A nice weekend of soccer is around the corner for us here. The usual setup as well with six games, four on Saturday and two more to finish up the weekend on Sunday.

Only one club is not involved in a game this weekend and that is Kansas City, who may have shot themselves in the foot last night in their 1-0 loss to the Galaxy. LA was able to take advantage of two Wizard red cards (both very good calls in my book) to get the win on the road for the first time this season. I keep saying it but the Wizards are looking like a club that will miss out on the playoffs yet again this season. Only three more games for them and two of them are on the road. When you defense is terrible like the Wizards it speaks volumes in how you will finish.

Now as far as this weekend goes, every game has some sort of meaning whether or not it is in making the playoffs or winning the Supporter’s Shield.

Toronto FC – at – DC United

This is one of those Supporter’s Shield games that I was talking about. DC has the chance to extend their league lead in points against Toronto in hopes that Chivas, New England and Houston all lose ground in the Supporter’s Shield race this weekend. Quite honestly after United’s win in the mid-week in the Copa Sudamericana over Mexico’s CD Guadajalara, United look in prime position to continue their winning ways.

Most people forget that United haven’t lost in 10 games now and are right up there to pass Houston’s season best of 11 unbeaten games this season. Toronto, as we all know finally ended their two-month scoreless drought last week against Columbus. I don’t really expect any goals on the road for the Reds this weekend against DC. Toronto has scored only six goals this season on the road, a league worst.

I also like the way DC’s head coach Tom Soehn is handling things at the moment, keeping players fresh and good to go for the playoffs. Expect a couple key players to rest some in this one but it really shouldn’t matter as DC actually has some offense on their bench, as Toronto doesn’t really have any on the field. DC should get the easy three points here.

WVH Prediction: DC 2, Toronto 0

Colorado Rapids – at – New England Revolution

Very meaningful game for the Rapids here, they are in need of three points and really are in “must-win” mode from here out. Still three points out of that eighth and final spot that Chicago currently holds, but after last weekend’s loss at Salt Lake, the Rapids are looking like a club that doesn’t stand a chance in this one.

Colorado must find some offense against a very good New England defense. If they can do that then this game could be interesting. However, I just don’t see that being the case. New England has a chance to make up some ground in the overall table and clinch home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Last month in Colorado the Rapids dominated play (for once) and walked away with three points and a 3-0 win over the Revs. Don’t expect that sort of game to happen this time around. Colorado is a terrible road club and New England is a solid home side. Plus the Rapids haven’t won in New England since 2002.

WVH Prediction: New England 3, Colorado 1

Real Salt Lake – at – New York Red Bulls

This game is a bit tricky in my opinion. Real comes in after a solid four-point week in last week’s two games. New York is treading right now in the playoff standings. They do have a chance to clinch a playoff birth this weekend but Real is starting to come around these days and spoil some teams chances. Last week they did so against Colorado and they could again this week in New York.

Real is basically playing for the slimmest of hopes right now. A loss to New York and a tie from Chicago this weekend will completely eliminate them from the playoff hunt. I actually think that is enough to motivate Real to get at least a point this weekend.

The last time these two met it was a crazy game (then again every time they met it is a crazy game). It was a 3-3 draw with Real tying the game up in the extra minutes of the game. Both clubs have come a bit of a ways since that draw back in May. Real looks hungrier these days than the Red Bulls, I don’t know if its the fact that they are playing for their playoff hopes here or if they are actually improving from earlier this season. Probably a bit of both really.

I really see this shaping up to be another wild game. Probably another draw though. Although Real hasn’t seen any success in New York before, last season they were blown out in the Meadowlands 6-0 by the Red Bulls. I doubt it will be that kind of a game but you never know. As for now I am going bold and sticking with a draw to make things interesting.

WVH Prediction: RSL 2, RBNY 2

Chicago Fire – at – Chivas USA

Very, very interesting game this weekend in Carson. Blanco and his group travel to face the Goats. A lot as been written about Blanco’s dealing with Mexico’s Chivas but this version should be just as good with the way that Chivas is playing these days.

