2007 MLS Week 5 Predictions

The big question for week five is will the visitors continue to surprise the home sides like last weekend or will some normality return to the season?

Columbus Crew (1-0-3) vs. Kansas City Wizards (3-1-0)
Saturday - 1:00pm ET
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv

Both these sides should be happy with where they stand, however the Wizards are mainly there due to weak opposition. Kansas City looked great against DC in their opener, but fell flat the second week against difficult competition. With little to draw from their Toronto two-step, I'm still not sure they are for real. Remember last year they jumped out to a 4-1-1 start only to flop to a 10-14-8 final record. The Crew has a strong backline that force Eddie Johnson to prove if he is really back or not.
Predictions: Me CC 1-1 KC, Wife CC 1-2 KC


New York Red Bulls (3-0-1) vs. Real Salt Lake (0-2-2)
Saturday - 9:00pm ET
TV: HDnet

Real had a crazy week. With Jason Kreis off the pitch and on the sidelines, who knows what to expect from Real. There is an old saying about teams playing better their first game under a new coach, but will that hold true if the coach was a player on that team the week before? Kreis has had nowhere near enough time to make something happen, but I do expect Real will catch New York napping at some point and end their scoring drought. However, in the end the Bulls will win it. A little side note, it will be interesting to see how Clint Mathis does in his first return to Salt Lake as a Red Bull.
Predictions: Me NY 3-1, Wife NY 2-1


Houston Dynamo (1-2-1) vs. Colorado Rapids (2-1-1)
Saturday - 9:30pm ET
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (9pm pre game show plus 30 min post game), FSE

The big question on the night is can the Dynamo build off their defensive form and finally get some goals? I never would have thought that four games in, the Dynamo would have only one goal on the season (second worst in the league). A lot of their problems are due to poor midfield play. The good news is the talent is there and at some point it will reappear. The Rapids, on the other hand, look like a so-so team that is still trying for greatness. Tonight, I think we will see some excellent play that will result in Houston rediscovering their style.
Predictions: Me HD 2-1 CR, Wife HD 2-0 CR


Chivas USA (2-2-0) vs. DC United (0-3-1)
Sunday - 3:00pm ET
TV: TeleFutura

I didn't get a chance to write a recap of Thursday’s match between DC and New England, but if I had I would have said that United didn't earn the point. Even up a man, United couldn't find a way to break through the defense. I'm sure the DC fans are happy to finally have a point, but the team was still looking far from strong. Chivas is a seesaw side. One week they are looking brilliant and the next they are falling flat. The bad news is they look flat against decent teams and good against weak sides? The good news, United might just be a weak side. Chivas is a good benchmark team by which to judge the current state of DC and even though I still have a difficult time seeing it happen, I do think United will get their first win of the year.
Predictions: Me Chivas 1-2, Wife Chivas 0-3 DC


Chicago Fire (3-0-1) vs. New England Revolution (2-1-2)
Sunday - 5:00pm ET
TV: DK
Internet: MLStv

This game should be the best one of the weekend as the two clubs are in similar spots. They both are off to a good start thanks to strong goalkeeping and defense combined with the ability to get just enough goals to walk away with points. This one will not be a shootout, instead it will be decided on smart play. Chances are one goal will win this thing.
Predictions: Me CF 0-1 NE, Wife CF 3-2 NE