MLS Predictions

Houston Dynamo at Toronto FC

Toronto FC spent the offseason trying to pry Dwayne De Rosario from the Dynamo and failed. Now TFC must face the Canadian national team star just as he is beginning to regain his all-star form. Expecting Toronto’s suspect offense to break down Houston’s strong defense is too much to ask as the defending champions hand the league newcomers yet another loss. Dynamo 2, Toronto FC 0

FC Dallas at Chicago Fire

Who would have thought that Chicago’s Chris Rolfe would be the goal-and-assist machine at this point in the season while FC Dallas’ Carlos Ruiz is playing his way out of a job? That difference, coupled with Chicago’s superior defense, will keep the Fire unbeaten at home and keep Dallas sliding down the West standings. Fire 1, FC Dallas 0

D.C. United at Toronto FC

The red-hot newcomers against the rested underachievers. Who has the edge? Toronto FC just played on Wednesday while D.C. had last week off. Toronto’s physical style has made things difficult for opposing attacks in their two wins but D.C. has the weapons to crack the suddenly stingy TFC defense. D.C. spoils the Canadian party and moves closer to the pack in the East. D.C. United 2, Toronto FC 1

New England Revolution at Houston Dynamo

Another battle of teams heading in different directions. The Revs are rolling, with an attack that has scored six goals in its last two matches. The Dynamo has been shut out in three of its past four matches and even playing at home might not help this reeling squad. Twellman keeps up his hot streak as New England rolls. Revolution 2, Dynamo 0.

Columbus Crew at New York Red Bulls

When these teams played to a scoreless tie in the season opener, each team dominated a half. The Red Bulls have played the better soccer this year but are coming off their worst match of the season. If Claudio Reyna and Ronald Waterreus don’t play, the key for the Red Bulls will be providing Colombian star Juan Pablo Angel with service against a Crew defense that has played well but cannot matchup with Angel. The key for Columbus will be getting the ball to Ned Grabavoy, who did a good job of picking apart the Red Bulls defense with sharp passes the last time these teams met. The Red Bulls will find a way to contain Grabavoy and crack that stingy Crew defense with the help of wingers Dave van den Bergh and Dane Richards. Red Bulls 1, Crew 0.

Kansas City Wizards at Colorado Rapids

A pair of struggling offenses square off in a meeting with several intriguing matchups. Pablo Mastroeni faces off against Eddie Johnson, Jose Burciaga and Terry Cooke match overlapping runs and Jimmy Conrad, broken jaw and all, battles the very physical Roberto Brown. Will Colorado open things up at home or will it pack numbers in and look to counter against a Kansas City defense that is solid when Conrad is in the lineup? Of the two attacks you have to give the edge to the Rapids, who take full advantage of the large field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Cooke wins his battle and Mastroeni contains Johnson in a key home win. Rapids 1, Wizards 0.

Los Angeles Galaxy at Chivas USA

Is a rivalry a rivalry when one team dominates so thoroughly? Even when Chivas USA is playing well it finds a way to lose to its arch rival. Heading into this installment of the “Super Clasico” Chivas USA is actually struggling. The Galaxy isn’t at top form either, but its offense is playing on a higher level than the Goats are and Donovan remains a player that Chivas USA just doesn’t have an answer for. Donovan burns the Goats again and the Galaxy maintain control of Home Depot Center bragging rights. Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 0.

Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas

Can’t you just see it now? Jason Kreis, the all-time leading scorer in league history, returns to the place where he scored most of those goals  only this time as a rookie head coach seeking his first victory. Yes, it would be a nice story if he led RSL to its first win of the season but that is unlikely against an FC Dallas squad on the rise. With Juan Toja emerging as a dynamic force and Kenny Cooper playing with a desire to earn a national team place, you can see the Hoops thrashing the overmatched visitors. FC Dallas 3, Real Salt Lake 1.

Tags: ESPN

Filed under: Ives Galarcep - ESPN