Chivas is a couple games away from getting the best home record in the league history (at least in my opinion). Chicago can spoil that plan though as they are desperately looking for points. They do currently sit in the eighth and final spot at the moment but they are getting some help from KC as the Wizards fell last night to LA. I still think in the end the Fire will make the playoffs but not in the eighth spot.

As for this game Chivas has a chance to make up some ground with DC in the Supporter’s Shield race. And with the way that Ante Razov has been playing I wouldn’t be shocked to see more MVP type performances against his old club. I like Chivas to pull this one out in a close encounter. They can’t play like they did last week against KC in this one but I think they will have looked at that game and corrected their laziness over the week. Plus, this win for Chivas only makes things more interesting in my opinion.

WVH Prediction: Chivas 2, Chicago 1

Houston Dynamo – at – FC Dallas

Big game for the Hoops here, they most show the league that they can contend with the big guys and actually win a game against them. Houston will be a good start for that if they even think to do so. Not to mention they need to get a leg up on them for their first-round series with the Dynamo.

Dallas is in their usual end-of-season-slump while the Dynamo are the freshest club out there because of their weird schedule. Dallas can clinch this weekend with a win or a draw (and a Columbus loss or draw). The last meeting in Dallas was a 0-0 draw, while the other two meetings this season have been Houston wins in Houston.

Houston is hoping to pull forward and regain the western lead this weekend (given if Chivas loses). They only have a few left but should be able to make things close with a win against Dallas on Sunday. Houston has always played Dallas tough and has typically gotten the better of them. Only once has Dallas been able to beat the Dynamo so you know they have the mental advantage against the Hoops.

In this one I really see another draw. Houston knows how to play Dallas better than Dallas knowing how to play Houston. I think the one key will be if Dallas can find a hot Carlos Ruiz or not. Not to mention Dallas’s defense holding Houston. Either way I like a draw in this one.

WVH Prediction: FCD 2,  Houston 2

LA Galaxy – at – Columbus Crew

Somehow, someway the Galaxy are still in contention in the MLS playoff race. A big time road win last night against the Wizards are putting them in contention here. Columbus on the other hand is closer in the standings and could move back in with a win in this one.

Columbus is hoping to “black-out” the Galaxy in this one. A nice little promotion I think, very interesting to see what kind of crowd shows up for this one.

I really believe this one comes down to who’s offense can crack the other’s defense. I really don’t like that the Galaxy have two road games in one week here. Even if they finally won a road game last night, something just doesn’t feel right for me to think that the Galaxy can pull the double this week. Its a tough thing to do two road games in one week and win them both and really the Galaxy don’t have the talent for it.

But, with that said I do think they will play the Crew close and possibly get a point out of this one. Columbus should be getting some help this weekend in the standings (LA helped them out some by beating KC last night). So this could be close. In the end I like the Crew to pull this one out by a close score.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 1, LA 0

So word on the street is that the MLS is going to add Seattle as their 15th club in 2009. A league announcement is set for two weeks.
The owners are expected to be those of the USL side in Seattle, who will play a large role in the ownership. Interestingly enough the new club will be called the Sounders. Also, the expansion fee will be in the $30 million range.

I am also hearing that the USL side will stop playing after this season in order to build up some hype for the new club. I don’t really understand such a move since it would make much more sense to keep the current Seattle squad going for a year and building the MLS team from that roster before the 2009 season or even starting fresh like every other expansion club in the league.

I have always loved the idea of a club in Seattle for the MLS so this is a good move really. I don’t know what it will mean for cities like Philadelphia and St.Louis. More than likely the next club will come from one of those two cities.

I am also eager to see their stadium situation unfold in the coming weeks up to the official announcement from the league offices. They must have some sort of deal with Qwest Field to move on without a SSS in place for when they start.
What’s your thoughts on Seattle joining the league?

The LA summer/fall tour rolls into Kansas City this week for a prime-time clash. Lots of playoff implications on this game as somehow the Galaxy are “still” in contention of reaching the playoffs; while the Wizards are sitting in the seventh spot and are somewhat holding on for dear life.

