MLS Week 7

Saturday, May 19th

Red Bull New York vs. Columbus
Giants Stadium

MLS is marketing River Plate (Juan Pablo Angel) vs. Boca Juniors (Guillermo Barros Schelloto). A rainy day ensures however that, yet again, there won't be many at this game. RBNY is going to have to shed their bad form before it even starts. Two straight losses if you count the loss to Los Angeles. Columbus is going to have to find some way to crack a stingy NY defense and even then, the Crew have to find somebody to score. Look for Angel to receive better service today and Schelloto to drive the Columbus attack (both safe bets). Their last meeting was a 0-0 draw. The full match report will be up on Top Drawer Soccer late Saturday night.
PREDICTION: If Reyna plays, RBNY 2-1, if not, 1-1 deadlock.

Toronto FC vs. D.C. United
BMO Field

Could the Supporter's Shield holder stop TFC's cinderella run. A win over Chicago and defending champs Houston has Toronto threatening mid-table. The Toronto faithful will be happy to have, after only one game, their bruiser Danny Dichio back. Does Bobby Boswell have the answer for him? D.C. has had a week off and will have fresh legs. Guy-Roland Kpene looks to be the youthful spark they need along with Kasali Yinka Casal to keep D.C. fresh.
PREDICTION: D.C. 3-1

Houston vs. New England
Robertson Stadium

The Dynamo are still scratching their heads after a 1-0 loss to Toronto FC. Newly acquired Joseph Ngwenya had several chances that were missed and he looks to capitalize on them this week. New England looks to continue their run of good form with everybody firing on all cylinders. Between Taylor Twellman and Stevie Ralston, their foundation is set. If all cogs operate without drama, we could see another MLS final out of the Revs. Maybe a little Robbie Fowler wouldn't hurt either. Houston needs to rebound and no better place to do it than at home - with Ching quiet, where will Houston get their scoring from?
PREDICTION: New England 2-1

Colorado vs. Kansas City
Dick's Sporting Goods Park

A thin Colorado back-line will have to deal with a potent Kansas City offense. Greg Vanney and Brandon Prideaux are out with the possibility of Ugo Ihemelu missing another game. Jimmy Conrad will be out for Kansas City. Colorado is coming off a quiet 1-0 win over the Red Bulls last Sunday and could have a bit of momentum heading into their first meeting with the Wizards this year. Kansas City had their good form interrupted by a surging FC Dallas team who scored 2 first half goals to win 2-1. These two should put on a show.
PREDICTION: KCW 3-2

Sunday, May 20th

Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles
Home Depot Center

Landon Donovan will look to quarterback the Galaxy's effort in continuing a SuperClasico tradition...beating Chivas USA. Los Angeles wants to reverse their somewhat devastating 3-2 loss to New England last week as Taylor Twellman captained that comeback. Expect another sold-out crowd and Chivas USA to play a lot better than last time.
PREDICTION: Chivas USA 1-0, Panchito Mendoza makes something happen.

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
Pizza Hut Park

Dallas has the chance to ruin Jason Kreis' "homecoming" and second coaching start since a 3-3 tie with New York. On top of the Western conference now, FC Dallas has won two road games in a row and returns home with a rather healthy and happy squad. They have also retained the Brimstone Cup and continued their recent dominance of a faltering Chicago Fire. RSL is still waiting for the Adu and Cunningham connection to work and patience is running low.
PREDICTION: FC Dallas 3-1.