MLS NOTES: WEEK 7

• Break up the Revs! Undefeated, the Revs? I’m not a theologian, but I’m fairly sure this is one of the seven signs of the Apocalypse mentioned in the book of Revelation.

• Unfortunately, young Freddy didn’t have as dominating a game this week for DCU. You could see the frustration on his face, especially when he was taken out of the game. Don’t worry kid, if you have a game like last week’s only every other game, you’ll be playing in Europe and dating supermodels before you can vote.

• Youri Djorkaeff, despite his advancing years (it pains me mortally as a 40-year-old man to refer to him this way, but this is soccer, not life), is still a sublimely beautiful soccer player. His touches are elegant and intelligent, and quick. The day we produce a player of his caliber in the United State is the day we become a true international presence.

• I thought last week’s second goal by Kansas City against Dallas was the worst defensive play I’d ever seen in soccer, but this week’s first goal by Metrostars against Chicago displaces that one. It may be the worst defensive play ever. Caballero makes a square pass at the edge of the Chicago penalty area to Jim Curtin, who didn’t even see it. Amado Guevara pounces on it and scores. Speaking as a former really-bad-defender, it does my heart a bit of good to see things like this happen. Kind of like watching Tiger Woods hit into water.

• Djorkaeff (and I didn’t mean to make this a homage to the man, but I like what he’s doing) could have easily knocked the Guevara goal into the net himself, as it was rolling slowly towards the line, but instead let it find its own way in, so Amado could get the credit. When asked by Kenny Stern at halftime why he did that, he simply said “Eh, because, I don’t need it”. Class.

• Adding insult to injury, the Metros second goal was a stone-cold nutmeg of Zach Thornton by Eddie Gaven. Oh yeah, the play was set up by a PERFECT ball by who? Yeah, Youri, that’s who. This guy may be making the Metros a contender just by his influence. I know they’ve started slow, but mark my words, the Metros have talent and fire, and to paraphrase Gunnery Sgt. Hartman from “Full Metal Jacket”, talent and fire’s enough. Gaven got a brace tonight, the second on an assist from Guevara. The guy can pass . . . who knew?

• Speaking, as we were earlier, of signs of the Apocalypse, Jason Kreis got a yellow card diving in the first half of RSL’s game with the Galaxy. I never, EVER thought I’d type those words.

• Another surprising (and, may I say, incorrect) yellow for diving went to FC Dallas midfielder Oscar Pareja during the San Jose/FCD match. Look, I’m sure we’re all glad referees are penalizing dives; clearly the practice is a blight on the game and needs to stop. But Jason Kreis and Oscar Pareja? Let’s get our priorities straight, shall we, MLS?

• Still and all, RSL did win the game. Jason came back from the ignominious cardage to get a goal, as did (and I’m not kidding) Eddie Pope. I’m not saying Eddie never ever scores, I’m just saying the last time I remember him scoring is when he netted the MLS Cup winner in the rain nearly a decade ago. Can’t argue with success.

• Break up the Wizards! Seven goals in the last two matches? Are you kidding me? Who is that man on the sidelines who looks just like Bob Gansler? An evil twin, perhaps? Enquiring minds want to know.

• Josh Wolff continues to impress. He’s on fire lately; two goals and an assist against the hapless Crewsters. Mr. Arena . . . paging Mr. Bruce Arena . . . please pick up the white courtesty phone . . .

• This was not the week to have Jon Busch as your MFLS goalkeeper. He’s one of the league’s best, but didn’t get much help this week and gave up four. Head up, Jon, you’re still the man.

• Ryan Suarez of all people scored a GOTY candidate for Chivas Saturday. It was all for naught however because Colorado new guy Jeff Cunningham hit the winner in the 79th minute to give the Raps a good home win, 2-1 over Los Goats.

• Interesting attendance numbers for the week. ReAL Salt Lake report 18,000 at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and the Rapids, oddly enough, report 15,000 at Mile High. I’m a shade suspicious of that number, frankly. Would anybody who was at the game like to clarify? Nearly 14,000 at New England, which is a great improvement. 11,000 at San Jose is not terrible. Dismal, four-digit numbers at Chicago and Columbus. Chicago will be in their own house next season, so those numbers should rise. I don’t know what to say about Columbus, however, apart from “not good”.