Week 27 Preview

By: travis | September 27th, 2008

The amazing thing about the Galaxy’s awful record in the past two months (winless in 13 of 14) is the fact they aren’t dead in the water. Even in the woeful West, their 29 points still gives them an outside chance at the MLS playoffs. When you’re a league that accepts 8 of 14 teams, these things happens. You deal with it, and move on.

Enough about the Galaxy though, as the rest of the league gets ready to have their say. Who knows, maybe we’ll have a better idea of what teams actually want to make the postseason, and what teams are just trying to stay close. Never in MLS history has the playoff chase been this close. Every team is basically still alive with just five games to go. Remarkable stuff. Here’s a look at who is playing who, at what might happen:

Toronto v Houston
It’s do or die time for Toronto, as they host the defending champions at BMO Field. If any team is in danger of being eliminated for good this weekend, it’s the boys from up north who have struggled a great deal the last few months. In fact, they’ve only managed one win since June 14, struggling last week against the Wizards, failing to muster a single shot on goal. Can Amado Guevara step up this week at home? He’ll undoubtedly need help from the likes of Rohan Ricketts, Danny Dichio and Carlos Ruiz. It’ll be tough going up against a Houston squad that is hitting peak form at the usual time close to the end of the season. They’ll be a bit worn out from this week’s Champions League match, so that’s Toronto’s best hope for a win - though I’m not sure it’ll happen.
Toronto 1-1 Houston

New York v Colorado
A big game for the Red Bull who are trying to hold onto their wild card spot - a loss could really knock them back, especially if other team’s get a result this weekend. Another big day is needed from Juan Pablo Angel. Troubling for the Red Bull will be the loss of Gabe Cichero and Jorge Rojas in early October thanks to international call ups. Making this weekend’s game much more important - it’s at home at the Meadowlands, and will feature a more or less complete squad. Colorado is on a little run of their own, although they drew the Revolution 1-1 last weekend and are now in a tie for the final playoff spot in the West. It’s a big match, and they’ll need strong play from Terry Cooke and Colin Clark. There’s also news that Pablo Mastroeni will move overseas at the end of this season. Something to keep an eye on. I think the Red Bulls will be able to pick up three points at home.
New York 2-1 Colorado

New England v Columbus
The Crew come into New England as the class of the league, and the only team that has clinched a playoff spot. The Revs are out for revenge after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Columbus a few weeks ago. It’s a chance for Robbie Rogers and Schelotto to prove that they can make a difference on the road and challenge the team that has been the perennial power of the East for the past few seasons. I think the Crew are for real, but Taylor Twellman will get one past Hesmer to lead the Revs to a close win.
New England 2-0 Columbus

San Jose v Real Salt Lake
Can the Quakes continue their playoff push? I would say yes, and I certainly expect both of these teams to be in the playoffs when the season comes to an end. It’s all about Darren Huckerby these days, and his combination with Ronnie O’Brien have really clicked. That along with some of their newer acquisitions like Arturo Alvarez and Scott Sealy have all helped to repair the offense that was struggling so badly. Javier Moralez and Kyle Beckerman need to be on top of their game as they visit the bay area. Although the two are a great comedic duo as well. I see a draw happening in San Jose.
San Jose 2-2 Real Salt Lake

Chivas USA v Kansas City
The Wizards have dragged themselves back from playoff extinction with back to back 2-0 wins against Los Angeles and Toronto. With only two games on the road left, they have a good chance to bring themselves all the way back into the playoff picture. At the center of it has been sometimes USMNTer Josh Wolff, who was brought back a few months ago. Chivas has a precarious hold on second place, just two points in front of both Colorado and Real Salt Lake, and with a win they’ll look a lot more safe for the playoffs. They’re still trying to get through all of this after a lot of injuries and missing one of their playmakers in Maykel Galindo. Ante Razov is the key man up front, and Chivas will keep the good times rolling against KC.
Chivas 2-1 Kansas City

FC Dallas v DC United
One of two big Washington-Dallas match ups this weekend. The question is, which one will you be watching? United looks like a team that is struggling to cope with their injuries. Jaime Moreno and Santino Quaranta look like they might play on Sunday, but Marcelo Gallardo remains out after recovering from sports hernia surgery. A United win is vital, but then again, it’s even more important for Dallas to come away with a victory. They sit close to the bottom in the West. Honestly, it’d be surprising to see these two make the playoffs, but not without a fit, especially from Kenny Cooper.
FC Dallas 1-0 DC United

As usual, leave all thoughts and comments about this week’s action below.