New England Revolution at Real Salt Lake

The Revolution’s red-hot attack should overwhelm RSL, but look for Freddy Adu to make an impact. New England 3, Real Salt Lake 0.

Chicago Fire at Toronto FC

Having Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Paulo Wanchope will help the Fire attack but Toronto is too tough at home. Toronto FC 1, Chicago 0.

Chivas USA at Kansas City Wizards

The Goats are coming off a big win against the Red Bulls but a rested Wizards team will punish that Chivas USA defense. Wizards 2, Chivas USA 0.

FC Dallas at Real Salt Lake

That zero in the Real Salt Lake win column is starting to weigh heavily on a franchise that was looking for a spark when it hired Jason Kreis as head coach. Yes, RSL has tied four of six matches under Kreis, but that just won’t cut it, and we are still waiting to see what reinforcements the team will add. FC Dallas escaped Salt Lake City with a gift of a tie in the season opener but will come away with a victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium this time around: FC Dallas, 1, Real Salt Lake 0.

Columbus Crew at New England Revolution- Revs roll, even though the Crew does give them fits everytime they play. Rookie Adam Cristman has his coming out party. Revoluton 2, Crew 0.

Kansas Ciy Wizards at RBNY- The Red Bulls are healthier than they have been in weeks and they’re at home, where they’ve surrendered just one goal. The Wizards are without Eddie Johnson and haven’t won at Giants Stadium in years. This is an easy one. Red Bulls. 3, Wizards 1.

Chicago Fire at DC United- DC is rolling and the Fire is stumbling. Christian Gomez and Luciano Emilio should have a field day against a shaky Chicago defense. DC United 2, Fire 1.

Colorado Rapids at Chivas USA- The Goats are playing better but the Rapids are due for another good road performance. These teams should play an entertaining game, but there won’t be a winner. Chivas USA 2, Rapids 2

I had to pull many of these off of Ives Blog, Soccer by Ives, and he did not do any predictions for Sunday’s match ups. I will add them later if I can find them.

New York Red Bulls at Toronto FC

Toronto has made BMO Field a tough place to play but the odds are stacked against Mo Johnston’s team here. The expansion squad has a shaky defense to begin with and must now try and beat the league’s best team without starting goalkeeper Greg Sutton and three defenders, all of which are playing for Canada in the Gold Cup. That will be music to the ears of Juan Pablo Angel, Clint Mathis and Jozy Altidore, who should all flourish as the Red Bulls beat their former coach. Red Bulls 3, Toronto FC 0.

Colorado Rapids at Houston Dynamo

This matchup has defensive struggle written all over it. The Rapids are solid on the road and will be looking for a point. The Dynamo will be lacking the attacking players to break down Colorado’s back line. The Rapids could take the three points here but that would require one of the teams in this match to score. Don’t bet on it. Rapids 0, Dynamo 0.

Chivas USA at Chicago Fire

The Fire finally broke their losing skid last week and now return home hoping to defeat some familiar faces. Former Chicago stars Ante Razov and Jesse Marsch enjoyed a stint with the U.S. national team last week and should ride the momentum of that experience. Razov and speedy Maykel Galindo will offer a much tougher test for the suspect Fire defense than Columbus did. Chivas USA wins on the road as Chicago will struggle, especially if Chris Rolfe misses another match due to injury: Chivas USA 2, Fire 0.

Los Angeles Galaxy at FC Dallas

The Hoops continue to struggle with consistency, but they face a Galaxy team missing Landon Donovan as well as starters Kevin Harmes and Ante Jazic. Where will the offense come from for Los Angeles? Your guess is as good as coach Frank Yallop’s. FC Dallas should have little trouble controlling possession and keeping constant pressure on the Galaxy’s shorthanded defense. Barring a star performance from goalkeeper Joe Cannon, this one could get ugly: FC Dallas 2, Galaxy 0.

