While the Crew enjoyed a week off from MLS play, much of the rest of the Eastern Conference was in action over the weekend.
Here is how the East's matchups shaped up in Week Five:
1. Montreal Impact - 12 pts. - Week Five: 2-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City
The Impact was handed its first loss of 2013 on Saturday in a 2-0 loss at Kansas City. Montreal will have two weeks to regroup for its next match, a visit from the Crew on April 13.
2. Houston Dynamo - 9 pts. - Week Five: 2-0 win vs. San Jose Earthquakes
The Dynamo extended its home-unbeaten streak to 34 matches as striker Will Bruin found the net for the first time in 2013. Dominic Kinnear's men go on the road to Portland next week against Timbers FC.
3. Sporting Kansas City - 8 pts. - Week Five: 2-0 win vs. Montreal Impact
In its most impressive showing so far in 2013, Sporting dismantled the unbeaten Impact at home. New acquisition Benny Feilhaber and current U.S. Men's National Team regular Graham Zusi will be a force to be reckoned with in their attacking midfield roles behind Designated Player Claudio Bieler and forward C.J. Sapong. Kansas City hosts D.C. United on Friday night.
4. Columbus Crew - 7 pts. - Week Five: Idle
The Crew welcomed an off week following last week's hard-fought victory at D.C. United. The Black & Gold host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
5. Philadelphia Union - 6 pts. - Week Five: 2-1 loss at New York Red Bulls
Despite losing 2-1 on the road to New York, the Union continues to show improvement from 2012. Brazilian midfielder Kléberson could make his MLS debut on Saturday against the Crew. The World Cup winner is expected to compliment Brian Carroll in the central midfield of John Hackworth's system.
6. New York Red Bulls - 5 pts. - Week Five: 2-1 win vs. Philadelphia Union
Mike Petke earned his first win as Head Coach while Thierry Henry returned from injury to lift the Red Bulls to victory with a deft left-footed finish in the 81st minute. New York travels to Chicago on Sunday to face the winless Fire.
7. Toronto FC - 4 pts. - Week Five: 2-2 draw vs. LA Galaxy
Robert Earnshaw continues to be one of the top pick-ups of the 2013 offseason, scoring his fourth goal in as many matches for the Reds. Luis Silva and Jonathan Osorio combined for a second goal for Toronto FC in the 78th minute, but Jose Villareal's stoppage time scissor kick equalizer left Ryan Nelsen's squad with just a point. Toronto FC will host red hot FC Dallas on Saturday.
8. D.C. United - 4 pts. - Week Five: Idle
United was idle in Week Five as it prepares for a Friday night clash in Kansas City this week.
9. New England Revolution - 4 pts. - Week Five: 1-0 loss vs. FC Dallas
The Revs seemed sure to at least earn a point on the weekend, but FC Dallas' 87th minute winner from Blas Pérez spelled doom for the home team. New England has this week off before heading to Seattle on April 13.
10. Chicago Fire - 1 pt. - Week Five: Idle
Even in a break from MLS play, the Fire struggled to find the net in a 1-0 friendly loss to Minnesota United FC of NASL. Chicago returns to League action on Sunday, hosting the New York Red Bulls.
