I don't have time to do a full preview of USA-El Salvador, and I can't really get into all of the MLS action that is (unfortunately) taking place this weekend, but I thought I would share a few quick thoughts on each match. As always, it's always possible I will ramble on about numerous things (maybe even football betting), and this will turn into something I did not intend.

As a bonus, I'm ranking these, counting down from eight to one, with a prediction to boot.


8. Kansas City Wizards at Colorado Rapids

Something about games in Colorado depresses me, and I can't really explain why. Maybe it's because I've always considered Denver a pseudo-hometown of mine, since I have so much family there. I just wish that stadium was closer to downtown Denver. As for the game itself, there are some interesting players, and I'm sure it won't be horrible. Still, I'm not excited for it in the least.

Prediction: Wizards 2, Colorado 1


7. New England Revolution at New York Red Bulls

I can't stand watching soccer matches that take place in Giants Stadium. Pluse, as good as New England's been over the years, something about them bores me to tears. No thanks on this one.

Prediction: New England 1, New York 1


6. Chivas USA at FC Dallas

It's hard to tell whether either of these teams are any good; Chivas had their game last week handed to them, and Dallas got completely outclassed by a Chicago team that tops a lot of people's favorite lists. Kjlestan and Cooper are about all I really care about. That and seeing how low attendance at Pizza Hut Park goes.

Prediction: Chivas USA 1, FC Dallas, 1


5. Houston Dynamo at San Jose Earthquakes

I think there's a chance that the Dynamo could fade back to the pack, and end up fighting for a playoff spot towards the end of the year. San Jose jobbed themselves last week, and I expect they'll be a little crisper in Week 2. What's a Huckerby get a goal, and the Quakes win at home.

Prediction: Houston 0, San Jose 1


4. Real Salt Lake at Seattle Sounders

It's going to be interesting to see how strong the crowd in Seattle is for Week 2, and how RSL reacts. I actually picked the Lakers to go to the Cup final this year, though I don't think they get the win on the road in Seattle. Say it with me: Mov-sis-i-yan. Come on, it's fun.

Prediction: Real Salk Lake 1, Seattle 1


3. Chicago Fire at DC United

There's a little bad blood between these teams because of Blanco's Open Cup antics last year, so the level of physical play bears watching. I'm almost tempted to say that someone gets sent off in this match. Screw it, I will. Someone will get sent off. Blanco comes on as a sub again, United play well at home, and the bleachers at RFK shake up and down. How's all that for going out on a limb?

Prediction: Chicago 1, DC United 3


2. Toronto FC at Columbus Crew

As you'll see in my MLS Daily column that's coming out at some point today, I'm very interested in the growing hostility between the supporters of TFC and Columbus. As long as there's no violence, I think the dynamic is great for the league. The actualy game? I have no clue, but I think the Crew at home with some magic from GBS is a good bet.

Prediction: Toronto FC 1, Columbus 2





1. USA at El Salvador

The biggest game of the weekend for me, mostly because my Nats supporter status is locked in, and I'm yet to truly find myself passionate about any particular MLS team. Another qualifier that the U.S. should have no problem winning. The only wrinkle may be the starting lineup Bradley throws out; word on the street has that there may be some interesting changes. In that vein, my gut says that something will happen that hasn't in a while: Eddie Johnson will score a goal. That's right, you heard it here first. It's the hunchiest of hunches.

*UPDATE* I'm tempted to remove the previous paragraph (and the picture) because not only did EJ not score, he didn't even dress. I'm leaving it though, both as a testament to my idiocy and as a reminder to myself that while over-the-top wacky statements may look good in print, they're over-the-top and wacky for a reason. Good God I hope no one ever calls me on this.

Prediction: USA 2, El Salvador 0