MLS Predictions

Come on Ives, I know you write for a local NJ paper, but please, stop kissing Arena’s butt all over ESPN.

Houston Dynamo at New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls should get a break from the horrible weather in their first two games but the tradeoff is facing the defending champions. The Dynamo have been struggling to generate offense, with one goal on seven shots on goal in two matches, and chances won’t come easy against a Red Bulls defense that has been surprisingly stingy so far this season. Claudio Reyna returns to help the Red Bulls win the midfield battle as Jozy Altidore finds the net in a hard-fought match. Red Bulls 1, Dynamo 0.

Kansas City Wizards at Chicago Fire

So was the Wizards’ season-opening display a product of their own quality or D.C. United’s ineptitude? We will find out at Toyota Park, where K.C. faces a Chicago defense that is better than D.C.’s. Eddie Johnson looked sharp in his debut but will struggle to make the same impact this week. Look for Justin Mapp to create some good chances and Chris Rolfe to score the game winner in a wide-open match. Fire 2, Wizards 1.

Real Salt Lake at Chivas USA

Chivas USA played well enough to score a point last week before Brian Ching spoiled the party. Look for the Goats to have an easier time facing an RSL defense that is primed for a thrashing. Why? Well, aside from Nick Rimando challenging Facundo Erpen for worst starter in MLS honors, Chivas USA will boast the first quality midfield Salt Lake has faced all season and it will only be a matter of time before Ante Razov and Amado Guevara torch a back line that counts only Eddie Pope as a reliable defender. Chivas USA 3, Real Salt Lake 1

Colorado Rapids at FC Dallas

You think the Hoops are glad to be home? Sure, playing in three home openers as a guest was fun but being back at Pizza Hut Park should revive an attack that looked lost against the Red Bulls last weekend. The Rapids have shown some positive signs in the first two games of the season but their notorious road form makes you wonder if they will travel well. The Rapids’ wingers should create some chances but the Dallas tandem of Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper will prove too much for Colorado to handle. FC Dallas 2, Rapids 1.

Tags: ESPN

Filed under: Ives Galarcep - ESPN