MLS Predictions

With only four matches this weekend, this should be quick. Looks like Ives finally figured out they play MLS game during the week too, so we will start Week 4 match predictions early next week.

Houston Dynamo at Red Bull New York – Houston is coming off a decent win against Chivas at home last week, while NYRB beat up on a dead tired Dallas FC team that had no interest in playing their third match in 7 days in freezing cold weather. I am not sure I am ready to crown NYRB champs based on a tie at Columbus and that match. Houston appears to be the class of the league this year, this should provide a better measuring stick for both teams. Look for Ching and Jozy to score, and for Mathis to get a yellow card for complaining. Dynamo 1, NYRB 1

Kansas City Wizards at Chicago Fire – With KC playing on Wednesday against RSL in Open Cup Play, they have had a bit of traveling to do, DC on Saturday, Salt Lake on Wednesday and Chicago on Saturday. Chicago is solid defensively, but no one on their squad scares me if I am on the opposing defense. It will be interesting to watch Chicago this year to see where the goals come from. Mapp is dang good, but he is more of a set up man than a goal scorer. KC on the other hand, with a healthy Eddie J and Scott Sealy, either one can score in a flash. Very dangerous team. Looks like Sealy is out this week (he only played about 20 minutes before getting injured against RSL after coming on as a substitute). Under normal circumstances, I pick KC to win 2 – 1, but with many of their starting 11 having played 120 minutes on Wednesday, and a full day of travel on Thursday, that could take a lot out of their legs. Kansas City 2, Chicago Fire 2

Real Salt Lake at Chivas USA – I think the win on Wednesday will go a long way for RSL. They should have won their first two matches, but just couldn’t come away with a result. They gave up a last minute goal again against KC, but overtime saved them. Chivas played ok the first week against Toronto, and lost to Houston on the road week 2. Chivas just isn’t the same as they were last year. The speed is still there on the wings, but the midfield isn’t what it was. Guevara did nothing at all last year for NYRB (other than watch matches from the stands), and it doesn’t look like he will do much this year either. Look for RSL to dominate the midfield. RSL 2, Chivas 1

Colorado Rapids at FC Dallas – Dallas finally had a week at home to rest up after three games in 7 days on the road. Colorado has enjoyed two home games in the Dick, getting a win and a draw. The high altitude and freezing weather treated them nicely. Colorado has struggled on the road under Clavijo, going 2-10-4 last year, while FC Dallas was 12-3-1 at home. Look for that trend to continue as Dallas should dominate the match from start to finish. FC Dallas 3, Rapids 1

Tags: MLS Predictions

Filed under: MLSP Predictions