2007 'Western' Conference Championship - KC vs. Houston

Kansas City Wizards vs. Houston Dynamo
Saturday - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30 min pre&post), FSE, HDNet

So if the Wizards pull off the upset, they will be the champions of a conference to which they do not belong. That would make for an interesting footnote in the MLS story.

Can the Dynamo make 2007 a 2006 repeat? All they need to do is get past an uneven Wizards side to make it all come true, but that could prove harder then it looks.

The Wizards will need Eddie Johnson at full steam if they want to make it happen in Houston. Scott Sealy is a dangerous attacker, but having just one player causing pain for the Houston defense is not going to be enough. Johnson looked lively at Chivas last week, but he was much better at putting the ball over the crossbar then under it.

The Dynamo need to keep the momentum from their thrilling victory last Saturday going. Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosario will be important as always, but if they really want to take it to KC, they will need the midfield to shut down the Wizards quick counters and they will need their defense to not give up a goal off a sloppy event in the box (something they do a bit too often).

Much like the New England in their match, Houston has players everywhere that can strike at goal while KC, like Chicago, are limited. Also, Houston has home pitch advantage and is not suffering from injury woes like Chivas, meaning this one will be theirs to lose. In the end, it will be a harder struggle then most expect, but Houston will move on to the finals.

Prediction: Me: KC 0-2 HD, Wife: KC 1-2 HD

2007 Eastern Conference Championship - Chicago vs. New England

Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: ESPN2

Tonight decides who will represent the Eastern Conference in MLS Cup 2007. Will it be the hard charging, Blanco fueled, giant killers Chicago Fire or the always dependable, Matt Reis backed New England Revolution?

Without a doubt, Chicago has had a good run of form over the last couple months, but it really has not been as impressive as it sounds. Yes, they have not lost in their last 10 league matches, however, six of those games ended in ties and they scored one goal or less in seven of them. It makes for a good record but when you are in a must win situation, it doesn't hold up as well.

The Revolution have had a bit of a bumpier ride in terms of results and they looked a little soft against New York in the first round, but overall, they hold a number of key advantages. First, they are playing on turf in their own house. Second, they have a goalkeeper who is getting close to top form. Third, they have multiple scoring options. Fourth, unlike DC, injuries are not hurting a number of key players.

All of these will make Chicago's job extremely difficult, but there biggest issue is the same one they have had all year, failure to score. The Fire have the fewest goals of any playoff team (31) and are second worse when compared to the league as a whole (TFC holds the bottom spot at 25). This lack of attack, especially up against a keeper like Matt Reis, is what will doom them.

On the other side of things, the Revs have one of the most productive offensives in the league and with seven of their regular starters having two or more goals, this productivity is not limited to one area. This will force Chicago to pull players back behind the ball, meaning they will again be counting on break aways and counter attacks to see them through this match.

A very telling thing to look at concerning the Fire is the way they played in the first leg of the DC series. When they went up a goal, they said that they were going to push it in order to get a second. But what happened? The team didn't know how to push forward and instead they wasted the clock and helm off a limping United. So even when they decided to push forward, they could not.

Without a doubt Blanco will play a major role in Chicago's night, but which Blanco will it be? Will it be the Blanco from the first leg who gave away the ball over 40 times or the Blanco of the second leg who was placing the balls were needed and catching the United defense cheating? But the center of attention might not be the most important person to watch as the Fire will need Chad Barrett and Chris Rolfe roaming into the final third regularly if they hope to beat Reis.

The Revs will call on one of the best midfields in the league to dictate this game. Steve Ralston and Andy Dorman have made trouble for their opposition all season with Jeff Larentowicz and Khano Smith adding a great fight to the center. On defense, Michael Parkhurst has been making a case for international duty with his 'defend hard, defend everywhere' style while Jay Heaps likes to get involved when numbers are needed. Combine all this will Pat Noonan and Taylor Twellman and you have all the makings of a whooping.

Chciago might be able to hold off that whooping due to their strong defensive work, however that normally is the result of keeping 10-players behind the ball, meaning that if they go down to the Revs, their style will open up as they push forward, resulting in more possible chances for New England.

Predictions:
Me: CF 0-2 NE
Wife : CF 2-1 NE
But the wife did not stop there, she predicts that NE will go up a goal in the first half hour, Chicago will tie it just a few minutes after halftime and get the winner sometime between the 82-86'. Specific enough for you?

2007 MLS Playoffs - Round 1 Leg 2 Preview - Are you ready for some Friday night action?

Will last night be an omen for what is to come this weekend or will Chicago be the irregular that makes it on? Every match has something worth watching, but sadly the best two will be the hardest to find. I really think the FCD-Houston match is going to be something classic, while the KC-Chivas game will be shocking in the end.

FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo
FCD up 1-0 on aggregate
Friday - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv

Friday nights in Texas are all about football, so it is only fitting that the second match of this series is tonight. Dallas comes into the game up a lucky goal while Houston is fumbling on offense. The good news for the Dynamo, overall, they looked better last Saturday in Frisco then FCD did. However, the good news for Dallas, the score is what matters.

FCD will probably go with Ruiz and Cooper up top, which really didn't produce anything last week. Ruiz, as always, will play for the foul, but he is ridding a yellow and if his team does get out of Houston alive, they are going to need him next week. Will this mean that the little fish will alter his ways at all? I doubt it. Cooper needs to push himself into the box. The Dynamo kept forcing him out wide last week, which isn't horrible as he can center some good balls, but it means his size becomes a minor factor. Also, Dallas really wasn't getting anyone into position to do anything with the centering passes.

