Week 23 Preview – Remember Me?

By: travis | August 29th, 2008

It has been awhile. But after a few weeks of traveling and vacation, I’ve decided to make a triumphant return to MLS preview/picks as the season winds down. Lots have happened since I’ve been away, so much that it’s been hard to keep up with. What’s clear are a few things: the East dominates the West, the playoff system could use a retooling, and that every team has played 21 games. So the standings are fairly clear, and it’s going to come down to the wire, with every team still in contention. That’s been a surprise: the resurgence of San Jose, who didn’t look very good at the beginning of the season. Enough of that: I’m going to shake off these cobwebs and dive into this week’s action head first.

Real Salt Lake v Colorado
It isn’t look good for the Rapids, who are coming off a 3-0 pounding at the hands of DC United. It’s been a rough few weeks for them, with Fernando Clavijo leaving and former MVP Christian Gomez riding the bench. Even so, they remain tied for the last playoff spot in the West with the two LA squads. They’ll be visiting Salt Lake, which is bad news, because Real has yet to lose at home. Still. Columbus had their way with RSL last week, but returning home will help cure their woes.
Real Salt Lake 2-0 Colorado

New England v Los Angeles
As usual, lots of storylines going along with the Galaxy. Can Arena turn things around with a couple of months left in the season? Will Eddie Lewis make his debut? What is going to happen with Landon? And how will World Cup qualification affect the squad? All that and more, as the Galaxy taking on the Revolution, who sit up on top equal with Columbus on top of the table. Matt Reis is listed as questionable, as New England has been forced to cope with some injuries. Should be an interesting game on the football-lined field in Foxborough.
New England 2-1 Los Angeles

DC United v New York
Probably the biggest matchup of the weekend, with both teams locked in fourth place of the East. Untied is fighting their own injury problems, with Zach Wells “injured” along with Marcelo Gallardo and Fred still out of action. The Red Bull have been up and down all season, and are heading into RFK on more of their upswing. It’ll be a tough test for United and I wouldn’t be surprised to see points shared.
DC United 2-2 New York

FC Dallas v Columbus Crew
Hello Bob Bradley? Kenny Cooper deserves a shot more than Eddie Johnson, again and again. And again. That point aside, the Crew have done well staying near the top of the East and the MVP award is Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s to lose. His play on the season has carried Columbus, and as long as he continues to click, so should the rest of his team.
Dallas 1-3 Columbus

San Jose v Kansas City
To me, the resurgence/emergence of the Earthquakes has been the surprise of the season. Their new signings, including Darren Huckerby and trading for Scott Sealy has helped to bring them within two points of a potential playoff spot. That would be a shocker. On the other side, KC has had the squad all season but has failed to be consistent. Both sides are desperate to make up ground in the playoff race and need points. I think the home team should come away with the points.
San Jose 2-0 Kansas City

Chivas USA v Toronto FC
Another two teams on the outside looking in to the playoffs. Toronto’s road record looks like to be their undoing, and it’s hard to believe that it won’t continue this weekend. Chivas to win at home.
Chivas 1-0 Toronto

Houston v Chicago
With the end of the season approaching, the Dynamo are once again making a push for the playoffs, opening a five point gap between first and second place in the West. This will be a tough game, with the Fire and Jon Busch a tough opponent. Probably a draw on the road for the Fire, which would be a good result.
Houston 1-1 Chicago