2007 MLS Week 16 Predictions

There are four matches taking place this weekend, but the most anticipated game of all (LA-Chelsea) is not one of them. However, that doesn't mean that these four games are worthless, as they should provide a good look into the next few months of the league.

So here go the predictions:
Houston Dynamo (10-5-3) vs. New England Revolution (7-3-5)
Sunday - 4pm ET/1pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
This one is the battle of the defenses. Houston currently ranks number one in the goals allowed per game average while New England is third. Houston comes in with their almost 700-minute clean sheet streak intact, but they might just meet their undoing in the Revs. With both Taylor Twellman and Andy Dorman doing great at finding net (not to mention the great assist work of Steve Ralston), the Dynamo defense is going to be under consistent pressure. However, Houston does have some attack of their own that can come from just about anywhere. There will be some fun action on the pitch, but with two of the best keepers on the field, don't expect many goals.
Predictions: Me HD 1-1 NE, Wife HD 2-1 NE

Toronto FC (5-7-4) vs. Columbus Crew (5-5-7)
Sunday - 5pm ET/2pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Toronto has had a very good road trip (six points from five matches) and Columbus is their final stop. The Crew have had their own upswing recently as their midfield has started winning balls thus giving their forwards a chance while their defense went from giving up 16 goals in 7 matches to giving up just 5 goals in their last 6 outings. Both these teams could be dark horses in the east with the winner of this game getting the inside track. Look for lots of open play and a victory that is grinded out.
Predictions: Me TFC 2-3 CC, Wife TFC 0-1 CC

DC United (7-5-3) vs. New York Red Bulls (7-6-3)
Sunday - 5pm ET/2pm PT
TV: TeleFutura
Anytime DC and NY meet, it is going to be fun. Their meeting earlier this year started a shift in their fortunes as DC continued on a wonder run that took them from the bottom to the top of the table while New York began a slide that has people wondering if the Red Bulls of old are back. United has opened up their wing play of late but they have also reopened some defensive issues. New York will look to make something of that, however with Juan Pablo Angel out due to red and Jozy Altidore only just back from the US U-20 squad, it might have trouble finding it (Clint Mathis?).
Predictions: Me DC 3-1 NY, Wife DC 1-1 NY

Colorado Rapids (4-8-5) vs. Kansas City Wizards (7-5-4)
Sunday - 8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Colorado is just on the edge of falling into complete disaster territory while KC, who sit in second in the East, still have not convinced anyone that they are for real. The only bright spot for the Rapids has been their defense, which has only allowed six (out of 17) multi-goal games. If this club had any offense at all, they would not have a mere 17 points. KC should use the wide-open spaces Colorado likes to provide to open up their attack. The Colorado midfield will make a number of sloppy passes that the Wizards just need to get to. If they can send Eddie Johnson forward with some help, they will get the goals they need.
Predictions: Me CR 0-2 KC, Wife CR 2-1 KC