But the big question for me is can Dallas get something out of their midfield? With the exception of a couple plays by Adrian Serioux, their middle suffered. If Juan Toja can return to early season form and start placing good passes that open up the attack, they have a great chance of finally getting a win in Houston, but short of that, it is going to be a tough night.

With FCD's problems, Houston should be able to spring attacks. With Dwayne De Rosario, Brian Mullan and Richard Mulrooney clicking, the middle of the park should be theirs, but will Ching, Jaqua or Ngwenya be able to do anything with it? The lack of quality finishing is the only reason the Dynamo are down in the series. As his playoff history shows, Ching can explode at any moment, but it does seem that his injury from August is still hurting his game. However, he likes big games so I think he will find the next at least once.

This game really should be outstanding. Expect a really strong, vocal crowd and an intensity level that will make soccer fans proud (by the way, if you live in the area, the game will not be on local TV, so to see it you will need to be there).

Prediction: Me FCD 1-2 HD (HD wins series on pks), Wife FCD 0-2 HD (HD wins series 2-1)


New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution
Series tied 0-0
Saturday - 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-min pre & post), FSE

So the playoff team with worse road record has to go to New England and win to advance. That should tip the balance in the Revs direction right off the bat. Much like Houston, the Red Bulls had their chances in the first leg, but they did not finish. Angel and Francis Doe should have got something from all the work Claudio Reyna was doing in the middle, but it did not happen.

The Revs say they are confident and they should be. Michael Parkhurst is doing wonderful work in the back, Steve Ralston and Shalrie Joseph own things in the middle and Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan offer good options up top. If it wasn't for a bit of a slip in form for goaltender Matt Reis, there really wouldn't be much to talk about, and that's why Angel and Altidore need to expose.

New England is a quality side, but they depend a lot on the skill of their keeper. In the regular season he made 120 saves off 169 shots, meaning he made the second most saves off of the third most shots in the league (by the way, none of the other teams that had this many shots or saves made the playoffs). So even if he is just a tad off his game, the Revs are in danger.

For the Revs to keep the Eastern Conference final from being a #3 versus #4 affair, they will need to limit that chances the Bulls have. If they can do this, they have enough talent at the top get the win.

Prediction: Me NY 0-1 NE (NE wins series), Wife NY 1-2 NE (NE wins series)


Kansas City Wizards vs. Chivas USA
KC leads 1-0 on aggregate
Saturday - 10:30pm ET/7:30pm PT
TV: HDnet, Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv

First the good news for Kansas City. They are the only team that owned a game in Los Angeles this year against Chivas. They controlled the pass, had the better opportunities and frustrated the goats. The bad news, they still lost the match 2-1.

With Maykel Galindo and Ante Razov still either out or less then 100% for Chivas, the Wizards defense should again be able to dictate the pace of the match. With a goal, KC all but has the series, so they will need Eddie Johnson (who might be playing his final MLS match) to actually get involved in the game and Scott Sealy needs to work on staying on sides and his movement in the box. Brad Guzan is a fantastic net minder, so they will need to either catch him with a quick dump pass in front of goal or create a mess in the box and hope for the best.

Chivas has their own offensive worries as they have only scored one goal in their last four games (which matches Razov's injury). Sacha Kljestan and Jesse Marsch can make trouble, but overall, they have no solid strikers for this match. Jonathan Bornstein should help control things in the back, but with nothing to really push the game, the Wizards have a golden opportunity to knock off the second number one seed of the playoffs.

Predictions: Me KC 1-0 Chivas (KC wins series 2-0), Wife KC 0-1 CV (Chivas wins series on pks)


By the way, I am now taking bribes to predict that a team will win. I do this because I have been incorrect about every game for the last two weeks. If you want your opposition to lose, just bribe me and I'll pick them to win.

One last thought, what happens if FCD, NY and KC win this weekend? If all four top seeds are knocked out in the first round, will MLS finally change the playoff format to actually give top seeds an advantage in the first round or will they point to it as proof that the playoffs are the most exciting time of the year?

Thursday Night Soccer – Chicago vs. DC - Can United finally beat the Fire?

Chicago Fire vs. DC United
7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: ESPN2
Chicago leads 1-0 on aggregate

So it comes down to this. Will it be a repeat of 2005 when the Fire came to DC the underdogs and walked out with four goals and some of Christian Gomez's spit or will United finally find a way to put out the fire (I promise, this is my only fire pun) in the playoffs?

There are some big differences between the clubs that meet today and those that meet in 2005 with the biggest being scoring ability of the Fire. Back in those lazy days of two years ago, Chicago were much more of an offensive team averaging 1.5 goals per match while this year, they pop in at just a hair over 1 goal per game. The only thing that kept Chicago from being a wash was the ability to defend, where they were second best in the East. The problem for them, the number one defending and scoring team in the East was DC.

United is going to come out expecting Chicago to play a bunker style match because the Fire really does not have any other option. They tried to push the offense in the first leg, but they feel flat thanks to horrible control in the midfield and there is nothing from their season that suggests this will change tonight.