So you have a team (KC) that is in for the moment in the playoffs but with only four games to go this game means more than it should since the Wizards need points to save their butts and their seasons. On the other hand is a club (LA) who is 11 points out with six games to go. What seems like plenty of time to make up 11 points is easier said than done considering how many of those games are on the road and how poorly the Galaxy plays on the road.

Back in July these clubs came to a 2-2 draw in Carson at the Home Depot Center. Cobi Jones had a two goal day while the Wizards found a way to break even with a draw. No Eddie Johnson in that game either for the Wizards.

Right now both clubs have a slew of injuries, more so on the Galaxy part of course. The biggest concern if you are a Wizards fan is to see the shape of Eloy Colombano and Carlos Marinelli. If those two play a full 90 and are productive then expect the Wizards to pull through in this one.

This game really could come down to who’s defense is better. Really some should say it is the Wizards considering the fact that they have Jimmy Conrad and Jose Burciaga Jr. in the back but that hasn’t meant as much as it should. The Wizards have given up a staggering 41 goals this season, second most behind the Galaxy’s 43. The only difference is the Wizards have had a decent enough offense to carry them to where they are right now.

I honestly see the Galaxy pulling through and getting a draw in this one again. I just don’t like the Wizard’s backline, even if this is a home game for them (they are near the bottom of the league in goals against at home). This could be a fun game to watch if the right parties get involved meaning hopefully guys like Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan put on a good show for us. Either way I see a draw for now.

WVH Prediction: KC 2, LA 2

When news is slow it is always a time to look at the schedules for the billionth time and break them down even more than before. Right? Right…so heres to it:

Chicago Fire (4 games)
@ CUSA (9/29); NE (10/6); @ DCU (10/13); LA (10/21)

• The end is not near for the Fire, two points in last week’s contests but this week is gonna be even tougher with a trip to Chivas-land
• I honestly see them getting three points against New England right now but then dropping that DCU game on the 13th.
• I think really the LA game will decide if they will make the playoffs or not…could there be a more obvious prediction than that right now?

Chivas USA (5 games)
CHI (9/29); @ RSL (10/6); @ FCD (10/11); COL (10/14); HOU (10/20)

• Lots of fun still left, those last two games will actually not let us know if they will be the western champs this season, I think that back-to-back roadie in Salt Lake and Dallas will give us more insight on that really
• Still sitting pretty though after last week’s victory over KC; can’t have any more brain-farts in games like that game from here out though if they want to reach the MLS Cup
• Interesting match-up with the Fire this weekend, Chicago is desperate and Chivas (won’t surprise me if) will probably be lazy again…could we possibly see the first home defeat of the season?

Colorado Rapids (4 games)
@ NE (9/29); TFC (10/7); @CUSA (10/14); RSL (10/20)

• After the being beaten by rivals Real, the Rapids look like a club that won’t even contend for a final playoff spot
• Still has chances at plenty of points here in the final four games but cannot have performances like last week, I would say they will sneak in with this kind of schedule but that looks bleak at the moment to predict
• The New England game this weekend could tell us if they are still in the fight or if they have completely given up on the season…and Fernando Claivjo

Columbus Crew (4 games)
LA (9/30); FCD (10/6); @ NE (10/13); @ DC (10/20)

• That pre-season prediction about the Crew came back alive this past weekend with a win over Toronto.
• Two big time home games coming up against clubs that they can get points from. Six points are much needed in those two games to stay with Chicago and Kansas City; who both gave some help to Columbus this past week
• If they can get any points in the final two they will make the playoffs…mark it down

DC United (4 games + Copa-crap)
TFC (9/29); @ KC (10/5); CHI (10/13); CC (10/20)

• Three home games plus the random series with Chivas of Mexico starting tonight. I really wonder how this will affect this club
• I like what Tom Soehn is doing with his club these days, resting key players here and there for a half or two to keep the club as fresh as possible for the late run and the playoffs.
• Still a great possibility to get 12 points in these final games; remember United is unbeaten in the last 10 games right now, that could really go a long way into the playoffs in my eye

FC Dallas (4 games + US Open Cup final on 10/3)
HOU (9/30); @ CC (10/6); CUSA (10/11); KC (10/20)

