You want to know who's hot? A player who scores multiple goals in a game is hot. This weekend, four different players accomplished that feat. All of them are accomplished goal scorers, though they've had different levels of success this season. But nothing enhances a player's confidence like hitting the back of the net more than once in a game. Taking these players will probably help you accumulate points as the 2009 season begins to wind down.
HOT AS HECK
Kheli Dube (Forward, New England Revolution) -- A hat trick from the native of Zimbabwe was more than enough for the home side on Sunday as the Revs took down Real Salt Lake 3-1. A speedster who often finds himself in the right place at the right time, Dube helped New England leapfrog D.C. United in the Eastern Conference standings, and they have two games in hand. Could the Revs be primed for yet another late-season run toward the playoffs and MLS Cup?
Sacha Kljestan (Midfielder, Chivas USA) -- Kljestan's 2009 season has been pretty poor, but the U.S. international recorded his first two goals of the season Saturday night as Chivas disposed of Toronto FC at The Home Depot Center. The first was a tap-in, but the second was a tidy finish on a great through ball from new signing Maicon Santos. Still with several games in hand, Preki's team is in a great spot to lock up one of the two automatic berths from the Western Conference. An in-form Kljestan will only help matters.
Juan Pablo Angel (Forward, New York Red Bulls) -- This team's season is over, but nothing shakes things up like a coaching change. Juan Carlos Osorio's departure could have been the spark as New York, led by a double from Juan Pablo Angel, earned a hard-fought 3-2 win Sunday over FC Dallas. The former Colombian international now has nine goals for the season. The entire club has only scored nineteen. Incredibly, Angel is in the hunt for the Golden Boot, even though his team is easily the worst in the league. No matter what, this guy scores goals.
Omar Cummings (Forward, Colorado Rapids) -- Cummings scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season Sunday, though the Rapids would eventually fall to the Fire 3-2 in a dramatic match at Toyota Park. With 10 assists also this season, Cummings would have to be strongly considered in any MVP discussions. Things are tight in the West, but with Cummings and his strike partner Conor Casey both scoring regularly, anything can happen for this team.
COLD AS ICE CREAM
D.C. United -- What happened to this team? Schedule congestion, fatigue, whatever. The fact of the matter is, they can't win a game. The Black-and-Red haven't defeated an MLS opponent in over a month and they have a lot of work to do if they hope to make the postseason. With the talent on their roster, it can be done. But names don't win games. Somebody (Luciano Emilio? Santino Quaranta? Christian Gomez?) needs to stand up and lead this team.
Kevin Goldthwaite (Defender, New York Red Bulls) -- Goldthwaite will miss the Red Bulls' home contest next Sunday against the East-leading Crew after picking up a red card for throwing a punch at FCD defender Andre Rocha. Solid contact may not have been made, but the intent was certainly there. Don't be surprised if an extra game or two is tacked on to that suspension.
Dasan Robinson (Defender, Chicago Fire) -- Yes, the same Dasan Robinson who scored the Fire's last-gasp, come-from-behind win over Colorado on Sunday. Why "Cold as Ice Cream?" Because getting thrown out of the game for picking up a second yellow celebrating a goal is just plain stupid. Robinson won't be celebrating much next weekend when he's riding the bench for D.C. United's visit to Toyota Park.
QUICK TIPS
- FC Dallas has this week off. Trade Hoops players on your roster.
- Chivas and RSL each play twice this week. Load up for two chances to accumulate points this week.