Week 29 Preview - Again with the Internationals

By: travis | October 11th, 2008

I don’t have time for a lengthy preview - heading to DC for the day prior to the USA/Cuba WCQ. Once again this weekend a number of MLS sides must go out with a weaker squad thanks to the scheduling conflict that doesn’t need to be covered again. A number of teams will be without key players, none hit harder than Toronto. In other random/stupid news, why is the MLS front page promoting Beverly Hills Chiuhuahua? Anyone? Here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Kansas City v New England
Could the Wizards stumble into the playoffs? They have a chance, but must win at home, something they couldn’t do last week. They’ve dropped one home game to the Revs already this season and need a spark from Josh Wolff (or anyone) to ensure that doesn’t happen again. I don’t know if I think the Revolution will be able to challenge Columbus for Eastern Conference supremacy, but they’ll want to finish strong. I think the Wizards will find a way to escape with this one.
Kansas City 1-0 New England

FC Dallas v Toronto
A real chance for Dallas. Bob Bradley keeps ignoring the clamor for Kenny Cooper, and they face Toronto, a team that is missing five players. While not as bad as the previous time around, when signings had to be made, it’s going to make things tough for a Toronto team that is on the edge of the playoff hunt. Dallas should stroll in this one.
FC Dallas 3-1 Toronto

San Jose v Chivas USA
You’ve got to give the Goats credit for keeping the season intact. They’ve spent the entire year plagued by injuries here and there, and despite that are in great shape for the playoffs - another road win this week and could clinch a playoff spot with a win plus other results in their favor. San Jose’s resurgence is falling a little flat, and while they do have a game in hand, they face a must win tonight. Sacha Kljestan is in the U.S. camp and won’t be available for this one, so it’ll be up to the other Sasha (Victorine) to keep things going for his new squad. I expect Chivas to pick up their second consecutive road win.
San Jose 1-2 Chivas

Chicago v Columbus
Can anyone shut down the Crew? They’ve been unstoppable of late, and are going hard after the Supporters’ Shield. The Crew can do that with simply a draw and a Dynamo loss in the same day. But I think they’ll want to take care of business on their end. Frankie Hejduk and Alejandro Moreno are two key losses, but I fully expect a road win for the Crew, with Robbie Rogers continuing to shine, and hopefully earning a call up for the last meaningless qualifier.
Chicago 0-1 Columbus

Los Angeles v Colorado
This is a huge game for the Galaxy. Win, and the flickering hopes stay alive - lose, and you can officially stick a fork in their playoff dreams. Colorado is looking for the playoffs themselves, and three points in this one will go a long way come the end of the season. Beckham and Donovan are out, but perhaps that works better in the favor of LA? Beckham hasn’t been much to brag about of late, and Donovan seems to carry the team - maybe Edson Buddle and Eddie Lewis decide to step up and maybe force a draw.
Los Angeles 2-2 Colorado

Houston v DC United
Of all the teams with a chance at the playoffs, none looks as bleak as DC’s. They play this fixture, then home against New England, then away at Columbus. That’s the three best teams in the MLS and is a tall task, even if you don’t mention the fact that Marcelo Gallardo, Fred and Luciano Emilio are done for the season. Houston is peaking at the right place at the right time once again. The Dynamo will only be missing a couple of players this week, but it shouldn’t even matter.
Houston 3-0 DC