MLS Week Six

Saturday, May 12th

Chicago vs. Toronto FC
BMO Field

Toronto is going take another stab at the whole 'getting a point' thing. Chicago, however, is on equal grounds play-wise with Kansas City, so I think another last minute goal could be the decider in this one. Unfortunately, Toronto will most likely get beat again. It has been a week, though, and Ronnie O'Brien should back and feeding crosses into big-man Danny Dichio all game. Chicago is looking to regain composure from its' small hiccup in form and quite possibly could underrate the home team. The key word here is possibly - Chris Rolfe and Chad Barrett will give Toronto's backline fits. Dear Toronto, please get your first goal, Thanks, "Because I Think...".
PREDICTION: Chicago 2, TFC 0 - Toronto doesn't get its' first even though Esky comes close several times...


Chivas USA vs. Columbus
Crew Stadium

The Crew's Guillermo Barros Schelloto will look to get more time and have more of an impact today along with new acquisition Alejandro Moreno. Chivas USA, instead, wants to get back on Victory Lane. Sacha Kljestan looks to atone for his previous suspension and will most likely have a big game. Bornstein, a consistent performer, has yet to get himself on the scoresheet (even from left fullback). I think that might change today. Andy Herron is still suspended and John Cunliffe for the Goats might have to miss today's match with shoulder sprain. The question is who will fill in for Paulo Nagamura in the midfield? And how will Paulo do against his old team less than 3 days after being traded?
PREDICTION: Chivas USA 1, Columbus 0

FC Dallas vs. Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium

Carlos Ruiz on the bench and a host of defensive miscues still bother the Hoops. Kansas City could possibly run away with this or the absence of Carlos Ruiz could spark a work ethic and determination that messes with the Kansas City line-up. Dallas will be helped out by the absence of Jimmy Conrad due to a broken jaw, which could threaten the Wizards recent form. The Wizards will most likely pick rookie Aaron Hohlbein to fill Conrad's spot. As was written, Dario Sala has been 'itching' to get back into the line-up and it will be interesting to see According to some Dallas fans that have written in, many would rather have a Dario Sala at 75% than a Shaka 'His-Fault' at 100%. I hope you get your wish. Look for new signing Pablo Ricchetti to get a little bit of a run-around.
PREDICTION: Kansas City 2, FC Dallas 1

New England vs. Los Angeles
Home Depot Center

With Shalrie Joseph back from suspension and is ready to work after seeing Jeff Larentowicz show some worth at his position last week. A couple of knocks picked up this week on Dorman, Larentowicz, Khano Smith, and Twellman will not keep them out of the game but could potentially effect the outcome. If it does, you might see the goals flow for Los Angeles who have yet to do that much this year.
PREDICTION: Los Angeles 2, New England 1

Sunday, May 13th

Colorado vs. Red Bull New York
Giants Stadium

I will be up at Giants Stadium covering this game for Top Drawer Soccer (www.topdrawersoccer.com). Juan Pablo Angel will most likely be making his first MLS start, let alone appearance. Colorado played Thursday, the Red Bulls are at home. If Colorado had as weak of defense as FC Dallas did in their 3-0 loss at Giants Stadium earlier this year, I would say RBNY looks to have some fun, but that is not the case. The Bulls will be missing new fan favorite and former Rapid, Hunter Freeman but Seth Stammler should fill in nicely. Look for the Bulls to win, but not to dominate.
PREDICTION: RBNY 3, Colorado 1 - Juan Pablo Angel will have a productive first outing.