4/7/07 – ESPN – Ives Galarcep
D.C. United at Colorado Rapids
Troy Perkins probably still is having nightmares of that ball slipping through his hands in Tuesday’s loss to Chivas but D.C. must regroup and play in Colorado’s new stadium. The Rapids begin the post-Joe Cannon era and might regret parting ways with him. The revamped defense is supposed to help pick up the slack but Fernando Clavijo’s attack doesn’t seem all that much better than last year. Look for the Rapids to benefit from the home-field advantage of its new home, as well from a tired D.C. team, but it won’t be enough to secure three points. D.C. United 1, Rapids 1.
FC Dallas at Real Salt Lake
The Freddy era begins in Utah and who better to have the boy wonder go against but an FC Dallas team that is in a state of flux. Steve Morrow’s team still has Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper at forward but that defense leaves plenty to be desired. Look for John Ellinger’s squad to get off on a good note. Real Salt Lake 2, FC Dallas 1.
New York Red Bulls at Columbus Crew
The second year of the Crew’s rebuilding process has seen the addition of Andy Herron and Robbie Rogers. Will that be enough to match the Red Bulls’ many additions? Don’t bet on it. Claudio Reyna’s MLS debut will be a successful one, even if a potential snow flurry makes the game a bit sloppy. Red Bulls 2, Crew 0.
New England Revolution at Chicago Fire
The most intense rivalry in the league is back as the Revs begin life without Clint Dempsey. Chicago said farewell to several veteran players and might struggle early on in the season. Give New England the edge. Revs 1, Fire 0.
Toronto FC at Chivas USA
I want to believe in Toronto, particularly with all that offensive talent, but the defense is still a work in progress and will be primed for the taking by a Chivas USA attack that will welcome Amado Guevara to the fold. Chivas USA 3, Toronto 1.
Los Angeles Galaxy at Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo won’t have much time to recover from Thursday’s devastating Champions Cup loss to Pachuca but it will have to regroup because the Galaxy will be looking to spoil the season-opening party. Fatigue will wind up costing the defending champions as Landon Donovan starts his season off with a bang in the form of a goal and victory. Galaxy 1, Dynamo 0.
Results
DC United 1, Colorado 2
Real Salt Lake 2, FC Dallas 2
Columbus 1, New York 1
Chicago 1, New England 0
Chivas USA 2, Toronto 0
Houston 0, Los Angeles 0
Filed under: Ives Galarcep - ESPN