Week Five Preview: It’s still early

By: travis | April 24th, 2008

This weekend marks the end of the first month of MLS. And while a number of teams have struggled who we didn’t expect to (DC, Houston) and a number of teams have had unexpected success (Toronto, San Jose), it’s only the first month. There are still lots of games to be played, lots of ugly tackling and defending to be witnessed, and all those teams who are struggling have a chance to rebound. Same as the teams that have found early success all have a chance to blow it.

FC Dallas v New England
Ladies and gentlemen, your ESPN primetime game of the week. Dallas remains the only unbeaten team in MLS, while the Revolution try to actually go a game without a player earning a red card. New England has been inconsistent this season, winning games convincingly, while losing a couple of head scratchers. Kenny Cooper continues to light it up, keeping Dallas undefeated.
Verdict: Dallas 3-1 New England

Toronto FC v Kansas City
Toronto has won two games in a row! Will the success continue as the Wizards come to town? KC needed a bit of luck last week to escape Chicago with a draw, but regardless of that, have most points so far this season. I think El Piojo nets a couple as Kevin Hartman grabs another shut out.
Verdict: Toronto 0-2 Kansas City

Columbus v Houston
Another team that’s been performing under par (Houston) heads off to face the Crew. Fresh off a win against DC, plus an extended layover are all reasons to favor the Crew. Throw in how well players like Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Robbie Rogers are playing and I think Houston comes away from this fixture still winless.
Columbus 2-1 Houston

DC United v Real Salt Lake
DC has looked like rubbish so far this season. Suffering through what I guess is becoming their typical Champions Cup hangover, they’ve only managed a win over Toronto this season, and many people are penciling them in at last place. Two weeks ago RSL pasted them 4-0 over in Utah. I see a reversal of fortune this week as DC begins to put things together (with a draw).
DC 1-1 RSL

Chicago v Colorado
As I’ve already touch on, Chicago blew a few opportunities last week to at least gain a point against the Wizards. This week should prove to be slightly different as a feisty Colorado arrives into Chitown. This time they’ll get their point.
Chicago 2-2 Colorado

Los Angeles v Chivas
Ah yes, the Honda SuperClasico. The LA derby. Team Becks/Lando v Chivas. Whatever you want to call it, the game should be exciting. You’d think they’d be able to sell out the HDC as well. Sacha makes his return for Chivas after serving a suspension for a red card and Ante Razov will probably return. Beckham won’t be happy again this week.
Verdict: Los Angeles 2-3 Chivas

New York Red Bull v San Jose
Jozy Altidore’s goal last week has to put everyone on notice. Is he going to come out hungry like that every week, aiming for a rich European deal? Or was it more of a fluke? It seems like he’s capable of runs like that at anytime of the game, and that alone gives the Red Bull an advantage prior to this weekend’s match up against the Quakes. Not to take away from San Jose, who scored two nice goals last week to beat Colorado. The Red Bull should resume their winning ways this week.
New York 2-0 San Jose

Last week’s picks: 2-5 Season thus far: 11-17