MLS Weekend Picks

Alright, I don't really feel like doing these because I've got a lot to do today, but ever since I discovered that I have international readers (Gutentag, Deutschland!), I feel a strange obligation. So here we go. I have a more or less 50-50 record so far, but now that we know how teams are playing down the stretch, I'm starting over at 0-0. If I'm one off, ie) picking a Colorado win, and Colorado tie, then I'm giving myself a point, in the true nature of ties. Six league matches on tap this weekend, so let's go.

Columbus Crew: Houston Dynamo
Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH

Columbus is done. Stick a fork in them. They're 7 points back with 6 matches to go, so while this is technically being billed as a "must-win" game for the Crew, I think Houston needs this more than Columbus do, because Dynamo is cold as shit. Columbus has actually won more of their last 5 matches than Houston has. This has all the makings of a 1-1 snoozefest.


My pick: Tie





DC United: Red Bull New York
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, DC

Leave it to Red Bull to make a "rivalry" game completely meaningless. By losing 2-0 at home against New England midweek, New York has more or less put themselves out of the playoff picture. They're 1 point back of Kansas City, but I have little reason to think that RBNY can turn it around with a record of 1-3-1 in their last 5. DC already has the Atlantic Cup rivalry wrapped up with a record against Red Bull this season of 2-0-2. DC may be a shadow of their first half self, going 2-3-6 since the All-Star Break. DCU is also holding a reunion of the 1996 MLS Cup Championship United team that was MLS's first Cup Champion, so I would imagine the players and fans would get up for that. United can also clinch first place in the East, and home field advantage throughout the Cup Playoffs with a win.


My Pick: United





New England Revolution: Kansas City Wizards
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Another battle of two teams fighting for playoff position who really look like they don't want to go. Both have been only slightly above average in their last few outings. NE: 3-1-1, KC: 2-1-2. KC holds fourth position and is the largest argument for a reduced playoff field, as they are 4 games under .500 with 4 matches to go. I'm picking New England, but only because I think their midweek win buoyed them.

My Pick: New England (dumbass blogspot wouldn't let me upload my stupid picture....prehaps an omen for KC?)

FC Dallas: Real Salt Lake
Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX

FCD can clinch a playoff berth with a win. Real needs a win to keep pace with Colorado and Chivas USA. Real has had some luck against FCD, snatching a win last week at Rice-Eccles, but have lost in their previous trip to Frisco. Dallas has the talent, but Real needs it more.


My pick: Tie





Chicago Fire: Los Angeles Galaxy
Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL

Landon Donovan sets competitive foot on the pitch at Harlem Bridge for the first time after faking an injury so his lack of talent wouldn't be exposed by a far superior Chelsea team at the All-Star game. The MLS All-Stars obliged him by showing that they could win without him. Chicago is the hottest team in the league, having gone 9-1-1 in their last 11 matches (including Open Cup). Expect reserve sides for the Fire since a playoff spot is more or less locked up (9 points clear of the drop with 4 matches to go), and the US Open Cup Final against the Gals is Wednesday. Now, LA would field a reserve side, but they need to win to make the playoffs (6 points back) I like the Gals to win Saturday, but the Fire to take the rematch in the Final on Wednesday.



My Pick: Galaxy (maybe a tie)




CD Chivas USA: Colorado Rapids
Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
As of late, Chivas is the hottest team in the league (3-1-1 over last 5). While Colorado only got past Chicago last week because of a Jimmy Curtin own goal in the 3rd minute. I like Chivas....to win. I hate those racist bastards.



My Pick: Chivas USA