Week Four Preview: Football. Futbol. Soccer.

By: travis | April 17th, 2008

Welcome to the fourth weekend of MLS action. Lots of craziness so far this season as each week has been as unpredictable as the last one. So you might say that it has been a predictably unpredictable season thus far. Regardless of that, a lot of teams won last week that I didn’t predict. Shame on me for not being psychic.

One thing I’ve noticed is this latest campaign started by the suits at MLS HQ. Not a bad gimmick. I like the idea of trying to cover all their bases - letting the game be named whatever each fan wants it to be. Interesting ploy. And great job too not making Beckham the cover man of the sport. It’s not possible to rely only on him to generate fan base and revenue. That won’t keep this league around for a long time.

Enough babbling. Time to look ahead and see what will happen this week(end):

DC United v Columbus
Big story here: Gallardo and Schelotto renew their rivalry that started in Argentina. Also keep an eye on United having their first extended time off this season after getting run over by RSL last weekend 4-0. A number of their main starters were giving a rest last week which attributed to the poor performance. Columbus eked out a win last week in the thriller against Chivas. I think United will dominate at home this season and struggle on the road. Also, do the MLS a favor and watch the match, it’s on ESPN. Just mute the announcers.
Verdict: DC 2-0 Columbus

Toronto v Real Salt Lake
Two teams that have had ups and downs to their start of the season. RSL is fresh off a pounding of DC, while Toronto somehow beat LA last weekend. This should be a pretty tight affair. The addition of Amado Guevara, plus home field should give Toronto the slight edge.
Verdict: Toronto 2-1 RSL

New York Red Bull v New England
The I-95 rivalry renewed this week. The turf at the Meadowlands will be a real treat for the Revolution who have been a model of inconsistency this season. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls wan to keep their perfect 1-0 home record intact. Should be a real close match, although I tip the Gambians to lead the charge once again. Although if Angel plays, expect a different outcome.
Verdict: NYRB 1-2 New England

Colorado v San Jose
Colorado continues to prove their early season success is no fluke. The only blotch on their record was a disappointing 3-2 loss at Kansas City, a game they let get away. As for the Earthquakes, they’ll get their first goal but give up a few more than that.
Verdict: Colorado 3-1 San Jose

Los Angeles v Houston
The Galaxy trying to rebound and grab a home win while Houston tries to find their offense. I feel like the leaky defense of LA will result in a high scoring affair as well as a Galaxy loss.
Verdict: LA 2-4 Houston

Chicago v Kansas City
The Fire could be the East’s best team right now. These two teams could very well be at the top when all is said and done at the end of the season. The Wizards biggest question is their defense, but a shut out last week gives them confidence. However, they need to find the goal this week, which may prove difficult.
Verdict: Chicago 1-1 Kansas City

Chivas USA v Dallas
Brad Guzan cost Chivas two points last week. Then again, so did the boneheadness of Sacha Kljestan and his red card. Kljestan has been on top of the league thus far, so to lose him is a bummer. However, look for Kenny Cooper to steal the spotlight and help Dallas to the away victory.
Verdict: Chivas 1-2 Dallas

Last week’s picks: 2-6. Record for the season: 9-12