The rain continues for the Seattle Sounders and Major League soccer as injuries continue to mount. Both Brad Evans and Mauro Rosales were scratched before the Columbus Crew game due to injuries. An undermanned and a very tired Sounders team managed to squeak by Columbus 1-1 to secure a valuable point from their two game Eastern Road trip. David Falk has pictures and video highlights from the game. The Sounders have a week to recuperate before facing their arch-rivals, the Portland Timbers in their first MLS league game. Hopefully, with Steve Zakuani able to attend the match.
Morales Injured: Bad tackles and injuries continued to plague the league as early MVP candidate Javier Morales had his ankle broken by a Chivas USA defender Marcos Mondaini (caution: the linked clip is graphic). Morales is in good spirits and is scheduled to have surgery today in Salt Lake. While Morales may be staying positive, there are plenty of fans and a few teammates are incensed about the injury. I don't blame them as the Argentinian is the engine that makes Real Salt Lake's midfield run and fans of MLS will miss yet another dynamic, creative presence on the field. MLS will have a tough disciplinary decision to make this week just a week after handing down the largest suspension for an incident during play to Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan.
More Links From Around the League After the Jump:
The Big Tie: There wasn't a whole hell of a lot of movement point-wise this weekend. Eight games were played this weekend and five of those ended with both teams securing a point rather than three. The other three more decisive games were decided by a single goal. The big tie of the weekend was the 1-1 draw between the LA Galaxy and the NY Red Bulls. The game lived up to the hype as both teams played fluid attacking soccer with plenty of goal scoring opportunities. The result is a nice bonus to all the other teams looking to catch them in the standings.
Sounders Women Start Season: The Sounders men aren't the only Sounders team with a big game this weekend. The Seattle Sounders Women's team starts their season this Saturday when they visit the Victoria Highlanders. You can see the Sounders Women in action this season at Starfire Stadium in Tacoma. Prost Amerika has an interview with Sounders midfielder Tafara Pulse highlighting the upcoming season.
MLS Salaries Up: The MLS Player's Union released salaries numbers this weekend. The overall numbers show the financial growth and stability of the league. Overall salaries are up $8 million and only one team is currently spending less than the salary cap (and Chivas USA is likely to make some signings over the summer transfer window). The increased salaries hopefully will translate into better soccer across the league.