The Daily Dirt, August 28: Jump on It

If you thought Dallas would fall off after selling Fabian Castillo, it appears that you were wrong. After giving up a goal to the Dynamo, Dallas responded strongly to win 3-1 in Houston. They moved to five points clear at the top of the Western Conference and in the Supporters’ Shield race. Dallas looks like the team to beat in MLS this season.

Toronto finally had everyone buying in after a strong run of form, myself included. Last night, they did what we have come to expect of them in a 1-0 loss at home to Canadian rivals Montreal. They had a man advantage for the entire second half, but were unable to take advantage. NYCFC can retake the top spot in the East with a win in Orlando tonight. With Sebastian Giovinco leaving injured, this has to be a case of déjà vu for the Reds and their fans.

DC United staked their claim to a playoff spot with an emphatic 6-2 win over Chicago at RFK Stadium. They were helped by a nitwitted red card by Khaly Thiam for throwing the ball at Patrick Nyarko. Patrick Mullins had a hat trick, and his arrival in the nation’s capital has DC looking much more dangerous.

Columbus also showed that they might have a bit of life in them with a 2-0 win over San Jose. The Earthquakes are still within a shout of the last playoff spot in the West, but did not put up much of a fight against the Crew. Justin Meram was the star for Columbus with a goal and an assist, but the Crew have to be concerned about a second concussion in as many years for Will Trapp.

Today, national TV brings us a MLS triple-header. ESPN starts with an appetizer that sees a New England team trying to keep up with DC for the final playoff spot in the East traveling to New York to face the Red Bulls. Portland hosts Seattle in a must-win game for both teams at 5:00 p.m.. FS1 provides the dessert with the Jason Kreis Cup match between Orlando and New York City.

Domestic

Chicago is back to being the Fire we all know, DC United beats their 10-man opponents 6-2 (Black and Red United)

Roland Alberg leads the Union to a comfortable 2-0 win over Kansas City (Brotherly Game)

Down to ten men, Montreal’s Nacho Piatti scores to give the Impact a 1-0 win over Toronto (Mount Royal Soccer)

Justin Meram leads the Crew to a 2-0 win over San Jose in Columbus (Massive Report)

Columbus loses Will Trapp to another concussion (Columbus Dispatch)

Dallas comes back from a 1-0 deficit to win in Houston 3-1 (Big D Soccer)

The Galaxy are not clicking at the moment, draw 0-0 at home to Vancouver (LAG Confidential)

Hope Solo takes a leave of absence from the Seattle Reign (Sounder at Heart)

In their NWSL battle, Seattle beats Portland 3-1 (Sounder at Heart)

Are things coming together for a MLS bid in Oklahoma City? (Twitter)

International

Napoli with a big 4-2 win over Milan (Siren’s Song)

Dortmund start their Bundesliga campaign with a win (Fear the Wall)

Rooney and Rashford get the job done for Manchester United (SB Nation)

Local

Falcons bringing in another safety due to injuries (The Falcoholic)

Braves win in San Francisco (Talking Chop)