2007 Week 18 Predictions

Could this be the weekend Beckham final takes the pitch in a MLS match? That is the focus of much of the media but it is far from the only story for the weekend as each match has its own little story. But before I get into that, if you do not have Direct Kick, they have just dropped the price for the remainder of the season to $49.

Columbus Crew (6-5-7) vs. Chicago Fire (5-8-4)
Saturday - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: HDNet
When last we saw the Crew in MLS play, they were returning to a form not seen since 2004 while Chicago has recently become a team to watch again. Both of these events seem to be due to a common element; the introduction of foreign talent. Schelotto have brought new life to the Crew while Blanco has given the Fire a leader on the pitch, which should give this match some fun. The Crew will need to force Blanco's hand in the midfield as he will kill you if given space. I'm still not convinced that the Fire are for real again, but this match could prove me wrong.
Predictions: Me CC 2-2 CF, Wife CC 1-3 CF

Colorado Rapids (4-8-6) vs. FC Dallas (9-6-3)
Saturday - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-min pre & post), FSE
When was the last time Colorado beat Dallas in Dallas during the regular season? With the Rapids riding a 9 game winless streak, nothing really points to this being the weekend to break this trend. Maybe they will catch FCD tired after their SuperLiga matches but more then likely, FCD will end the day with three more points.
Predictions: Me CR 1-3 FCD, Wife CR 0-3 FCD

Houston Dynamo (10-5-4) vs. Real Salt Lake (1-9-6)
Saturday - 9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Houston is by far the better team, but Real is bringing something together thanks to the help of Beckerman. Real might get lucky and find Houston looking past this game, but with the Dynamo being the best defensive team in the league and Real being the worse offensive side, it would take a lot of side glances for Houston to get nothing from this one.
Predictions: HD 3-0 RSL, Wife HD 2-0 RSL

DC United (7-6-3) vs. New England Revolution (9-3-6)
Sunday - 4pm ET/1pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
The Revolution is again looking the class of the East while DC is still trying to pull everything together. United looked good in their SuperLiga matches but they are still a weak road team. With NE playing a tight defense with offensive flair, I don't so how DC can pull off a win, but they might just get a draw. What would be really fun would be if they got that draw off a late unmarked Bobby Boswell goal from close range.
Predictions: Me DC 1-1 NE, Wife DC 1-2 NE

LA Galaxy (3-5-4) vs. Toronto FC (5-9-4)
Sunday - 7:30pm ET/ 4:30pm PT
TV: ESPN2, CBC, Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Everyone is wondering, will the injury keep the big man sidelined. Well it looks like it will as goalkeeper Greg Sutton is still out for Toronto. Joining him on the injury list is such main characters as Jeff Cunningham, Danny Dichio, Marvell Wynne and Ronnie O'Brien. With almost half of their starters out, Toronto is in bad shape, which is just what LA needs. The Galaxy has yet to record a win on the road this year but this match is just made for them. If it wasn't for the fake grass, I couldn't think of anything that would keep them down. By the by, the fake grass is probably the thing that will keep Beckham out for one more game.
Prediction: Me LA 2-0 TFC, Wife LA 2-1