MLS Predictions

NE Revolution at DC United

Two potent offenses and two shaky defenses. It’s the perfect formula for an entertaining shootout, right? For some reason it never works out that way and this match could wind up being a testy encounter between two teams desperate for three points to avoid falling behind the East pack. Both teams score goals but neither team controls this game enough to take the three points. D.C. United 2, Revolution 2.

Columbus Crew at Kansas City Wizards

There is no denying the Crew anymore. Sigi’s bunch is playing disciplined and organized soccer, their defense is playing well above its talent level and Ned Grabavoy has provided an attacking spark the club has needed for too long. Even with all that, the Crew still enter this match with something to prove. Can it go on the road and beat an in-form team.

The Wizards have just as many questions. They have three wins and Eddie Johnson has three goals but those all came against teams with a combined record of 0-11. If the Wizards can breakdown a stingy Crew defense then we can consider putting them in a category with the top teams East. Wizards 1, Crew 0.

New York Red Bulls at Real Salt Lake

RSL has a new coach but still has the same serious defensive woes. Kreis might find the right formula to squeeze production out of a talented crop of attackers but it will take a serious work of magic to do something with a back line that lacks talent and a good defensive midfielder to provide support.

The Red Bulls don’t have such problems. Their defense has been rock solid, Claudio Reyna has been a marvel in a holding midfield role. The unit, which has posted four shutouts to start the season, will have to fight off an RSL squad that will be fired up to play well for its new coach. Ultimately, talent trumps emotion and the Red Bulls keep their unbeaten streak going. Red Bulls 2, Real Salt Lake 0.

Houston Dynamo at Colorado Rapids

When this match was scheduled many expected a battle between a West Coast leader against a team near the bottom of the standings. Who knew the Rapids would be the first-place team and the Dynamo would be the ones close to the cellar?

The key for Houston is finding a way to get Dwayne De Rosario involved and attacking the way he knows best. There isn’t much of a problem with Houston’s back line but the midfield needs to do its part. The Rapids midfield has actually been playing very well and won’t make things easy in its new stadium. The Dynamo regroup and score a much-needed victory. Dynamo 1, Rapids 0.

Chivas USA at D.C. United

D.C. is still searching for its first win of the season after tying New England on Thursday, and they will have a good chance against a Chivas team dealing with its own turmoil. The Goats will be without Amado Guevara, who was red carded last week and was supposed to be traded to Toronto before the deal fell through.

DC didn’t exactly look like a team desperate for a win on Thursday, but Chivas has a defense that will be easier to crack than New England’s stingy unit. Christian Gomez hasn’t been his MVP self but he steps up and helps the struggling club finally score its first victory. D.C. United 2, Chivas USA 1

Chicago Fire at New England Revolution

The game of the week features the unbeaten Fire and surging Revs. Chicago’s defense has enjoyed a strong start even if the offense isn’t quite firing on all cylinders yet. Chicago shouldn’t expect to see its attack go crazy against a Revs defense that looks much better now that Michael Parkhurst has returned.

New England won’t have Shalrie Joseph though and his absence will cost the Revs against a Fire central midfield that will make things difficult for Andy Dorman. Look for Justin Mapp to have a strong game as the Fire stay unbeaten. Fire 1, Revolution 0

Tags: ESPN

Filed under: Ives Galarcep - ESPN