Clint Dempsey played his first MLS game since returning from the World Cup, where he starred for the USA, and he set up Taylor Twellman for the lone goal as New England beat Western Conference leader FC Dallas, 1-0. Also playing for the Revs was Avery John, who started for Trinidad & Tobago at the World Cup.

-- Jimmy Conrad's return from Germany was less fortunate. Five minutes into Kansas City's game with D.C. United, a D.C. corner kick deflected off Conrad's foot for an own goal. Freddy Adu scored United's second goal and helped set up Cristian Gomez for the third as D.C. United won, 3-2, to extend its lead in the Eastern Conference to 15 points. Nick Garcia scored for Kansas City, his first MLS goal in 181 games. The former Indiana University star set an MLS record for most games played before scoring his first goal. (D.C. defender Brandon Prideaux has played in 181 games without scoring.)

-- Richie Williams' debut as the New York Red Bulls interm coach was hardly a success as the Red Bulls and Columbus played to a 0-0 draw at Giants Stadium. The Red Bulls' tie was their eighth in 13 games, while the Crew has three straight ties and a five-game winless streak.

-- Chicago's first midweek game at Toyota Park drew only 10,914 fans. Lightning and heavy rain forced a 45-minute delay in the second half before the Fire rallied on a pair of Chad Barrett goals to beat Real Salt Lake, 2-1. Chivas USA blew a chance to move to within one point of second-place Houston in the Western Conference when it was forced to settle for a 1-1 tie with the Dynamo. Jesse Marsch's 75-minute goal provided the equalizer for Chivas.

For all MLS game summaries:
http://www.socceramerica.com/article.asp?Art_ID=562137365