This should give Fred lots of room to move and try to free up Emilio and Moreno, but to fully counter the Chicago wall, they will need to call on Ben Olsen, Bryan Namoff, Bobby Boswell and others to create messes in the final third that might open up the space needed to place one into the net. The problem for Chicago is if one goes in, it will not be the only one.

If United tie of the series score, especially if they do it early, they will not sit back and wait for penalties. They will find the errors and Chicago will go home. One last thing, don't be surprised if the Fire give up a goal after the 80th minute as they have done so on many occasions.

Predictions: Me DC 2-0 CF, Wife DC 2-1 CF (DC on pks)

Thursday Night Soccer - DC vs. Chicago - Let the playoffs begin

DC United vs. Chicago Fire
8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: ESPN2

As I said in my playoff preview, this should be a real fun series. United will be looking to break the Chicago curse while the Fire will be hoping Blanco can find a way to get them a couple goals in a match. The Fire are on a 8-game unbeaten streak while DC have not won a match in their last four, but the playoffs change everything.

Still, a lot of this match will be determined by the injuries United suffered last weekend versus Columbus. If Moreno and Emilio are doing all right, tonight will not be that bad. However if either is really hurting (especially Emilio), it might be a really bad first leg for United.

Predictions: Me DC 1-1 CF, Wife DC 1-0 CF

2007 MLS Playoff preview

The 2007 playoffs kickoff tonight in Chicago as the Fire play host to Supporters' Shield winning DC United. Now instead of just focusing on this one game, which should be a good one, I thought I would give my overall view of the playoffs including a prediction on how things will play out.

East
DC United vs. Chicago Fire
(25 Oct 8:30pm ET, ESPN2 & 1 Nov 7:30pm ET, ESPN2)
There is no other team that strikes as much playoff fear into United fans hearts as Chicago. The teams have meet three times in the post season and the Fire have won them all (including the MLS Cup in 1998). In fact, till New England beat DC in last year's conference championship, the Fire were the only club to ever knock United out of the playoffs. With that kind of voodoo going on, Chicago should feel good these days.

However, this year's version of the Fire is suffering from a big problem that could end their streak in that they can't score goals. Amazingly, Chicago has either failed to score only managed to find the net once in 22 of their 30 league matches this year. Traditionally the playoffs are a lower scoring affair then the regular season, but not so low that you do not need offensive strikes. Unless the Fire can find a contact guy up top (Calen Carr could be a surprise in this role), their 1.0333 goals per game average will not be enough to get past United and Emilio.

DC had a bad final run of the regular season and still can fail to use the wings to their fullest, but this is a team that is smart on defense and good in tight situations. Add to it the experience that the wonderful form of Troy Perkins in goal, and they have everything you need for a win.

In the end, this might just be the best series in the first round. Chicago will keep it close with Blanco adding something special to the mix (I am very much looking forward to Blanco in a high-pressure match), but in the end DC will get what they need to advance.

Predictions: Me - DC (combined score of two games) DC 4-2 CF, Wife DC 3-1 CF


New England Revolution vs. New York Red Bulls
(27 Oct 7:30pm ET, FSC, FSE & 3 Nov 7:30pm ET, FSC, FSE)
This one doesn't have the history of DC-Chicago but it is still bound to be interesting to watch. One of the undercurrents that I think should be fun to watch is the Altidore-Twellman match up. Okay, they will not be covering each other, but it would seem that these two are about to pass one another on the US national team roster (with Altidore going in the good direction). If Jozy can come up big this year like he did last year and if Twellman doesn't show so well (which is pretty normal in the playoffs), it could be the final bit of convincing Bob Bradley needs to call the younger into camp.

From the look of it, Jozy has a number of things going his way with the biggest being Angel. One of the things that makes Juan Pablo so great his is ability to open space for other players by pulling the defense towards him. The Revs have a good backline but they have slipped up a number of times of late and with Matt Reis off a step between the posts, Jozy should get some great chances.

However, the Red Bulls still suffer from an on/off midfield. With Reyna questionable, who knows what could happen especially with Shalrie Joseph and Steve Ralston working things for NE.

In the end, New England will win this as they win most non-MLS Cup post-season games.

Predictions: Me NE 5-3 NY, Wife NE 2-3 NY


West
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City Wizards
(27 Oct 8pm ET, HDNet, DK, MLStv & 3 Nov 10:30pm ET, HDNet, DK, MLStv)
KC, welcome to the Western Conference, here is one of the most creative and talented teams to play against, best of luck.

On paper, this one should not be close, but I have a funny feeling about this. Maybe it has something to do with the top team from the West getting knocked out in the first round for the past two years or maybe it has a lot to do with the injury to Ante Razov, but I think Kansas City might shock with this one.

The last few weeks, the goats have been less then their best with Sacha Kljestan having to lift a lot. I have little doubt that Sacha will continue to do well, but I don't think he has the team around him to hold off a hard charging team. I know, they managed to keep Houston under wrap for 50-minutes down a man, but I think the Wizards will find a way.

My reason for this has a bit to do with the play of Scott Sealy, but even more to do with their matches this year. KC took the one at home and almost tied on the road except that Razov got an injury-time goal. The Wizards actually out played Chivas in that match but luck went against them. If that luck happens to be on the bench for this series, I would not be shocked if KC made it through.

