Up For Grabs

The big story was supposed to be how the Fire failed to capitalize on a Metrostars loss earlier in the weekend when they could have passed their East Coast rivals for first place in the east, and how that was indicative of a trend where nobody seems to want to win the Eastern Conference. Heck, at the 65 minute mark of tonight's Metrostars-Rapids match at Giants Stadium, head coach Bob Bradley was as close to smiling as I've ever seen him on the sideline. His squad was up 2-1, Sergio Galvan Rey finally scored a goal, and things looked to be going his way.

Then, just like that, the ball is back in the Fire's court, as Metro gave up two late goals from Colorado to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Yet another chapter in the hot potato of a trophy that is the Eastern Conference Championship. You know, the only trophy said Metrostars have in their cabinet.

Seriously, at this rate, don't be surprised if New England makes another 2002-esque late run.

I've got to wonder at Colorado, though. I swear I saw a Rapids defender standing on the goal line lift his arm to appeal for an offside call on the Metrostars' second goal. Big pair of dimpled Pumas on that guy.

And I liked how sideline reporter Steve Cangelosi made sure you knew the bombshell Sports Business Journal story from this week was written by Jamie Trecker, who's track record with MLS stories is apparently somewhat checkered.

Finally, a slight postscript to Sunday's eminently forgettable Fire match. I'm actually encouraged that there seemed to be a fair number of Galaxy fans at the game. Between the travelling Riot Squad (who Section 8 squashed like bugs in a friendly little supporters match beforehand) to Guatemalans there to see Carlos Ruiz, it seemed to me to be the strongest show of support for a visiting side since the one time we had to escort DC fans from the stadium because they were worried about the Ultras back in 1999 or so. That's got to be good for the league.