• Western leaders RSL and San Jose meet at Buck Shaw
• Sporting KC juggernaut arrives at struggling Portland Timbers
• Fierce rivals DC United host NY Red Bulls in our live game
By Saturday night Sporting Kansas City will have played a third of their total games against Western opposition in one week. Having beaten Salt Lake and Vancouver, their juggernaut swings into Portland with their lead in the East standing at a precipitous 11 points even at this early stage of the season. SKC's hosts presumably wish any other team was up against them as they try to halt both their own slide down the standings and propensity to give up late goals.
Of the teams vanquished by SKC, Vancouver will try to regroup against a Dallas side buoyed by last week's victory over Montreal, while the two Western conference leaders meet on Saturday night. Real Salt Lake travel to a San Jose side adjusting to injuries and suspension in the wake of their turbulent clash with New York. Chavez picked up a one game ban for his foul on Roy Miller in that game, while the Red Bull's Rafa Marquez picked up a three game ban for the sprawling foul that sidelined Salinas for San Jose. But if New York were hoping for a quiet game to reset after that match against the Earthquakes, they'll have to wait - Sunday night sees their first big rivalry game against DC United. DC drew yet again midweek, and DeRo is still to get off the mark, but they're on an unbeaten run and as we pointed earlier this week, the stage might be set for De Rosario to open his account against his former employers.
Another prodigal son returns in happier circumstances when Chicago face Toronto with Chris Rolfe back in the fold, following his period with Danish club, Aalborg. Rolfe is a crowd favorite (members of Chicago's Section 8 even showed up at the airport to greet him), and will bring more of a goal threat for the Fire. Toronto could do without facing goal threats - they're still without a point this season and looking shaky at the back.
If Rolfe is a little ring rusty he'll be in good company - Chicago and Houston met last weekend with both affected by breaks caused by the MLS schedule, only for the weather to add breaks of its own. A seventy minute delay for lightning after just 15 minutes, became a permanent abandonment after an hour, with both sides tied at 1-1 and both struggling to remember what it's like to play a 90 minute game.
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Houston have the further issue of not being able to remember the comforts of a home dressing room, though they edge ever closer to their new home being completed in May. This weekend they travel to face a Columbus side who lost narrowly to Philadelphia last week. Fresh from that first win of the season, Philadelphia travel to 1-0 specialists Chivas, who have been in enigmatic form in the early season, but have won their last two games.
The other LA team won 3-1 last week, though rumors of their revival were somewhat exaggerated by the leaving-it-late nature of the win - Galaxy travel to Colorado this week, aware that they've already had one 3-1 win that was supposed to kickstart their season. Bruce Arena would be happy with the same 1-0 score line Seattle managed over the Rapids last week (though another Beckham golazo would be nice...) and equally glad to see Lopes build on a promising start at the problem heart of defense. Colorado will be glad to come home after a losing road trip, to try to regain their own footing.
To help us keep OUR footing navigating all these games, we've asked supporter group reps, beat writers and bloggers, to give us their reaction to last week's games and to look forward to this week. The results are below. Agree? Disagree? Have your say in the comments below; join me for DC United vs New York Red Bulls on Sunday at 6pm, and check back on Monday when we'll discover the five things we learned this weekend.
All game times below are EST.
Toronto FC v Chicago Fire, Sat 3.30pm (NBCSN)
Duncan Fletcher, Waking the Red, Toronto:
Last week was another frustrating game, the third straight home defeat without even scoring a goal. The first half, that's exactly what TFC deserved, but in the second half at least they showed signs of life in front of goal. Ryan Johnson had two shots cleared off the line and Danny Koevermans was denied by a player of the week performance from Chivas goalie Dan Kennedy, leaving Koevermans giving the goalposts repeated kickings and Aron Winter bemoaning the worst luck he's ever seen. The main bright spot was the return of Adrian Cann to the centre of defence after almost a year out with injury. He looked rusty but showed signs that he'll be a big factor in organising an often chaotic defence.
This week, it's a home game again, against Chicago Fire, and the big thing to look forward to is the much anticipated return of Torsten Frings. Just how bad the team has looked in his absence is really quite alarming, but hopefully he can come back in and instantly make a difference again. Exactly where he'll play is up for debate, as he's been played mostly in defence so far as the middle of 3 centre backs and he may be needed there to provide cover to neutralise the speedy Dominic Oduro. Hopefully though he'll be back in midfield, this will be the first time Cann and Frings have played together and cann's presence at the back should enable Frings to get further forward without the defence falling apart. If that can happen, and the forwards can get a little bit of luck, TFC should be able to get at least one goal, and their first point of the season.
Dan Martin, Section 8, Chicago:
The Dynamo visit to Toyota Park blew by in what seemed like an instant, not least because of the wind and rain involved. A first half delay was followed by a second half delay that morphed into the cancellation of the match, much to the disappointment of die-hard Fire supporters who had spent a significant amount of time (more than 70 minutes, all told) singing in the rain, waiting out the storm.
When there was play on the field it was somewhat disjointed at best. Arne Friedrich and Jalil Anibaba probably both share the blame for losing track of the Dynamo attackers resulting in a 1-0 lead for Houston. Though the gaffe can likely be chalked up to shaking off rust on the part of Friedrich, fans will expect that the German international keep such mistakes to a bare minimum. The Fire's equalizer caromed off of Logan Pause's back following a Pavel Pardo free kick -- not the prettiest way to score but after last season's laundry list of shots off the woodwork I don't think you'll find a Fire fan on Earth who won't take this one. The rest of the match seemed to be heavily influenced by the conditions, sloppy passes leading to sloppy tackles and only a few moments where either team genuinely looked on their game -- for the Fire, most of those moments centered on the play of Sebastian Grazzini, who ran at defenders and made several incisive passes moving forward. Given that about 24 minutes of the match were lost to cancellation, Fire supporters are left to obsess over what might have been. There was plenty of time for the squad to take the full 3 points given the chance to make late subs against Houston's depleted midfield.
