I won’t go into any big detail about the Brazil/US game and I am honestly undecided on whether or not to even do a preview of that game. I may just leave that to those who’ve been doing a good job of it lately. But we will see.

This weekend has some decent games on the menu in MLS even if it is a smaller portion than what we are use to here. Only four league games to mention, two on each day.

Feel free to leave your score predictions below.

Saturday:

New York Red Bulls – at – Columbus Crew:

The Crew looked good last week in Dallas until about the 73rd minute. From then on they look nothing like what we’ve seen from them this season. I’m honestly going to take that as a bit of a fluke as they host New York tomorrow. The Red Bulls were totally handled in the mid-week up in Toronto. They looked just flat out terrible against TFC. It looks like they will probably be without a few key offensive players for this one in Columbus and given their road record I doubt things will change too much. Guillermo Barros Schelotto should have a lot more space to run around and create things in this one and I look for the Crew to just control this game from the start.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 2, New York 1

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Toronto FC – at – Real Salt Lake:

This game really has a lot of interest in it. Both clubs are starting to play pretty well, and TFC looks to have hit a good stride here. Thing is on the road they aren’t quite the same with only a few wins in their club history away from BMO Field. RSL will be missing a couple key guys like Will Johnson and Jamison Olave. I do think this one could go either way with the way Dwayne De Rosario and Amado Guevara have been playing for TFC. RSL will have to control the midfield play if they want to win this one so they will need a big time performance out of Clint Mathis and Javier Morales. I’m gonna give RSL the benefit of playing at home for this one as I do think they are starting to come around here.

WVH Prediction: RSL 2, TFC 1

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Sunday:

Colorado Rapids – at – Seattle Sounders FC:

Seattle needs a big time performance in this one by their defense if they want to win. Lately they’ve been giving up a lot of easy goals. Thankfully for the Emerald City bunch they have been bailed out by the play of Columbian Fredy Montero in recent weeks. I think Montero will have to get touches early against the Rapids defense that can let in their share of easy goals. Colorado on the other hand will again have to turn to Omar Cummings who has been great as of late. This one sounds like a draw with the way Seattle has played recently but I’m calling an upset as I really want to see Colorado come up here and move up the charts like I think they are going to. Cummings has been a handful for everyone lately and he could be the difference.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 2, Seattle 1

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Houston Dynamo – at – LA Galaxy:

LA hasn’t looked nearly the same over the last couple weeks after they drew so many games in a row there. We are seeing exactly what they are made of and it still isn’t anything special. Houston on the other hand has been playing very strong as of late though they will be missing a couple guys to international callups for the Gold Cup. I think LA needs a lot more than just guys like Gregg Berhalter and Dema Kovalenko returning to the lineup to beat Houston. I look for Stuart Holden and company to continue their unbeaten run here with a win.

WVH Prediction: Houston 2, LA 0

Aside from the big game across the pond we do still have two MLS games to talk about today. Colorado hosting Dallas and Toronto hosting once again New York. Since today is a double dip of games the preview is going to be cut a little short on the fact that I have a lot to do today in very little time.

Feel free to leave your game predictions below.

New York Red Bulls – at – Toronto FC:

Its been only a week and a half since their last encounter at BMO Field but the result should be close to the same as last time. New York looked better at home against Seattle last week and I would imagine there could be some let down from Toronto’s emotional high from winning the Canadian Cup last week in Montreal. The thing is I know Toronto is still a quality side and they are improving on all ends right now. The Nick Garcia trade will continue to be a good one for this club and I think he will help clamp down the Red Bull attack.

I think in the end Toronto just has too much talent and New York just sucks something awful on the road. Its going to take a lot for them to event get a draw on the road at this point but I think Toronto will have a little more energy in their tank and that will be more than enough for this one. Dwayne De Rosario and Amado Guevara should have another big night at BMO as the locals welcome home their Canadian champions.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 2, New York 1

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FC Dallas – at – Colorado Rapids:

I have to say that Dallas is starting to play well, it’s just too bad that it is too little too late here. They, like New York and San Jose have nearly played themselves out of contention here already. Colorado on the other hand has a bunch of games in hand on everyone and in those games at hand most of them coming up are at home. After the way they handled a quality DC side a week ago I would imagine they should do a similar thing to Dallas, who’s defense is a lot weaker than what DC has.

Omar Cummings is proving to the league that he is the real deal here and that once Conor Casey returns to the line-up, they will be one tough duo to stop here. I think Cummings and the play of Colin Clark will be a lot to handle for Dallas. I do see the Red Stripes getting one in this one but it won’t be enough.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 3, Dallas 1

Luciano Emilio and DC travel to New England to face Shalrie Joseph and the Revs. (Getty Images)

I won’t lie, last night’s game between Chicago and Chivas put a sour taste in my mouth for this weekend. The game itself was entertaining but the officiating was lacking in quality as we’ve all seen by now. Hopefully this weekend won’t be filled with yellow and red cards or lots of questionable PK calls.

Sorry for the rant but that’s just how I feel going into this weekend.

As for the weekend ahead here, we have a full slate of games with everyone in action except for Chivas (who played last night). I do hope we get seven quality games like last night’s contest though. Aside from the horrible officiating in the middle it was a good game. I’m gonna start switching things up here for the weekend previews. While I like doing longer previews for each game, time just doesn’t allow me to do so anymore for the weekend games. Instead I will stick with a quick preview and a player to look out for along with the score prediction.

DC United – at – New England Revolution:

DC has been playing well as of late but how much will DC be missing guys like Ben Olsen and Christian Gomez in the midfield? Throw in the fact that New England should be getting Taylor Twellman back for at least some part of this game and it could be an interesting meeting between these conference rivals. I think this one will be tighter than some expect it to be. The Revs may send Shalrie Joseph up top again to get some physical play against a young United back four. That could throw off the visitors if he switches between his midfield role and his temporary striker position that Steve Nicol has been putting him at lately. Honestly this one could go either way so I am taking the draw.

Player to keep an eye out for: DC’s Rodney Wallace has been very tough to cover lately from his defensive position. His runs from the back could be a big x-factor for DC.

WVH Prediction: New England 1, DC 1

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Colorado Rapids – at – New York Red Bulls:

We keep saying that New York needs this game each week and they continue to give up chances and points. Colorado should be a team that could allow New York to be successful against at home (Rapids are 1-2-2 away from home this season) but I actually like the Rapid’s chances here. New York will also be without Jorge Rojas who is suspended for this contest. I think the loss of Rojas will put more pressure on Albert Cedades to create chances and keep possession in the middle for the Red Bulls. While I think he can do it he won’t be able to do it alone. Colorado has been far more consistent in their scoring this season behind Conor Casey and company and I think they continue to make the standings a little tighter with a road win tomorrow.

Player to keep an eye out for: Colin Clark for Colorado has really started to get more involved here in the offense lately.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 2, New York 1

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Toronto FC – at – Houston Dynamo:

The big story here is Dwayne De Rosario returning to Houston where he won a pair of titles with the Dynamo. He’s looked good lately along with Amado Guevara in helping TFC stay near the top of the standings. They’ll need a big performance out of those two and guys like Pablo Vitti or Chad Barrett up top. Houston has played great lately (unbeaten in six) and have been tough to score on in that time. While I think Toronto will keep it close I just don’t see them beating Houston at home here yet. The Dynamo are too clever in the midfield and are so dangerous on set pieces with Brad Davis, Brad Mullan and Brian Ching.

Player to keep an eye out for: Brad Davis has been creating a lot of chances lately for Houston. Last week he tallied two assists in the Dynamo win over San Jose.

