The Toronto FC team that takes the field against FC Dallas will bare only a passing resemblance to the team that lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamon on July 9. Recently signed Designated Players Danny Koevermans and Torsten Frings should both be available, as should recent trade acquisitions Andy Iro, Danleigh Borman and Ryan Johnson. Waking the Red, SB Nation's TFC blog, thinks three or four of those players could be in Wednesday's starting lineup.
MLS (Mid)Week 19 Preview, Picks: Toronto FC Debuts New Look
It’s hard to imagine TFC could be any worse off either way. Their -19 goal difference is by far the worst in the league and they’ve been outscored 11-2 in their past five matches.
FC Dallas, meanwhile, continues to play like one of the best teams in the league. Although they’ve now gone winless in their past two matches, they still have the fourth most points in MLS and the third best points per match. They should be close to full strength.
Pick: FC Dallas 2-1.
DC United vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
Even after five straight matches without a loss, United are still very much on the playoff bubble. Their tie against FC Dallas last week was definitely a step in the right direction, and Dwayne DeRosario appears to be fitting in nicely with them. A win over an awful Revolution team is almost a must if we are to take their playoff chances seriously. Pick: United 2-0.
Colorado Rapids vs. New York Red Bulls, 9:30 p.m.
The injury bug keeps biting the Rapids, who just lost Conor Casey for the season after he tore his Achilles in last week's loss to the Seattle Sounders. That probably means Caleb Folan will start up top alongside Omar Cummings, who himself has been battling injuries. Both teams need wins, if not to stay viable in the playoff race, but just for their collective psyches. The Red Bulls' only two wins since April are over the Revolution and TFC, while the Rapids have just one three of their past 18. Pick: Red Bulls 2-1.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew, 10:30 p.m.
The result of this game will likely be overshadowed by what is expected to be a major sponsorship announcement for the Galaxy, but this should be an interesting game. The Crew have quietly moved to within three points of the Eastern Conference lead, and the Galaxy could use a win to create some space between them and the trio of teams hot on their tails in the West. The Galaxy have yet to lose at home, while the Crew have just two wins on the road. A Crew win would be a huge statement, but that seems a bit much to ask. Pick: Tied 1-1.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 10:30 p.m.
If the Whitecaps ever hope to make any sort of run at the playoffs, this is the exact kind of game in which they'll need a result. Newly minted DP Mustapha Jarju could make his debut against a Earthquakes team that has undergone a bit of a transformation themselves. The Quakes are on a six-match winless streak, while the Whitecaps have lost four in a row. Might not be the prettiest match. Pick: Tied 0-0.
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