Week 10 Preview: Hitting Double Digits

By: travis | May 22nd, 2009

The tenth week of the season is now upon us. Lot’s of exciting story lines to gloss over, starting first with the ballot stuffing going on in Seattle. I’ve got no problem with it, and love hearing how the game has caught fire in that area. If anything, wishing that MLS had a similar presence in another city in the U.S. would be quite a good day indeed. Since that doesn’t seem like happening, it makes sense to both love and be envious of the situation out there.

Another significant development is the looming international schedule. Depending on what Bob Bradley (and other coaches) does with the World Cup Qualifiers and Confederations Cup, a few teams may be lacking in June. Then of course July will be the Gold Cup, which will probably have a greater effect on the league across the board. So enjoy these last two weekends before people start bringing up the “country vs. MLS” debate. On to this weekend:

Saturday, May 23
Toronto v New England
People always admire Toronto FC’s atmosphere at BMO Field. It could be such a fortress of power, yet this season TFC sports a less than intimidating record there of 2-2-2. What could be a major asset continues to be a source of bemusement for a team that on one day looks like a legitimate contender, then the next could find itself back at the bottom of the East. They’ll face a New England squad that continues to be beat up and marred by injuries. With the Revolution still recovering, I think it’ll be a stalemate.
Toronto 1-1 New England

D.C. United v Real Salt Lake
So can D.C. be considered a legitimate contender now? They’ve got offensive firepower and depth that must make most head coach’s jealous. Not so fast though, as their revolving goalkeeper game is doing them no favors. If they can sort that out, there’s no question that they are a force to be reckoned with. On the other side of things, Real Salt Lake takes their well documented struggles on the road to face United. Please don’t let this be another draw. I’m sick and tired of those.
D.C. United 2-0 Real Salt Lake

Houston v San Jose
The renewal of the old vs. new rivalry as the expansion San Jose side takes on the club it now embodies. Talking about teams headed in two directions, here’s a prime example. Houston has started to take off despite lacking a consistent goal scoring alongside Brian Ching, though they should lament blowing a 1-0 lead with a man advantage last weekend. I like Houston in this one — San Jose lacks the offense to put up a fight.
Houston 1-0 San Jose

Dallas v Los Angeles
What’s the promotion for Dallas this week? Looking much better this time around. Perhaps the $1 beers will be designed to get the fans to forget about the performance on the pitch that they’ll see. Facing the Galaxy on a Saturday night will hopefully bring some kind of entertainment, but with the way both sides have been playing of late this will be one to forget.
Dallas 0-0 Los Angeles

Kansas City v Chivas USA
A tough matchup for Chivas, as they head to Kansas City and deal with the tiny confines of Community America Ballpark. This is an even bigger one for KC, as they could stake a claim as a contender in the Eastern Conference after their impressive win over RSL on the road. Josh Wolff is in the spotlight, and while he is supposedly dealing with some injury issues, his presence is needed. In the case he can’t go, the Wizards will need Davy Arnaud to claim out from under the rock he’s been playing under. I’ll go with the easy bet on this one: draw.
Kansas City 2-2 Chivas USA

Colorado v Seattle
A undermanned Seattle side has traveled out to DSG to face a Rapids team that is once again flying under the radar. No one claims to know what to expect from Colorado, but Gary Smith seems to have them working hard each game, getting pretty consistent play from his team. Conor Casey is beginning to learn how to best utilize his side, while Colin Clark could be pushing for a spot with the U.S. Men’s National Team, at least in the Gold Cup. The Sounders will be missing Zach Scott, Freddie Ljungberg, and Brad Evans. Colorado should have enough to grind out the win.
Colorado 2-1 Seattle

Sunday, May 24
New York v Chicago
The homestand continues for the Red Bull, who look to bounce back from their woeful performance against D.C. in the Open Cup play-in match. They’ll be without Carlos Johnson and Jorge Rojas, the former injured and the latter suspended. It’ll be a tough match as the Fire come in to town — the only unbeaten team in MLS. A draw is written all over this one.
New York 1-1 Chicago

Record Last Week: 1-6
Season to Date: 26-42