WVH Prediction: Houston 2, Toronto 0

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Real Salt Lake – at – San Jose Earthquakes:

This could be a real stinker of a game. San Jose is winless in eight games and we all know RSL’s track record on the road. First and foremost for Jason Kreis and company, they have to get on the board here in this one. No goals in five road matches this season. One would think against San Jose they would get on the board in this one right? I think so since the Quakes lack the creative punch in the middle ot slow down RSL. However I just think San Jose is due a result here after the way they played on Wednesday in Columbus. I’m calling a draw here but not by much.

Player to keep an eye out for: San Jose’s Ryan Johnson has scored five of the club’s ten goals this season, I would expect him to keep that up this weekend.

WVH Prediction: San Jose 1, RSL 1

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Columbus Crew – at – Seattle Sounders FC:

I’d really love to see these two sides go at it with everyone healthy. But the thing is Seattle is a bit banged up and Columbus just lost another key player (Brian Carroll) for some more time. Seattle will have some key members of their midfield back in this one with Freddie Ljungberg and Brad Evans ready to go this week. I see the Sounders controlling the midfield and the pace of this game from the start thanks to those two and the loss of Carroll for Columbus. I just don’t think people will realize how big of a loss Carroll is for the Crew.

Player to keep an eye out for: Look for Seattle’s Fredy Montero to have another solid game here. His pace will be tough for Columbus to handle.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 3, Columbus 1

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Kansas City Wizards – at – LA Galaxy:

I’m a little worried for the Wizards on the road tomorrow. They will be missing two key offensive players in Josh Wolff and Santiago Hirsig. With this being one of the last games for Landon Donovan for a while with the Galaxy (national team duties this summer) I would imagine the Galaxy will push the tempo a bit more and actually look for the three points. The loss of Sean Franklin in the back worries me for them but not seeing Wolff on the field makes me think it will be balanced out a bit here. Even though the Galaxy are the draw queens of the league I am going with them for a change here.

Player to keep an eye out for: Either off the bench or starting, I think Edson Buddle could be a big factor for the Galaxy in this one. He needs to start scoring for the club here and this could be a good time to start.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, KC 1

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FC Dallas – at – Chicago Fire:

The Fire have a chance to move into a tie with Chivas for first overall. I just don’t see FC Dallas making this much of a game here with the way the Fire have been as of late. Chicago may not be as rested as Dallas but they will control the pace of the game from the start.

Player to keep an eye out for: If Dallas has any hope of scoring it could be from youngster Brek Shea who has really shown a lot of growth in recent weeks for the Red Stripes.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 3, Dallas 1

Anyways, another load of games this weekend all mostly on Saturday with the usual lone Sunday game. San Jose gets the lovely task of having the week off, a good time for them too since they are in need of a break to find their form here this season.

Plenty of good games to talk about here this weekend. Chicago at Toronto is an interesting clash in the east but the game of the week has to be Chivas hosting DC, a meeting of the two conference leaders.

As always feel free to post your game predictions below.

Chicago Fire – at- Toronto FC:

1. What does Chicago need to do to start winning again?

All these draws have to mean something here for Dennis Hamlet’s group. They aren’t losing but they also aren’t winning. Going to Toronto won’t be easy either right now with the way TFC is playing right now. Thing Chicago has to get through their heads is that they are better than what they are playing right now. Closing out games is a big deal in any sport, especially soccer and right now the Fire just aren’t putting a full effort in 90 minutes.

I think if they rely on the fact that Toronto had a game in the midweek against Montreal in the Canadian Cup and hope that they are a little gassed from that. Chicago is deep enough to be able to run a few fresh legs onto the pitch late in the game and really mess with the other club. Defensively this club just needs to lock down the Reds and control the ball in the midfield with Blanco spraying balls all over the pitch for Chris Rolfe and Brian McBride.

2. How can TFC keep rolling here?

The Reds are now unbeaten in their last four league games and last six overall in all competitions. They’ve been playing a lot better due to the fact that they’ve finally figured out how to have both Amado Guevara and Dwayne De Rosario on the pitch working together. It hasn’t hurt that they’ve gotten some big plays out of guys like Danny Dichio and Chad Barrett too. If they are to beat Chicago and put an end to their unbeaten mark here on the season they have to continue to play their style of game. They weren’t satisfied with the win over Montreal the other night which means they are starting to get real hungry here. For TFC fans that is a good thing because this bunch is talented enough to keep rolling here.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

I know I’ve mentioned him a couple times before this season but watch out for Chad Barrett. He may miss a bunch of easy goals but if you saw the goal from the other night he really still has a lot of talent to offer. That goal against Montreal may have saved his season with the club in my opinion. He needed a goal like that more than his club did.

Quick Thoughts:

For some reason I like Toronto in this one. While I think Chicago is deep enough to have a little more energy in this one, I just think TFC will be high enough from the win the other night over Montreal to beat Chicago here. The Fire haven’t really played well lately and need some sort of kick to get going again and a loss may just be that. This will however be one of the better matches this weekend you can mark that down. Toronto finds some way to score in the first half and holds on to the lead for the rest of the game.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 1, Chicago 0

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Colorado Rapids – at – New England Revolution:

1. Can New England keep the momentum up from last week’s result and slow down the Rapids’ attack?

Thankfully for you Revs fans your club is slowly breaking out of it’s funk here. Getting guys like Steve Ralston and rookie Kevin Alston back in the line up totally helped last week and as you saw they are still good enough to get quality results without key players. The thing is I still have concerns for your defense doing against someone like Conor Casey, who has been a beast against weak defenses this season. He will be a big task for guys like Darrius Barnes and Jay Heaps. If they slow him down and also neaturalize the midfield attack from the Rapids they could see three points.

2. Did the week off do more harm than good for Colorado?

I am a bit concerned for Colorado who got a great win two weeks ago against rivals RSL and then had to sit last week out with the buy week. They had huge momemtum from that win but I am worried that they won’t have it to carry over to this game in New England. The thing they have to do is just start their attack from the start in this one. Finding ways to get Casey the ball in space and in the pentalty box will be key. New England has also given up a load of goals on set pieces this season so it will be interesting to see how Colorado attacks their defense around the offensive third of the field. If they can work Terry Cooke into the attack on set pieces they could steal three points here.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

I’m looking at Colorado’s Nick LaBrocca in this one. He was given the keys to the midfield by manager Gary Smith in the win over RSL and the offense from the Rapids saw a big improvement in the process.

Quick Thoughts:

This inter-conference clash should be an interesting one to watch. Both clubs need a momentum starter here (yes even the Rapids need it, I do believe the week off killed whatever momentum they had) and they also need the three points to stay in contention in their respective conferences. I figure this one will be fairly tight for a while but I do see each getting on the board. I kind of thing it will end in a draw though because defensively I do think New England can slow Colorado down enough to not give up a lot of goals at home but offensive they just lack the punch to put up a bunch of goals here.

WVH Prediction: New England 1, Colorado 1

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Houston Dynamo – at – New York Red Bulls:

1. Which Red Bulls club will we see tomorrow?

I was pretty quick to say that after the 4-1 win over San Jose that we should get too crazy here about the Red Bulls being back. They were never that great to begin with. I would imagine the offense does have a new life here after the four goal outburst. The thing is they played a weak defense last week and now face on of the better defenses in the league in Houston. While clubs have scored on this Dynamo club this season I wouldn’t think they’d give up four in the same manner as the Quakes did last week. Houston is however still looking for their first win at Giants Stadium.

The thing is consistentcy is key in this league and so far the Red Bulls have been anything but that. They need another huge game from Albert Cedades in the middle of the park. His expereience should be a big difference maker for the homeside.

2. What does Houston need to do to score in this one?

Houston needs to get their set pieces and attack from the wings. New York is still very suspect in the defense and I would imagine Houston could get a couple goals on counter-attacks or set pieces if the Red Bulls aren’t careful enough with the ball in the midfield. While the Dynamo attack isn’t scary it is still dangerous enough to win games.

