Another week has passed. Real Salt Lake have returned from their glorious not-losing-to-Saprissa-as-badly-as-Saprissa-lost-to-them. A number of Open Cup games were poorly attended. Eric Hassli became the leading cause of hair loss in British Columbia. And most importantly, another MLS matchday beckons. Here's our look at the matchups this week.
FC Dallas (0-2-1) v. Colorado Rapids (3-0-0)
9:00 PM ET - Friday, April 8, 2011 - Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX
This rematch of the 2010 MLS Cup Final would be more intriguing if the final result wasn't so obvious. Since their meeting last autumn in Toronto, the Rapids have beaten every MLS opponent they've faced, while Dallas have yet to win this season, gaining just one point from three games. Colorado should win, easily.
Seattle Sounder (0-2-2) v. Chicago Fire (1-0-1)
4:00 PM ET - Saturday, April 9, 2011 - Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
The Sounders are still looking for their first win after four games, while Chicago are unbeaten after two. Since Seattle are at home and will have much more pressure to get a good result, I'm backing them to take all three points.
New York Red Bulls (1-0-2) v. Philadelphia Union (2-1-0)
7:00 PM ET - Saturday, April 9, 2011 - PPL Park, Chester, PA
In a relatively short time, these two teams have developed quite the rivalry. This weekend, in addition to I-95 bragging rights, they'll be playing for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. At home, and with an improved defense, I see a 1-0 Union victory.
New England Revolution (1-0-3) v. Real Salt Lake (2-0-0)
7:30 PM ET - Saturday, April 9, 2011 - Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Both teams are coming into this one on a high note. New England's midweek away draw with Vancouver put them on top of the Eastern Conference, while RSL's 3-2 aggregate win over Saprissa saw them advance to the CONCACAF Champions League Final. That said, RSL are just a better team, and should be winning this.
D.C. United (1-2-0) v. Los Angeles Galaxy (2-1-1)
7:30 PM ET - Saturday April 9, 2011 - RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
The two most successful clubs in the history of the league meet here, but their circumstances could hardly be more different. Bruce Arena's Galaxy are in second place in the West and in the hunt to retain their Supporters Shield. Ben Olsen's D.C. are second from the bottom in the East and are praying to Jaime Moreno that Don Garber doesn't go insane and introduce relegation. Away win for me.
Chivas USA (0-2-1) v. Columbus Crew (1-1-1)
10:30 PM ET - Saturday, April 9, 2011 - The Home Depot Center, Carson, CA
Both of these teams could use a win. Three points could help keep Columbus in the hunt for a playoff spot, while Chivas need some respectability, stat. At home, against a Columbus team vastly different for the powerhouse side of the last few years, Chivas have a great opportunity to inject some life into their season, and I can see a close win.
San Jose Earthquakes (1-1-1) v. Toronto FC (1-1-1)
10:30 PM ET - Saturday, April 9, 2011 - Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
They may have identical records, but most would agree that San Jose have the stronger team, especially after TFC traded away captain and leading scorer Dwayne De Rosario. The Quakes should grab a win here without too much trouble.
Houston Dynamo (0-1-2) v. Vancouver Whitecaps (1-1-2)
7:00 PM ET - Sunday, April 9, 2011 - Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX
Houston have disappointed so far this year, and are still searching for their first win. Vancouver have been the surprise package this season, holding their own against more established MLS clubs.The Whitecaps will be without Eric Hassli, who picked up his second red card of the season while celebrating his third goal. Draw.
