It was a golden opportunity missed.
None of Toronto FC's playoff rivals picked up a win Friday and Saturday: New England and Colorado only managed draws Friday night while Seattle and Chivas shared the spoils on Saturday, each gaining only a point while Real Salt Lake lost to Houston.
So the table was set. Suddenly Toronto's fading playoff hopes were jolted to life. A victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday would vault the Reds right back into the thick of the fight.
But then along came David Beckham and Landon Donovan. The visitors simply had no answer. Toronto, as a team, had no answer for the speed of Donovan and the skill of Beckham.
It was pure folly to expect designated player Julian de Guzman to single-handedly guide Toronto into the playoffs. These things take time. And while he showed flashes of what is to come, his timing was off and he showed some rust.
The visitors played much better away from home than they have for most matches this season, but in the end it still wasn't enough. They remain on the outside of the playoff picture with the games dwindling down to a precious few. Just four to go and it looks impossible now.
As for the Galaxy, this is a team that looks like it can go on a run and be tough to beat in the playoffs. History tells us that might be a silly thing to say. In this league worst beats first even when you can't imagine it. But when the Galaxy is firing on all cylinders they can steam roll opponents with pace and quick passing.
Here's something that's hard to figure however. The Galaxy is an attractive team to watch. They have star power and are now threatening Houston for first place in the west. They play in a beautiful stadium. The greater LA area is a market of 10-million people. And yet on a gorgeous September evening, The Home Depot Centre was only half full. Go figure.