3. Player to keep an eye out for.

While Jorge Rojas and Cedades will get a lot of attention in the midfield for New York a guy like Seth Stammler becomes very tough to break. Some will agree that as Stammler goes the Red Bulls will too this season. He’s a steady player in the midfield for this bunch and can be a big part of this club’s winning too.

Quick Thoughts:

This may be the most underrated match of the weekend. If New York is on the verge of turning their season around then it will be the game of the weekend. Neither club got off to a good start this season but Houston has been playing extremely well lately and defensively have been the toughest team to score on in the past month. New York will pose a big challenge for that mark and will likely get one by Pat Onstad in this one. I do however like Houston to stay with the Red Bulls in this one. While New York has some quality experience in the midfield with guys like Cedades and Rojas I just feel that Houston is more experienced in actually playing well for 90 minutes. It will be a draw, a very close draw indeed. Houston battles from behind to get a road point.

WVH Prediction: New York 1, Houston 1

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Seattle Sounders FC – at – FC Dallas

1. Things looked better for Dallas late against Houston, will it carry over against Seattle?

Houston is as tough defensively as any club gets in this league. While Seattle isn’t nearly as tough as Houston they are probably just as good defensively as the Dynamo. Sigi Schmid’s bunch play in typical Sigi-fashion, tight and compact in the back which leads to less attempts on goal and few chances. Dallas is a club that has already struggled to get attempts on goal lately so this will be a big challege for the likes of Kenny Cooper and company.

Dallas can’t afford to come out flat from the start or Seattle will gobble up early chances against a defense that is the second worst in the league right now.

2. What do the Sounders need to do against Dallas’ midfield?

One thing is certain, if you beat Dallas in the middle of the field and control the possession you will beat them. Seattle already does a good enough job at controlling the pace of the game and not giving up a bunch of silly turnovers in the midfield. Dallas on the other hand does the exact opposite. Too many times the Red Stripes will get the ball in the midfield and immediately give it right back to the other club. Seattle is too good of a club right now to not take advantage of those mental breakdowns.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

This could be a big game for wing players for FC Dallas with Seattle not having James Riley in the back (suspension from last week’s red card). Dave van den Burgh and Andre Rocha could see a little more free space. If they can spray some balls into the box because of some open pitch it could be a good evening for the homeside.

Quick Thoughts:

Sadly enough I doubt a lot of people here in Dallas will come out for this one. Though you can play Plinko at halftime which has to be a draw in itself if you ask me. But as for this game goes I think Seattle is just too good of a club right now to not win this game or at least get some points here. They need three points in a big way to stay on course with Chivas in the western standings and to hold off up and comers like Houston. Dallas defensively and in the midfield will dictate whether or not they will win this game. Turnovers are going to be key and Dallas just gives the ball up too much right now. Should be a fun game to watch though. Seattle goes up early with goals from Nate Jaqua and Fredy Montero and never looks back.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 2, Dallas 1

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Kansas City Wizards – at  – Real Salt Lake

1. Should we expect another turnaround at home for RSL?

So far as we all know RSL has been great at home and terrible on the road. However in their last home game they had a wild finish with the Galaxy in that crazy 2-2 draw a week ago. This club hasn’t really looked all that great in a couple games but they do have the likes of Javier Morales back in action. The thing they need to do in this one is not let Kansas City play their style of game. They allowed LA to do that briefly last week and they lost points for it in the process. Kansas City is dangerous enough behind Josh Wolff and Claudio Lopez to steal three points here.

2. Will Kansas City be able to come into Rio Tinto and do what only a couple have done? Win?

Both clubs are in a bit of a slide right now but Kansas City is still a very tough club to figure out. The Wizards are one of those few clubs that have gotten points at RSL over the past couple years. For them to do it again this season they need to get Josh Wolff back into the attack more and in the box to test a defense that has been a bit shaky as of late. If they can rattle RSL in the midfield and in defense you could see a couple easy goals for the visitors on Saturday.

3. Player to keep an eye out for.

I am curious to see if Jason Kreis stays with Yura Movsisyan up top or if he makes the wise move to Fabian Espindola like some would like him to. Espindola is a tough cookie up top to stop and could pose a big problem to a young Kansas City defense.

Quick Thoughts:

I want to like the Wizards in this one but it is hard to go against a club that plays so well in their home stadium. RSL should bounce back from their three game slide in this one with a win behind the likes of Kyle Beckerman and Espindola. Offensively this club hasn’t looked the same since that 6-0 beating of New England a few weeks back. If they can even get half of that spark back they will be fine against the Wizards.

WVH Prediction: RSL 2, KC 1

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DC United – at – Chivas USA:

1. What can DC do to beat Chivas?

Chivas has been one tough club to beat this year. Only Toronto was able to slow them own enough to get three points away from them. Thing is the club hasn’t had to be too flashy or amazing to be where they are right now. DC on the other hand has had to fight their way to the top of the eastern standings and their lead is not nearly as nice as their counterparts on Saturday. For United for come into the Home Depot Center and get even a point they have to be very organized defensively and not allow any little mistakes to happen. Chivas is too good at taking advantage of little mistakes in the midfield and scoring off of them.

While DC is leading the league in goals right now they are also giving up a lot of goals. Something Chivas does not do right now. DC has to get their attack going early and catch Chivas off guard. One thing I do know about Chivas is they aren’t a club that comes from behind often.

2. How does Chivas hold off the DC attack?

Simple enough you frustrate their attack in the midfield. You don’t allow DC to create quality chances for guys like Chris Ponitus and Luciano Emilio. You also keep a tight defense to neutralize runs from players out of the back like Rodney Wallace. Tom Soehn’s bunch will bring a lot at you but Chivas is one of the best at slowing those kinds of runs down. We’ve seen them do it against Seattle and also against clubs like Columbus and Dallas.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

Maykel Galindo is starting to get more minutes by each game for Chivas USA. The more the better as he is starting to get loose in the attack and that is good for Chivas fans. Galindo is a speedy player that could come off the bench in this one. In a late game that is tight he may be a real difference maker for the homeside.

Quick Thoughts:

Obviously the game of the week right here. Two clubs that are playing extremely well face off in an early season clash. DC hasn’t lost in five straight now while Chivas is continuing to show their impressive form week after week with their eight-point gap on the rest of the standings. This one will probably be very physical from the start and I look for Chivas to try and control the tempo of the game as well. Chivas can’t let up for a second, espeically late since DC has scored five of their league-high 15 goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. A draw sounds likely here even though Chivas has an impressive home record right now.

WVH Prediction: Chivas 1, DC 1

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Columbus Crew – at – LA Galaxy:

1. Both clubs are starting to win, but who has the edge right now?

Both finally got off the mark here in the past couple weeks and got the first win of the season. Amazing that despite their records LA hasn’t lost in six games and Columbus hasn’t lost in five. I will however give the slight advantage to Columbus here since it was last week that they got their first win of the year. The monkey is finally off their back and they should start winning more games here.

2. What does the Crew need to do to pick up some points here?

One thing is certain, another win and the Crew are very much in the thick of things in the eastern conference. This is certainly a good time to start a winning streak as the Crew have been a very tough club for the Galaxy to beat in recent years (partly due to Sigi Schmid when he was there). I think the Crew just have to play their tough style of play and rattle the very yough Galaxy defense early and often in this one. As long as Gulliermo Barros Schelotto controls the pace of the game in the middle for the Crew they should be fine in this one.

3. Player to keep an eye out for.

One guy I am going to watch for is LA’s Edson Buddle. He is finally getting healthy here this season and that should mean more offense for this Galaxy club that desperately needs someone else to go to soon when Landon Donovan leaves this summer for national team duty.

