Week 12 Preview

By: travis | June 12th, 2008

Before getting excited for this weekend’s action, pop on over to the US Open Cup website and check out what’s going on there. Shout out to Hollywood United for upsetting the Portland Timbers and becoming the first USASA team to make the second round.

With that aside, it’s going to be another weekend marred by international call ups. Because of the USMNT’s qualifying game against Barbados, six players will most likely be missing, along as five others for other countries. It could play a big role this weekend.

Houston v New England
Another rematch of the 2007 MLS Cup. New England has been playing well of late, and looks to take their success on the road. Matt Reis has been red hot, have 18 saves in the last two games. After a struggling start, Houston is all of a sudden tied for first atop the Western Conference with the Galaxy. Definitely surprising after their early season struggles. The Revoluation currently have the most points and the best record in the MLS, and I tip them to get a win on the road against the Brian Ching-less Dynamo.
Verdict: Houston 0-1 New England

Toronto v Colorado
The Rapids continue to be an enigma. They’ve won a handful of games, lost more than they’ve won, and have yet to draw at any point on the season. That’s pretty remarkable to not have drawn after 11 games have been played. This could be the week, however. Toronto will be missing two of their best players in Maurice Edu and Amado Guevara. Their presence was missed in last weekend’s 3-1 loss to the Dynamo. Jeff Cunningham will be going after his 100th career goal in the MLS - if he’s picked to play that his. He probably will be, but won’t score. That’s my prediction.
Verdict: Toronto 2-2 Colorado

DC United v New York Red Bull
Is this the rise of United back towards the top of the East? Their defensive struggles have marred them all season (23 goals conceded so far this season after conceding 34 all of last year) but their offense is now stepping it up. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a LA Galaxy-like mentality: score a lot more than they do. The Red Bull now face post-Jozy life, and with a wounded Juan Pablo Angel their main threat up top, there should be worry up in the Big Apple. We’ll see how Osorio and the RB respond to the challenge. On another note, good luck to Jozy, who was definitely received warmly in Spain.
Verdict: DC 2-1 New York

Kansas City v Columbus
A tale of two teams both trying to climb out of a tailspin. Columbus, because teams are learning how to neutralize their attack: foul Robbie Rogers, and Kansas City, who haven’t played a game on the road since April 12. That’s a long time. They posted a 1-3-2 record on their six game, two month road trip, and now sit in dead last in the East. The Crew, who are winless in their last four, haven’t scored a goal in awhile. The Wizards have had a decent year defensively, with four shutouts already and only 13 goals conceded. Their big problem? Scoring. They’ve only put in 10 total - a sparse amount. I think they’ll resume their winning ways, and nick a goal against Hesmer and the Crew.
Verdict: Kansas City 1-0 Columbus

San Jose v Los Angeles
Instead of Beckham playing over in Austria this weekend, he’ll face off in San Jose, against the Quakes. If you told someone that last year, they probably would have laughed (if they knew what you were even talking about). San Jose picked up their second road win of the year last weekend with a win against Columbus. They scored two goals off of two shots. They should get more opportunities against the Galaxy this week, but it probably won’t be enough. Carlos Ruiz and Landon Donovan will both be out of action because of international duty. I don’t think it’ll be enough to trouble their offense. Look for Edson Buddle to continue his solid play, and for the Galaxy to score lots of goals.
Verdict: San Jose 2-4 Los Angeles

Chivas v Real Salt Lake
Hardly the need for much of a preview. It’ll read mostly as word vomit. RSL has no wins on the road. 3-0-3 at home, 0-5-0 on the road. That is an atrocious record. Can’t think of a good reason as to why this will change this week, although Chivas will be undermanned. Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan (start against Barbados please) will be missing for the Goats, but it will hardly matter. Jorge Flores will score his fourth goal in five games, Chivas rolls.
Verdict: Chivas 3-1 RSL

Dallas v Chicago
It’s game one of the Brimstone Cup. One of my friends from here described the origins as “finding what team was the hottest” when FC Dallas was known as the Dallas Burn. The Wikipedia entry there backs me up, although we all know not to trust Wikipedia at it’s word. Back to reality. Dallas has struggled a bit since sacking their coach and and are waiting for current SMU coach Schellas Hyndman to be announced as their new coach. Chicago seems to play better on the road than at home, and I think they’ll continue to do that this week. Jon Busch won’t fade yet, and Chad Barrett will score (please? - he’s on my fantasy team).
Verdict: Dallas 1-2 Chicago

Feel free to add or correct anything you think I’ve missed.

Record, just for Dave:
Last week’s record: 2-5, Season: 27-48