All eyes will be in SKC-RSL but SJ-NY could be just as good this weekend. (Getty Images)

Just as we mentioned yesterday, this weekend we have a full slate of games in Major League Soccer. Eight games tomorrow and one on Sunday to be exact. There are actually plenty of good games this weekend for a change, including one massive showdown in Kansas City.

One thing is for sure, after this weekend we should know a lot more about how the Supporters’ Shield race will lineup this season and whether or not teams like the LA Galaxy or Portland are actually going to be the thick of things like we had originally thought going into the season.

Here are my predictions for the weekend, feel free to leave your own at the bottom.

Saturday

Columbus Crew at Philadelphia Union – A national TV match for the league this weekend, no offense to either club but I don’t believe the league front office is too happy about this one being the showcase game for them this weekend with SKC-RSL only being on local TV. But anyways, this one will still be interesting as we’re still finding out what these two sides are really going to be here this season. Columbus looked decent up until their 4-1 loss last weekend against New York, while Philadelphia has been rather pathetic all season long. Something tells me the Crew put up a fight in this one but the Union squeak out a goal late to get three points.

WVH Prediction: Philadelphia 2, Columbus 1

D.C. United at New England Revolution – All the talk this week was about Shalrie Joseph’s retroactive suspension that was handed down to him. Whatever the case may be this one doesn’t have a ton of appeal to the casual viewer. New England has some quality about them that I got to see here in Dallas last week but I don’t think they match up very well against the likes of Dwayne De Rosario and company. Knowing these two clubs though this one will end level.

WVH Prediction: New England 1, DC 1

Colorado Rapids at Seattle Sounders FC – The Brian Mullan return to Seattle here is one of the league’s top story lines of the weekend. The Rapids are an interesting club as it is under Oscar Pareja and I’d expect them to give Seattle a handful. Seattle needs to get their offense going early in this one if they want to get the points. This one feels like it could remain close but I give the edge to the Sounders in this one.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 2, Colorado 1

Chivas USA at Toronto FC – Is the Toronto FC that we all expected to be this season ever going to show up here? Winless, pointless and just dreadful so far but they at least get a west coast team visiting this weekend. The only thing in that they get the one west coast team that can win anywhere in the Goats. This one feels like a draw, nothing more.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 1, Chivas 1

San Jose Earthquakes at New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls have not looked well against good defenses this season and the Quakes have one of the better ones in the league so far this season. San Jose has to find a way to shut down Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry in this one, which is always easier said than done. This will either be a game that we see New York continue their offensive scoring ways or they crash back down to reality. I don’t think either come out of this with three points.

WVH Prediction: NY 1, SJ 1

Montreal Impact at FC Dallas – Will there be any more lineup shuffles for Montreal in this one? Same goes for Dallas too. The Impact are coming off their first win in MLS but going on the road to Dallas is never an easy trip for an expansion club. Dallas typically does very well at home against expansion teams and this one should be no different with Fabian Castillo running all over the Montreal defense.

WVH Prediction: Dallas 2, Montreal 0

Real Salt Lake at Sporting KC – The game we’ve all been waiting this entire week for. The top two clubs in the league going head-t0-head here. Just a shame it isn’t on national TV. The collection of talent on the field for this one is ridiculous, which should make for an entertaining contest. While I tend to side with RSL in this one based on talent and coaching you have to think that Peter Vermes and his SKC squad do have what it takes to get three points. They have the momentum and if they can get a late goal again in this one, I see them moving on with three points. However, this one is too damn close to call.

WVH Prediction: SKC 1, RSL 1

Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy – It’s been a rough month or so for both sides. Neither team is where we thought they’d be so far. While I believe Portland will put a good fight into this game I just feel this is one that the Galaxy take control of from the start and get three simple points out of it.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, Portland 0 

Sunday

Houston Dynamo at Chicago Fire – Oh yeah, these two clubs. Both have only played three games so far this season. This one has a draw written all over it though based on the time off these two have had and the fact that neither have shown that they have a strong enough offense yet to make any serious headlines.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 1, Houston 1

Rocky Mountain Cup is on the line this weekend. (Getty Images)

The weekend is finally getting here. For those that know me and know what this past week or so has been like for me on the day job front, you know how excited I am to see the weekend ahead. A three day weekend in fact.

Time to take a look at the weekend ahead and we get started a day early with a game tonight in Dallas.

