This seems like the kind of week where we stand to learn a little something. DC United and the Portland Timbers, for instance, are coming off big weeks and now face teams that are both expected to be among the best in MLS. Pulling out results could go a long way toward proving they are for real. To a lesser degree teams like the Columbus Crew and the Houston Dynamo are looking to continue surprisingly strong starts and are facing teams they really should be able to handle, even if they are on the road.
MLS Week 6 Preview, Picks: This Could Be An Educational Week
It’s still only Week 6, but most of these teams have played enough games that we should start to have a sense of just how good or bad they might be. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll make the lives of prognosticators like me a little easier.
Last week’s record: 6 of 11 correct results
DC United vs. New York Red Bulls, Thursday, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)
It would be tough to find two rivals that so perfectly juxtapose themselves as these two. While one team is all about glitz and glamor, the other plays in a crumbling stadium with precious big-name players. Unfortunately, the rivalry has never taken on the weight that it deserves, mainly because the two teams have never been good at the same time. Early on DC United was dominating the league and the New York was awful. As the Red Bulls improved, United declined. Finally, we have two teams are relatively equal footing, but beautifully juxtaposed all the same. Thierry Henry appears to be healthy this week, and United doesn't appear to have any nagging injuries either. Both teams are coming off convincing wins. Maybe this is when this rivalry finally starts to take off. Pick: Tied 2-2.
Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders, Friday, 9:30 p.m. (FSC)
How important is Pablo Mastroeni to the Rapids? With him in the lineup, they are 3-0-0 and have outscored their opponents 8-2; without him they are 0-0-2 and have been outscored 4-0. Suffice it to say, the defensive midfielder's health is probably an important aspect of the Rapids' chances as anything. As of this writing, he's being listed as "probable," which means he's at least nearing a return. The other thing working in the Rapids' favor is this match being played at altitude where they have lost just four times and outscored their opponents by 35 goals dating back to the 2009 season. The Sounders have not yet won in Colorado, but they haven't exactly been manhandled there, either, going 0-1-1 and losing 1-0 there last year. It's unclear if Fredy Montero will be fit enough to start, but he should see some action. Pick: Tied 1-1.
Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew, Saturday, 4 p.m.
Another rivalry game, but this is one few outside of the two fanbases really seem to know much about. The Trillium Cup has never been won by Toronto FC in its three-year history. In fact, the Reds have never even beaten the Crew during the cup's history, blowing their best chance at a win when Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer scored a stoppage-time goal to tie last year's final meeting. The Crew have to be the favored side once again, as their defense has looked far more stable than TFC's offense. Still, the Crew have been well short of impressive despite their 2-1-2 record, having accomplished that with a +1 goal difference. Pick: TFC 2-1.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chivas USA, Saturday, 4 p.m.
Just when we started to think the Earthquakes were settling into one of those “solid but unspectacular” teams, they go and get destroyed by what at that point looked like a underachieving Red Bulls team. The Goats, meanwhile, are quietly riding a very quiet three-match unbeaten streak. Granted, Chivas USA has merely tied their last three and done so against some pretty questionable competition, but they do seem to be slowly figuring out how to play together. Still thinks it’s a little much to expect a result here, though. Pick: Quakes 2-1.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas, Saturday, 7 p.m.
Eric Hassli has picked up a card in every match he's played this year, but he did manage to avoid be ejected from last week's game for just the second time. That means he'll get to play against FC Dallas and when he plays, he's usually pretty good. But the Whitecaps are still far from full strength and will likely be without center back Jay DeMerit again. The Toros are coming off a pretty bad loss and their defense has simply not been as it was a year ago. They have become one of the more unpredictable teams in the league and will of course be playing another team that has shown quite the Jekyll and Hyde personality. This could end up being a total shootout or just another boring draw. Let's hope for fireworks as both teams let their horses run. Pick: FC Dallas 4-3.
New England Revolution vs. Sporting Kansas City, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
In a week or two, the Revs may very well have the most talented starting three-man midfield in the league. For now, though, they are still basically a team that is incapable of holding possession, can't string together more than a few passes and can not find the back of the net. As good as Rajko Lekic may be, he can't set up himself and until Benny Feilhaber arrives and Ousmane Dabo gets healthy, this is a team that is way too reliant on Shalrie Joseph. With or without Omar Bravo, SKC has no shortage of firepower and this seems to be the kind of game that sets up well for them. Pick: SKC 2-1.
Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo, Saturday, 8:30 p.m.
Two weeks ago, the Fire were a team that looked like they very well may be the surprise of 2011. They had a couple of Uruguayan imports who were running roughshod over MLS defenses, a defense that was holding up well and a promising young goalkeeper. Three matches later, they are a team riding a three-match losing streak and are suddenly in the hands of a journeyman goalkeeper. The Dynamo, surprisingly enough, are leading the league in shots per match (16.1), have not lost since Week 1 and have not surrendered more than a goal in any match. They also have a new playmaker in Sergio Koke who might just be ready to make his debut this week. It's starting to look like it might get worse for the Fire before it gets better. Pick: Dynamo 2-1.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers, Saturday, 11 p.m. (FSC)
As good as the Timbers looked during their two-game home stand, scoring seven goals and generally wowing the North American soccer world, there were some signs of distress. In neither of their victories did they manage to control possession or pass particularly effectively. While they did counter-strike effectively and were extremely dangerous on set pieces, there's simply no way to count on that kind of offensive production to continue. What they are left with is a defense that simply can not defend, but has been bailed out repeatedly by their 20-year-old goalkeeper. The Galaxy are far from perfect, but they should have Landon Donovan back and a nearly full offensive arsenal. Maybe the Timbers prove they are a force to be reckoned with ... or they come crashing back down to earth. Pick: Galaxy 3-1.
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