Quick Thoughts:

At first glance I was thinking this would be yet another draw for these two sides but I think the Crew have to be hungry now that they have their first win of the season. It didn’t come easy but you know veterans like Frankie Hedjuk will rally this club together to get another win. I like the Crew to keep their momentum up from last week’s win over the Galaxy.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 2, LA 1

Freddie Ljungberg and Seattle take their show on the road to Toronto. (Getty Images)

I just realized we have a slew of games this weekend. Seven games across two days, eight if you count the Thursday night game. The unbalanced schedule creeps in starting this week as Columbus has the lovely Thursday-Sunday swing going on. All clubs are in action this weekend though unlike the last two weeks.

But as mentioned we have seven games, four tomorrow night and three on Sunday. A lot of action if you are going to be around the house this weekend to watch. A few really good matchups too to look out for as well. Its still very early in the campaign but it will be interesting to see if clubhouse leaders Seattle and Chivas can keep up their good form.

As always feel free to pipe in your game predictions for the weekend below.

Seattle Sounders FC – at – Toronto FC:

1. Which side can win the midfield battle?

Both clubs are amped for this one. Seattle has all the momentum in the world and Toronto will be on their home opener for the year. Most will say this is the matchup of the weekend, I couldn’t disagree with that statement in the least bit.

The winner of this will surely come out of the midfield. Neither will be without any major players in the midfield in this one. For Seattle to win they have to get pressure on the backline and on Carl Robinson or rookie Sam Cronin. I think so far they’ve done an excellent job of pressuring the other club in the midfield and the lovely turf at BMO Field shouldn’t be an issue in this one.

Toronto needs to return the favor here and get the home crowd into it early. Dwayne De Rosario and company need to spread Seattle wide in this one and get Amado Guevara active right from the start.

If it comes down to it I think I will take the homeside’s group but its mighty close with the way Seattle pressures in the midfield. Osvaldo Alonso has been much better than advertised for this club already here.

2. Can Toronto shutdown Fredy Montero?

Can anybody really shut this Columbian down? This will be a good test for both sides here, Montero on the road for the first time in MLS and Toronto against a really good striker. So far Toronto hasn’t faced a really good striker this season so I am curious to see exactly how John Carver’s club defends him. Thing is as Real Salt Lake found out last week, if you mark him closely it leaves guys like rookie Steve Zakuani and Nate Jaqua wide open.

Toronto cannot allow Montero space in the midfield and near the box because he produces goal of the week material when he is given the space.

3. Player to keep an eye out for.

Normally I don’t like to talk about guys we know a lot of about in this one but I really want to see how Sigi Schmid uses his DP midfielder Freddie Ljungberg in this one. I expect he will at least come off the bench tomorrow for this one. If last week is any indication he will be fine as a playmaker for this club. If he goes from the start I would imagine a lot of the offense will flow through him, which isn’t a bad thing.

Quick Thoughts:

This really should be a fun one to watch, DVR, TiVo or whatever you have. We know what BMO Field brings to the table here and really what these two clubs are about right now. Toronto got a little lucky last week in Columbus but I don’t see that kind of thing happening this weekend against a very hungry Seattle club. I think this is a big game for both in a lot of people’s eyes. We want to know if Seattle is legit and if Toronto can beat a quality opponent.

I think the big thing will come down to if Montero plays or not. Reports this morning suggest he may not play this weekend in Toronto. That could be the break that Toronto needs but I still like this one in a draw.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 1, Seattle 1

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FC Dallas – at – New England Revolution

1. Can Dallas control the midfield against New England?

So far Dallas hasn’t been able to do much and its largely due to their midfield play, not just their poor defense. No one is stepping up enough there to control things or settle things down when things aren’t going well and that is why Dallas is playing the way they are. New England on the other hand is pretty steady in the midfield and that’s why they have four points in two games.

For Dallas they need more from David Ferreira in the attack and more from Pablo Ricchetti in defense. If those two can control their respective ends and distribute wide to David van den Burgh and Dax McCarty.

But as far as controlling the midfield they have to shutdown guys like Shalrie Joesph and Jeff Larentowicz…which is easier said than done for most.

2. Can New England get into some sort of offensive rhythm against Dallas?

What’s the best way to get your attack going during any part of the season? Face a very weak defense. Right now Dallas looks terrible on defense and while New England is missing Taylor Twellman and Steve Ralston to their attack they still have some quality scorers in Joesph, Sainey Nyassi, Kenny Mansally and Kheli Dube.

To me this looks like a good game for those guys to step up and get on the boards here this season.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

For me its between rookies Kevin Alston and Darrius Barnes for the Revs. Both are play above and beyond their years here so far this season. They have the task of shutting down Kenny Cooper this weekend. If he shoots the way he was a week ago against Chivas it won’t really matter what they do.

Quick Thoughts:

Honestly there is no way I can even imagine picking Dallas after seeing them these last two weeks. New England hasn’t looked all that great but they’ve at least found results where as Dallas has given them away with ease so far. I think the Revs come into their home opener and handle this game with little problems.

WVH Prediction: New England 2, Dallas 0

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Houston Dynamo – at – DC United

1. Which defense actually shows up for both clubs?

Until last weekend we thought Houston was still a defensive power but 15 minutes in San Jose really made us question that thought. DC sometimes shows the potential to be good at defense but continue to come up short on that end.

Dominic Kinnear’s bunch has to bounce back quickly against Luciano Emilio and company. If they produce the same sort of performance that they did a week ago they could be staring at another big loss on the road to a club that has an even better offense than San Jose. I see Kinnear getting his troops to come back in play better than last week, its a good thing too because they will be pressued early and often by DC’s attack which is improving.

2. Can DC put it together for a full 90 minutes?

Put the injuries aside for a minute, this club hasn’t been consistent enough so far this season. You’d be kidding yourself if you thought otherwise. It was a problem a season ago and it continues now. They’ll look good for 20 minutes and terrible for the following 20. Against a well-coached club like Houston, DC cannot afford to fall into their typical trap of playing bad for long stretches of the game. Some of that comes down to coaching but the rest comes down to the talent on the field.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

We joked last week when Chris Wondolowski scored against San Jose down here in Dallas. We figured a Wondolowski scoring a goal singals the end of the world or something. Jokes aside I think he is slowly turning into a decent player up top for Houston. With a new striker on the way down there he need to continue to impress or he will be back on the bench.

Quick Thoughts:

DC hasn’t won a game in a long, long time here folks. Many believe they were jobbed out of three points in week one and could have even seen three points last week. Fact of the matter is the funk that ended last season is still there. Houston put themselves into a bit of a funk last week when they were missing a couple key guys and their defense stunk up the place. I see this turning into a tight contest with neither one really giving up a lot in the midfield. On paper DC should control the game but their inconsistent play could doom that at times and Houston is still a good enough team to take advantage of it. I like this one in a draw, I just don’t feel comfortable enough to pick United just yet here until I see them put it together for a full 90.

WVH Prediction: DC 1, Houston 1

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Colorado Rapids – at – LA Galaxy

1. Did Bruce Arena use the week off to his advantage for his young players?

For any Galaxy fan you hope the week off meant players got healthy and the young players got more practice time to get use to the MLS style of play. Knowing Arena he definitely used the time off to get the younger guys use to the play here. A good thing too for his young backline because Colorado is playing pretty well offensively with Omar Cummings and Conor Casey. Last year’s rookie of the year Sean Franklin and potential ROY candidate for this year Omar Gonzalez will have their hands full this weekend. Lucky for them and the Galaxy, the Rapids have largely been terrible away from home, especially in LA (4 wins all-time in 19 league matches).

