MLS gets battered in Champions League

First, the good news: Houston Dynamo picked up a crucial away point by drawing 1-1 with Panamanian champion Deportivo Arbe Unido. That puts Houston second in their group with two games played. So far, so good for the Dynamo.

Now things get ugly.

DC United fell at home 3-1 to Mexican side Toluca Wednesday night. This extends United's win less streak in group play to eight matches dating back to last year's competition. So it looks like the MLS side will once again be rooted to the foot of their group's table. Good news is that if Trinidadian side San Juan Jabloteh loses by more than three goals in their match against Marathon of Honduras, DC will no longer be in last. At least until the next round of games.

Now things get embarrassing.

Think about a time where you were playing and got beat 5-0. Ever try to make excuses, or did you just accept the fact that you got smoked. I felt that Columbus had the best shot of all the MLS clubs. They are (were) playing well at the moment and have some players like Frankie Hejduk and Guillermo Barros Schelotto who have played in some high pressure matches during their careers. But after losing 5-0 to Cruz Azul last night, I am just shaking my head, wondering if an American team is ever going to win on Mexican soil. The Crew aren't done, by any means. They are currently tied on points with Costa Rica's Saprissa in second place, but Saprissa now has a superior goal differential after the Crew's blowout.

So Tampa soccer fans. Looks like the best shot at Champions Cup glory rests with the Dynamo. Cheer on Tampa native turned Houston defender Bobby Boswell and the capable coach of the Creamsicles, former Mutiny defender, Dominic Kinnear as they try to win the USA's first continental club title in nine years.