2007 Week 13 Predictions

Week 13 gives us a number of interesting MLS match-ups. We have the fight for Texas pride to decide first place in the West, the quest by the Crew to continue their good run and a chance for the Fire to finally get a win against a weak Rapids side. This weekend's action is not going to completely alter the framework of the season but it should seen us some messages about what is to come.

Houston Dynamo (7-5-1) vs. FC Dallas (8-6-1)
Saturday - 6pm ET/3pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30 min pre and post), FSE
With most of their starting lineup back, can the Dynamo continue their excellent run of form? Will Dallas, with all their injuries, be able to mount a sustained attack? These two teams come in as two of the hottest in the league as Dallas has won three of their last four while Houston is riding a great five game winning streak. Houston seems to be finding their flow, at long last, while Dallas has a chaotic charm to them. Their ability to sneak in just enough to get what is needed is amazing. This one will probably come down to one mistake.
Predictions: Me HD 1-1 FCD, Wife HD 0-1 FCD

New York Red Bulls (6-3-3) vs. Columbus Crew (3-4-6)
Saturday - 8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: HDNet, Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Will the Red Bulls backline show up? Can the Crew shock their way to three in a row? There is no doubt that New York has scoring potential as they lead the league (along with NE) in goals scored, however their defense has done them in of late. If they have fixed that issue in the last two weeks, the Crew stands very little chance.
Predictions: Me NY 2-1 CC, Wife NY 2-1 CC

New England Revolution (6-2-4) vs. Chivas USA (5-4-2)
Saturday - 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Will the Revs of last weekend show up for this game or will it be the team from their previous three matches? Can Chivas keep their home fortress intact? NE has disappointed a few by failing to take it to teams at home over the last few weeks, but they finally found their abilities against the worst road team in MLS, Toronto FC. The goats, on the other hand are not that great but find ways of dominating at home. Something just happens to their defense in LA as they have only allowed one goal in five home matches. However, with regular goalkeeper Brad Guzan away at the Copa America, things might prove trickier on their own end.
Predictions: Me NE 1-2 CV, Wife NE 0-1 CV

Colorado Rapids (4-6-3) vs. Chicago Fire (4-6-2)
Sunday - 7pm ET/4pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Will the Rapids be able to find anything to be proud about? If the Fire can't beat the Rapids, whom can they beat? Both these teams need a win and need it fast. Combined, they have lost seven of the eight games they played this month. The Rapids are just a spastic team that doesn't seem to be improving while the Fire can at least blame injuries for part of their woe. If irony was the rule, a tie would be in order, however I think a new coach will give Chicago a little something extra.
Prediction: Me CR 0-2 CF, Wife CR 0-2 CF

Toronto FC (4-7-1) vs. Kansas City Wizards (6-4-2)
Sunday - 8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Can TFC make something happen on the road? Will the Wizards finish balls? Toronto is not a road team, but Kansas City has had a recent problem with finishing chances. TFC has shown nothing that would suggest they could beat KC, but KC might do it for them. Just last week they outplayed Houston big time but the Dynamo walked out with a full three points. Still, the backline of Toronto is not as tough as Houston's so the Wizards should be able to get a few into the net.
Prediction: Me TFC 0-2 KC, Wife TFC 1-1 KC