2. Can the Rapids continue their momentum from last week or return to their inconsistent ways?

Colorado is another team that bounces around too much from game to game. If they can put it together for a few games and keep the momentum up from a good win like last week they could actually be a true contender out west. Thing is they typically follow a good performance up with a dud. If that is the case, expect this one to be that dud.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

I think for Colorado a lot is being put on Mehdi Ballouchy’s shoulders this season in the midfield to create. I honestly don’t like the idea but sometimes you never know when a player can change his fortune. Against a slightly suspect defense this could be a good chance for Ballouchy to shine.

Quick Thoughts:

To be fair I honestly don’t like this matchup for Colorado. I just don’t see anyone shutting down Landon Donovan here just yet this season and the Rapids definitely don’t have the defense that can handle him for a full 90. If the US game this past week is any idication as to how well Donovan is playing right now I would expect him to continue scoring in this one and be back up top the Golden Boot standings by the end of the game.

WVH Prediction: LA 3, Colorado 1

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New York Red Bulls – at – Chicago Fire

1. Will the new additions for New York finally make their debut?

It sure looks like midfielder Albert Celades is available to play, as is Carlos Johnson. But are they ready enough to play could be a bigger question? I doubt they’ve had enough time to get adjusted to their new team just yet. Not to mention the MLS style of play. Celades is the big question, if he proves to be the player that most think he is he will make Juan Carlos Osorio into a genuis. However if he turns out to be another Juan Pietravallo, he will just be another waste of money by Osorio.

2. Is Blanco going to go the full 90 here for the Fire?

I kind of have a feeling he will at least start in this one for the boys in red. No reason not to at least since he has been getting more minutes off the bench and last week he looked pretty healthy against DC in his second half appearance. Thing is do the Fire need him to go the full 90 just yet or is he better off getting healthy now and now burning out later on. If that is the case I think Dennis Hamlett is doing a good job of managing this situation with him so he is fit enough to last the entire season.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

Chris Rolfe is been a thorn in the side to the Red Bulls over the last couple of years. Last year alone he scored four goals in their three meetings. Even should he be a sub like he was against DC I think he will put some big time pressue on a still shaky defense.

Quick Thoughts:

I honestly don’t know what to make of New York. Until I see their new guys making a difference they still seem to be the same overrated club that they were a year ago. Good up top but terribly overrated in the back. We saw better out of them last week but it wasn’t that much better when you really look at things. Chicago seems like they were almost resting their key guys up for this one last week and I think it could pay off. They get some key guys back in defense which should actually help fuel their attack. I don’t think they will blow the Red Bulls out like they did twice last year but I think they will get the three points.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 2, New York 0

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San Jose Earthquakes – at – Kansas City Wizards

1. Can San Jose keep up their offense from a week ago?

No one expected that kind of offensive outburst from the Quakes, especially against a good defense like Houston. Now the Quakes take their show to the road against a defense that I think has not played well at all so far this season. Two games in and the Wizards have already given up five goals. Not the best way to start a new season.

San Jose needs another big showing from their midfield, especially from guys on the wings like Darren Huckerby and Arturo Alvarez. I’ve said for a while that a way to beat the Wizards is to get wide and spread out this defense. San Jose is a good team on the wings and I think it should help their attack once again.

2. What can KC do to get going here this season?

Obviously Davy Arnaud’s two stellar strikes weren’t enough in week one to get this club off on the right foot in 2009. A lot of us are waiting to see when Santiago Hirsig will actually start and contribute to their attack. So far this season the Wizards have had to rely on rookie Graham Zusi to lead their attack in the midifeld. While Zusi hasn’t played bad he also hasn’t really help create the chances that most believe Hirsig will.

Plus they need better production out of their striking core. Claudio Lopez and Josh Wolff don’t seem to be on the right page with one another just yet this season. That has to change.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

For the Quakes to get some road points on Sunday they need a big game in the defensive side of the midfield from Ramiro Corrales. I think if this veteran goes against a rookie like Zusi he should have little problems helping control the midfield for the visitors. This game will come down to who controls the midfield and I think Corrales should get the Quakes going in the right direction with his play Sunday.

Quick Thoughts:

I want to pick the Wizards since they are at home but so far this season they haven’t given me a reason to buy into them. Sure some guys haven’t played a full 90 and they have some injury issues already but this should be a game they can win I think. Howver I am going with the Quakes here, not based on their performance last week against Houston but based on how well I think they will control the midfield. I think the Quakes will spread out the attack with Huckerby and Alvarez which will lead to some easy goals for Cam Weaver and company.

WVH Prediction: San Jose 2, KC 1

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Columbus Crew – at – Chivas USA

1. Did the Crew just put all their eggs in this game’s basket and not Thursdays?

No one really expected the Crew to go down that badly in Salt Lake City last night. To me it looked like they were hoping for a road point when they tied things up in the first half. It was like they packed things in a bit and hoped not to get anyone hurt before Sunday’s game with Chivas. That came back to bite them in the ass as RSL poured three goals on them in the second 45. Columbus can’t allow Chivas to do a similar thing because the AmeriGoats are starting to play with confidence here this season.

2. Can Preki’s group keep it up against a good club?

For the most part Columbus is still a good club, every club has a bad day every once and a while. Plus Chivas really hasn’t played a good club yet, they’ve beaten Colorado at home and Dallas on the road. Six points is six points but most of us believe they need to get three points against a team like Columbus to prove how legit they are here.

A lot will come down to shutting down the Crew’s midfield, mainly Guillermo Barros Schelotto. If they can replicate what RSL did last night and hope the Crew is still a bit winded from playing Thursday night they could catch the break they need to prove their worthiness here this season.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

Even if he comes off the bench again you have to watch Chivas’s Bojan Stepanovic. His first touch of the ball lead to his first goal in MLS. Not a bad way to build confidence with a new club either. If Columbus gives him an inch he could make them pay for it.

Quick Thoughts:

Columbus needs to bounce back in this one. They should have Aljeandro Moreno and Frankie Hejduk for the full time in this one, unlike last night. I think that will be a big difference on both sides of the ball. Especially not having Hejduk in the back last night proved the Crew really need him this year. Chivas is playing well and will keep this one close. I think end the end it will be a draw as these clubs typically play one another very close. I also think we will see some nice goals in it too from guys like Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers.

WVH Prediction: Chivas 2, Columbus 2

Amado Guevara

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Davy Arnaud one and two:

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Blanco

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Guillermo Barros Schelotto

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Kenny Cooper

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Fredy Montero

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Dwayne De Rosario was a handful for KC this past weekend. (Brian Stevens, WVH Photo Correspondent)

We got one week under our belts and already a lot to discuss. Week one left us with plenty…and I do mean plenty of quality goals. We also got a few surprises on the week as well like Chivas’s Paulo Nagamura and his random two goal effort over the Rapids. Lastly we got some solid crows for the opening week (Dallas may have been the biggest shocker after reports of only 5,000 tickets being sold a couple weeks ago).

I felt like doing something a little different for this week’s recap. Instead of going game-by-game here I thought it would be more appropriate to go team-by-team in a first impressions kind of mode. I am a big believer in the eye-ball test for teams, meaning that first impressions do go a long way.

As always feel free to pipe in your thoughts on the first weekend of action below.

Chicago Fire:

Offensively they didn’t impress me all that much. They put a decent attack together against a rather mediocre defense in FC Dallas. Still a three goal effort on the road is good no matter how the attack looked. The goal with Justin Mapp is exactly what you expect out of this club though and it is something I can see this club doing a lot this season. Blanco’s free kick was pretty sweet too.

Defensively they weren’t bad, giving up an early cheap goal from Kenny Cooper. Giving up a goal from beyond midfield is a keeper issue and just a smart play by Cooper. Really nothing to go crazy over.

