Kick Off: Joao Plata, Diego Valeri, Bradley Wright-Phillips? MVP candidates make cases in Week 28

News  |  Videos  |  Schedule & Stats  |  Clubs  |  Fantasy  |  Shop Forward To A Friend Kick Off: Joao Plata, Diego Valeri, Bradley Wright-Phillips? MVP candidates make cases in Week 28 Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about this morning: 1. PLATA FOR MVP? Is Joao Plata a candidate for MVP? Real Salt Lake certainly think so after the diminutive Ecuadorian played a starring role in his side’s 5-1 win over the Colorado Rapids (HIGHLIGHTS) on Friday night. Pablo Mastroeni wasn’t happy with the manner of the defeat, though, especially after taking the lead through a stunning Jose Mari shot. 2. TIMBERS WIN CRUCIAL “SIX POINTER” The Portland Timbers gave credit to their experience after a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps (HIGHLIGHTS) on Saturday allowed them to leapfrog the 'Caps into the playoff places. It means that Vancouver now sit sixth, two points behind the Timbers, and 'Caps head coach Carl Robinson acknowledged, “something’s got to change.” 3. HAT-TRICK HERO Just three goals now separate Bradley Wright-Phillips from tying the MLS single-season scoring record after he struck for a hat trick in the Red Bulls' 4-1 win over the Seattle Sounders (HIGHLIGHTS) on Saturday. Seattle rested some key players after Tuesday’s Open Cup success, but according to Sigi Schmid, that’s not why they lost. 4. PLAYOFF CHANCES TAKE A HIT There was a time when the Houston Dynamo would have been happy with a point on the road, but with the playoffs slipping further and further away, a 0-0 draw against the Philadelphia Union (HIGHLIGHTS) on Saturday was not what they wanted. Although, according to the Union, they shouldn’t have even gone home with that much. 5. CREW FRUSTRATE THE REVOLUTION The New England Revolution were left frustrated on Saturday after a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew (HIGHLIGHTS) ended their five-game winning streak. Saturday's result also improves the Crew’s chances of securing a playoff spot. 6. RELIEF FOR JACK MAC, DISAPPOINTMENT FOR QUAKES While it may not be a contender for AT&T Goal of the Week, Jack McInerney was relieved to finally get on the scoresheet again following his opening goal in the Montreal Impact’s 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes (HIGHLIGHTS). It's a result which meant another disappointing night for struggling San Jose. 7. HONORS EVEN IN CHICAGO GOALFEST With no Eddie Johnson or Fabián Espíndola, Luis Silva stepped up to play the hero in D.C United’s 3-3 draw at the Chicago Fire on Saturday (HIGHLIGHTS). After yet another tie, Chicago head coach Frank Yallop was bemoaning some refereeing decisions, while injured star Mike Magee took to Twitter to criticize the state of the playing surface at his club's home, Toyota Park . 8. GORDON THE GREAT Alan Gordon brought some Goonie magic to the LA Galaxy with a patented late goal Saturday night, this time scoring off the bench in his side's 2-1 win over FC Dallas (HIGHLIGHTS). The win extends the Galaxy’s unbeaten streak to eight games, but a much-depleted FC Dallas side remain in a good position to reach the playoffs. 9. CHIVAS, THE BEST MEDICINE Rounding out the week's action on Sunday, Greg Vanney got his first win as Toronto FC head coach after a 3-0 victory over Chivas USA (HIGHLIGHTS). As TFC now attempt to build momentum and get back into the playoff places (not to mention encourage potential jersey sponsors), things are getting worse for Chivas, who are now scoreless in nine of their last 10 games. 10. 5-TIME CHAMP TO HANG'EM UP? There was some sad, if not altogether unexpected, news on Sunday, as the Denver Post confirmed that veteran midfielder Brian Mullan is set to retire due to a knee injury. Mullan won five MLS Cup championships during a 14-year career that included 359 MLS and playoff games, and his three assists in MLS Cup championship games is tied for the all-time lead. 11. THE GREAT DEBATE As for youngsters trying to follow in Mullan's footsteps, MLSsoccer.com will be taking our annual look at the league's best and brightest young talents, with the latest 24 Under 24 series debuting this week. From established MLS starters to those just getting their feet wet in 2014, this week will be dedicated to discussing "Who's next?" in MLS. 12. WHO’S THE STRONGEST Jurgen Klinsmann has promised to field his strongest squad in the US national team's next two games, leading to two questions: 1) Will he really? 2) Who exactly will that include? 3) Will there be a place for Chris Wondolowski, the US forward still trying to move on after The Miss? 13. IT’S A PROCESS Sebastian Jaime made his first start for Real Salt Lake during their 5-1 demolition of the Colorado Rapids, and while the Argentine didn’t score, he certainly played his part. Could Real Salt Lake have landed another winner? If so, it seems there’s a method to it. 14. EXPANSION UPDATES There were vastly differing fortunes for two cities chasing MLS expansion last weekend. While Sacramento gathered to celebrate a positive visit from MLS officials, Las Vegas’ attempts to secure a deal for a new stadium appear to have encountered a hurdle. Meanwhile, you can definitely cross Ft. Lauderdale off the list of locations for David Beckham’s proposed MLS club. 15. PLAYING FOR THE CUP There was good news on the field for Sacramento Republic as well, with the first-year USL PRO side coming from behind to beat LA Galaxy II 3-2 in a storybook finish to set up a USL PRO championship final against No. 8 seed Harrisburg City Islanders, who themselves beat the Richmond Kickers 3-2. MLSsoccer.com Musts Armchair Analyst: The blueprint for winners and losers American Exports: A bad day in Norway Is Kobe Bryant buying a soccer team in Italy?