This is another weekend where there are plenty of quality games to discuss. Only three East v. West matches this weekend but the big focus will be on two rivalry games and a big showdown between KC and LA.

1. Revs hoping to make it three straight. Never would have guessed this version of the New England Revolution would be going for three straight wins tonight (and two straight road wins), this early in the season. Give credit to Jay Heaps for the hard work he’s put into this club. I think the big thing is seeing  Shalrie Joseph finally have some supporting cast around him is making the difference. Clyde Simms has been huge in the midfield with Joseph and the defense is slowly stepping up and is making things tough for other clubs. Saer Sene is gaining some confidence with two goals as well. New England hasn’t had a quality striker like Sene in some time and if he can keep it up the Revs will definitely contend in the East.

2. Canadian rivalry loses some steam. Both Toronto and Montreal lost last night, on the road just days before their first MLS match. Boy I have to say I wish this one had a little more leading into it than just a couple days after a bad performance. Montreal is slowly coming together but as expected the expansion club growing pains are pretty obvious when you watch this side. Toronto on the other hand comes into this one after an embarrassing loss in Mexico. So much was going right until it all went so very wrong last night. I’ll let others go through what didn’t go right for the Reds in Mexico but it is clear, no Torsten Frings or Danny Koevermans and this is club looks an awful lot like the team that was dreadful to watch early last year.

3. Red Bulls hope to continue statement run. Nine goals in two home matches is something else but getting another big outburst on the road will truly show folks if this New York Red Bulls side is indeed turning a corner or not here this season. I know I don’t show a ton of love to this club but I can’t find myself getting excited over a win against a Colorado side missing two key players in the midfield and a win over an expansion club. Also, we can’t ignore the facts that the defense is still giving up goals. If the offense has an off night someone in the back has to step up and play big. They may have won two straight games with nine goals but they also gave up three. Just sayin’.

4. Sporting goes for five. I keep feeling good with my preseason pick of SKC as the Supporters’ Shield winners. Four games in and they are unbeaten. Saturday night they go for five against probably the toughest team they’ve faced all season in the LA Galaxy. Yes, the LA boys are coming off a bad home loss to the New England Revolution but knowing Bruce Arena, he won’t let his team stay down for long. You have to like Sporting’s chances though in this one – at home in front of a sellout crowd – with that speedy offense. SKC has the type of attack that can and will cause problems for LA. I thin this one gets played a little closer to be book though as LA will press hard for a win to prove people that they still are the giant in the league. Thankfully this one is on national TV for all to see.

5. Two underrated clubs square off by the Bay. Give it up folks, the Vancouver Whitecaps are the ONLY MLS team to not give up a goal this season. Yes, you read that correctly. Sure they haven’t been scoring much lately either but it is still worth noting. You hats also must go off to the San Jose Earthquakes, as they have only given up a single goal this season back in the second week. I haven’t given either a ton of love yet this season but I am warming up to each of them the more I see them play. Defensively each side has improved so much from last season. This one will certainly come down to who makes a mental mistake first. The smaller field at Buck Shaw Stadium certainly helps the Quakes in this one but Vancouver has been solid this season at not letting quality strikers like Dwayne De Rosario score so you have to expect they’ll be all over Chris Wondolowski in this one.

6. Rocky Mountain high. One of my favorite rivalries in MLS is the Rocky Mountain Cup between Colorado and Real Salt Lake. Just like the Toronto-Montreal game I do wish this one had a little more time to hype up this week but the schedule makers put a RSL game in the middle of the week (boy was that one ugly huh?). This is one of those games that will come down to the midfield play of guys like Kyle Beckerman or Jeff Larentowicz. Both sides have shown the means to score goals this season so the defenses will be tested. I like RSL at home though in this one, even after the ugly midweek win over Montreal. Sometimes getting an ugly win out of your system helps you in the long run.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/shalriejoseph21/status/98502212489183233"]

Either this is a ploy to get more money for next year (apparently his contract is up after this season) or it is a last gasp for him to go to Europe.

What do you all make of this?

According to the Boston Globe, Joseph was trespassing at a hotel and was later arrested for it.

Joseph was taken to the Orlando Police’s central booking office at 3:31 a.m., according to an arrest affidavit. Trespass is a misdemeanor in Florida, according to police spokeswoman Sergeant Barbara Jones.

