Texas teams head separate ways

Our weekly dose of Major League Soccer quick takes, plotlines to watch and Power Rankings.

Last week, FC Dallas defender Anthony Wallace told Free Kicks his struggling club had rededicated itself after a slow start. "Training has been a lot better this week," the 20-year-old said over the phone. "Everybody is real focused and getting our priorities straight, getting a win at least." Looks like he'll have to wait at least one more week. While the team's league-worst back line only surrendered a single goal, its offense couldn't find the back of the net as FCD fell 1-0 to Houston. The Hoops remain winless at Robertson Stadium and in last place out West. Perhaps "Wally" deserves some PT?

Just three points separate Eastern Conference leader D.C. United, which has 14 points, from fourth-place Kansas City. Toronto FC (13 points) and Chicago (12) are wedged in between. The four clubs played a total of six matches over the past week but didn't register a single victory (five ties and one loss). Unlike the Western Conference, where Chivas USA opened up an eight-point lead over its nearest competitor, the East remains anyone's game. Multiple squads, from New England to D.C., have been poised to separate from the field, but no team has capitalized. The battle will rage all summer.

In Week 10's marquee matchup, D.C. heads to Los Angeles on Saturday to battle Chivas in a fight between the two conference leaders. Zach Thornton continued his remarkable run of recent form over the weekend, posting his sixth shutout on the young season. United's offense, however, boasts a league-high 15 goals and will provide a stiff test for the impenetrable wall Preki has fashioned. Elsewhere, New England will attempt to return to winning form at home against Colorado and Seattle travels to Dallas for a very winnable match.