2007 Week 19 Predictions

The weekend of week 19 gives us just four matches yet somehow they might all end up defining at least one team involved. For a number of teams, they are reaching the point where they need to start making their run or else the playoffs will pass them by. But enough of the introductions, let us look at the games.

Columbus Crew (6-5-8) vs. FC Dallas (10-6-3)
Saturday - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-min pre&post), FSE
The Crew has been on a tear of late but they haven't really faced a test of FCD level on the road. The good news for the Crew, Dallas is a little banged up and will be missing Toja along with others due to injury. FCD has been lacking offense for a while now but without Toja, they have even less. Guillermo Barros Schelotto has the ability to own the midfield for Columbus and if he can make it happen in Dallas, the Crew should be in good shape.
Predictions: Me CC 1-0 FCD, Wife CC 1-2 FCD

Houston Dynamo (10-6-4) vs. Colorado Rapids (4-9-6)
Saturday - 9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: HDNet
Colorado hasn't won a game since May and they have only scored more then one goal once in their last 15 matches. So easy win for Houston. Not so fast, the Dynamo has a huge SuperLiga game on Tuesday and looked less then thrilling last week against Salt Lake. Still, with Pat Onstad still rocking between the posts and their offense is looking a bit more fluid plus they have had their first full week off since mid June. All of this should allow the Dynamo to get an early goal or two and send the Rapids down again.
Predictions: Me HD 3-0 CR, Wife HD 2-0 CR

Toronto FC (5-9-5) vs. New York Red Bulls (8-7-3)
Sunday - 5pm ET/2pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
This is almost a must win for both clubs. TFC is still hurting from injuries and is a weak team on the road, but if they want to move towards a playoff spot, this is the week to do it. The Bulls have been off for most of a month, which has given them time to heal. With Juan Pablo Angel, Jozy Altidore, Claudio Reyna and Clint Mathis ready to make some noise, it is looking like a great day for New York and the Reds need a win. The East is starting to walk away from the bulls and if they want to keep up, they must beat Toronto.
Predictions: Me TFC 1-2 NY, Wife TFC 0-2 NY

Los Angeles Galaxy (3-6-5) vs. New England Revolution (9-4-6)
Sunday - 7pm ET/4pm PT
TV: Galavision (Spanish)
LA before Beckham took the pitch against DC was worthless, but when he stepped onto the field, the tide changed. But one player alone cannot save a team. If he can get some help from Donovan, Gray and others, plus have a standout game from Cannon, they will have a great chance of leaving NE with a full three points, which is really their minimum need. With their number of games in hand slipping away, this might just be the game that decides their post season. No win means no additional games. The Revs just need to refocus and hope that the US Open Cup on Wednesday didn't bleed them.
Predictions: Me LA 2-1 NE, Wife LA 0-1 NE