If ever there was a week in which neutrals could afford to do some chores around the house, this is probably it. There’s really only one or two intriguing matchups for anyone who lacks a distinct rooting interest. Easily the most compelling one is Union-RSL, for which we have a completely separate preview coming soon. Then again, maybe I’m just bitter because of my poor showing in last week’s predictions.
Major League Soccer Week 13 Preview: Not A Lot Of Intriguing Matchups
Last week: 3 of 10 correct (ouch)
New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution, 7 p.m., Friday (FSC)
If this game seemed interesting a few weeks ago, a lot of that potential is now gone. Among the names that won't be playing are Rafael Marquez, Juan Agudelo and Benny Feilhaber. Granted, we should have known most of them would be unavailable, but the remnants are still somewhat disappointing. By all rights, these should be two of the biggest rivals in MLS and, yet, the rivalry has never bloomed mainly because the two teams have never been good at the same time. That both now feature, at least in theory, interesting rosters should have been a good chance to fan the flames. Instead, we get a game that is particularly low on intrigue as both sides have combined for one win in their last 12 matches combined. Pick: Tied 1-1.
Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake, 4 p.m., Saturday
Easily the most intriguing match of the week as the Union can show some of their silverware bona fides by beating a RSL team that is maybe not as deep as many of us originally believed. With just one win in their past five and missing many of their top talents, RSL has struggled considerably. This being a road match, where they have claimed just one point in their past three, they are especially vulnerable. They still have more talent that most MLS teams, but the Union continue to show they aren’t most MLS teams. Pick: Union 1-0.
DC United vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 7:30 p.m., Saturday
Slowly but surely, United is showing they are a team that could really make some noise this season. They are now undefeated in their past five (2-0-3), but more importantly all of those matches were against likely playoff teams. They are still the only MLS team to win at Jeld-Wen Field and last week they earned a point at Home Depot Center against the LA Galaxy. They should have most of their top players available this week. The Earthquakes have also started to look pretty decent. Following a three-match losing streak, they’ve now gone five without a loss (3-0-2). Their record away from home is still suspect, though (1-2-2). Pick: United 2-1.
Houston Dynamo vs. Chivas USA, 8:30 p.m., Saturday
Could the Goats actually be a road favorite? They just might be in this one. Believe it or not, they are among the better road teams this season (9 points in six matches). They are also on a three-match unbeaten run, while the Dynamo are in the midst of a seven-match winless streak. Pick: Chivas USA 2-1.
Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids, 10:30 p.m., Saturday (Galavision)
These two teams have come a long way since they opened the season against one another (a 3-1 Rapids win, in case you forgot). The Timbers have developed into a dangerous team, especially at home, while the Rapids have just quietly plodded along with a seemingly endless string of unimpressive results (eight matches since last loss, but six matches since last win) that has featured ties against such titans as Toronto FC, the Fire, the Revolution and Sporting KC. Although Jeld-Wen Field may have lost its cloak of invincibility, it's still among the toughest places to play. The Rapids' abilities to play just well enough to earn a point will surely be tested. Pick: Tied 1-1.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Toronto FC, 10:30 p.m., Saturday
Despite missing Landon Donovan (Gold Cup) and Juninho (wedding), the Galaxy still might be the most talented starting XI in the league. David Beckham still serves a gorgeous set piece, Juan Pablo Angel can still finish with the best of 'em, Chad Barrett is coming along nicely and their defense is plenty solid. They are also among the best home teams (4-0-3, +8 goal difference). TFC is none of those things. This could, and should, get ugly. Pick: Galaxy 3-0.
Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10:30 p.m., Saturday (FSC)
With all the hype surrounding the Sounders-Timbers rivalry, it’s perhaps too easy to forget that they are merely two-thirds of the Cascadia Cup, a three-sided rivalry that stretches back to the days of the old NASL. The vitriol is not the same between these two teams as it seems to be elsewhere, but it’s a meaningful game nonetheless. The Whitecaps are still seeking their first win since First Kick (a stretch of 13 matches), while the Sounders continue to look for a signature performance. Pick: Sounders, 2-0.
Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire, 4 p.m., Sunday
These might be the two least watchable teams in the league, as they've combined for 14 ties, five of which have been scoreless. As a neutral, there's almost no reason to care about this game. Amazingly, the Crew managed to find a way to beat RSL last week and they've now beaten two of the best teams in the league (they also beat FC Dallas), both times with the help of highly questionable penalties in their favor. Maybe I'm being unfair, but if this game ends 0-0, neither team should be awarded a point. (My dislike for the Crew is annoying even me, in case you're wondering.) Pick: Tied 0-0.
FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City, 7 p.m., Sunday
Oh to be a fly on the wall when the schedule makers were deciding the fate of Sporting ... MLS official: So, you’d rather open the season with 10 games on the road then play even one match at home in a stadium other than Not-Yet-Named Park? OK, well, we’re still going to need you to play on the road in Match 12. That work? SKC official: That’s fine, nothing can possibly take away from the majesty that will be Not-Yet-Named Park... In other news, the Toros are really good and SKC is not. Pick: FCD 2-0.
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