As odd as it seems, I think the Wizards will pull this one out.
Predictions: Me CV 3-3 KC (KC advances on pks), Wife CV 4-1 KC


Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas
(27 Oct, 8:30pm ET, DK, MLStv & 2 Nov 8:30pm ET, DK, MLStv)
So will this series be a grudge match or a blow out? If it goes the grudge match route, FC Dallas stands a much better chance of finally topping their intra-state rival.

Carlos Ruiz will be looking forward to this one, but less face it, other then his ability to get Ricardo Clark kicked out for the rest of the season, he has not done much of note. In fact, Dallas is painfully lacking in their attack, which will present a major problem against the best defense in the league. Kenny Cooper is looking better, but he still fails to get into the middle of things, thus limiting the influence his size could have on his game. Abe Thompson might be an alternative or maybe the always fun to watch Arturo Alvarez, but in the end, I just don't think they have the guns to take the series, especially when they face Pat Onstad in goal.

Houston has had their own issue with scoring but Ching is looking better, while Dwayne De Rosario seems to be coming out of his funk. Throw in Joseph Ngwenya and a sneaky Stuart Holden and there should be enough for Houston.

Predictions: Me HD 3-1 FCD, Wife HD 3-0 FCD


So why not predict a little further.
Conference finals:
Me: DC 2-1 NE, HD 1-0 KC
Wife: DC 3-2 NY, CV 2-0 HD

MLS Cup:
Me: DC 3-1 HD
Wife: DC 1-2 CV

2007 Week 29 Predictions

The final weekend of play and four of the six matches have something riding on them. This is both a fun aspect of the US game and an annoying one. It is always interesting when teams are still playing for something at the end but it is also annoying when you realize that only three of the 13 teams are out of the playoffs this late in the game. But the good news, one of those four meaningful games is not for a playoff spot but for the top of the conference.

Columbus Crew (34pts) vs. DC United (55pts)
7:30pm ET/4:30 pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
The Crew are already out of the playoffs and United have won the Supporters' Shield so neither of them have much to play for. Still, United has looked a bit soft of late so they need to use this game as a warm up for whoever awaits them next week. For the Crew, this season was not one to remember but beating United on the final day would at least give them a big splash at the end. Plus, this could be Sigi Schmid's final game in charge.
Predictions: Me CC 1-2 DC, Wife CC 0-3 DC

Kansas City Wizards (37pts) vs. FC Dallas (44pts)
8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
KC holds their future in their own hands as a win will grant them at least two extra games, but this being the Wizards, I'm guessing it will not happen. They don't really have much offense and even though Dallas is a mismatch at every position, the amount of time KC usually give their opposition should be enough for Dallas to make something out of it.
Predictions: Me KC 0-1 FCD, Wife KC 1-2 FCD

Real Salt Lake (24pts) vs. Colorado Rapids (35pts)
9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Eddie Pope's wonderful soccer career comes to an end tonight. Hard to believe the man the one the first MLS Cup is hanging it all up. He is an amazing person and hopefully one that will inspire those who are just now coming into their own. Aside from Pope, Real have a lot to play for tonight as they have a chance (with a win) to not be the worst team in MLS. In addition, they could knock the Rapids out of the playoffs if they can keep Colorado from getting out with more then a tie. It will be interesting to see how the Rapids play this match as they normally just play boring soccer while waiting for an opportunity to present itself, however since they need a win, they might actually have to attack.
Predictions: Me RSL 2-2 CR, Wife RSL 1-3 CR

Houston Dynamo (51pts) vs. Chivas USA (52pts)
10:30pm ET/7:30pm ET
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-min pre & post), FSE
This should be the best game of the weekend. Houston needs a win to take the West and earn home field advantage in the conference final. Chivas has only lost once all season at home but it was last week to a 10-man Colorado side. With Ante Razov out for Chivas, their attack has taken a big hit. In fact, their overall possession game is not looking like it once did, which will provide Houston with some room. However, the Dynamo are missing a proven center back, which, along with the hole still being caused by Ricardo Clark's suspension, could damage their push. Unless someone goes up by three early, look for a full 90-minute experience with this one. One final note, could this be the game that decides who wins goalkeeper of the year? Brad Guzan is fun to watch but Pat Onstad is the old pro. I'm really looking forward to this match.
Predictions: Me HD 2-1 CV, Wife HD 0-2 CV

Beckham Galaxy (34pts) vs. Blanco Fire (37pts)
Sunday - 3pm ET/12pm PT
TV: Telefutura
At this moment, this game is a major playoff showdown, but if Colorado and Kansas City win, it will not be worth so much to LA. Oh, have you heard that Beckham and Blanco will face off in this one? Seems like MLS would want to promote that somewhere. Anyway, LA have the best current run in MLS which is amazing since they are only playing average ball. Meanwhile the Fire are giving us some fun games but are killing themselves by not making anything of their chances and allowing in late goals. With the Galaxy still having a horrible time passing the ball and clearing the ball out of the final third, Chicago should have the needed chances to put the game away. That is why I suspect that LA will win. It just seems like Chicago will blow their chances and LA will sneak in a couple.
Predictions: LA 3-1 CF, Wife LA 1-1 CF

So here are our predictions for the teams that will make the playoffs this weekend:
Me: Chicago and LA with Houston winning the West
Wife: Rapids and Chicago with Chivas winning the West

Thursday Night Soccer - Chivas vs. Dallas - Mullet night

Chivas USA (51pts) vs. FC Dallas (43pts)
9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: ESPN 2

Both teams have their playoff spots, but there is still a lot to be decided on the pitch. With a win, Chivas will tie DC in the race for the Supporters' Shield and all but clinch the West while Dallas can still needs these points if they hope to have 'home field advantage' in the first round against Houston.

