Alright boys and girls, another Saturday is upon us, full of MLS action. Unfortunately, I will be detained until early evening tonight, but I want to be sure you know to check in on Epic Footy for a running live blog. There will certainly be one going for the day's early game, Seattle v. Chicago, and while there is a gap before the night games get going, the live may stay up and just roll through in the interim.
A quick rundown of the MLS schedule, with some picks thrown in:
Seattle v. Chicago 3PM ET, ESPN
McBride is done for Chicago (shoulder surgery), and while that's a blow, the Fire are still one of the best teams in the league. Seattle should have it's usual massive crowd, and the showcase of ESPN to show it off. I'm calling this one a draw, 1-1.
Columbus v. Toronto 7:30PM ET, Direct Kick
This one is already a decent rivalry (they play for some made up trophy called the "Trillium Cup), and should be another tense affair. There won't be many TFC fans in Columbus, unfortunately, as the team's supporters groups are staying away in protest of their treatment the last time these two played in Ohio. I only wish Columbus had strong enough attendance (not sure why they don't) to make up for the lack of travelling support. I see another draw here, 1-1.
Houston v. New England 8:30PM ET, Direct Kick
Houston is without two of their most important players, Brian Ching and Stuart Holden, but still look to be head and shoulders better than New England. With the game in Houston, there's no reason to think that the Dynamo won't take care of business. Houston wins, 2-0.
Kansas City v. LA Galaxy 9PM ET, ESPN2
The day's other ESPN game (this time on the Deuce), it's game two of Beckham's return to MLS. Although Community America Ballpark is small, it's also intimate; even with a sell out, there will only be 10k, but I'm guessing they'll be brutal towards the Englishman. LA is on a role though, and I can't see home field making that much of a difference for a Wizards team missing Jimmy Conrad and Davy Arnaud to Gold Cup duty. LA wins, 2-1.
Colorado v. New York 9:30PM ET, Direct Kick
New York is bad, really bad. Colorado always manages to make things tougher for themselves than they need to be, though, and so I'm torn. But New York is really bad. The home-standing Rapids should be able to get the full three points. Rapids win, 1-0.
San Jose v. DC United 10:30PM ET, FSC
The trip out to the West Coast is a long one for DC, so this game might be a little tougher than it would appear. Still, United is much better than San Jose, sits only one point behind the Fire in the Eastern Conference standings, and has just added reinforcements in Danny Szetela and Ely Allen. I expect that Szetela will make his United debut tonight. United can't afford to drop points to weaker side here, so I'll pick them to win 3-1.
Make your picks here if you so choose, or just lambaste me for my picks.
I hope to be back in time for the night games, so maybe I'll see you over at Epic Footy.