Both Joseph and defender Kevin Alston were sent home for disciplinary reasons, according to the team. Alston was not charged.

According to the police report, officers responded “in regards to a loud party.’’

The officers cleared the room, which was being rented by two women, and told the people to return to their own rooms. But Joseph and another man remained in a stairwell, having a conversation.

Joseph was ordered again to go to his room but responded, “I’m not doing nothing wrong. I’m not going anywhere.’’

A brief argument ensued, the hotel’s director of security was summoned, and Joseph was eventually arrested.

Rafa Marquez will look to slow down the New England Revolution tonight. (Getty Images)

Tonight we could crown one conference champion as the New York Red Bulls host the New England Revolution. In the season finale for each club the Red Bulls are looking to claim their first Eastern Conference crown since 2000.

The Revolution hope to play spoiler yet again this week as they helped knock out the Kansas City Wizards from playoff contention. Oddly enough New England has a bit of an edge against the Red Bulls in recent meetings too. The Red Bulls have failed to get three points against the Revs dating back to 2005.

The midfield battle in this one will be fun to watch as you’ll have Shalrie Joseph going against Rafa Marquez. No doubt to of the best central midfielders in the league going head-to-head will be fun to watch.

I think the Red Bulls get by in this one even without Thierry Henry. With this being Juan Pablo Angel’s last regular season game in front of the Red Bull crowd you have to expect something special out of him tonight. Though I do think the Revs will put up a good fight I just don’t see enough offense in this one from them to see them get three points.

WVH Prediction: New York 2, New England 1

Shalrie Joseph has left the Revs to enter rehab. (Getty Images)

We heard the other day that New England Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph was leaving the club for personal reasons. It turns out those reasons may be due to him entering in the league’s substance abuse program and behavioral health program, the Boston Globe reported late on Monday.

Joseph had missed all but one match for the Revs this season due to a hip injury, but now it is unclear just how long he will be out and in this program.

According to the Globe the club would not confirm or deny anything here.

This is a major blow to the club and to the league really. At least Joseph is getting help, which has to be an important factor here. Its one of those things that we just didn’t know about until this news came out.

The Revs have been able to see some success without Joseph on the field this year but losing him for an extended amount of time may be tougher to overcome. At least for them they are on a three-game homestand right now.

What do you all make of this news? Shocked by it? Happy he is at least getting help?

Fredy Montero looks to run all over New York again this weekend. (Getty Images)

So week number two in Major League Soccer is a short one. Seriously? After a full slate last week and what I believe will be a full one next week, how come so many clubs are off this weekend? Easter? Passover? NCAA Final Four? My bet is its due to Easter and clubs not wanting games on this weekend due to that.

Last night’s two western conference classes were decent. The Houston-RSL game was pretty much everything we expected it to be, fast paced and some pretty good action from both sides. Weird result in the two PKs in a matter of a couple minutes there but honestly I had no issues on either call. Sure Luis Angel Landin embellished that fall a tad bit but the contact was definitely there from the goat of the night for RSL Jamison Olave. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again Olave is a good defender but man does he ever get his team in to trouble more times than not. That’s why I have trouble rating their defense high, discipline reasons like that can really do a number on a team.

At least for RSL they have Javi Morales going well again. His pace and vision on the field is fun to watch. I think he may be this year’s Schelotto in that he is normally an assist man but this year he’s getting the goals.

Further out west last night was the SuperClasico and it was everything but Super. It wasn’t the nasty rivalry that we’re used to except for a few chippy moments early on. Edson Buddle linked up well with Sean Franklin (hell of a ball on that one) and Landon Donovan for his second and third goals of the season. Chivas had chances but they have no finishers on that team.

Now it is on to the weekend with the three games mentioned above. Two are big inter-conference clashes. We’ll definitely find out more about a couple clubs that we’ve had some questions on after this weekend.

As always feel free to leave your score predictions below.

Chicago Fire – at – Colorado Rapids:

Home opener for the Rapids this weekend and they bring in one of the better road sides in the league with the Chicago Fire. Carlos de los Cobos’ squad looked decent on the road last week in New York but was unable to hammer home a shot. Their midfield definitely is lacking some creative power and against a deep midfield that Colorado has it could be another rough night offensively for them.