• Three home games should help Dallas get out of this late-season funk that they are in. Key word is ’should’.
• Probably a draw this weekend with Houston before a slip up in Columbus…but those last two games should (again, should) be six points for the Hoops going into the playoffs and the opening round with Houston
• The US Open Cup game will really determine a lot in my books for the chances of this club in the playoffs; a win in the Cup could mean a hungry Hoops team but a loss could just mean more of the same slump that we are seeing now

Houston Dynamo (4 games)
@ FCD (9/30); LA (10/7); @ RSL (10/15); @ CUSA (10/20)

• Easily in the comfort zone right now after a week or two off here.
• Three road games sounds tough but even though Houston is in it shouldn’t matter in regards to home-field advantage in the playoff’s opening round with Dallas and for their finish in the top four of the league table
• However, they cannot drop that game at home with LA…that actually in my books is a must win going into those two final road games

Kansas City Wizards (4 games)
LA (9/27); DC (10/5); @ RBNY (10/13); @ FCD (10/20)

• The old saying goes “shit happens” speaks loudly of the Wizards after that loss at Chivas. Two home games against LA and DC could help out….
• The final two on the road are must wins but I think by then the Wizards may be in the eighth and final spot and possibly on their way out
• Yup…I still believe the Wizards will miss out on the playoffs again this season…too many emotional highs and lows for this club this season have really done a number on them…not to mention their defense is awful

Los Angeles (6 games)
@ KC (9/27); @ CC (9/30); @ HOU (10/7); TFC (10/13); RBNY (10/18); @ CHI (10/21)

• Slim hopes still alive somehow after beating Dallas last weekend. Still, fact remains they have four road games left against playoff contending clubs that all need points
• The two home games should be wins though…two eastern clubs traveling cross country and two clubs that stink just as bad as the Galaxy do on the road…smells like six points late for the Galaxy
• Probably by the Houston game the playing for pride will have set in and they will just play and not worry about this season and just move on from it

New England Revolution (4 games + US Open Cup final of 10/3)
COL (9/29); @ CHI (10/6); CC (10/13); @ TFC (10/22)

• Still has the easiest schedule remaining, more so than New Yorks’ (last week I said it was New York but upon further review it is New England)
• The Revs need to use this softy-schedule as a confidence builder going into the playoffs…these are four good games to do that
• Winning the US Open Cup in Dallas will help out a lot in the playoffs for the Revs…its a mini hurdle that they need to jump

Red Bull New York (4 games)
RSL (9/29); @ TFC (10/4); KC (10/13); @ LA (10/18)

• Still has their heads above water here in the standings…but it seems as though they will limp into the playoffs again this season
• Soft schedule should help here…keyword again is ’should’
• Only real give-me is the Toronto game…I would add LA in there but a cross-country game to finish the season sounds iffy to me at this point

Real Salt Lake (4 games)
@ RBNY (9/29); CUSA (10/6); HOU (10/15); @ COL (10/20)

• The one club that really is playing the spoiler role to perfection is Real (see Colorado)
• Could make matters worse for New York if they really want to coming up this weekend…Real is not good enough to reach the playoffs but they certainly know how to make it interesting for those who can
• They will get points out of their final two home games…probably with Houston again…but it is possible against Chivas too at this point

Toronto FC (5 games)
@ DC (9/29); RBNY (10/4); @ COL (10/7); @ LA (10/13); NE (10/20)

• They score and they lose…folks its called being an expansion club
• There has to be at least one more W in this schedule…New York possibly…or even New England
• Don’t see a road W left but they could get points against Colorado

Baseball is gone for good as far as RFK Stadium is concerned. DC United fans now have the place to themselves after sharing the stadium with the Washington Nationals for three years.

With the Nationals getting their own baseball park in the Nation’s Capital, RFK can go back into soccer-only mode. Which got me thinking…with all the problems that DC has had in getting a soccer-specific-stadium over the last few years, should United just stick it out in RFK and put up some cash to improve it instead of dealing with local politics in getting a new stadium?

