MLS Week Three Predictions

Saturday, April 21st

Houston vs. Red Bull New York
Giants Stadium

Well...each team will be recognizing and welcoming different players to their outfit. New signing Juan Pablo Angel will most likely not play as he is getting his work visa. Richard Mulrooney is welcomed back to "San Jose" but will be stuck behind Wade Barrett yet again. It will be interesting to see how Hunter Freeman deals with the prospect of having the right back position all to himself. Bruce Arena seems to be building a winner in the Big Apple, but the franchise holds a stubborn stigma. Can RBNY match the defending champion's quality of play?
PREDICTION: 1-2, RBNY continues its' good form with Altidore and Dane Richards (the young'uns) scoring...Brian Ching makes thing interesting.

Kansas City vs. Chicago
Toyota Park

Even with last game's unlikely hero Logan Pause out, Chicago has history on their side against KC. Michael Harrington coming off the best game of his 2 game career, will look to make another important contribution. The Wizards are reeling after beating a tough but flawed DC United team. Even though the all-time series is 17-7 (advantage Chicago), it's gonna be a fun game to watch. Scott Sealy, a little knicked-up, will be ready to link up with new signing Carlos Marinelli who played 20 minutes or so in the US Open Cup qualifier loss to Real Salt Lake.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Sealy and Mapp.

Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA
Home Depot Center

With more bite than the Miami Fusion vs. Chicago Fire matchup, this game looks to be an attack fest. Whose defense can last the onslaught. My guess is Chivas USA. The Yankee Goats are bitter over a 1-0 loss last week against Houston and they are out to prove that they are playoff material this year. If the pieces fall together, they could be Championship caliber. Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham have to keep the collaboration consistent or else Chivas will exploit the rather weak wingbacks. Look for Maykel Galindo to trouble aging Eddie Pope with his speed and persistence.
PREDICTION: 1-2, Freddy Adu gets his first with RSL while Chivas counters with a goal from Galindo and a second from Francisco Mendoza.

Sunday, April 22nd

Colorado vs. FC Dallas
Pizza Hut Park

I am convinced Conor Casey is going to be a stud for the Rapids. I am also convinced I can't figure out why I like the Rapids so much this season. New colors, faces, stadium...it's easy to latch on. The truth is, their play says a lot. It's not stopping any time soon either. Niko and Kirovski up front. Gomez, an eccentric wing midfielder, will wreak havoc on Dallas' untrustworthy backline. With Wagenfuhr out for Dallas, their defensive prospects get even worse. Look for Casey to come on late and make an impact. Also, check out this game preview section the Rapids have on their new website.
PREDICTION: 2-0, I know it's tough to keep Dallas goalless with Carlos Ruiz and Cooper up on the field, but it is doable and the tough Colorado backline can be the ones to partake. Can Gomez score another? Score one for Niko (about time) and an outside shot by new US international Kyle Beckerman.