We know the Fire will be fine defensively with Wilham Conde in the back. Question is can he handle both Omar Cummings and Conor Casey this week? Last week he didn’t have to deal with as much against the Red Bulls. I think this task may spread him too thin. Another guys in the back will have to step up but look for Colorado to have an edge here.

I’d like to see more out of Collins John in this one for Chicago. If he can get going offensively it will open up things more on the wings, meaning Brian McBride will be even more dangerous if the service from the wings is there.

Part of me wants to go draw just because I know the inconsistent nature of the Rapids is still probably there but I think their side is a bit stronger in this one, especially through the midfield.

Player to watch for: Omar Cummings – Expect him to drift a little wider in this one and try to explose the Fire defense from the wings.

WVH Prediction: Colorado 2, Chicago 1

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New England Revolution – at – D.C. United

Two teams with a definite need for points. New England didn’t look half bad in LA last weekend while D.C. was a whole other story in Kansas City. I’d imagine Curt Onalfo will have done enough work this week to correct the defensive issues that gave up four goals last week to his old club the Wizards.

New England will still be without Shalrie Joseph in the midfield, which leads me to lean toward the home-side in this one. I can imagine this one won’t be too pretty to watch either with this one having its fair share of fouls and cards.

I think this one will be rather close with New England compacting things through the midfield and in defense to make it tough on D.C. to get anything going. But look for D.C.’s offense to show some life in this one and find a way to get one in the back of the net. Plus I still wonder where the offense will come from for the Revs here, until someone steps up I am left to wonder.

Player to watch for: Juan Manuel Pena – United’s newcomer may be a welcome sight in defense this week. If things work out and he gets the start look for the defense to be much better in week 2.

WVH Prediction: D.C. 1, New England 0

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New York Red Bulls – at  - Seattle Sounders FC

May be the biggest game on the weekend slate, the up and coming Red Bulls face their biggest test as they head west to Seattle. Is Seattle as good as we think and are the Red Bulls actually good here this season? Those are questions we’ll figure out in this one I believe.

New York looked much better defensively last week against the Fire and offensively they have a master-mind in the midfield now in Joel Lindpere. Look for Seattle to find a way to keep Lindpere off balance in this one though, Chicago didn’t do a good enough job pressuring him on and off the ball last week. Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Evans will handle Lindpere in the midfield, which could open some space on the wings for the Red Bulls.

Seattle should still have the edge on offense here. They probably won’t have Freddie Ljungberg in this one but look for Fredy Montero and company to still handle the attack in this one. Plus the play of Steve Zakuani has really stepped up this year, look for him to be a nightmare on the wings for the Red Bulls.

I still have my doubts about this Red Bull squad but I do see vast improvement over last year. Hans Backe has done a solid job turning the ship around here. Still a big road test is always a true indication of how far along things really are and I just like the Sounders a bit more here. Montero is still a handfull and I think he’ll find a way past Bouna Coundoul.

Player to watch for: Pat Noonan – His signing with the club is a big thing, he adds depth for the Sounders on the wings or up top. Bigger thing for this one though is he has been an absolute nightmare in the past for the Red Bulls. According to Big Apple Soccer, Noonan has scored 12 goals in 19 career appearances against the Red Bulls. Difference maker right there folks.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 2, NY 1

Every team has that one guy that will either help lead them to the MLS promise-land or be partly the reason why they are stuck at home in November instead of seeing the playoffs. These are you X-Factor players.

I have one (maybe two) guys for each MLS team that are those X-Factors for this new season. Some guys are really no brainers while others may surprise you a bit. Its safe to say that each club needs a big year out of their X-Factors.

If you think I’m way off base on someone or think I missed a sure-fire X-Factor please list it below.

1. Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire): I thought long and hard about the Fire’s biggest X-Factor for the 2010 season. Part of me leaned towards Brian McBride but the rest of me stayed with Pappa. Mainly because the midfield will be more dependent of Pappa in 2010 now that Blanco is gone to Mexico.

Pappa will help control the midfield, which will help create goals for McBride, Patrick Nyarko and newly acquired Collins John.

2. Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA): This one wasn’t really hard to figure out though I did come close to writing down Jesus Padilla down. Kljestan has to control the midfield and generate offense for this club to reach the post season again in 2010. We saw glimpses in 2009 of what he really can be once he broke out of his early season slump that he was in.

The thing about Kljestan is he needs to have a fast start to the year and build up his confidence. If he does that then expect another strong year out of the Red-and-White.

3. Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids): We saw just how good he and Conor Casey can be together in 2009. The thing was the party ended and so did their season. I know a lot had to due to the midfield being all banged up but with the recent additions to that area they have no excuse anymore. I see Cummings as a big facilitator in that offense as he had double-digit assists last year before the wheels came off the wagon.

If Cummings doesn’t produce then don’t expect Casey to have high numbers again this year. The two went hand-in-hand last year in scoring goals.

4. Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew): I nearly went with Guillermo Barros Schelotto here but thinking about it more, the more I came to Rogers as this club’s X-Factor. As important as GBS is to the Crew, Rogers is pretty far up there. If he isn’t on the wings and producing quality passes in the midfield the team will suffer for it.

I think this is the perfect year for Rogers too. He will and should show that he’s a quality leader for the team too. If he can help bring in some goals this season the Crew will be all the better for it and will have another shot at a MLS Cup in the process.

5. Santino Quaranta (D.C. United): A lot, and I do mean a lot of pressure is going on Quaranta this winter. The word is he is coming into an attacking midfielder role of some sorts this year for Curt Onalfo. Honestly I love the idea of him facilitating things offensively for the Black-and-Red. The club is moving away from that tradition No.10 role in the midfield and guys like Quaranta and Clyde Simms will be asked of more this year.

But the question will be is he up for it? As long as he brings in some assists and helps get newcomer Christian Castillo involved in the midfield the club will be fine. If he throws in a few goals in the process I’m sure the Screaming Eagles will love him all the more for it. But if the pressure is too much he’ll get back out on the wings fairly quickly.

6. David Ferreira (FC Dallas): This one was simple for me, if Ferreira sets up the goals like he did towards the end of the season in 2009 for Dallas the club will make the playoffs easily in 2010. If he struggles however look for another playoff-less year in the Big D. He means that much to the offense and to a lesser extent the defense of this club. If he isn’t controlling things in the midfield then it puts pressure on the defense, it is as simple as that.

7. Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo): Another fairly simple one for me to pick out. Cameron moves into the midfield to replace Stuart Holden. If he succeeds it will continue to make Dominic Kinnear a genius. He along with Brad Davis have to drive the offense through the midfield for this club. There may be some growing pains at first but Cameron should slide comfortably into this role.

8. Jimmy Neilsen (Kansas City Wizards): The Wizards are going to be very interesting to watch early on this year. For one we’ll all need name tags on the players for a few weeks until we know who all these new guys are. Neilsen is one of those new guys, one that definitely got plenty of talk when he signed a while back. Neilsen takes over for the departed Kevin Hartman, who’s now in Dallas.

Neilsen is being brought in to smooth out a defense that was not so smooth in 2009. He’s known as a guy that controls his box very tightly and can organize any defense. If he gets this bunch organized and collected right in 2010 the Wizard’s could have a nice turn around.

9. Clint Mathis (LA Galaxy): Bruce Arena got most of the old band back together with this addition of Mathis at the SuperDraft in January. While some may think Landon Donovan is a X-Factor for this club I see Mathis as an even bigger one for a midfield that will definitely need his abilities to control things. If Mathis steps in and plays like he has in the past couple of seasons for Real Salt Lake then it will make Arena look more like a genius here. If Donovan ends up leaving town in the summer after the World Cup like most speculate, the Galaxy will have to lean more on Mathis at that time to keep the ball moving.

10. Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution): This one is pretty simple like it was a year ago, the ball for New England will run through Joseph once again in 2010. If he continues his MVP form the Revs will likely find themselves back in the playoffs again this year. Taylor Twellman could also be listed here once he is fully healthy again, but until then Joseph is it for the Revs.

11. Joel Lindpere (New York Red Bulls): From all the reports and people I’ve spoken to this winter about the Red Bulls (that didn’t center around Red Bull Arena), all mostly said the same thing – Lindpere is the guy in the midfield that can make them into winners again. That’s good news for a club that has seen nothing but failures over the years.

Most of the reports I saw on him this winter he did a great job of controlling the midfield and created good chances for the guys up top. It will be up to him to get the ball out to the wings and create chances. But this 30-year old Estonian international shouldn’t have too much issue with that pressure.

12. Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union): I asked around in Philly who some folks thought would be their biggest X-Factor and surprisingly the couple folks I spoke to said Le Toux. Simple reason really, if will likely have the pressure of creating their attack and controlling possession. If he can do that it will be easier on other MLS veterans like Fred and Alejandro Moreno to do what they do best on the wings and up top respectively.

13. Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake):  Yes Robbie Findley has to score and the defense has to hold up but the bigger thing that has to happen for a possibility of a repeat champion is the play of Morales has to return to MVP form. When he was on top of his game this club was a handful to deal with offensively and defensively there was less pressure.

Consistency will be key for Morales and RSL in 2010, along with finding balance to win on the road like they do at Rio Tinto Stadium.

14. Jason Hernandez (San Jose Earthquakes): A lot of the defensive pressure will likely fall on the Quakes vice-captain. If he is fully fit this season the Quakes defense will be much better because of it. Last year we saw their defense go into the gutters due largely to this man missing a lot of action.

15. Freddie Ljungberg (Seattle Sounders FC): I don’t like picking DPs for this but in this case it almost has to be. Ljungberg has to be the man to generate offense on a consistent basis in Seattle this year. When he was on his game last year the Sounders were easily one of the best teams in the league because of it. He has to help make Freddy Montero look good along the way too.

16. Chad Barrett (Toronto FC): I nearly went with Dwayne De Rosario but upon further look and with the recent news of Ali Gerba being sent home from a preseason camp makes me realize exactly how important Barrett is to this club’s offense in 2010. If Gerba gets the boot (which part of me thinks will happen), a lot of the offense weight goes straight to Barrett. We know the Reds will likely sign a striker in the summer transfer window but Barrett has to keep them afloat until then.

Shalrie Joseph will be called to lead in 2010. (Getty Images)

The winter months can either be good or bad on a Major League Soccer club. Its all really on who leaves the club and who comes in to help out. Take the New England Revolution for instance, each year its seems they lose one big name after another either in a trade, a transfer or just someone not wanting to re-sign with them.

Yet somehow the Revs always seem to bounce back in some form the following year thanks to manager Steve Nicol. But looking at this winter one has to wonder did they lose and give up too much?

Its time to find out as we take another preseason look-in to see how the club is doing and what they need to add before the season begins.

Keepers:

Who they have: Matt Reis, Preston Burpo, and Bobby Shuttleworth.

Notes: On paper right now this group is set but dig a little deeper and the club has to be concerned about injuries issues for at least the next couple months with Reis. That’s why they made the play for Burpo, a solid backup plan if you ask me. Once Reis is back to full health the Revs will continue to be find in this department.

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Defense:

Who they have: Kevin Alston, Darrius Barnes, Gabriel Badilla, Emmanuel Osei, Cory Gibbs, and Seth Sinovic.

Notes: On paper this seems a little light but the youth there is so solid. I can’t tell you how big of a fan of Barnes and Alston I am. I also like that they went out and got Gibbs this winter too in that trade with the Rapids. Gibbs wants to be in New England and word has it he is a happy camper right now which is good to see for Revs fans.

They may have given up a bunch in the back this winter with Jay Heaps retiring and the trade of Chris Albright to New York but as long as they add one or two more parts back here, which they will, I don’t see a big drop in this club’s defense.

Right now it seems like they could still use at least one more outside back and one more center back for depth reasons.

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Midfield:

Who they have: Shalrie Joseph, Chris Tierney, Sainey Nyassi, Mauricio Castro, Michael Videira, Nico Colaluca, and Pat Phelan.

Notes: They took a beating in this department this winter losing both Steve Ralston to AC St. Louis and trading away Jeff Larentowicz. Honestly the loss of Larentowicz is harder on them as he allowed Joseph to be himself more than anyone out there. However they do have a young guy in Phelan who will help ease the loss of Larentowicz more than some realize.

Unfortunately they have not addressed the loss of Ralston just yet. I know Nicol is looking but the clock is ticking away here and waiting around until the summer to bring someone in to help get the attack going may be too risky. They need an assist machine like Ralston was and right now other than Joseph possibly stepping into that role I don’t know who else will do it here. Maybe one of the rookies like Zac Boggs who will likely end up in the midfield rather than as a forward on the pro level (if they end up keeping him).

Adding a playmaker or some depth on the wings will go a long way here to help this bunch compete in the east.

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Forwards:

Who they have: Taylor Twellman, Kenny Mansally, Kheli Dube, Edgaras Jankauskas, Zack Schilawski, and Zac Boggs.