New York Red Bulls at D.C. United

Confidence is high in Red Bulls camp after Wednesday’s comeback victory in Toronto. Juan Pablo Angel’s goals helped overshadow a flat first-half performance. They can’t afford another slow start against a D.C. United team that is starting to hit its stride. The forward tandem of Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno will take full advantage of the Red Bulls’ shorthanded defense and do just enough to offset the continued masterful play of Angel: D.C. United 2, Red Bulls 1.

Houston Dynamo at Columbus Crew

Someone forgot to tell Houston that the absence of Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching would stifle its offense. A 2-1 victory over Colorado on Thursday shows that the Dynamo aren’t about to wilt while their stars are away. The Crew, on the other hand, are showing few signs of life. Aside from Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s wasted flashes of brilliance, Columbus’ offense has been stagnant and isn’t likely to catch fire against Houston’s stingy defense. The defending champs move a step closer to .500, and the Crew fall even further into the East basement: Dynamo 2, Crew 0.

Colorado at Toronto FC – Is that really Toronto with a 2-1-1 record in its last four matches? Yes it is and you could argue they played well enough to win the game they lost, against D.C. Now TFC faces a Colorado team that is unbeaten in four matches and frustrating opponents with a bunkering defense and dangerous counterattack. Sounds like a defensive struggle? Don’t bet on it. Look for the teams to have a shootout, with the Rapids edging out the home team. Rapids 3, Toronto FC 2.

Real Salt Lake at New England Revolution – Hmm, let me think. Do I pick the team that has shredded opponents regularly this season or the team that has yet to record a victory after two months? It is a tough call but I think I’ll take the Revs, even if this is one of those typical MLS games where the bad team steps up and knocks off the overconfident favorites. Revolution 3, Real Salt Lake 1

New York Red Bulls at Kansas City Wizards – The best game of the week features great matchups all over the field. The Red Bulls will still be shorthanded as starting goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus and starting fullbacks Todd Dunivant and Hunter Freeman are out. One player who is back is Claudio Reyna, whose presence should help calm down a Red Bulls team that has been dangerous in the attack but imbalanced at times.

The key for the Red Bulls will be slowing down Eddie Johnson, who is on fire right now and who has the type of size and speed that can give the Red Bulls’ back line fits. Unfortunately for Johnson, the Wizards defense is dealing with a rash of injuries that will leave them vulnerable against a Red Bulls attack that has been playing amazing soccer in recent weeks. Juan Pablo Angel shines and the Red Bulls take control of the East standings. Red Bulls 2, Wizards 1

D.C. United at Los Angeles Galaxy – D.C. is slowly turning things around and head into the coming weeks knowing that it won’t lose any players to the Gold Cup. That makes for a potentially dominating June for the consensus preseason title favorites. They will face a Galaxy team that has played better than results have shown, but still can’t get its offense untracked. Landon Donovan knows that a win here is crucial considering he may be with the U.S. national team for more than a month if he plays in Copa America. Look for Donovan to play a great game, but it won’t be enough to help a short-handed Galaxy team hold off a surging United. D.C. United 2, Galaxy 1

FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo – The Texas Derby is the best the West has to offer this weekend and it is unlikely to disappoint. The Hoops are fully aware that they have a chance to bury Houston even further behind them in the standings and the Dynamo knows that it is about to lose three star players to the Gold Cup. Can Houston’s stingy defense slow down Dallas midfielder Juan Toja? Yes, the Dynamo can and that will be the key to Houston stopping its three-match losing skid. Dynamo 1, FC Dallas 0

Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire – Two struggling teams limp into a match that is tough to get excited about. The Fire has the home-field advantage but the story here will be Andy Herron’s return to Chicago. He netted two goals last week and will be looking to burn his former club. Even if Chicago gets Chris Rolfe back, it may not be enough to avoid Herron’s revenge. Crew 1, Fire 0