Still this club gave me what I expected. A slow start with a strong finish.

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Chivas USA:

I said in the season predictions and previews that if this club stays healthy they will be really tough to handle out west. They don’t have a lot of flashy talent but they have the guys that aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty to get the job done. Head coach Preki still finds a way to get everything out of what he has on the field, even if it isn’t his best 11.

How about Paulo Nagamura and his two goal effort? Four career MLS goals and he nets two to start the 2009 campaign. Not a bad way to start at all. It didn’t hurt that the Rapids really gave him a lot to work with on each goal.

Defensively this club didn’t look bad but I have to say they need a new keeper in a bad way here. Zach Thornton is decent but he is no longer a reliable guy between the posts. His little give-away in the goal mouth can’t be done on any level.

I thought the new additions weren’t too shabby either. Striker Eduardo Lillingston and defender Mariano Trujillio had decent debuts for their new club.

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Columbus Crew:

What can you say about this club? In 2008 they were the toughest team to beat and that is carrying over in 2009. I felt offensively they had the bulk of the chances in their game against Houston but were unable to really capitalize on what they had until late. Guillermo Barros Schelotto is still a genius in the midfield and really no one can handle him, even one of the better defensive clubs in the league.

This club is still dangerous on all ends though. I kind of felt they could have had the early advantage with the Chad Marshall goal that was called off due to a foul on Marshall. That call really could have gone either way but kudos to the official for sticking to his call on it.

I think overall things will still run through Columbus in 2009.

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Colorado Rapids:

I have a feeling this will be a long year in Colorado. While the one goal was a positive thing the defense and the midfield play were rather pathetic. They were able to put some decent pressure on late but no one made a solid enough effort to really test Chivas keeper Zach Thornton late.

I think for me it comes down to a lack of creativity in the midfield for this club. We know Christian Gomez failed to work out there last year but I think it is already time to begin looking for a DP-level playmaker in the middle for this club. Someone like a Schelotto or a Blanco that elevates this club to a new level. I really think that is the biggest thing missing for them and could be the difference between making the playoffs or not this season.

Still Conor Casey showed me that his late run a year ago was no joke. That is a good thing for Rapids fans.

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DC United:

We thought it in preseason play but now in regular season play we still believe it. It could very well be a long season in DC. Tom Soehn is probably already on the hot seat for his club’s performance in the second half against LA. Sure some calls (that handball call, are you kidding me?!) didn’t go his way and that nasty collision between Devon McTavish and Greg Janicki didn’t help either.

I thought early on things were going to be different for DC. They came out and impressed me early on with a nice two goal lead. But their downfall was due to their biggest weakness, their defense.

Still some pluses to note, I really thought both first round picks played well this weekend which means things could quickly get on the rise in DC. Rodney Wallace recorded an assist and Chris Pontius recorded the first goal by a rookie this season.

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FC Dallas:

Ah, the home club for me. Well the crowd was much better than we expected. The new dance team looked alright and Kenny Cooper scored from midfield. Not much else to really leave you with here.

Defensively the club didn’t look any better than what we’ve seen out of them for the last couple years. In the midfield we saw a couple decent bits out of David van den Burgh (no surprise) but nothing too great out of newcomer David Ferreira. He has to find a better way of controlling the game for Dallas in the midfield. If he doesn’t no one else will.

I thought offensively aside from Cooper’s long-range blast, there wasn’t a whole lot there. The chances looked decent but after reviewing them a couple times they actually weren’t all that great.

Not a great start, and not a real surprise either in their start. I kind of feel it will be a very long year in Dallas for this bunch.

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Houston Dynamo:

Pretty much what I expected out of this bunch. Sound on defense yet only to give up a really good goal that not too many could score like that (and not too many keepers could save). I gotta say I was impressed a bit by Chris Wondolowski in the offensive end for Houston. While I don’t think he will be the best partner to Brian Ching in 2009 he certainly made his case for it. He found himself in a decent position more than once but he just needs to find a better way to put the ball home in the back of the net.

Overall though not bad out of this bunch. The only real downer was probably the field at Robertson Stadium, it was a total mess.

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Not the greatest start to the season for Jimmy Conrad and KC. (Brian Stevens, WVH Photo Correspondent)

Kansas City Wizards:

Defensively it was about what I expected. The lack of defensive quality in the midfield always puts more pressure on this club’s backline. When you add in the fact that Toronto now has some serious talent in their midfield it really showed up for me on Saturday night. I watched a few highlights a couple times and noticed just how out of place some guys in blue looked. It may have been the quick counters that Toronto was getting but it just seems like KC has more guys committed forward than what their defensive midfield can actually handle.

Still they were in this game thanks to two amazing strikes by Davy Arnaud. Pick either one and they could be goal of the week material. It seems that just as last year Arnaud will carry this club on his back offensively. Thing is those types of goals don’t always come every week.

A positive note to finish them off here, rookie Graham Zusi looked real solid in the offensive third for this club.

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LA Galaxy:

Looked okay. The slow start defensively was expected for this bunch but the two late goals by Landon Donovan put the defensive issues to rest for the day. The equalizer was something else though, very clutch.

Still growning pains are going to be apart of this club for the next couple months. They have a solid core of rookies, a decent amount of veterans and then Landon Donovan. Thing is Donovan can only carry this club so much like he has done in years past.

Their rookies showed up in the starting lineup weren’t bad but did help DC out more than their own. Omar Gonazlez has talent but man did the kid ever give up a goal for DC.

Its going to take a lot to get this club to the next level but if everyone can be patient and also if they can get a little luck this club could surprise some.

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New England Revolution:

Their game was no biggie. Defensively they were more impressive than I expected without Michael Parkhurst and offensively they were able what I expected with no Taylor Twellman. Their two rookies looked great though. Kevin Alston showed his quality was really locked down a tough player in Darren Huckerby on the wings. Darius Barnes also started in the backline with Alston and really impressed me, plus the kid has a cannon for a throw-in.

I said on Friday that Kheli Dube would have to carry the scoring load for the Revs and he came through. The Revs really didn’t show a lot of negatives but then again didn’t give up a lot of positives either. I did think that the Quakes would score a couple on them but give Steve Nicol credit for picking a defense out that not many would have expected to see a couple months ago. Starting two rookies in the back is always bold but Nicol always finds a way to make it work. It also didn’t hurt that San Jose couldn’t hit anything on Saturday night.

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New York Red Bulls:

Lets get real honest about this club. If their defensive additions don’t pan out quick this could be a long year for them. Plus the key guys in the midfield that are expected to produce failed to do so against Seattle. I wonder how long it will take before Juan Carlos Osorio realizes that Juan Pietravallo is just not a good idea.

This club has a lot of expectations surrounding them and really I am wondering exactly how they will live up to them this year. The first impression they gave me in 2009 was not a good one. It was similar to what I said about them a season ago. Sound offensively, a bit over hyped in the midfield, lacking in defense and nothing special in goal.

I said it Friday and I will say again, is Danny Cepero really an upgrade to Jon Conway? I wasn’t a Conway fan but after reviewing some of Thursday night’s game I am starting to wonder if Cepero is any better.

It will get better in New York, but Osorio better get use to hearing his name on the hot seat again if it doesn’t come quickly.

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Real Salt Lake:

Off in week one, check back next week.

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San Jose Earthquakes:

They picked up where they left off a year ago on offense. No one could hit anything, okay, well that wasn’t true as they hit the post a few times. Still it wasn’t a good offensive showing by the Quakes. Though I think we saw what is to actually come from this club. The first goal is always the toughest to get in a new season and it will come for this club soon enough.

I think once Weaver and Huckerby settle into this season they will start seeing more chances come their way. I thought the Quakes held New England off pretty well in the midfield, which isn’t always easy to do with Shalrie Joesph out there.

