Week 14 Preview: A SuperLiga Weekend

By: travis | June 19th, 2009

An entertaining Wednesday evening match between Seattle and D.C. was quite the start to this week. Is it a sign of things to come for the rest of the weekend? There’s some entertaining matchups that should provide for some tasty viewing.

With only five league game this weekend because of the SuperLiga, action is a little bit on the light side. That being said, there’s plenty to pay attention to on Saturday. Let’s take a look at what this weekend has in store:

Saturday, June 20
San Jose v Los Angeles
It’s the California rivalry reborn on Saturday, with the Galaxy traveling to San Jose to face the Quakes. Both teams are in need of a win, with San Jose really lagging behind in the Western Conference. The U.S. State Department is still working against them, as Cornell Glen’s visa issues continue. That denies them a strong striker up top, but they’ll need more than that to break through against the Galaxy. LA will be without Landon Donovan again, as well as Eddie Lewis who was sent off against Real Salt Lake. It’ll be a stern road test for LA, though it seems likely they’ll return to their drawing ways.
San Jose 1-1 Los Angeles

New York v Seattle
Seattle should be kicking themselves a bit for failing to win the Wednesday night game. They attacked United’s 3-5-2 very well, but a defensive mishap late on cost them. This week, they’ll take the show on the road to New York, going up against a Red Bull side that is down for the count. Making matters worse for the Red Bulls are the injuries that are starting to mount—Mac Kandji, Jorge Rojas, and Albert Celades are all questionable for this one. The arrival of a terrific Seattle attack won’t make anything easier for this one—though I think New York can hold on for a draw in this one.
New York 2-2 Seattle

Houston v Real Salt Lake
The road woes were reversed for Real Salt Lake last weekend, but the task is much tougher this time around. A trip to Houston awaits, where they’ll face the hottest team in the league. The stingy defense of the Dynamo, led by Geoff Cameron and Pat Onstad, is one of many reasons why this club is riding high. I’ve said that just about every week RSL has the sort of talent to make an impression on just about anyone, and if Javier Morales and Clint Mathis come to play this team could surprise Houston—though I don’t see that actually happening.
Houston 2-1 Real Salt Lake

FC Dallas v Columbus
Can the front office in Frisco get it together and crack 10,000 with the defending champs coming to town? I’m going to go ahead and say no. Dallas hosts the Crew, so be sure to tune in and catch a glimpse of the sparse crowd on hand at Pizza Hut Park. As far as the actual game is concerned, Columbus has been hot as of late, thanks in most part to Guillermo Barros Schelotto and his new found ability to score goals. Dallas is breaking down at the back, and is in danger of dropping their second consecutive game at home.
FC Dallas 1-2 Columbus

Colorado v D.C. United
Perhaps the most interesting matchup of the weekend. On one hand, you have D.C. United visiting the altitude, playing their third game in seven days. On the other side, there is a Rapids squad who hasn’t played in two weeks. Who has the advantage? United has been trumping their depth all year, and it’ll be put to the test tonight. Colorado will be missing Conor Casey and welcoming Pat Noonan into their side, so whatever he plays could have an impact on the game. I’m giving the Rapids the advantage because of home cookin’.
Colorado 2-1 D.C. United

Record last week: 3-4
Season to date: 38-64