When Chivas USA acquired defender Shavar Thomas from the Los Angeles Galaxy in May, the move seemed to slip quietly under the radar. But Thomas has been nothing short of spectacular with Chivas USA this season.

Chivas USA prepared all season for the playoffs. The club built up a strong mentality, stressed concentration and took the season one practice at a time. What the club could not prepare for, however, is what could ultimately cost the team the season.

FC Dallas defeated the Houston Dynamo by a score of 1-0 in their first leg match at Pizza Hut Park. It was Dallas’s first victory  over the defending champions in 5 tries this season. The Dynamo came on strong in the second half and came very close to drawing even but were unable to break through. Dario Sala made 4 top of the line saves  in order to help secure the points for the home side. Dwayne De Rosario had a big match in a losing cause for the visitors. The Dynamo were done in by poor performances from their two strikers Brian Ching and Joseph Ngwenya.

Toronto FC announced Tuesday that midfielder Maurice Edu is one of three finalists for the Gatorade Rookie of the Year Award.

Red Bull New York were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New England Revolution. Despite having the better of the run of play throughout the match and especially in the first half, Bruce Arena’s boys were unable to break down the Revs defensive scheme. Arena had started this match with what for him is a very adventurous formation that included three strikers in Juan Pablo Angel, Francis Doe and Josmer Altidore. At times during the first half it really looked as if this this attacking formation would pay off but things remained deadlocked heading into the break.

The Galaxy's postseason schedule gets underway this weekend when LA hosts Hollywood United F.C. in a special Charity Match at The Home Depot Center. The match will serve as a benefit for the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army to help aid in their efforts to assist those affected by the wildfires.

The 2007 version of the Los Angeles Galaxy was one of the most anticipated teams in Major League Soccer. However, what was already going to be difficult enough conclusion to the season was torpedoed almost before it began.

As the 2007 Major League Soccer season draws to a close, Toronto FC's reign as expansion darlings comes to an end as well. TFC won't even be the youngest club in MLS, as the revived San Jose Earthquakes club will take over as the new kids on the North American soccer block.

The Kansas City Wizards held serve at home with a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA at Arrowhead Stadium. It was a very tough, hard fought match that saw both sides combine for 30 fouls and just 16 shots at the net between them. Chivas USA came into the contest with two big absences as both Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo were out of the lineup. Those two players have combined for 23 goals so far this season and they were a very big handicap for Preki’s side to deal with. In fact, the former Wizards midfielder was forced to switch to a 4-5-1 with Laurent Merlin as the lone striker.

New York Red Bulls boss Bruce Arena had said how important it was for his team to win Saturday's first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series against the New England Revolution at Giants Stadium.