Both of the conference finals featured early goals; how teams coped with them dictated which two advanced to MLS Cup 2006. Here's a rundown of the top 11 performers for the two matches last weekend:
GOALKEEPER: Matt Reis (New England).
The Revs survived waves of D.C. United attacks after taking a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute. Reis thwarted the regular-season conference champs with sharp saves, punched clearances and well-timed challenges off his line.
DEFENDERS. Avery John (New England), Eddie Robinson (Houston), Wade Barrett (Houston).
John intervened several times to strip away the ball or boot it clear and kept his corner secure. Robinson won balls in the air, stepped up to win numerous balls and marked aggressively. Barrett dominated the left flank on both sides of the midfield line.
MIDFIELDERS. Ricardo Clark (Houston), Brad Davis (Houston), Freddy Adu (D.C. United), Shalrie Joseph (New England), Brian Carroll (D.C. United).
Clark's range and decisive tackling enabled Houston to control midfield against Colorado, and Davis created a pair of goals with a deep cross and a clever short pass. They got right to work after Houston fell behind to a penalty kick in the fourth minute and it was Clark's pass that Dwayne DeRosario forwarded to Paul Dalglish to score the equalizer. Adu got into good positions often and shot well if not successfully. Joseph won a lot of midfield duels and forced D.C. to play wide or shoot from distance. Carroll had a very good game shielding the United back three and prompting attacks with crisp passing.
FORWARDS. Paul Dalglish (Houston), Pat Noonan (New England).
Dalglish put away a pair of chances and though he squandered a few others, the Rapids utterly failed to cope with his pace and movement. Noonan set up a goal that Taylor Twellman took well and kept D.C. United occupied with his touch and poise up front.