Again another rookie showed promise out there. Quincy Amarikwa looked pretty solid for San Jose. I think he will eventually link up well with Weaver and guys like Shea Salines.

Defensively they are still as solid as before. The one mistake ended in a New England goal. I don’t see this club giving up too many multi-goal games though this season anyways.

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The eye-ball test was real good for this club. I think everyone will see them more as a club that isn’t in their first year than one that is. They became the first expansion club since Chicago in 1998 to win their first game…and we all know what Chicago went on to do in that season.

Hard to really find a lot of faults in this club after their first game. Fredy Montero was a beast. Osvaldo Alonso may have been the best USL-to-MLS addition that we’ve seen since Brian Ching. He answered a lot of questions that I had about him and his ability to go from USL to MLS.

Defensively the club looked okay. Nothing great but Kasey Keller did show that he still has it.

Oh and that crowd looked amazing.

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Toronto FC:

A nice group of TFC supporters decended on KC. (Brian Stevens, WVH Photo Correspondent)

Aside from two You-tube worthy goals given up this club looked a lot better than what we had seen out of them a year ago. I said on Friday to keep an eye on Amado Guevara and he did not disappoint with his two-goal effort. Dwayne de Rosario was a handful in the midfield for KC, as he set up a couple goals for the Reds.

Defensively they looked better, not great but better. I think their offense will easily carry them this season while their defense could cost them some games down the stretch.

Make no mistake, this club should contend in 2009 though.

Chad Barrett and Toronto FC travel to KC to face the Wizards Saturday night. (Getty Images)

Back at it for the 2009 season. Nearly every club in action this weekend with five games on Saturday evening and one lone match on Sunday afternoon.

Just as yesterday I will try to give just a quick preview, a couple questions, and score prediction. Nothing too fancy since I don’t get to see every club all the time. Also feel free to pipe in your game predictions below.

Columbus Crew – at – Houston Dynamo:

1. How will Houston contain Schelotto?

Its a question for everyone but Houston did a decent job a year ago against the Crew. They split their season series and Houston won the home leg. However, Columbus looked very strong in preseason play while the Dynamo struggled here and there. With no Eddie Robinson (out to injury) it could be a long afternoon chasing GBS in the midfield. Richard Mulrooney or Ricardo Clark will probably be set to lock him down and if they come up short in the task it will put more pressure on the backline. Luckily for the Dynamo that is one of their stronger departments.

2. Who will score for Houston?

After Brian Ching things get a little tough this year as we all know. Stuart Holden will be asked to create in the middle and set pieces become that much more important to the men in orange. Kai Kamera is suspended for this game and normally I would say he would be right in the discussion to help with the scoring load. Someone like a Brad Davis or a Brian Mullan will have to pick up the slack.

3. One guy to keep an eye on tomorrow night.

Emmanuel Ekpo is someone to watch on the wings for the Crew. I think this year could be a big one for him and getting off to a quick start would definitely be needed by the Black and Gold faithful. Look for Ekpo to put a lot of pressure on the Dynamo flanks and probably help Columbus produce a goal or two.

I think this one could be real tight defensively. I still have too many questions about Houston’s attack though I do see them pushing the Crew a little in this one since it is at home. Robertson Stadium has never been kind to Columbus but I see some luck changing.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 2, Houston 1

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Chicago Fire – at – FC Dallas

1. Will Dallas be able to hold off the Fire attack?

Honestly I don’t what to make of this Dallas defense. It should be better than in years past but I’m not expecting a drastic improvement here. Dallas may not have Blanco to contend with tomorrow and that may actually be a good thing. The Hoops still will have to contend with Brian McBride and the speed of guys like Patrick Nyarko and Chris Rolfe. Pablo Ricchetti is out on suspension which could lead to more pressure on the backline tomorrow.

2. Is this really a good rivalry anymore?

To be hoenest, Dallas has kind of owned the Fire in recent years…espcially in Dallas. Chicago hasn’t won in Dallas since 1999 and hasn’t beat Dallas since 2005. Plus this whole Brimestone Cup thing hasn’t gone to the Windy City since 2001. Could this finally be the year the Fire owns the Hoops? Perhaps. I think the rivalry is still more with the fans than actually on the field. Anymore these two clubs don’t seem to match an rivalry of a Chivas-LA or even a Toronto-Columbus. Maybe though this year will be different.

3. Player to watch for both sides.

David Ferreira for Dallas and Marco Pappa for Chicago. Both will play different styles but both will see a lot of the ball tomorrow. Dallas needs Ferreira to be the rock in the middle that controls the pace of the game. Chicago just needs Pappa to do his thing and be the special player that I think he can be.

Dallas should contend well with Chicago still. Their style of play does match well against the Fire even with the defensive issues. With Blanco in question I think the game will be tighter than if he were actually on the field. Chicago goes up early but I think Dallas gets a late goal to tie it.

WVH Prediction: Dallas 1, Chicago 1

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Toronto FC – at – Kansas City Wizards:

1. Which midfield addition will work out better, Dwayne de Rosario for Toronto or Santiago Hirsig for KC?

A lot of people love the DeRo move and a lot of people seem high on Argentine import Hirsig for KC. It will be interesting to see which has a better impact on this game tomorrow. Both will be called to do a similar task, which is facilitate the offense in the midfield. DeRo knows the MLS game so I have to give the slight nod to Toronto in this one. Though I will admit I have very interested to see Hirsig play for the Wizards and see if this is a good move or not.

2. Where will the offense actually come from in this game?

Face it both clubs were largely terrible on offense a season ago. With new faces in the offense things should be better. For KC its all about getting Claudio Lopez and Josh Wolff on the same page this season. They should be a good combination when healthy. And for Toronto the addition of Pablo Vitti should help Chad Barrett out. Right now on paper Toronto does look to have a slight edge in the offensive category. KC has some solid strikers but none that make a large impact last year, they need that go-to scorer this season and Wolff has to be that guy.

3. One player to keep an eye on.

Amado Guevara is always an interesting character. I put him here today because I really want to see how he shares the spotlight in the midfield with DeRo. Most say he will be fine and I for one believe it. I think however I just need to see on the field.

This one should be interesting. Both clubs have tons to prove in 2009, especially on the offensive end. KC at home is usually pretty strong and they typically have matched up well against Toronto. Thing was in the past Toronto never had someone to control things in the midfield like DeRo. That is a difference maker and that’s why I am taking the visitors in this one.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 2, KC 0

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Colorado Rapids – at – Chivas USA

1. New season, yet same old story for both clubs…one is still dealing with injuries and the other is probably still inconsistent. So what gives?

This one is a real head scratcher for me. Chivas is still ravaged with injuries going into a new season. Colorado really did very little to upgrade their below average team from 2008. I feel both are pretty much where we left off with them a season ago. Road clubs typically do well in this series but something about having Sasha Kljestan healthy and ready to go in this one has to give Chivas a better shot.

2. Where will the offense come in this one?

Chivas failed to have a consistent scorer last year while for the majority of the season the Rapids failed to score consistently as a team. Conor Casey is the guy however to watch for the Rapids in the offensive third of the field. Though questions are still surrounding whether or not he will be able to do better than his late season run from last fall. I’m one that is holding out to see that.

Chivas needs a scorer and hopefully new import Eduardo Lillingston can pair up nicely with a recovering Maykel Galindo or Justin Braun. Still, none of those names are striking fear in any defense right now.

3. Two guys to watchout for.

For Chivas it has to be Jesse Marsch, becuase as the offense goes so does Marsch. While I love me some Kljestan I do believe a lot more rests on Marsch than Kljestan for this club.

For Colorado keep an eye on Omar Cummings. If he can be the counter offer to Casey then the Rapids may have a quality one-two punch in 2009.

