Le Toux saves tie

IT MIGHT BE the one goal Sebastien Le Toux has scored this season where he doesn't receive all the credit.

Le Toux scored his team-leading eighth goal to preserve a 1-1 road draw for the Union against host Sporting Kansas City last night in Kansas City, Kan. The goal is Le Toux' seventh in as many matches since scoring a pair to preserve a 2-2 tie against Real Salt Lake on Aug. 13, and it appears the once hard-luck forward has regained his scoring touch.

But all the credit for this goal rests solely upon rookie midfielder Michael Farfan, who chased down a poor shot attempt from Roger Torres in the 63rd minute as it headed out of bounds, brought it back in from the end line, tip-toed the line and found an onrushing Le Toux for the equalizer.

Ultimately, Le Toux' tally neutralized a gorgeous goal in the 56th minute from SKC forward Omar Bravo, who dashed into the box and onetimed a cross from fellow forward Kei Kamara for his ninth goal of the season.

It also helped the 26-year-old Le Toux save face on a scoring opportunity in the first minute after forward Veljko Paunovic played a ball into space down the flank to the speedy Le Toux, whose shot missed wide of SKC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen's far post. Replay showed the ball grazed the outstretched foot of Nielsen as it was deflected out of bounds, but referee Baldomero Toledo failed to award a corner on the play.

The Union (9-7-13, 40 points) was able to preserve a point, but draws help little as the race for the postseason draws to a close. The Union moves into second place while SKC (10-9-11, 41 points) shares the top spot in the East with Columbus. However, on the Union's heels lie Houston (39 points) and New York (36 points), both with matches later today.