MATCH PREVIEWS
Sporting Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Union
Philly won’t have an easy time walking into LiveStrong Sporting Park and securing a result, much less without the services of standout right back Sheanon Williams. Sporting has the offensive weapons to punish the Union, so unless Sebastien LeToux and Freddy Adu can work some serious magic, Sporting KC will have too much offense for the visitors.
FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo
The Dynamo has not won a road game all year, but might have a chance against a suddenly-struggling FC Dallas side. The only problem for Houston is that Dallas is expecting to get back MVP candidate Brek Shea. With Shea in the lineup, Dallas should keep Houston winless on the road.
Just in time: MVP candidate Brek Shea is expected to return for FC Dallas to help the struggling side gain momentum in the final weeks of the MLS season. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
D.C. United vs. Real Salt Lake
This budding rivalry should offer up plenty of hostility and fireworks. RSL is playing extremely well right now, but D.C. finds itself in desperation mode. The mid-week tie vs. Chivas USA had to be extremely disappointing, but even finding a point could be difficult against a Salt Lake side playing very well. Look for RSL to put another dent in D.C. United’s playoff hopes.
Columbus Crew vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
The Crew could lose its grip on first place in the Eastern Conference this weekend unless it can slow down the in-form Galaxy. Robbie Keane should find his share of chances, but the match will come down to whether Columbus can create scoring opportunities against the LA Galaxy’s stingy defense. Don’t bet on it.
New York Red Bulls vs. Portland Timbers
The Red Bulls have no room for error, but also face a confident Timbers squad building momentum toward the post-season. Portland’s attack has the speed and skill to break down New York’s defense, and things could get ugly unless Thierry Henry and the offense can find an early goal to take the pressure off a faltering back-line.
Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes
The Rapids are in full slump mode, losers of three straight, but San Jose is probably one of the teams you want to face if you’re trying to regain your form. Colorado can’t afford to drop many more points, not with the Eastern Conference closing in on them in the overall playoff standings.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders
This rivalry would have more buzz if not for the fact Vancouver has endured a brutal season. The Whitecaps can still play spoiler though, and face a Seattle side playing without playmaking standout Mauro Rosales. That won’t be enough though, as the Sounders should still have enough firepower to post a road win.
Chivas USA vs. Toronto FC
The Goats scored a vital draw against D.C. United, but have probably seen their playoff hopes fade away. A win against Toronto, along with some other results this weekend, could revive the Goats though, and Juan Pablo Angel is finding his form so it’s entirely possible. It won’t be easy though against a TFC attack that has looked better in recent weeks.
Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution
The Fire still have a chance in the playoff race, but must have a win against the Revs to have any hope. New England is playing out the string, and losing Rajko Lekic will only make things more difficult for Stevie Nicol’s side. Look for Dom Oduro to continue his torrid scoring pace and keep Chicago in the playoff conversation.