There is no way to know what players will miss this game but the Red Bulls are stronger defensively than the Fire. Chicago has the weapons to get on the scoreboard but the Red Bulls matchup well with a flawed Fire back line. Clint Mathis could be especially dangerous against a Fire team that isn’t the quickest in the center or defense and midfield, where Mathis does the most damage. Don’t expect fireworks, just a Red Bulls victory. Red Bulls 1, Fire 0

Kansas City Wizards at New England Revolution

The red-hot Revs are at home against the sometimes warm Wizards. Kansas City hasn’t posted an impressive win since its season opening victory against a flat D.C. United squad, so why should you believe the Wizards can win on the road against New England? You shouldn’t. Taylor Twellman and rookie Adam Cristman find the net as New England moves back ahead of the Red Bulls atop the East standings. Revolution 3, Wizards 1.

Houston Dynamo at D.C. United

Remember when this would have been considered a lock MLS Cup Final preview? These teams have struggled to find good form and consistency all year, and now they meet in a match that could leave the loser near the bottom of their conference standings.

D.C. seems like the easy choice, playing at home and coming off an important win against Toronto. Houston, however, will be looking to rebound from a two-loss week and will play with a sense of urgency. Brian Ching ends his scoring drought and the Dynamo move a step closer to .500. Dynamo 1, DC United 0.

Toronto FC at Columbus Crew

After three well-played games and two memorable home wins, Toronto hits the road to face a Columbus squad that is winless in May. Can TFC duplicate its exciting attack away from BMO Field? More importantly, how will Toronto respond to the arrival of Jeff Cunningham? Look for Cunningham to burn his former club and make a strong Toronto debut and Crew fans to start up the “Fire Sigi” chants. Toronto FC 2, Crew 1.

Los Angeles Galaxy at Colorado Rapids

You think a few players in this game had this date circled? The blockbuster Joe Cannon for Herculez Gomez and Ugo Ihemelu trade has worked out well for both teams, but you know the players involved are out to burn their former squads. The Rapids haven’t had the best of success at their new stadium (Colorado is winless in three home matches in May) and the Galaxy have the elements to come into Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and take a win. Colorado has never been able to handle Landon Donovan, and you can expect the U.S. captain to flourish, while Cannon puts on a show for his former fans. Galaxy 2, Rapids 0.

FC Dallas at Chivas USA

This should be a gimme shouldn’t it? The Goats haven’t won since Amado Guevara walked off the field last month, (0-2-2 since) while FC Dallas has won three straight matches to move into first place in the West. Juan Carlos Toja and Pablo Richetti are playing well for the Hoops and that fact should translate to success against Chivas USA. However, look for Chivas USA to stop the bleeding as Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo have success against FC Dallas’ suspect back-line. Chivas USA 2, FC Dallas 1.

Real Salt Lake at Chicago Fire

Call this the Sad Slump Derby. The Fire are on a four-game skid, while RSL is still searching for its first win of the season. Real Salt Lake may have just raised the white flag on this season after dealing 2006 MLS goals leader Jeff Cunningham for Alecko Eskandarian, but Jason Kreis’ slumping offense could find some relief against a Chicago defense that hasn’t exactly been stingy of late (five goals allowed in two matches). With Chris Rolfe unlikely to play, the Fire needs Chad Barrett and Calen Carr to play much better than they did in the 3-0 loss to the Red Bull on Thursday. Look for both players to rebound against Salt Lake’s shaky defense. Fire 2, Real Salt Lake 1.

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.

Real Salt Lake at Colorado Rapids

The Kreis era takes RSL to Denver where the Rapids are generally a tough nut to crack Colorado’s dynamic offense will be too much for Salt Lake’s defense but you could see RSL finally have success offensively. It won’t be enough though as the Rapids roll. Rapids 3, Real Salt Lake 2.