So far this season, the teams have each won a game against each other 2-0 (by the way, the match in Dallas on 4 July is one of only two league games where Chivas did not score a goal), so either team could take this one. Chivas has looked a little less then their roaring self of late, but they have still stayed strong enough to earn points. Dallas was a repeating disaster until this past Saturday in Columbus where Denilson final showed some life while Abe Thompson had a hallmark kind of night. So what teams will arrive on the pitch today?

Chivas has been winning games by staying calm and playing the full field. Combine this with some fantastic goalkeeping by Brad Guzan and you have a team that looks good for a cup. Meanwhile Dallas did improve over the weekend, however, they have not beaten a team with a winning record (at least at the time) since they took Chivas down on the fourth of July. So Dallas has survived by eating the minnows while Chivas has been taking bites out of anyone who comes near them. Because of this, it looks like Chivas will win the night. However, one thing that could upset this is Ray Burse in goal for FCD. Dario Sala is a good keeper, but Burse seems to have been reactions and hasn't really let in any cheap shots. A hot net minder can change everything about a team, so if he is in goal, I think Dallas has a better chance.

Predictions: Me Chivas 3-1 FCD, Wife Chivas 2-0 FCD

PS - A little warning, expect to hear a lot about Toja's mullet from the ESPN crew as the first 5,000 fans will receive a free Toja wig. To see the wigs in action, watch the video:

2007 Week 27 Predictions

With only three weeks remaining in the season, this weekend should finally start answering some questions involving playoff spots and the Supporters' Shield. Then again, if things go the way they normally do for MLS, the weekend will end up asking more questions then it answers.

DC United (53pts) - KC Wizards (36pts)
Friday - 8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: Direct Kick, MLStv
United returns to league play after learning that playing a 90-minute defensive game in Mexico is not the best of ideas. Will United walk in tired and distracted or will they exploit the rather laxed attack of the Wizards to all but take the Supporters' Shield back to the capitol? KC will be without Davy Arnaud and Jimmy Conrad, so there is going to be a lot of space for Fred to exploit. Look for some still play during the first half with United getting the win in the end.
Prediction: Me DC 1-0 KC, Wife DC 3-1 KC

FC Dallas (40pts) vs. Columbus Crew (31pts)
Saturday - 7:30pm ET/ 4:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer (30-min pre & post), FSE
Dallas really has nothing to play for in this game as they will not be winning the West and there is no chance of them dropping out of the third playoff spot in the conference, so the pressure is off. This should give the team the chance to relax and try and get something, anything out of their midfield, but don't count on it. The Crew, on the other hand, are playing for everything. The only chance they have of extending their season is a win in this match. With games remaining on the road against New England and DC, the Crew must get points here or it all ends for them. So what will happen? The Crew will end up with a tie after letting in a late FCD goal.
Predictions: Me FCD 1-1 CC, Wife FCD 0-2 CC

New England Revolution (49pts) vs. Chicago Fire (33pts)
Saturday - 8:30pm ET/ 5:30pm PT
TV: Direct Kick, MLStv
Both teams need these point to keep a dream alive. The Revs still hold out hope for a late sprint towards the Supporters' Shield while Chicago needs the points to put some distance on Columbus and, to a lesser degree, Colorado. New England does not play very exciting soccer, but they are good at what they do. The Revs know how to pick teams apart, even when they don't own the ball (for more see FC Dallas: 2007 US Open Cup final) and the Fire give them a lot to pick at. With Chicago's coach out due to a red card, I don't know if the side will have enough to hold things together without some guidance from the sidelines. Chicago will have chances, but they never seem to finish them, unlike the Revs.
Predictions: Me NE 2-1 CF, Wife NE 1-0 CF

Chivas USA (48 pts) vs. Real Salt Lake (24pts)
Saturday - 9pm ET/ 6pm PT
TV: Direct Kick, MLStv, HDNet (10pm)
Chivas has a chance to take the West, which would give them a major advantage home pitch advantage if they reach the semifinals. Real, they just want to score against the goats once this year. Chivas looked like the team to take on DC till about two weeks ago when they started slowing down. Their passes were not connecting, they were not as tight on defense and they didn't finish balls. Real has been heading in the other direction, but they are still not getting the win. There is nothing to suggest that Real can win this one, but I think Chivas is going to have a difficult time on the turf, which will give RSL the little something to get a little something.
Predications: Me CV 1-1 RSL, Wife CV 2-0 RSL

Los Angeles Galaxy (27pts) vs. Houston Dynamo (48pts)
Sunday - 3pm ET/ 12pm PT
TV: TeleFutura
What little hope LA has of sneaking into the playoffs could come to an end with this game. Meanwhile, Houston does not want to end up facing Chivas in the semifinals on the road, so they will need full points from this one to keep in the race for top of the West. Added little twist for the Dynamo, this starts their 'no Clark' run. Can Richard Mulrooney make Clark's spot his own and deliver in a key moment? Will Donovan continue to show some signs of resurrection? Will Chris Klein and Cobi Jones stay hot? Can Dwayne De Rosario make it two strong games in a row? My guess is Houston comes out quick but that LA responds often.
Predictions: Me LA 2-3 HD, Wife LA 0-3 HD