I know most people will think that the new stadium is the way to go (which I do too), but the setup for the rest of the season and into next year (and who knows how long after that) is almost that of a soccer-stadium when you think about it.

In the short run its more of a temporary solution until all of that political mombo-jumbo gets resolved and DC can build that stadium that looked so beautiful in those photos that ran across the net a while back. I know RFK is old and the food is below par and well a lot of things are below par, but when it all boils down it may be the best stadium in the league history in regards to games played there and the home club itself.

Yes, a club like DC deserves their own stadium, all to themselves, but right now the way I see it, they do have their own stadium. And that may be good enough for a few more seasons.

What’s your take on the DC soccer stadium situation? Love the tradition of RFK or are you begging for a new stadium?

Week 25 is in the books and we now have four clubs into the playoffs and four spots left with only a few weeks left to go. Not a lot of change in the rankings after this past week either.

1. (1) DC United (49 pts.) - Didn’t win but it didn’t really matter in my eyes. Thing’s probably will get a little easier this week as United host Toronto FC. This should help in their Supporter’s Shield race with Chivas. But blowing three points to the Reds would be killer in my eyes at this point in the season for DC, something you can bet won’t happen though no matter what kind of lineup they throw at Toronto.

2. (2) CD Chivas USA (47 pts.) - Pulled out the late game-winning goal from Ante Razov. I keep saying now that I think he is a solid MVP candidate thanks some to that game and to his season totals (11 goals, 8 assists). Razov may be the reason to why this club either wins the Supporter’s Shield, MLS Cup or both. Home match this weekend with Chicago, I think Chivas will beef up their game this weekend until how they looked against KC.

3. (3) New England Revolution (46 pts.) – Even with a few games left the Revs still have a slim shot at the Supporter’s Shield but really, they better focus on how to beat the Red Bulls in the first round I think. They host a desperate Colorado team this weekend. Should be three points but I have said that before about the Revs against the Rapids, however that time it was in Colorado and not in New England.

4. (4) Houston Dynamo (45 pt.) – No games and nowhere to go really. Big battle with FC Dallas this weekend up in Frisco. Three points should seal the deal in Dynamo fan’s minds about their possible first round match-up with the Hoops. Losing or drawing this game will pretty much end any hopes at a Supporter’s Shield trophy this season though.

5. (5) FC Dallas (40 pt.) - What really could have been a six point week turned out to be a one point week for the Hoops. Still, thankfully for them everyone else below them is just as crappy as they are at the moment. Its that typical end of season slump that the Hoops get themselves in. I figured it would be different with Morrow this season but I guess not. Although a win over Houston will easily ease my mind and probably every other Hoops fan’s minds about this club right now. Not to mention a win puts the Hoops in the playoffs.

6. (7) Chicago Fire (32 pts.) - Still getting points even though there should have been more in both games this week. Still, at this stage points are points. Thankfully those around the Fire aren’t fairing nearly as well. I think there is still room to catch Kansas City for that seventh spot in the playoffs but up first is a big road trip to face Chivas. Gotta dig out at least a point there in my eyes.

7. (8) Red Bull New York (38 pt.) - Probably a decent draw against New England this past weekend. I was really torn between putting the Red Bulls here or the Wizards but I ended up giving the team with the most points from the weekend the nod here and that was New York. They host Real this weekend in a somewhat of a “have-to-get-three-points-or-we-look-stupid” game for New York. Real will give them a battle though.

8. (6) Kansas City Wizards (36 pts.) – Still has the best shot of missing the playoffs in my mind with how they play. Sure they played Chivas pretty tight but anytime you give up a late goal like that in this stage of the season on the road after playing a quality club even like that, you just have to wonder what is going on in that locker room. The leadership resides in the defense and from what I saw was a total collapse in the back in the final minutes. Must-win game against LA this week though. A win should ease the minds of those around the club and even maybe people like myself.

9. (10) Columbus Crew (31 pt.) - Is my pre-season prediction gonna come true after-all? Probably not but at least the Crew are making it interesting here with wins like that against Toronto. They get another crack at three points this weekend when they host a traveling LA Galaxy on Sunday. Two games in four days for the Galaxy could spell three points for the Crew.

