MLS Week 13 Preview

By: travis | June 12th, 2009

Ok, so perhaps the number of players going missing because of the Confederations Cup doesn’t really have impact as a news story. Just a handful of players are missing, and they’ll be overseas for just a few weeks.

The biggest loss has to be Landon Donovan, but with the way the Galaxy handled themselves at BMO Field last week, could they be up for it this time around? The health of Edson Buddle will go a long way in determining the success of the Galaxy, especially during these weeks without Landycakes.

Plenty of other reasons to tune in this weekend, as the vultures continue to circle Juan Carlos Osorio, the Chicago visit Barack Obama, and Seattle tries to break out of their recent funk.

Saturday, June 13
D.C. United v Chicago
Toss in your “battle for first place” anecdote into this one. The Fire take on United, with D.C. needing a win to take over first place. United has already faced Chicago once this season, a match that predictably ended in a 1-1 draw. D.C. has struggled to win in front of the home crowd, and with Luciano Emilio set to miss out through suspension, might find themselves at the end of another typical result.
D.C. United 1-1 Chicago

Toronto v New York
Problems are brewing in Toronto, with league struggles mounting over the past couple of weeks. They’ll get a welcome antidote for their troubles with the arrival of New York, who are far and away the worst team in the league at the moment. The Fire JCO bandwagon is gaining momentum, and another bad loss away from home will only fuel the fire. As for Toronto, new acquisition Nick Garcia might be called upon to jump into central defense, but it’s goals that this team is sorely lacking. Pablo Vitti or Chad Barrett need to step up and relieve some pressure off their maligned front office.
Toronto 3-0 New York

Dallas v Houston
It’s the Texas derby and few people in their right mind would give Dallas a chance. Houston has been on fire as of late — winners of their last four matches, even with the injury to Brian Ching, they haven’t skipped a beat. Stuart Holden has been doing a bit of goal scoring, and could garner some attention from Bob Bradley when it comes to the Gold Cup. I can’t really give Dallas a chance in this one — but if this league follows its typically unpredictable trends, maybe they’ll get something out of it.
Dallas 1-2 Houston

Kansas City v New England
A tough trip for Steve Nicol’s charges, who must adjust to life without Taylor Twellman — at least for the weekend — after two games with him getting significant minutes. The Revolution are on the rise, and a stern test out in KC awaits. The Wizards have been unconvincing as of late, struggling to a 2-0 loss despite being a man up for almost half of the game. Josh Wolff has been quiet, which is bad news since he’s carried most of the scoring load. His side is quite capable, yet haven’t really played up to their expectations in recent weeks. Twellman missing from the lineup is good news for them, and means they might get something out of this one.
Kansas City 2-2 New England

Seattle v San Jose
The perfecting antidote for a floundering Sounder side. San Jose comes to down. Right before Seattle’s struggles began, they hosted the Earthquakes. And they’ll face them again as San Jose remains in the midst of roster and formation restructuring. Nick Garcia has been shipped back home to Canada, leaving a spot in the starting lineup open. Bobby Convey and Darren Huckerby are both battling injuries, with the former listed as out. Huckerby might get some time on the pitch, as he made a late substitution last weekend. Arturo Alvarez remains the lone bright spot for the Quakes, who are in desperate need of another win. Up in Sounder country, the well-documented case of Fredy vs. Freddie continues, as the two struggle to get the offense flowing together. You’d think if both were performing at optimum levels, this team would be hitting its stride once again.
Seattle 2-1 San Jose

Los Angeles v Real Salt Lake
The proverbial road dogs are away from Rio Tinto again, this time traveling to the HDC where they’ll face a Galaxy team ripe with confidence. Real Salt Lake can’t buy a break on the road, and I don’t think their fortunes will be changing anytime soon. Los Angeles has begun to show signs of life, coming away from BMO Field last weekend with a rare win. While they’ll be without Donovan for the next two to three weeks, the fitness of Edson Buddle is improving as is his playing time. I just can’t pick Real on the road against anyone. Can’t do it.
Los Angeles 2-0 Real Salt Lake

Sunday, June 14
Columbus v Chivas USA
League leaders Chivas have witnessed their massive lead atop the MLS shrink, and the disappearing act could be complete after this weekend. They head to Ohio, and will face a Crew team who overcame Chad Marshall’s madness to win in Kansas City. Guillermo Barros Schelotto is reclaiming his MVP form from 2008, nearing the top of MLS in goal scoring. While Zach Thornton and Chivas aren’t fading fast, they have struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. Honors even at the end of this one.
Columbus 1-1 Chivas

Record last week: 2-4
Season to date: 35-60