Toronto FC (24pts) vs. Colorado Rapids (29pts)
Sunday - 8pm ET/ 5pm PT
TV: Direct Kick, MLStv
What to say about this one? Colorado is playing some of the most boring and least productive soccer in the whole league while TFC is just not productive. Toronto got a much-needed victory last night, but I don't think that will carry over to the road. The Rapids will do their usual 'non-attack' attacking style that will open up holes for Edu and Marvell Wynne to push through, but I can't see them force it through. All this means a tie is very likely and Colorado will remain within reach of a playoff spot.
Predictions: Me TFC 0-0 CR, Wife TFC 0-1 CR

Thursday Night Soccer - Chicago vs. Dallas - Blanco to let it all hang out

Chicago Fire (8-10-6) vs. FC Dallas (12-9-3)
8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: ESPN2
All eyes will be on Cuauhtemoc Blanco tonight as ESPN brings back their Beckham cam, but with a Mexican flare. For the full 90-minutes, there will be a camera trained on Blanco as he looks to give Chicago their first victory in Dallas since Independence Day 1999. What a dry spell it has been.

In addition, the Brimstone Cup is back up for grabs with the Fire needing a victory to keep FCD from claiming it. But the bigger prize both teams will be looking for is playoff positioning. It would take a major train wreck to keep FCD out of the post season, but his game is still mighty important because if they drop it, their chances of taking the West are all but gone, which could easily mean a third place finish. Then again, this might be for the best because there would be next to no way they could face Colorado in the first round.

The Fire sit in the final playoff spot by just a point, but with one game (this one) in hand. So this is their chance to start closing that door. Anything less then a full three points give Colorado and Columbus hope, which the Fire don't want to see happen.

So what needs to be done? Simple, the Fire need to find someone to finish things. Blanco has been doing a lot of the lifting, but he needs a good target. Paulo Wanchope has moments and Calen Carr has energy, but neither one of them have the kill in them. Because of this, there should be a lot of long-range shots, which might work out for the Fire since Dario Sala is having trouble in goal for Dallas.

FCD has a DP of their own in Denilson, but he has yet to take a major role in the team (not a surprise since he hasn't even been with them a month), but this could be his night. The Fire have a good defense, but they do miss marks and can be surprised on counters or surprise play. If Denilson uses some of his better ball work, he could send them in the wrong direction and open things up. Still, he will need another player to step up to take some of the heat. Carlos Ruiz should be that player, but even though he looked solid on Saturday, he has still been off for the season.

There is another possibility for Dallas in the form of Toja, but even if he does see minutes, he is just getting off the injury list so it might not be as strong as it could be.

Overall, both these teams suffer from a lack of goal scoring and, at times, very sloppy defense. Odds are there will be a lot of build up with very little pay off, but one goal will not be enough to win it. The Fire need this game more so look for them to come out pushing early (hoping to catch Dallas sleeping in the first 15-minutes). If no goal comes of that, it will be a long slog.

Predictions: Me CF 1-1 FCD, Wife CF 1-2 FCD

Thursday Night Soccer - The final battle for LA

Los Angeles Galaxy (17pts) vs. Chivas USA (40pts)
11pm ET/8pm PT
TV: ESPN2

So this is officially the night that the LA Galaxy live or die in 2007. The reality of the matter is that no matter what happens in this outing, LA is not going to reach the playoffs, however they could still keep from being an embarrassment. For Chivas, a win tonight puts them at the top of the West and since they have a very favorable schedule remaining, makes it next to impossible to imagine them not taking the conference. Needless to say, this derby has an even more behind it then normal.

The Galaxy come into the game having played their best match all season on Saturday. The most amazing part of their last outing was the way they flowed through the midfield. This fluidness allowed for quick attacks by sneaking players behind the Rapids lines, however Chivas has a much stronger backline, so it will not be as easy tonight. Still the big problem remains, LA's defense is weak and that is where the goats will hack away at them.

At the start of the season, Chivas needed dozen of chances before they made anything happen but now they seldom waste anything. This means LA will need to keep Galindo in check and get numbers back fast. This is not something the Galaxy has done much of so far this season.

So what will happen? LA will come out fast but Chivas will get them on a counter-attack. From there, things will unravel unless, Landon Donovan can finally pull out something big. Chris Klein and Peter Vagenas will be strong, but without an added bit in the attack, Sacha Kljestan and Maykel Galindo will shred them up.

Predictions: Me LA 1-4 CV, Wife LA 0-2 CV

2007 Week 22 Quick Labor Day Predictions

The final weekend of summer is here and it gives us a slate of five quality MLS matches.

Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls
Sat - 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
The Fire are playing some of the best ball in the league at the moment thanks to the work of Blanco but can he do it on turf? New York does well when rested but they will need another great night from Jozy Altidore to take this one.
Predictions: Me CF 2-1 NY, Wife CF 1-2 NY

DC United vs. FC Dallas
Sat - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
Will Denilson get his first MLS minutes tonight and will it be what FCD needs to finally become a killer team? Toja is close to being back from injury, but probably will not see much (if any) time in this one. United is playing up to their standard of late so expect this one to be a great one.
Predictions: Me DC 3-1 FCD, Wife DC 1-0 FCD

KC Wizards vs. Houston Dynamo
Sat - 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30min pre & post)
Both of these teams come limping into this one however KC's limp is much more noticeable. Houston is having problems scoring due in part to injuries. With Ching, Davis, Dalglish and Holden likely out, their bench will be stretched. The Wizards, however, have cratered of late, as they often do late in the season. They have also failed to get goals or really defend. The defeat on Wednesday to Real will probably leave them a little tired both physically and mentally so Houston should be able to run them.
Predictions: Me KC 0-2 HD, Wife KC 0-1 HD

Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy
Sat - 10pm ET/7pm PT
The battle fore worst in the league takes place in LA. Real enter this one on a winning streak while LA can barely make it to the pitch with enough players. It is an open secret that LA's season is over so now the question is just how bad will it end up being? If they lose to Real, the only answer to this will be total devastation. Sadly, I think Real and their new trio of imports will prove too much for their hurting defense.
Predictions: RSL 1-0 LA, Wife RSL 0-2 LA

Colorado Rapids vs. Columbus Crew
Sun - 3pm ET/12pm PT
This might just be the biggest match up of the weekend as these are two of the three clubs fighting for the final playoff spot. The Rapids have actually been playing strong of late while the Crew have cooled. However, I'm still not convinced that Colorado's recent run doesn't have more to do with poor outings by other sides then their own improvement so I think Columbus will take this one at home.
Predictions: Me CR 0-2 CC, Wife CR 1-2 CC

Thursday Night Soccer - LA vs. Chivas - No matter what happens, Jaime Moreno is still king

Chivas USA (9-6-3) vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (3-8-5)
10pm ET/7pm PT
TV: ESPN 2

The Super Clasico comes to ESPN2 tonight as the teams from LA fight for city pride (but will Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa cheer for his beloved Chivas side or will he wear the Beckham jersey?). In the past, this series has not been so super, however this year things are looking a little different.

The goats, after getting laughed at for the first two seasons of this series now have a good chance of changing things. LA comes into the game hurt and in bad form. They have not won a league match since July 4, and even though their play has picked up since Beckham took the pitch, they are still a low level squad. With both Donovan and Beckham fresh off the plane from Europe, who knows where the Galaxy will turn to jump-start their attack.

Chivas is the quiet team with no real big names that is lurking. With their improved finishing skills and road play starting to look like their outstanding home play, the goats stand an excellent chance of being the out-of-nowhere club for 2007. As far as this match, if Chivas can beat LA, they pretty much kill off the Galaxy's playoff hopes. How sweat would that be for the club?

So what is going to happen? If history is to be a guide, LA will find a way to top their neighbors. Chivas is perfect at homes with the exception of one tie. LA got that tie.
Predictions: Me LA 2-0 CV, Wife LA 3-1 CV

One last note, a big congratulations to DC United's Jaime Moreno for getting his 109th goal last night against New York. It is fantastic that such a classy player holds the record for most goals in MLS play. His playing days might be coming to an end, but he is still fun to watch.

2007 Week 20 Predictions

After about a month without a full slate, this weekend sees the closest thing MLS can get to such an outing. Twelve of the thirteen teams play this weekend with Sunday being the day were the big guns meet, but a most eyes will be focused on New York Saturday night when LA comes into town. It should be a fun weekend of soccer.

Chivas USA (8-6-3) vs. Toronto FC (5-10-5)
Saturday 3:30pm ET/12:30pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
The team who cannot win on the road versus the team that cannot lose at home. Okay, it is not a hundred percent true, but that is the way these teams shape up. Toronto is still soft due to injuries while Chivas has had about a month off from MLS play. If I was a betting man, I'd point to a Chivas win however, I'm just a blogger so I think TFC will find a way to pull something out.
Predictions: Me CV 1-1 TFC, Wife CV 0-1 TFC

DC United (9-6-3) vs. Columbus Crew (6-6-8)
Saturday 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: HDNet, Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
United looked less then a team against LA in SuperLiga, but without Beckham on the pitch, will they be able to recover? The Crew has been clicking really nicely of late but the United of recent MLS play will take a lot to beat. My guess is the Crew finds a way to take United to task.
Predictions: Me DC 1-2 CC, Wife DC 2-1 CC

Los Angeles Galaxy (3-7-5) vs. New York Red Bulls (9-7-3)
Saturday 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-minute pre&post), FSE
In a lot of ways, this game might decide LA's season. Will they show up the way they did in SuperLiga or will they play like they did last week against New England? Beckham changed the match on Wednesday but will he be able to do it three days later, on the other side of the continent and on turf? NY is old, but they have had a lot of time off of late, which should give them the upper hand, but LA might just be a new team.
Predictions: LA 2-1 NY, Wife LA 1-0 NY

Chicago Fire (5-8-5) vs. Real Salt Lake (2-9-6)
Saturday 9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Chicago has kicked it up of late but it has not transferred into a full three points. They are finding ways to control the middle, but they have not pushed it up top. Real is playing the best soccer of the year (if not their history), but they are still a lose luck kind of team. If Blanco is not pressured, he will have a huge game against Real.
Predictions: Me CF 3-1 RSL, Wife CF 2-0 RSL

FC Dallas (11-6-3) vs. Houston Dynamo(10-7-4)
Sunday 7pm ET/4pm PT
TV: Galavision
This match very easily could decide the winner of the Western Conference. Houston is coming off a rough couple of weeks and will probably still be a little tired from their SuperLiga outing. FC Dallas has had a full week off but is still hurting due to injury. FCD proved that they are a full team last weekend, but they do not play well on the road to Houston. The Dynamo should get their first win for their new jersey sponsor.
Predictions: Me FCD 0-2 HD, Wife FCD 1-2 HD

