MLS Predictions

I have been out of town all week, and I am just starting to look at this week’s match ups. Looks like I will be covering the RSL/Rapids match right now, I hope to be able to figure out the rest while I am watching ESPN2 tonight.

Real Salt Lake at Colorado Rapids – The first few weeks, the Rapids looked like the team to beat in the West. But last week, they looked slow and old against Houston. Losing at home is one thing, but being dominated from the starting whistle is another thing. RSL limped through their first half against NYRB, then came out on fire, and should have beaten NYRB. It will be interesting to see which RSL and which Rapids team shows up tonight. This is one of the best rivalries in MLS, you can tell these guys just don’t like each other at all. The Rapids handled RSL two weeks ago, in what ended up being Ellinger’s last game. RSL will play much better this time around, I really have high hopes for Kreis. Look for RSL to ride their strong second half come back to victory this week. Real Salt Lake 2, Colorado Rapids 1

Chicago Fire at Toronto FC – Toronto is still looking for both their first goal and first point of the season. They played better during their last home match, a 1 – 0 loss to Kansas City, much better than they have played on the road this year. The crowds are great, and are a big advantage for Toronto, however, their back line is still very suspect. Chicago is pretty solid in the back, and it may be tough for Toronto get many chances. Chicago Fire 2, Toronto FC 0

Chivas USA at Columbus Crew – Chivas has struggled their last two matches, a 3 – 1 loss to the Galaxy and a 2 – 1 loss to DCU, both on the road. Chivas finds themselves on the road again this week, facing the Crew, who are pretty tough at home. The good news is they get Kljestan back after his two game suspension. I am unsure if their woes the last two weeks were because they were on the road or if they missed Kljestan. I look for them to play better this week. Schelotto could be the wild card. While had hasn’t been a starter for years, he knows how to win. Chivas 1, Crew 1

FC Dallas at KC Wizards – It looks like Ruiz will not start, though there is a possibility he may play after not returning to the club after a quick trip to Guatemala. Look for Dallas to bunker back and play counter attacks in hopes to get a goal without giving up any/many. KC struggles against teams that bunker. They were lucky to get a goal last week against Columbus. If KC learned anything from last week, they win easily, if not, it is probably a tie. Kansas City 2, FC Dallas 1

NE Revolution at LA Galaxy – I just can’t figure out the Galaxy. They dominate Chivas, and then beat NYRB mid-week in Open Cup action, but I just don’t see this as a good team. A few good parts, but nothing spectacular, outside of Donovan. Many of the Galaxy’s regulars played 120 minutes on Wednesday, so they are fortunate to be playing at home this week. NE blew up last week at home against Chicago, and showed me they are one of the best teams in the East. I see the Galaxy struggling again. NE Revoluton 2, Galaxy 0

Colorado Rapids at New York Red Bull – Colorado played a tough match at home on Thursday agains their rival, and then had to travel cross country to New York for a game three days later. NY has been playing well, despite the 2 late goals by RSL and the Open Cup loss against the Galaxy on the road. With all their starters playing nearly 120 minutes on Wednesday, and a day of travel back home, both teams will be a bit tired. NYRB is suddenly a bit weak on the back line, and Colorado shoud have some chance to score. Colorado will be happy with a point on the road, but NYRB will be looking for a win after their two matches. NYRB 2, Colorado Rapids 1

Tags: MLS Predictions

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