Press

Columbus Crew strengthened their position at the top of the Eastern Conference standings in Major League Soccer (MLS) following the latest weekend of action.

There were three drawn results in the latest round of action, while Seattle Sounders FC picked up an important win to boost their playoff aspirations.

The action started on Thursday night, with Landon Donovan scoring in the 90th minute to earn Los Angeles Galaxy a 2-2 draw with California rivals San Jose Earthquakes. Edson Buddle scored his 12th goal of the season for the Galaxy, while Bobby Convey and Brandon McDonald had the goals for the Earthquakes.

There were three matches on Saturday, with Columbus disposing of Houston Dynamo 3-0 in Ohio. Emilio Renteria scored a gift of a goal in the first half before Andy Iro made it 2-0 with an acrobatic finish on 84 minutes. Leandre Griffit added a third in the dying stages at Crew Stadium.

In Southern Ontario, FC Dallas earned a 1-1 draw with hosts Toronto FC. Brazilian striker Maicon Santos opened the scoring in the 61st minute for TFC, but Dallas claimed a share of the spoils through Milton Rodriguez's header in the 77th minute at BMO Field.

It also ended 1-1 in Sandy, Utah, between MLS Cup holders Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA. Ned Grabavoy scored a stunning left-footed volley in the 67th minute for Salt Lake before Jesus Padilla equalized for Chivas with a shot that found its way through RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Despite the draw, Salt Lake extended their club-record unbeaten streak at home to 19 regular season games. RSL have not lost at Rio Tinto Stadium since May 16, 2009.

Finally, on Sunday, Steve Zakuani scored twice in the first half to lead Seattle to their first win at home since June 5 after 2-1 victory over Colorado Rapids at Qwest Field. Omar Cummings replied for the Rapids.