Week Two: Now everyone gets to play…

By: travis | April 3rd, 2008

Now that the first week is over and done with, time to move on and look at some of the questions week two may answer:

My personal favorite: Do the Galaxy really suck that bad?
How will New England survive the loss of Twellman? And are those Gambians for real? I sure hope so.
Is Claudio Lopez for real?
How will San Jose version 2.0 do in their second inaugural season?
Will the away supporter play a bigger role this season (see below)?

Obviously, those questions won’t be fully answered with this string of games. But before getting to my picks a thought or two from the weekend. And feel free to provide answers, because they baffle me. The first is, why don’t all 14 teams start during the same weekend? Why did the Red Bull and Earthquakes both have the weekend off? Wouldn’t you want every MLS fan to have a chance and see their local team the same weekend everyone else starts?

The second is the playoff setup (I know the question isn’t very original). With more than half the league making the playoffs, these first games are almost null and void. Unless you really suck. And where is the reward for winning the league? CONCACAF Champions Cup? Come up with something better please.

Oh and last but not least: way cool to see over 2,000 away supporters from Toronto. In admiration of them, they get their picture right here. Sorry, that’s the best I can do. It is really cool though:

Time to gaze into my crystal (soccer) ball…

New England v Chicago
The Revolution stomped all over Houston, and Chicago squeezed out a draw against RSL. The match is Chicago’s home opener and they don’t want to disappoint the home crowd. Except they might.
Verdict: Chicago 2-2 New England

San Jose v L.A. Galaxy
What a tough pick. I know nothing about San Jose, and I know that the Galaxy are awful and are missing one of their three players. Oh they have more than three players? That’s funny. Let me know when Ruud wakes up and realizes he doesn’t have the personnel for a 4-3-3.
Verdict: Los Angeles 0-0 San Jose

Colorado v Kansas City
Both teams fighting to prove that last week was no fluke, that they are more relevant in Kansas than March Madness. They already proved that by moving the game. The Rapids are going to be much improved this season, but Kansas City will continue to surprise behind new signings El Piojo and Trujillo
Verdict: Kansas City 3-1 Colorado

Toronto v D.C. United
A shame that the league’s best fans have to wait another week for their first home game. And their first win of the season. Sorry, a late French signing won’t help quite yet. United look to rebound after losing 2-0 in Mexcio. Emilio nets two goals, United win big.
Verdict: D.C. 4-1 Toronto

Columbus v New York Red Bull
Welcome to the big apple, Osorio. Red Bull fans, make sure you get out there to see Altidore start what will probably be his last MLS season. Crew fans, make sure you just get out there.
Verdict: NYRB 3-2 Columbus

Real Salt Lake v Chivas USA
Real was quite unlucky last week to only draw against Chicago. Even though they only managed an own goal. Defensive lapses will do that to you in the 93rd minute. They’ll score once more this week, but it won’t be enough.
Verdict: Chivas USA 2-1 RSL

Dallas v Houston
Ah the Texas derby. To be honest, I don’t have much more to say beyond that. The Dynamo are looking to rebound after being pumped by New England, while Dallas searches for win number one. And I say that they will.
Verdict: Houston 0-1 Dallas

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

Remember to take these picks quite seriously…