MLS Week 13: A week of interesting moves makes for a week of interesting games.

Saturday, June 30th

Houston vs. FC Dallas
Pizza Hut Park

Yes, the Texas shootout - with a little added flavor. It will be Houston's newfound and newly bolstered offense (with the return of Ching) against FC Dallas' makeshift defense due to a caution-accumulation suspension for Chris Gbandi, Drew Moor's appearance in the Copa America, and a nagging hamstring strain for Alex Yi. The projected back four will be: Wagenfuhr on the left, Bobby Rhine in the middle, A strong incentive for Houston for the three points is the snatching of first place in the West and as it stands, that looks like a strong possibility.
PREDICTION: HOU 2-1, Dallas starts strong at home but Houston takes over and grabs 2 goals late in the game. DeRo helps out and late sub Corey Ashe gets his first.

New York vs. Columbus
Columbus Crew Stadium

RBNY had a week off and Arena made the most out of that time. Dismantling his defensive roster was his first priority, releasing all the dead weight in Regan, Graham, and McDonald (although truth be told, Hugh never even got a chance with the first team). Arena has since brought in a still youthful bench spark named Santino Quaranta (a name we have all heard of). Quaranta has been mired in unfulfilled potential his whole MLS career and I would like to think New York is the place to shed that label. Kevin Goldthwaite has been recruited from BMO Field to take the place of ailing US international Todd Dunivant. Goldthwaite is somewhat shaky but can produce good things and with a good amount of help on the left wing with Van den Bergh it should work out nicely. The other names thrown around are Mariano Fernandez and former US nat Tony Sanneh. Either way, however, the process has just begun - and with Dema Kovalenko out with a groin strain and not making the trip to Columbus, the problem could decide to persist. Columbus is coming off 2 consecutive dramatic wins and have pulled offense out their ass. Moreno keeps finding the net with Schelloto's help and the Crew could again be very dangerous. Juan Pablo Angel plans to put a wrench in their momentum and my guess is he'll do it.
PREDICTION: RBNY 2, Columbus 1 - another away win for the weekend is sparked Angel and a "I really like to play performance" from journeyman John Wolyniec.

New England vs. Chivas USA
Home Depot Center

On paper, it doesn't look to good for the Goats who will be missing three big components of their starting XI. Bornstein, Guzan, and Kljestan are gone on Copa America duty. However, Panchito Mendoza, Maykel Galindo, and Razov remain. That is enough to get the job done especially when you throw Nagamura in there as his play has been decent as of late. New England still crave the return of their goal-man Twellman, but Andy Dorman and Adam Cristman continue to produce. If the Revs play like the Revs, they will win but if Chivas can score goals early - New England won't be coming back anytime soon. Maybe, Preki can dress Lester More and just throw in there a bit (I know, just trials so far).
PREDICTION: Chivas USA 2, New England 2. Goals all around. Dorman scores again and Wells Thompson adds his 2nd, while Galindo adds two to his resume and prompting Preki to draft contracts immediately for Maykel's Cuban counterparts.

Sunday, July 1st

Colorado vs. Chicago
Toyota Park

A battle at Bridgeview between two struggling squads, but someone will possibly get a boost today. Colorado will have new acquisition Facundo Erpen after shipping Greg Vanney the other way. The Rapids needed to shake up that defense due to its' inconsistencies - massive highs and lows - and unfortunately, Erpen is known for just that kind of fluctuation. Maybe a new location will whip him into shape. Either way, the Fire will be hoping it doesn't work out for the Rapids and they can rebound at home. Mapp is still missing and, as of late, their only chance at firepower comes from recent acquisition Willian Oliveira from W Connection.
PREDICTION: Chicago 3, Colorado 1 - this score will stand unless Conor Casey decides to break out of his shell and put a few in the net (or maybe he's just extremely overrated and not suited for this league), Oliveira puts on a show.

Toronto FC vs. Kansas City
Arrowhead Stadium

Toronto is hoping to erase the crap that was their 3-0 dismantling at the hands of New England. The ups and downs in this team locker room must be excruciating. Going from 4-0 over Dallas to 3-0 down against New England is enough to drive even the sanest fan insane. Jimmy Conrad and Eddie Johnson are out for KC and Toronto has all the senior internationals back, but will miss the talent of Wynne on the right side and much-coveted young sub Andrea Lombardo who will be helped the Canadian U-20s at the World Cup. Movsisyan had a break out match against RBNY a while back and has shown spirited play since then, but still no production. TFC just have to get it clicking outside of the their home fortress of BMO Field. Dichio is probable for the game with that ankle sprain, but if injuries are a concern - KC has the problem. Three solid guys are banged up and might or might not suit up for them. They are: Marinelli, Burciaga Jr., and Sealy. This will be a fight.
PREDICTION: KC 1, TFC 1 Cunningham scores first and there will be many chances but not much in the way of goals after that. Late in the second half, however, Movsisyan breaks his mini-drought.