Notes: The Revs have to bank on a couple things here this season. The big one is getting and keeping Twellman healthy for the season. I think if he can play at least 20 games (or more) this year it will be a positive thing. After that they have to hope Schilawski produces goals or helps create them…not to mention remembering that it was the Revs that picked him, not the Crew.

I still think they need to go after another scorer here. They can’t rely solely on Joseph to do the work this year. Mansally, Dube and Jankauskas have to step up more for them to be successful in the east.

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Overall:

Like I mentioned above we have seen this club lose a lot of quality players over the year but I honestly don’t know how they bounce back from this winter. Don’t get me wrong their draft wasn’t bad but it wasn’t good enough to make people comfortable right away. Defensively I think the club is going to be alright but just like last year they will be in a lot of close games until a scorer steps up or until Twellman is back to his old self.

I’m one that usually drinks the Steve Nicol kool-aid but this winter has me thinking now that Paul Mariner is gone along with Ralston and Larentowicz and the injury issues to Reis and Twellman that this could be a very long year for Revs fans.

A couple more moves may change my mind but I get a sense that the Revs are going into this season just like they are now.

It's do or die for Toronto FC. (Getty Images)

Big time weekend ahead for Major League Soccer. Four clubs have punched their tickets to the post season dance with four remaining spots left open to possibly all get snatched up this weekend.

You can pretty much put a playoff implication on every game this weekend. Either a team will come closer to clinching a spot, will clinch a spot or will be eliminated from contention. Its pretty much as simple as that as we head into the final two weeks of the regular season.

Going into the weekend it is important to see where everyone stands. There will be plenty of scoreboard watching from players, coaches and fans this weekend.

Eastern Conference
1. Columbus (13-5-10, 49 pts., 2 games remaining) – X
2. Chicago (10-7-11, 41 pts., 2 games remaining)
Western Conference
T1. Chivas USA (13-9-5, 44 pts., 3 games remaining) – X
T1. Houston (12-8-8, 44 pts., 2 games remaining) – X
T1. Los Angeles (11-6-11, 44 pts., 2 games remaining) – X
Wild Cards
2. Seattle (10-7-11, 41 pts., 2 games remaining)
3. Colorado (10-8-10, 40 pts., 2 games remaining)
4. New England (10-10-8, 38 pts., 2 games remaining)
BOTTOM SEVEN OUT
Real Salt Lake (10-11-7, 37 pts., 2 games remaining)
FC Dallas (10-12-6, 36 pts., 2 games remaining)
D.C. United (8-8-12, 36 pts., 2 games remaining)
Toronto FC (9-10-9, 36 pts., 2 games remaining)
Kansas City (8-12-8, 32 pts., 2 games remaining)
San Jose (7-13-8, 29 pts., 2 games remaining) – Eliminated from contention
New York (4-19-6, 18 pts., 1 games remaining) – Eliminated from contention

For Colorado, Seattle and Chicago it is simple this weekend. You win and you are in. New England can do the same with a win along with a couple other items (DC, Dallas, TFC, and RSL all draw or losing their games this weekend).On the flip side for Kansas City they are all but mathematically eliminated here, they would need about 40 different things to happen to even have hope of reaching the playoffs. In other words this weekend will should put their eliminated status in for good.

Everyone is in action this weekend except for New York who played and lost again in the midweek. As always feel free to leave your score predictions and thoughts below.

Saturday:

Real Salt Lake – at – Toronto FC:

Both clubs need wins it is as simple as that. Toronto did themselves no favor last week with the draw at home against San Jose. I see nothing different happening this weekend out of this bunch as Toronto just hasn’t found a way lately to close out games at home. Even with RSL’s pathetic road record this season I just smell a draw for this game, which pretty much eliminates both sides from playoff contention this season. RSL will still have a little hope going into next week’s finale against rivals Colorado but they will need plenty of things to happen before they can rest their hopes on that game. I like Toronto getting on the board early again this week with either Ali Gerba or Dwayne De Rosario leading the way for the home-side. But look for Robbie Findley or Kyle Beckerman to lead the charge late for a draw.

