It’s a real shame this weekend wasn’t better planned. There are six games on national TV and only three of them seem remotely interesting. Guess that’s what happens when the TV schedules are made at the start of the season.
Major League Soccer Week 15, Preview, Picks: A Poor Weekend For Showcase Matches
DC United vs. Philadelphia Union, 7 p.m., Saturday (FSC)
Dwayne De Rosario should be available after his surprising trade to the Black And Red, which should bolster their already potent attack. The Union, too, appear to be going through a bit of a transition, as Carlos Ruiz is expected to miss this week and could be leaving the team for good. Could we finally see Danny Mwanga solidify is spot in the starting lineup? Pick: Tied 2-2.
FC Dallas vs. Columbus Crew, 9 p.m., Saturday
Just about every week I say the Crew are among the hardest teams to figure out in MLS. Three weeks ago, they lost to the Chicago Fire. Last week, they beat the Colorado Rapids. Go back through their schedule, and you'll find similarly contradicting results. A win on the road against Founders Cup rival FC Dallas, though, would be their biggest statement yet. Of course, I don't expect it. Pick: FC Dallas 2-0.
Chivas USA vs. Chicago Fire, 10 p.m., Saturday (Galavision)
Someone may want to inform the good folks at Galavision that Cuahtemoc Blanco no longer plays for the Fire. That’s the only possible explanation for why this game is on national TV. Two teams struggling to make the playoffs with limited fanbases. Not much to say. Pick: Tied 1-1.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. New York Red Bulls, 10:30 p.m., Saturday (ESPN2)
One of the curses of being a high-profile team is that other sides are always looking to make a statement against you. With this game being played at Stanford Stadium and fireworks afterward, this should be a much larger-than-normal crowd for the Earthquakes. The Red Bulls, though, should have Juan Agudelo and Tim Ream back. Pick: Quakes 1-0.
Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City, 11 p.m., Saturday
Oh, how a few weeks can change things. Suddenly, the Timbers are looking like the expansion team they are and Sporting look like the playoff contenders many expected to see. While Jeld-Wen Field isn’t quite the fortress it once seemed to be, the Timbers are still quite dangerous at home. Could be a shootout. Pick: Tied 3-3.
Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo, 9 p.m., Sunday (ESPN2)
Two teams that are an absolute mess do battle on national TV. Wow, this really seems like it could be a bad ratings week for MLS. Just for good measure, Conor Casey will be out with a red card. Here's hoping Omar Cummings is healthy enough to play. Pick: Rapids 1-0.
Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution, 8:30 p.m., Monday (ESPN2)
Well, at least one of these teams is looking halfway decent. Real Salt Lake seems to be recovering from the CCL-induced lull, coming off a resounding 3-1 win over Toronto FC. Facing a Revolution team that is maybe even worse, this could be the time they get the season headed backin the direction many of us always expected. Pick: RSL 2-0.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m., Monday (ESPN2)
Finally, a game worth watching. The Galaxy are down to their third goalkeeper and might be without David Beckham, whose wife is due to give birth on this day. They will have Landon Donovan back, though, and they are facing one of the hottest teams in the league. This could really tell us a lot about how the Supporters' Shield shakes out. Pick: Tied 1-1.
See More:
