Weekday Previews

By: travis | June 4th, 2009

The twelfth week of MLS action kicks off in its semi-normal Thursday night time slot, with ESPN carrying its game of the week from Washington, D.C. The New York Red Bull return to the scene of their 5-3 humiliation in a U.S. Open Cup play-in game, eager to prove themselves on the road. On Friday night, an interesting match up in Chicago takes place, with the Fire hosting the surging Houston Dynamo. Let’s take a look at both games first, and I’ll be coming at you with a preview the remaining games either tomorrow or Saturday.

D.C. United v New York
The Atlantic Cup rivalry heats up once again, as the Red Bulls travel to D.C. to face United one last time this season. New York will be desperate to prevent a repeat performance from the aforementioned play-in match, while that would suit United just fine. Both sides are nipped by the International conflict, as Jorge Rojas, Andrew Boyens, and Alfredo Pacheco missing time for New York, while Avery John has shipped off to train with Trinidad & Tobago. The Red Bulls will be desperate for success on the road, given that they now face a daunting two month stretch with numerous games away from Giants Stadium. United will be looking to assert themselves not only over a bitter rival, but also in what is becoming a tightly contested Eastern Conference. In depth preview also available here from Dave, and here (for a little bit of self promotion).
D.C. United 2-0 New York

Chicago v Houston
The new strike force in Houston will face a tough test, as they’ll be without Brian Ching for this one. Their Chicago opponents will want to put Sunday in the past, though they’ll be hit particularly hard by international absences as well. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Bakary Soumare and Gonzalo Segares will each miss out on Friday’s game because of national team duty. Houston has been unstoppable as of late, on a seven game unbeaten streak that includes five wins in their last six games. It’s a chance for Ade Akinbiyi to prove why he was brought over with the Dynamo. This will no doubt be a close one, probably ending in a draw.
Chicago 1-1 Houston