WVH Prediction: Toronto 1, RSL 1

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Chicago Fire – at – New England Revolution:

The Revs need points in a bad way this weekend to fend off the likes of Dallas, DC, RSL and Toronto. They can do themselves a lot of good with a win here which would nearly kill off the chances of those below them. Thing is they are so banged up that I just don’t know how good they will be at home against one of the best road teams in the league. Chicago needs points to clinch as well as played very well against New England over the last couple years (won six out of their last eight meetings). Even without a few key guys in the midfield I still like the Fire’s attack better than the Revs. Shalrie Joseph will continue his MVP ways but I just don’t see him having enough gas in the tank to carry this club in a physical battle with the Fire.

WVH Prediction: Chicago 2, New England 0

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Will Robbie Rogers lead Columbus to a second straight Supporter's Shield? (Getty Images)

Columbus Crew – at – DC United:

The Crew have clinched home field through the eastern conference playoffs but now look to snatch up their second straight Supporter’s Shield title. The club standing in the way is the last team and the only team to win back-to-back Supporter’s Shield trophies. DC needs points in a bad way but haven’t looked like the same team at RFK Stadium that we saw go unbeaten for the first few months of the season. DC will be without too many key offensive players in this one and with the way their defense has looked at home recently I just worry about them going against a team like Columbus who rested most of their key guys last week in New England. Throw in the fact that the Crew get both Frankie Hedjuk and Robbie Rogers back this week from international duty and I think you could bank on the Crew eliminating DC from the playoffs while clinching their second straight Supporter’s Shield.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 2, DC 1

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Seattle Sounders FC – at – Kansas City Wizards:

Seattle can clinch with a win and a draw would pretty much get them there as well. You gotta believe Sigi Schmid just wants to make sure they get that ticket punched though with a win in KC. The Wizards as stated above aren’t officially eliminated from playoff contention yet but the question will be for Peter Vermes’ club, will they show up to spoil another club’s hopes? On the slimmer field you have to like the Wizards’ chances a little more. Seattle relies on using space and there won’t be enough in this game to get their attack going like they would like. I still like the Sounders to get the job done tomorrow night though on the road. They’ve gained some big time confidence on the road lately and that can be more than enough to get the job done.

WVH Prediction: Seattle 1, KC 0

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Colorado Rapids – at – FC Dallas:

Colorado would probably like to get out of this one with a draw if they could to eliminate Dallas from playoff contention. A win would certainly help their cause and should punch their ticket. Dallas on the other hand just needs to keep winning here. Which is what they’ve been doing these last couple weeks. Colorado comes into Frisco a bit banged up on defense and will be without both Medhi Ballouchy and Julien Baudet to suspension. That will be key for Dallas as Jeff Cunningham has been a man possessed lately. He along with David Ferreira have really taken things over in a big way for the Red Stripes. The Rapids need a big time game out of Conor Casey and Omar Cummings. If anyone is going to score on this Dallas defense it would be those two. The thing is Dallas has given Colorado fits these last couple years and I think it does enough to keep Dallas going for another week. This one could be a shootout but I think it will remain fairly close.

WVH Prediction: Dallas 2, Colorado 1

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San Jose Earthquakes – at – Chivas USA:

This may be the only game that doesn’t have implications on who will be going to the playoffs or who will be eliminated from contention. Both saw their fate last week as the Quakes were eliminated and Chivas punched their ticket. Look for the Quakes to frustrate Chivas a bit early in this one but I like Chivas to hold off the Quakes for a win tomorrow night. Preki’s side is starting to peak at the right time here and that is dangerous for the rest of the western conference. San Jose will also be lacking some key defensive players which spells trouble for Joe Cannon. Again, the Goats should walk with three points.

WVH Prediction: Chivas USA 3, San Jose 0

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Can Brian Ching and the Dynamo hold off LA? (Getty Images)

Sunday:

LA Galaxy – at – Houston Dynamo:

Best game of the week right here. Expect a very large crowd in Houston for this one as well. Brian Ching will be a man to keep an eye out for this one. I think his impact along with Mexican striker Luis Angel Landin should be a big one. LA will provide a lot of problems for the Dynamo in the midfield but on set pieces I think Houston has an edge in this one. This one should be a low scoring game with the way LA plays defense on the road. Look for them to go for a goal early with Landon Donovan and if that happens you can expect them to camp on the lead. Houston is no different. The thing is I think these are two very evenly matched teams. As much as I like Houston at home in this one something tells me it will end in a draw.

WVH Prediction: Houston 1, LA 1