A real wackiness is setting in on this year's Golden Boot chase in Major League Soccer. With six regular season weeks remaining, the league's top goal scorers presently are all lesser likely candidates in their own way.

If you asked supporters at their respective clubs, or fans who follow MLS action closely, for assessments of these guys individually, you'd probably get replies that fell somewhere between "just OK" and "fairly unsatisfying.

That is one cup-worthy bloom
COLUMBUS (6th) VS. TORONTO (16th)
　
CREW STADIUM - SATURDAY 7:30PM
TV: GOLTV RADIO: FAN 590
　
THE KICKABOUT:
- With true rival Montreal Impact entering MLS in 2012, is this the last "The New Soft" Derby (opposite of The Old Firm) that holds much meaning for supporters?

By DAVE GUBALA

Toronto FC defeated the Columbus Crew for the very first time in franchise history in a six-goal thriller and were able to lift the Trillum Cup on Saturday night at Crew Stadium.

It was a back and forth game from the very start.

Tommy Heinemann reduced Toronto's lead to one in the 67th minute but the Crew were unable to respond as Julian de Guzman netted a third goal in the 87th minute.

By JOSE M. ROMERO

The Houston Dynamo was in the driver's seat at halftime, leading 1-0 over the Columbus Crew with a man advantage after Emmanuel Ekpo was sent off for popping the Dynamo's Adam Moffat in the face with a high elbow in the 11th minute.

The Dynamo, leading at halftime after Je-Vaughn Watson's impressive header off a service from Jermaine Taylor in the 34th minute -- over big defender Chad Marshall, no less -- was 45 minutes from picking up three big road points and strengthening their position in the chase for an MLS playoff wild card spot.

Columbus seemed to be cruising for a win on Wednesday night at Crew Stadium, ahead 2-1 late even though they'd been down a man since the 11th minute. Emmanuel Ekpo had been ejected for a straight red card foul - elbowing Adam Moffat - and the Dynamo were up a goal when Je-Vaughn Watson scored in the 34th minute.

On a chilly night in Chester against a listless first place Columbus Crew team, a goal from the resurgent Sebastien Le Toux was all the Philadelphia Union needed to earn their first victory since July 17. In an effort to breathe life into his team, coach Peter Nowak rang in the changes, most notably bringing 16-year-old Zach Pfeffer into the starting lineup for his first MLS start.

Week 27 of MLS action certainly cleared up the race of the playoffs. Teams were clearly fighting for their lives. Real Salt Lake showed impressive resilience in against Sporting while Portland humbled the dismal Revolution. Chicago pulled out a win despite a valiant comeback by Chivas. Here's your Week 27 Recap.

Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com

This year's race for the MLS Golden Boot is congested, unclear and littered with a few surprise candidates. With about a month remaining in the 2011 MLS season, there's no better time to break down the prime contenders and see who will emerge from the pack with the most goals.

KC's games are really starting to get a deja vu felling to them, because so often the script is the same. Go at the opposing team, pressure early (some times get a goal, sometimes now), start to see back a little bit, defensive error gives opponent a great opportunity (that they may or may not put away).