The Road to MLS Cup XII, Week 9

I was out of the country this weekend, so I didn't see any of the games. But the results confirm a couple of trends...

(1) Chicago needs Chris Rolfe and Justin Mapp. Love how they pass. Hate how they finish.

(2) Is Fred going to actually work out on the flank for DC? Pundits assumed that Fred, who prefers the center of the midfield, would slot in seemlessly out wide. He didn't. While his play isn't really the cause of United's slow start, their lack of width has allowed other teams to neutralize Moreno, Emilio and Gomez. But in DC's 4-2 victory against the Red Bulls, Fred got on the score sheet, as did Emilio. I'm assuming this means United actually opened up the field.

(3) Will Dallas drop like a rock without Cooper, who's out for two months due to injury? They are in first place in the west, but haven't convinced.

(4) And New York? Who we all decided was the real deal? They've put in a few ugly performances in a row. The team is really struggling with injuries, but I like their depth. Frankly, I think they should be doing better.