With three games being played on Wednesday, Week 9 of the MLS season gets off to an early start. The first of these games promises to be the best, as the Los Angeles Galaxy will head to the Philadelphia's Union PPL Park without David Beckham. With both teams at or near the top of the standings, this should be interesting.
MLS (Mid)Week 9 Preview, Picks: LA Galaxy Visit Philadelphia Union Sans David Beckham
Philadelphia Union vs. LA Galaxy, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday
The Union have yet to score or concede more than a single goal in any of their eight matches this season, while the Galaxy are tied for the second most goals scored in the league. Last week, the Union were on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision, the sixth game they’ve played to that result this year -- including a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy on April 2. If they are ever going to break out of that rut, this would seem to be a good time to do it. While the Galaxy have not been dominant, and are currently on a two-match winless streak, they have looked dangerous. The Union catch a bit of a break with Beckham apparently not making the trip Back East, but the Galaxy still have plenty of firepower. This game should also be an interesting test for the Galaxy, who despite having the most points in MLS, have not necessarily fared so well against the league’s other top teams. Pick: Tied 1-1.
FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC, 9 p.m., Wednesday
In the two matches since David Ferreira went down with his potentially season-ending injury, the Toros have managed to pick up four points. In neither game did they look particularly dominant -- and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman had to make some spectacular saves to salvage the tie last week -- but they've also shown no signs of packing it in. This is, after all, a team that made it to the MLS Cup mainly on the strength of their defense and most of those players are still around. They are also facing a TFC side that has claimed just one point and been outscored 8-3 in three road matches. This could be a real feel good game for FCD. Pick: FC Dallas 2-0.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10 p.m., Wednesday
The month of April was not kind to the Earthquakes, who managed to claim just two points in five matches. May has already been kinder, as it featured a win in U.S. Open Cup qualifying, but they are still looking for their first MLS win since March 26. Coach Frank Yallop has tried switching up the lineup in an attempt to spark something, but it has been pretty tough sledding. It hasn't been much better for the Whitecaps, though, as their only MLS victory was in Week 1. Since then, they've salvaged four ties, but been outscored 12-7. A lot of that is inconsistency from the bevy of first-year MLSers. Eric Hassli, who seemed poised to dominate his new league, hasn't scored since April 6 and wasted away a golden opportunity last week. Davide Chiumiento looks like he may very well be the best imported player this year, but has struggled to stay healthy. Jay DeMerit hasn't played in the last three matches and that has forced Alain Rochat to play several positions. The talent is there, but the consistency has so far been lacking. Pick: Whitecaps 2-1.
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