Week 27 provided quite a few impressive performances, and it also had its share of not so impressive performances. That's to be expected. Interestingly, there were also a few performances that included elements of both. Let's take a look at how things went down.
THE GOOD
Zach Thornton (Goalkeeper, Chivas USA) -- Definitely the man of the match in the Goats' scoreless draw on the road in Seattle. The big man made save after save, helping Chivas to a precious point to keep them in the thick of the playoff hunt.
Jeff Cunningham (Forward, FC Dallas) -- This guy just can't stop scoring goals. A tap-in against the Wizards was his 13th of the season, a figure only bested by ...
Conor Casey (Forward, Colorado Rapids) -- A last-gasp penalty kick -- and a questionable one, at that -- allowed the Rapids to escape lowly San Jose with a point on Friday night. Casey clearly has his eye on that Golden Boot award.
Brad Davis (Midfielder, Houston Dynamo) -- The winger's gifted left foot either set up or scored each of the Dynamo's three goals in a big win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. When Davis is on, there's not a better left-sided midfielder in MLS.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Midfielder, Columbus Crew) -- After missing time in the middle of the season due to injury, the reigning MVP is back on his game. Two second half goals by the former Argentina international gave the champs a draw in Chicago Sunday.
THE BAD
Marcelo Saragosa (Midfielder, Chivas USA) -- A kick to Fredy Montero's face earned Saragosa a straight red, leaving his team to battle with just 10 men for the final 20-odd minutes on Saturday. They couldn't muster a goal and had to settle for a single point.
Jamison Olave (Defender, Real Salt Lake) -- A dirty tackle sent Olave to an early shower Saturday, meaning RSL had to play about two thirds of the match with a numerical disadvantage. All coach Jason Kreis could do was shake his head.
Toronto FC's Offense -- One shot on goal against the Galaxy. That's just not going to cut it, especially when you have talent that includes Amado Guevara, Dwayne De Rosario, and Chad Barrett. Is a playoff spot slipping away?
THE BOTH
Jimmy Conrad (Defender, Kansas City Wizards) -- The World Cup veteran was having an atrocious outing Saturday, where he was almost entirely responsible for both FC Dallas goals. Redemption was sweet for the K.C. captain, as he eventually scored the game-winner in the 80th minute -- his first of the 2009 season.
David Beckham (Midfielder, Los Angeles Galaxy) -- A goal and an assist in a 2-0 win looks pretty good on paper. Missing the target completely from 13 yards with only the goalkeeper in front of you looks terrible no matter how you look at it. And you want to play for England in the World Cup?
Brian Ching (Forward, Houston Dynamo) -- The U.S international scored his eighth goal of the season early in the Dynamo's win over RSL, but Ching will miss Houston's next league match as he was given a straight red for a violent late tackle. It's not much to worry about for Houston, though, as they're all but assured of a spot in the postseason.
Check in again two weeks from now for my final piece of the season -- a look at who can help get you points in the last weekend of the regular season.