Week Eight Preview

By: travis | May 15th, 2008

Morning all. Or should I say good evening. I don’t know what time it is, but I’m woozy because of a cold and getting on a plane to go to the middle of Australia. Should be good fun. Needless to say, I’ve put together this week’s picks and previews very spur of the moment - so forgive me for not having my facts right, or for just being boring to read. Or illegible. My hands are very warm right now too.

Last week we saw lots of action. And lots of goals. Everyone but DC, Kansas City, and Toronto scored. To be fair, KC and Toronto didn’t play. This week, we shall see if the Crew can win in Toronto, Real Salt Lake battle Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Cup. That’s enough. Here’s what else we’ll see this week:

Colorado v Real Salt Lake
Part One of this season’s Rocky Mountain Cup. The Rapids maintain their first place standing even after a 2-1 loss to the Dynamo. Real can’t seem to do much away from Rice-Eccles except to concede a whole lot of goals. They have yet to win anywhere else, and I don’t see that happening this week.
Verdict: Colorado 2-0 Real Salt Lake

Toronto v Columbus
The Crew head up to BMO to put their six game winning streak on the line. A bit of pressure also comes from the Fire, who sit just two points off pace. I think things will be tougher for the Crew - they’ll be on turf, dealing with a rowdy crowd, and they’ll be up against a team who has just had a week off. Robbie Rogers look to continue his sizzling form, while Amado does his best to not go crazy for another week. Crew’s winning streak snapped, but not due to a loss. On another note, according to Goff, Toronto supporters may be organizing a protest with talk of BMO Field being shared with the Argos.
Verdict: Toronto 2-2 Columbus

New York v Kansas City
Aside fromt Toronto, the Wizards were the other squad given a week off. This week’s stop on their two months away from home tour takes them to the Big Apple, where they will be keen for a win. The Red Bull have a couple of injury issues (Claudio Reyna - who else?) that may give Kansas City the advantage. I think even without Captain America, Altidore and Angel will take care of business. Unless they aren’t playing of course.
Verdict: New York 2-1 Kansas City

New England v San Jose
The return of Twellman helped greatly last week. This week? Probably won’t need the same kind of firepower, considering San Jose should struggle to score. Although was the Quakes two goal performance against the Crew a mirage or the start of something new?
Verdict: New England 3-0 San Jose

Chivas USA v DC United
Lots could be written here about the struggles of United. No Ben Olsen. Too many new faces. Luciano Emilio looking like a boy among man. The list can go on. Fortunately, their opponent this week is another struggling team. And in the battle of two teams down on their luck, I think United can take this. Chivas has not looked great this year and are there for the taking. If United can’t muster at least a tie, then they’re in even more trouble than they realize. It’s a bold move - considering DC has yet to score a goal away from RFK.
Verdict: Chivas 0-1 DC

Chicago v Houston
The defending champs finally got in the win column last week. It was about time too. The big question is, can Dewayne De Rosorio and Brian Ching start any kind of goal scoring consistency? Without those two on top of their game, Houston is in trouble. Meanwhile, Chicago has played extremely well all season and looks to keep pace with the Crew, or even overtake them on the ladder. They should have enough “fire” power to keep Houston at bay.
Verdict: Chicago 3-1 Houston

Dallas v Los Angeles
I’m tired and feel like junk. Kenny Cooper to get a hat trick to narrowly edge out Donovan’s brace.
Dallas 3-2 Los Angeles