Week Three: Where’s the Defense?

By: travis | April 9th, 2008

After a week where 28 goals were scored, this week focus can shift onto the defense. Will anyone play it? It’s an interesting dilemma. There’s the soccer fan purist in me that wants to see tightly contested matches played down to the wire. But then there’s this other part of me that wishes for MLS to succeed. That would require high scoring games with plenty of action end to end. Basically, coaches sacrificing defense in favor of offense.

As I mentioned in the Week Two recap, the home team has yet to lose this season, as the host has a record of 10-0-3. The Wizards new stadium (albeit a minor league baseball team’s) has proved to be a real winner in the first two games. The Cauldron, the Wizards’ main fan group is right on top of the action behind one of the goals. Jimmy Conrad hopped into the crowd after his second goal. The Dynamo also had a great turnout for their match against Dallas, with the park pulsating with noise when Geoff Cameron scored the equalizer. This enthusiasm for the MLS has me all excited. And I live in Australia.

Here are this week’s matchups and picks:

Kansas City v New England
This Wednesday night match features two teams heading in opposite directions. The Wizards are the only team to have two wins at this early stage of the season, while the Revolution are looking to make things right after being shellacked last week. The Community America Ballpark, or the CAB as I like to call it, is turning into a real fortress.
Verdict: Kansas City 2-1 New England

San Jose v Chicago
I think this is the first game where a home team loses. Sorry, San Jose. Show me the goals and maybe you’ll snag a draw, because that backline doesn’t look all that hot either.
Verdict: San Jose 0-2 Chicago

Columbus v Chivas
The Crew look to get back on track after losing 2-0 in New York. The good news is their keeper, Will Hesmer had a solid game to prevent a bigger loss than that. I expect this to be a tight one, with the home field helping the crew earn the draw.
Verdict: Columbus 1-1 Chivas

New England v Colorado
This game is a bit premature to pick. If New England loses on Wednesday they’ll be scrapping for a win. A win or a draw in KC and things will be a bit happier. I think the comforts of home will either continue them or return them to their winning ways. Meanwhile, the Rapids lost to the Wizards last weekend after clawing back down 2-0.
Verdict: New England 3-1 Colorado

Kansas City v Houston
Another Wizards game at home, another win. Houston has not impressed me thus far this season. I know it’s only been two games, but they’re looking a bit out of sorts. The CAB will also continue to haunt opponents.
Verdict: Kansas City 1-0 Houston

Dallas v New York Red Bull
The Red Bull will be on the road for the first time against Dallas. I predict Kenny Cooper will continue to heat up and help Dallas escape with a win.
Verdict: Dallas 2-1 NYRB

Real Salt Lake v D.C. United
Nothing helps cure offensive woes like a visit from Toronto. Or a trip to Salt Lake City. United should roll again. Emilio will be hard to stop this year.
Verdict: RSL 1-3 D.C.

L.A. Galaxy v Toronto
Blerg. I get sick to my stomach when I think of Beckham (sorry Laurie don’t fire me). I don’t know why but the whole sideshow gets under my skin, plus the audacity of the Galaxy front office to think they can win with three guys and a roster of guys making 50 times less than their superstar. That is not a recipe for success. Lucky for them, Toronto still looks like an expansion team. I will be rooting for Maurice Edu.
Verdict: Los Angeles 2-1 Toronto

Last week’s picks: 4-3. Record for the season: 7-6