Diving right in today, there's a nice big slate of matches coming up this weekend. The table is starting to take form and separate the wheat from the chaff. Or the goats from the sheep. Anyway, here's this weekend's preview.
Philadelphia Union (3-1-0) v. Seattle Sounders (1-2-2)
4:00 PM ET - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 - PPL Park, Chester, PA
This is a tricky one to call. The Union have the best defense in the league so far (tied with RSL), while the Sounders are starting to get their confidence back after beating Chicago. The Union are at PPL, which is in their favor, but it will be raining, so the Sounders will feel right at home. I'll go for the narrow Philadelphia victory. Shocking, I know.
Toronto FC (1-1-3) v. D.C. United (1-2-1)
7:00 PM ET - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 - BMO Field, Toronto, ON
Are Toronto the real deal? They've managed three straight draws with the California teams, and find themselves sitting second in the East. D.C., meanwhile, are wallowing at the foot of the Conference. And yet, a win would see United in second, an indicator of how close/terrible the bulk of the East is. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is where TFC's streak ends. Win for D.C. Hopefully without a dive.
Vancouver Whitecaps (1-2-2) v. Chivas USA (0-2-2)
7:00 PM ET - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 - Empire Field, Vancouver, BC
The 'caps are winless since their opening day win over Toronto. Chivas, however are winless period, the last remaining winless team in the league. There will not be many opportunities as good as this for Vancouver to get three points, and based on Chivas's form, they should be able to do it.
Columbus Crew (1-1-2) v. Sporting Kansas City (1-1-1)
7:30 PM ET - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 - Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH
Despite having played fewer games than anyone else in the league, the Sporks lead the East in goals with eight, although they've conceded that many, too. Columbus are just the opposite, having scored three and conceded three in four games. In my opinion, KC are just a better side, and should get the away win.
New York Red Bulls (1-1-2) v. San Jose Earthquakes (1-1-2)
7:30 PM ET - Saturday, April 16th, 2011 - Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ
New York is trying to get the narrative back towards "Red Bulls make playoffs easily" and away from "New York underachieve spectacularly." To this end, they take on San Jose, who knocked them out of the playoffs last year. With San Jose having their own troubles, I predict a score draw.
Chicago Fire (1-2-1) v. Los Angeles Galaxy (2-1-3)
4:00 PM ET - Sunday, April 17th, 2011 - Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
Chicago have come down pretty hard after a decent start, losing two PCNW away games against Seattle and Portland. The Galaxy have flattered to decieve, having scored just five goals in six games, but having played the most matches of any team. If Landon Donovan is healthy, LA should be able to capitalize on the Fire's defensive woes.
Portland Timbers (1-2-1) v. FC Dallas (1-2-1)
6:00 PM ET - Sunday, April 17th, 2011 - JELD-WEN Field, Portland, OR
So which Portland team will show up here? And which Dallas team? Does the home field advantage count for as much as the Rose City wants it to? Is Dallas finally back on track after their comprehensive victory over Colorado? Will Lassie get Timmy out of the well? I just flipped a quarter, and it landed on its edge, so draw.
Houston Dynamo (1-1-2) v. New England Revolution (1-1-3)
7:00 PM ET - Sunday, April 17th, 2011 - Robertson Stadium, Houston, TX
Neither of these teams have been that great this year, but both have an opportunity to stake a claim for a playoff spot here. I think Houston have a better squad, and they've seemingly found a gem of a young keeper in Tally Hall. The Dynamo should win at home.