New England Revolution (10-5-6) vs. Kansas City Wizards (8-6-5)
Sunday 8pm ET/5pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
KC might be in fourth place, but they stand a real could chance of challenging for the top of the East, but to get their they must beat NE. KC has found new ways of scoring thanks to Eddie Johnson pulling defenders towards him. The Revs are hurting, as showed by their total crap performance against the Rapids, but they seldom fall twice in a row. However, I think Sunday is the day the Revs drop another one.
Prediction: Me NE 0-1 KC, Wife NE 2-0 KC

Thursday Night Soccer - NE vs. Rapids - Can the Rapids not suck?

New England Revolution (10-4-6) vs. Colorado Rapids (5-9-6)
9pm ET/6pm PT
TV: ESPN2

New England rolls into town looking to take sole possession of first place in MLS with a result against the Rapids. Colorado actually comes in on a winning streak (yes, 1 game is a streak), however it was nothing but luck that they sit where they do.

The Revolution have picked up their attack of late, however Michael Parkhurst has a knee sprain, so he might not be able to help get their game move from the back. Then again, this is Colorado they are playing, so there is a very good chance the Revs backline will not see anything close to trouble.

Colorado is a team that creates very little but they know how to bunker down (sort of like Guatemala). It doesn't make for a pretty game, but it can be enough to frustrate the opposition into a tie. If NE expects to just come in a take the match without a struggle, they will end up disappointed.
Predictions: Me NE 2-0 CR, Wife NE 2-0 CR

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

Thursday Night Soccer - LA vs. DC - Will history be made

Los Angeles Galaxy (3-5-5) vs. DC United (8-6-3)
7pm ET/ 4pm PT
TV: ESPN2
Could this finally be the match that sees it happen and will it happen in front of 45,000 fans? Can Jaime Moreno become the all-time MLS goal scorer? Wouldn't that be fun to watch? Perhaps the thousands who come to this match to see just one man will not feel cheated if that happens and that one man does not take to the pitch. Not that they should feel cheated, but how one should feel and how one often does feel are two different things all together.

Anyway, LA comes off a match where they looked pitiful against Toronto while United clamped down on every little mistake New England made. If it weren’t for their success in the SuperLiga, there would be nothing for LA to hand their hat on. So what will happen tonight? LA will beat DC at RFK. Why? Because that is just the way it seems to go for DC on their home field against the team from la-la land.

Earlier in the season, LA was defined solely by Landon Donovan. If he was on, they had a chance and if he was not, they were finished before the opening whistle blew. Thanks to some trades, it is not as bad today but Donovan is still the major part of the Galaxy equation. If Landon can get going in this one (and he normally does in big MLS match), United is in trouble.

DC has improved their backline from the laughter that was their first few weeks but it is still prone to make errors, so the midfield needs to cover Donovan close. Having Fred play in the middle of things could be the step that keeps LA from breaking out.

The wife thinks I'm crazy for picking LA in this one and she is probably right, like normal, but I just think something is going to break for the Galaxy. Put who knows, maybe 45,000 people cheering for DC can break the spell LA has over RFK.

Predictions: Me LA 3-2 DC, Wife LA 0-3 DC
Will Beckham play: Me Yes, Wife No

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

2007 MLS Week 17 Predictions

With Superliga play dominating the MLS spotlight, this weekend is one of the lightest scheduled of the year. Still, at least one of these games is a must win for the club. Anyway, here at the predictions:

New England Revolution (7-3-6) vs. Real Salt Lake (1-8-6)
Saturday - 9:30pm ET/6:30pm PT
TV: Fox Soccer Channel (30-min pre & post), FSE
Real's season is half over and they only have 9-points to show for it, which means this is a must win for the club. They have looked good in their two friendlies over the last week, but can they do it when it counts? The Revs are showing themselves to be one of the best of the league and are pros at controlling the midfield. Real will need to interrupt that flow if they want to win.
Predictions: Me NE 2-1 RSL, Wife NE 3-0 RSL

Chicago Fire (4-8-4) vs. Toronto FC (5-8-4)
Sunday - 3pm ET/ 12pm ET
TV: TeleFutura, CBC
Cuauhtemoc Blanco's time in the MLS officially starts with this match and what a way to get going. It was the last trip to Toronto that started Chicago's collapse while Toronto has been on the rise ever since. The Fire has been good on defense and midfield play, however they have been lacking in the final third. If this happens, Toronto's home pitch advantage will be worth nothing.
Predictions: Me CF 1-1 TFC, Wife CF 0-2 TFC

Chivas USA (8-5-3) vs. Kansas City Wizards (7-5-5)
Sunday - 7pm ET/4pm PT
TV: Direct Kick
Internet: MLStv
Last night, Chivas completely rewrote their script for this season as they didn't need a dozen chances to get a goal. New York ran most of that match, but the goats were able to counter and make it pay. With KC lacking offense from anyone not named Eddie Johnson and suffering from defensive lapses, Chivas can use the same game plan to win this one. If the Wizards want to win, they need to find some additional offensive threats.
Predictions: Me CV 0-1 KC, Wife CV 2-1 KC

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