Chicago Fire at Toronto FC

A nice little war of words erupted between Toronto coach Mo Johnston and Chicago coach Dave Sarachan over Sarachan’s criticism of the artificial turf at BMO Field last week. Will that serve to motivate the winless and goalless Canadians to pull the upset? Don’t bet on it. While a first goal in team history seems very likely, a a first win will be tough against a Fire attack that boasts an in-form Chris Rolfe and Justin Mapp. Fire 3, Toronto FC 1

Chivas USA at Columbus Crew

This match features a team coping with the departure of a high-profile player against a home team welcoming the arrival of one. While Chivas USA goes on without disgruntled playmaker Amado Guevara, Columbus will have its first chance to show off Argentine star Guillermo Barros Schelotto to the home fans. That won’t be enough to stop a Chivas USA attack with the speed and precision to breakdown a disciplined but slow Crew defense. Chivas USA 2, Crew 1

FC Dallas at Kansas City Wizards

Doesn’t it figure that just a week after Amado Guevara plays his way out of town with Chivas USA, Carlos Ruiz appears to be working toward his own one-way ticket out of Texas? FCD coach Steve Morrow is busy trying to figure out how his loaded offense hasn’t scored in two games, and that could mean benching the ineffective Ruiz against a Wizards defense that will be without defender Jimmy Conrad. KC’s offense has had its own trouble finding the net in recent weeks but should find enough success to become the league’s first five-win team. Wizards 2, FC Dallas 0

New England Revolution at Los Angeles Galaxy

The game of the week will feature league scoring leader Taylor Twellman and Landon Donovan, but the key to this match will be on defense. The Revs’ defense has been stellar in recent weeks while the Galaxy’s back line has been somewhat erratic. Look for Donovan to do some damage as Frank Yallop’s squad halts New England’s unbeaten run. Galaxy 2, Revolution 1

Colorado Rapids at New York Red Bulls

Both teams are coming off disappointing ties against Real Salt Lake, but the Red Bulls have more reason for optimism. This match will mark Juan Pablo Angel’s debut at Giants Stadium, and if his cameo in the team’s U.S. Open Cup loss to the LA Galaxy was any indication, Angel is going to be a terror. The Rapids’ offense moved the ball around well against RSL but failed to find the net. Things won’t be any easier against a much tougher Red Bulls defense that will be looking to atone for its last-minute meltdown against RSL. Red Bulls 2, Rapids 0

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

Toronto FC at Kansas City Wizards

A week to recover from the thrashing by New England as well as the arrival of defenders Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite should help Toronto FC be more competitive, but beating an improved K.C. squad appears unlikely. Mo Johnston has added so many new pieces, including English forward Danny Dichio, that expecting the team to play well together so soon might be a bit much. The Eddie Johnson-Scott Sealy speed combo proves too much as the Wizards continue their solid start to the season and Toronto keeps feeling the pain of being a new team. Wizards 3, Toronto 1.

New York Red Bulls at FC Dallas

You can blame Dallas’ 3-0 loss to the Red Bulls last week on the fatigue of three games in eight days and the heavy travel, but it had just as much to do with a defense that is struggling in large part because of a lack of support from the midfield. Argentine midfielder Pablo Richetti should help with this when he eventually arrives. Without Richetti, Dallas will struggle yet again against a Red Bulls team whose midfield is just too balanced. Red Bulls 2, FC Dallas 1.

Kansas City Wizards at Toronto FC

Teams opening new stadiums have a track record of success in MLS, but even that won’t be enough for a Toronto squad that is still adjusting to all the new additions to the roster. The Wizards thoroughly dominated Toronto on Wednesday and will look to control the midfield play yet again. Toronto scores its first goal but the Wizards’ attack will have just enough to leave Canada with three points. Wizards 2, Toronto FC 1.

DC United at Columbus Crew

It may seem a little early for a team to already be playing a must-win match, it is still April after all, but D.C. United will travel to Ohio knowing it needs three points to keep from falling even further behind the leaders in the East. Will a week off be enough to help correct the defensive deficiency that has led to a pair of early-season losses? DC’s back line will be helped by the fact that it is facing a Columbus attack still searching for its first goal. Look for Luciano Emilio to find the net as D.C. scores its first win and the Crew suffers its first loss. DC United 1, Crew 0.

Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy

The latest installment of the Super Clasico pits a rested Galaxy team against a Chivas squad playing some quality attacking soccer. Through two games, the Galaxy is still trying to find its rhythm offensively, unlike the Goats, who have scored six goals in three matches. This has the feel of one of those matches in which Landon Donovan takes over and wills his team to victory, but Chivas USA’s attack is too potent and midfield too strong, even without suspended Sacha Kljestan. Amado Guevara enjoys his best game as the Goats roll. Chivas USA 2, Galaxy 1.

New England Revolution at FC Dallas

The Hoops play host to a Revs team that is playing well offensively but still making costly mistakes defensively. Not a good formula to have against an FC Dallas attack that is one of the league’s most dangerous. Carlos Ruiz is clearly nursing a hamstring injury but FC Dallas still boasts enough weapons to beat Matt Reis and rebound from Thursday’s home loss to the Red Bulls. Kenny Cooper steps up as the Revs must once again pay for some suspect defense. FC Dallas 2, Revolution 1.

Chicago Fire at Houston Dynamo

The Fire are off to a strong start but will face their toughest test to date against a Dynamo team eager to rebound from last week’s loss to the Red Bulls. Dwayne DeRosario has gotten off to a poor start and won’t have any easy time against Chicago’s smothering central midfield combo of Chris Armas and Diego Gutierrez. Houston will rely on its strong wing play to help Brian Ching find the net as Houston squeezes out a tough home victory. Dynamo 1, Fire 0.

Colorado Rapids at Real Salt Lake

Which RSL team will show up on Monday, the squad that outplayed FC Dallas in the season opener, or the team that has bumbled through the past two matches without scoring a goal? John Ellinger’s team needs a win here to avoid settling for a maximum of three points from its first three home matches. The Rapids are coming off a 3-1 thrashing at the hands of FC Dallas and should post a better defensive performance here. Look for Niko Hernandez and Roberto Brown to exploit Real Salt Lake’s suspect back line as the Rapids leave Utah with a victory. Rapids 2, Real Salt Lake 0.

Houston Dynamo at New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls should get a break from the horrible weather in their first two games but the tradeoff is facing the defending champions. The Dynamo have been struggling to generate offense, with one goal on seven shots on goal in two matches, and chances won’t come easy against a Red Bulls defense that has been surprisingly stingy so far this season. Claudio Reyna returns to help the Red Bulls win the midfield battle as Jozy Altidore finds the net in a hard-fought match. Red Bulls 1, Dynamo 0.

Kansas City Wizards at Chicago Fire

So was the Wizards’ season-opening display a product of their own quality or D.C. United’s ineptitude? We will find out at Toyota Park, where K.C. faces a Chicago defense that is better than D.C.’s. Eddie Johnson looked sharp in his debut but will struggle to make the same impact this week. Look for Justin Mapp to create some good chances and Chris Rolfe to score the game winner in a wide-open match. Fire 2, Wizards 1.

Real Salt Lake at Chivas USA

Chivas USA played well enough to score a point last week before Brian Ching spoiled the party. Look for the Goats to have an easier time facing an RSL defense that is primed for a thrashing. Why? Well, aside from Nick Rimando challenging Facundo Erpen for worst starter in MLS honors, Chivas USA will boast the first quality midfield Salt Lake has faced all season and it will only be a matter of time before Ante Razov and Amado Guevara torch a back line that counts only Eddie Pope as a reliable defender. Chivas USA 3, Real Salt Lake 1

Colorado Rapids at FC Dallas

You think the Hoops are glad to be home? Sure, playing in three home openers as a guest was fun but being back at Pizza Hut Park should revive an attack that looked lost against the Red Bulls last weekend. The Rapids have shown some positive signs in the first two games of the season but their notorious road form makes you wonder if they will travel well. The Rapids’ wingers should create some chances but the Dallas tandem of Carlos Ruiz and Kenny Cooper will prove too much for Colorado to handle. FC Dallas 2, Rapids 1.