Overall this game should be a decent watch on Saturday night. Neither club is a true contender now but a strong showing in week one always makes people think. Colorado has had fast starts before and could see one with new coach Gary Smith. I just think neither one is ready to make a huge jump out there just yet. A draw sounds like a solid bet in this one.

WVH Prediction: Chivas 2, Colorado 2

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New England Revolution – at – San Jose Earthquakes:

1. What do we really expect out of San Jose in 2009?

We think the Quakes are better and I for one have even jumped on their season bandwagon. Thing is they face a New England squad that I’ve been on the bandwagon with for a couple years now. I think Frank Yallop did go out and get a good group of new players for this club. They should be better offensively with Cam Weaver. Also being in San Jose doesn’t hurt a bit either as I really feel they will make that venue a nice home this year in terms of keeping it a fortress.

2. Will we see a healthy Taylor Twellman?

Nope. Not for this one, he is listed as out for the game. Tough break too as the Revs will have to lean heavily on Kheli Dube and the two young Gambians again this year. It worked out fine for them a season ago when Twellman was out and they had to fall back on Dube, Nyassi and Mansally.

3. Player to keep an eye on tomorrow night.

Michael Videira for New England will be interesting to watch. Expect Steve Nicol to use him up top with Dube early on (or in a late game situation). Viderira is returning to the club after being selected in 2008 in the SuperDraft. He went to Europe instead of the MLS as we all know but is now back with the club for 2009. He could be the spark in the offense that Nicol is looking for this season.

I think this one will be closer than some will expect. Both clubs have loads to prove in 2009 as New England wants to show that their end of the year fallout is behind them and for the Quakes that they’re no longer an expansion club. I do like the Quakes at home as I am still worried about New England’s defense without Michael Parkhurst. Until I see that guys like Gabreil Badilla are ready to step up for them I probably won’t be eager to pick them as much.

WVH Prediction: San Jose 2, NE 1

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DC United – at – LA Galaxy:

1. Just how much better are these two clubs from a year ago?

DC improved but only slightly in my books. LA got rid of a bunch of trash but brought in a bunch of so-so guys. Defensively this one could be real ugly in a hurry as each club still has firepower up top with Luciano Emilio for DC and Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle for LA.

2. Can DC win out west?

Typically in the past DC fails to come up strong in games against some western clubs, especially LA in Carson. Last couple years DC has not been able to right the ship with Donovan, and last year he put up a hat trick on the Black-and-Red. With the lack of improvement on defense for DC one has to believe nothing will change in the way they play out in Carson.

In the last two games at the Tool Box they have given up 10 goals to LA. Yeah, I don’t see that changing.

3. Player to keep an eye on.

If DC wants to keep on the board with LA in this one they need a good showing from rookie foward Chris Pontius. I think off the bench Pontius could be a good counter to LA and maybe even the change of pace up top that DC needs to stay with the Galaxy.

This one just screams goals to me. Last year it was that way and I don’t see any reason why it won’t be similar on Sunday. Neither added a lot of depth or quality to their defense and the offenses are still relatively the same. The difference for me is LA is at home and DC is not. It simily comes down to that.

WVH Prediction: LA 4, DC 2

2008 record and finish: 9-13-8, 35 pts., last in east, failed to reach playoffs

Offseason Player Movement:

Incoming:
Dwayne De Rosario (via trade – Houston Dynamo)
Sam Cronin (SuperDraft)
Stefan Frei (SuperDraft)
O’Brian White (SuperDraft)
Pablo Vitti (via loan from Independiente – Argentina)
Adrian Serioux (trade with Dallas)
Emmanuel Gomez (signing from Samger FC – Gambia)
Amadou Sanyang (signing from Real de Banjul FC – Gambia)

Outgoing:
Hunter Freeman (IK Start – Norway)
Tim Regan (Retired)
Julius James (trade with Houston Dynamo)
Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders FC – Expansion Draft)
Carlos Ruiz (waived)
Joey Melo (waived)
Todd Dunivant (trade with LA Galaxy)
Tyrone Marshall (trade with Seattle)
Kilian Elkinson (waived)
Derek Gaudet (waived)
Joey Melo (waived)

Questions going into 2009:

1. How much better will the offense be in 2009?

Add De Rosario and Vitti along with Chad Barrett, Amado Guevara, Rohan Ricketts and others and this club could very well be very offensively sound. The thing is and it is a big if for most people including me, just how well will DeRo and Guevara be together?

Thing is I believe these two will work out fine. Guevara looked to have matured a lot last year and throw in a successful guy like DeRo and this could be a great match in the midfield.

With the creative duties going through DeRo instead of Guevara we may see a more relaxed Guevara this season on the wings.

But if Guevara doesn’t handle sharing the spotlight don’t be shocked to see him get traded before the All-Star break.

2. Will the defense be any better with the young Africans and the addition of Adrian Serioux?

If you had asked me this a month ago I would have said that Toronto looked worse on defense then compaired to how they were in 2008. Fast forward to the addition of the two young Africans and Serioux and I think the defense is really coming together nicely.

However we don’t know exactly how good those kiddies from Gambia will be. Until they get their feet wet enough in MLS I would imagine Serioux to be paired up with Kevin Harmes. A pairing that won’t strike fear in the eyes of the rest of the league.

3. Breakout player to watch in 2009.

For those who still don’t know of Sam Cronin, by the end of this year you will understand why he was the number two pick in this year’s draft. He is a rookie of the year candidate already in my book and I fully expect him to contend for a starting role this season with TFC.

I see Cronin as a great partner to Carl Robinson too. He could also be a replacement for him if he falls into injury or international callups this year.

Look at the 2009 Schedule:

Fairly balanced overall but that could change if they actually play well in this year’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship. May is full of MLS madness and Canadian craziness. Luckily they are home most of that month for both league play and NCC.

Summer months will lighten up but if they advance to the CCL it will get a little bit more packed.

After the All-Star break their schedule gets a bit rough with seven road games in the final three months of the year. That means only five home games in friendly BMO Field.

Overall this could be a very tough schedule if the club doesn’t remain healthy throughout the year. Plus international callups will hurt them if they aren’t careful again.

2009 Season Outlook:

I want to say Toronto is going to be a contender in 2009. I want to but based on history and some uncertainty surrounding this club I just don’t know if I can put them there just yet. Yes they are improved, no doubt about it and yes I believe they had a great winter. But none of that will mean a thing if it doesn’t translate into success on the field this year.

A lot rests in the hands of the defense but unlike before this club actually has a playmaker in DeRo to actually keep the attack going. Before the club failed to maintain possession in the attacking third of the field due to the lack of a quality playmaker. This time around things should be different. Not to mention I think the defensive side of the midfield has gotten better too.

A lot of pressure will be on Vitti and Barrett to be a go-to scorer. If neither one of them fail to do so by the summer you could see this club act out of desperation for a striker. Which means they will likely use that DP slot to get a scorer. I think Vitti will surprise people in a good way this year and be a solid scorer in the league.

How will they end up? I think being a contender for the playoffs isn’t out of the question. Depth is an issue, just as it is for most clubs. Thing is Toronto seems to have some solid youth on their side that could make a big difference.

Guevara was red carded for his elbow to Pablo Ricchetti that casued a penalty kick. The fine and suspension are in addition to the one-game red card suspension and $250 fine for getting the card.

Guevara will not be available for Colorado game this weekend and the New York game next weekend. He will return to the lineup on the 23rd.

Not much to see really, but here is another look at the incident. Honestly I am a little shocked to see him get an extra game but it is starting to look like the honeymoon is over between Guevara and TFC. I’m not saying he is on his way out of Toronto or anything here but things like this won’t sit well with Mo Johnston and head coach John Carver.