10. (9) Colorado Rapids (29 pts.) - Losing to a rival this late like that can kill a club’s momentum, especially is that rival is Real Salt Lake. Awful loss really for the Rapids, who have been total crap as of late. Desperation is possibly going to set in this weekend in New England though. However I just don’t know if this club has it in them this season to be that desperate.

11. (11) Real Salt Lake (23 pt.) - I said it could have been a six point week and I was very close with four points. I will take it though. This club still has no shot at the playoffs but they certainly are making it very interesting for those who are in contention. They can and probably will spoil some hopes this weekend in New York. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Real walk with one or three points right now against New York.

12. (13) LA Galaxy (21 pt.) - Four point week for the Gals as well. Good win over FC Dallas really but now the fun goes back on the road for a few games. Ah, the winning and decent play will probably die off this week as they play both KC and Columbus, two clubs wanting to punch their tickets to the playoffs here soon. I think any points this week would be a big boost for the Galaxy.

13. (12) Toronto FC (21 pt.) - The goal came, just in time for the Reds to continue losing though. Sad but true. They may win another this season but that part I am not really sure of anymore. Might have to wait for a home game in the next couple weeks before we predict anything like that. But as for road games, you can pretty much bet they won’t win any more of those this season.

Lots to take away from this past weekend in the MLS. Only one team punched their ticket to the post season, in a very nice fashion I must say for Chivas. Other clubs went to draws and bores more than anything else in my mind.

And lastly, its sometimes weird being dead on about a particular game. My preview for the Columbus – Toronto game was just that. I don’t want to gloat too much about it but when you are dead right, you are dead right.

I think this one will be close but I see Toronto going up early but then losing the lead in the second half.

I like the Crew in this one because of that desperation and because of the return of GBS. But, again, I am calling a goal for Toronto. I know it will come eventually, even if it is another 0-0 tie.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 2, Toronto 1

And the final saw Toronto score in the second minute of the game to end their never-ending scoreless streak only to then lose the lead in the second half and lose the game overall by a score of 2-1. But that was pretty much it for me being totally correct this weekend.

Well, I take that back, I did get the RSL-Colorado game 100% correct.

Time to say it again, Colorado’s head coach Fernando Claivjo’s job is on the hottest of hot seats right now. In my mind hotter than LA coach Frank Yallop, who will more than likely go to San Jose next season (even though I have heard some rumbling that Houston’s coach Dominic Kinnear is going to be looking at that job too). Even after the Rapids got back into the playoff contention, they seemingly keep shooting themselves in the foot, week after week. Losing to their rival Salt Lake didn’t help one bit.

As mentioned before, Chivas was the only club to punch their ticket to the post season dance. Very nice fashion too, they looked to be clinching on a draw but then Ante Razov stepped up and sent in the best goal of the weekend in my eyes. I have to say it, but Razov really should end up as the league’s MVP this season. Look at his stats, 11 goals and 8 assist. I think maybe for voters, passing Jamie Moreno on the all-time goal scoring list would do it. But for me those stats are well enough to get the MVP this season. I hadn’t taken notice until this weekend about his stats and now it is clear to me that he definitely deserves a look for it.

Speaking of Jamie Moreno, his club DC United found a way thanks to Moreno himself, to draw the Fire on the road in Chicago. I have to say, as tough as the Fire’s schedule is, they very well could tie every single game in it and make the playoffs. Its a good possibility at this point with the way that the Crew and the Rapids are playing below them. But the full likely-hood of that actually happening is pretty slim.

Also, speaking of DC, word is that they are about to partner up with Boca Juniors and possibly some Chinese club. I like the Boca move but I am actually more curious about the Chinese partnership. I figured it would be years before the MLS started looking to partner up with Asian clubs.

And finally, FC Dallas failed to qualify again for the post season this weekend with a 2-1 loss at LA. Tough break giving up a PK goal to Landon Donovan (who’s seven goals are a decent number considering the lack of quality play out of him this season). Dallas was a man down for most of the game after a double-yellow to Chris Gbandi in the 23rd minute.