Just because most American soccer fans will be tuned into the Gold Cup final on Saturday doesn’t mean there aren’t games. Here’s a quick and dirty look at the weekend’s slate.
Major League Soccer, Week 15, Preview, Picks: Full Slate Of Games Despite Gold Cup Finals
DC United vs. Houston Dynamo, 6 p.m., Saturday (Telefutura)
The Dynamo are on the road and in the midst of a horrible slump (one win in their past nine). United is coming off a very satisfying tie at Real Salt Lake (even if it wasn't exactly well deserved). You gotta like United here. Pick: United 2-1.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy, 6:30 p.m., Saturday (FSC)
The California Clasico returns and once again features teams that aren’t exactly on equal footing. That said, the Earthquakes seem to fair just fine against their southern rivals, and with this game in San Jose, it should be an entertaining affair. Pick: Tied 2-2.
Philadelphia Union vs. Chivas USA, 7:30 p.m., Saturday
For the second time in a week, Union fans must choose between watching their team play at home or watching the United States play in the Gold Cup. It’s an unenviable position, to be sure, but not an entirely unpredictable one once the decision was made to play during the tournament. Pick: Union 1-0.
FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers, 8:30 p.m., Saturday
While the sheen on the Timbers’ start has started to wear off, the fact remains that they are still winless on the road. Pizza Hut Park may not be the most imposing stadium, but the Toros are among the best teams in the league at home. Pick: FCD 2-0.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 8:30 p.m., Saturday
After a very rough start that didn’t see Sporting win for the second time until their 12th match of the season, they have no gone unbeaten in their past six. Their defense has led the way. The Whitecaps are coming off their second win of the season and have looked much improved since Tom Soehn took over. Pick: Tied 1-1.
Real Salt Lake Vs. Toronto FC, 9 p.m., Saturday
It's been rough ever since Javier Morales went down with his season-ending injury for RSL, but this is an absolute must-win. Facing a TFC team that has failed to find any kind of consistency and playing at what used to be an absolute fortress, RSL is a huge favorite. Anything less than three points would indicate significant problems. Pick: RSL 2-0.
Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls, 2 p.m., Sunday (ESPN)
Under the head coaching of Frank Klopas, the Fire have given up just one goal in four matches. The Red Bulls, though, should have Thierry Henry, as well as Luke Rodgers back in uniform and actually looked pretty good in the attack against the Sounders on Thursday. Pick: Red Bulls 1-0.
Seattle Sounders vs. New England Revolution, 4 p.m., Sunday
The Sounders finally seem to be hitting their stride after an inconsistent start to the season. Their four goals against the Red Bulls was a season high and they have now won two straight and not lost in their past five. The Revolution are only grabbing headlines because of their treatment of fans. Pick: Sounders 2-0.
Columbus Crew vs. Colorado Rapids, 8 p.m., Sunday
Brian Mullan will finally make his return after his 10-game suspension. It could come sooner. The Rapids lost just once while Mullan was out, but also won just twice. The Crew are easily the hardest team in the league to figure. Pick: Tied 1-1.
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