The upcoming trip to Toronto brings quite a bit of hope for fans of MLS's original Men in Red. TFC is obviously languishing at the bottom of the table and this week's news of the re-signing of former Fire striker Chris Rolfe, returning from 3 seasons in Denmark, only serves to brighten the collective mood of the Fire faithful. Rolfe will be available for selection on Saturday and while most don't see him starting immediately he is a very welcome addition. The topic of how he will fit into the Fire lineup is already being widely debated by Fire fans. Given TFC's troubles and the Fire's recent upgrades, this match is a must-win in order to pick up available points and stay in the Eastern Conference hunt.
Columbus Crew v Houston Dynamo, Sat 7.30pm
Ben Hoelzel, Crew Union, Columbus:
Another week, and another listless performance by the Crew. Even against a very below average team in Philadelphia, the Crew could not get in any sort of attacking rhythm. The defense did well. Gruenenbaum had to make just one save the whole game and was only beaten on a penalty. But, the offense managed just one lonely shot on goal. Mirosevic has been sitting so deep in the midfield that he is essentially functioning as a fifth defender. The three other midfielders have consisted of a rotating cast of underperformers that are simply failing to make dangerous runs up or penetrating passes. They move in a line as if connected by a giant, invisible foosball bar. In the rare occasion the forwards do find themselves with the ball, it usually results in dispossession as they turn directly into defenders in an attempt to muscle through the middle.
To make matters worse, the team almost seems complacent to be average. There was no drive, no fight, no spark to claw back in the game after the first half penalty. The only sign that anyone even cared came from the Crew's lone consistent player this season, Chad Marshall, when he yelled an expletive at the head official as he left the pitch after the game. Supporters are starting to question the mental fortitude of the squad.
That's what makes this weekend's game so important. How will the Crew react? What will they do back at home in front of a Nordecke that is quickly becoming incensed by the lack of goals or any sign that the team is better than just average? Houston is a good team, but not great. They should provide a good barometer to measure the true quality of this Crew team. Are they below average, average, or better? Can the Crew keep pace with a decent, middle of the pack squad? Do the Crew even have the appropriate weapons to form a dangerous attack? Will Coach Warzycha continue to bunker down in the back to play for the tie and hope for a one-off counter attack goal? Or will the Crew dare to be massive?
Zach Woosley, Dynamo Theory, Houston:
Considering the Dynamo had been off for three weeks, were missing several key players and had to deal with mother nature's apparent wrath, things went pretty well on Sunday against the Fire. We saw the potential of the strike pairing between Bruin and Ching on the Dynamo's goal and Luiz Camargo returned to the lineup after missing the early part of the season. Nathan Sturgis played very well covering for the suspended Adam Moffat and despite not having Brad Davis, the Dynamo were still able to attack. A road point against an Eastern Conference team is always acceptable at this point in the season.
Another week, another road trip. This time it's the Columbus Crew and team that quite frankly has not looked good so far this season. Brad Davis looks unlikely to play and honestly there's no reason to rush him back at this point. I'll take a draw but I think this is an extremely winnable match for the Dynamo and the type of match they need to win honestly. Expect a similar lineup from last week, with the only change being Moffat returning and Sturgis going back to the bench. Corey Ashe will likely start in place of Davis with Jermaine Taylor at left back again.
Colorado Rapids v Los Angeles Galaxy, Sat 9pm
Todd Haggerty, Pid Army, Colorado:
The Rapids are in the midst of a identity crisis. Pareja's switch to a possession oriented 4-3-3 has been clashing with the remnants of Gay Smith's direct 4-4-2. Against lesser competition the Rapids have been able to overcome this, however the last two games against top competition (Sounders and Salt Lake) has exposed the incongruent styles of play. This was particularly pronounced against the Sounders. The Rapids seem confused going forward and it showed with the number of chances they created. The one exception was Brian Mullan, who in his contentious return to Seattle (after the Zakuani incident) played rather well. He even received a yellow card on reputation alone. The next match doesn't get any easier. While the LA Galaxy have been inconsistent so far this season they have players who can change the game at any moment. At home the Rapids should play better and perhaps Conor Casey will make an appearance. 2-1 to the Rapids.
Zero Cool, LA Riot Squad:
Historically Colorado has given us a hard time but they're currently not doing too well. With David Junior Lopes' outstanding performance at CB in our last game I expect a 2-0 result against The Rapids.
Vancouver Whitecaps v FC Dallas, Sat 10pm
Benjamin Massey, Eighty Six Forever, Vancouver:
The Whitecaps are winless in their last four, which is the sort of thing that sounds awful. "Hey, look, here's the Wooden Spoon winner stinking out the league again." It's been bad, at times, and some of the performances can bring back ugly flashbacks.
But the Whitecaps had a surprisingly good game Wednesday against Kansas City in spite of the scoreline: it was their bad luck to allow three goals on two shots on target. Playing a mid-weeker will obviously take its toll on the Whitecaps athletically come Saturday, but this is their first such spell of the season and it's anyone's guess how they'll handle it. Dallas is as athletic as they come, so if the Whitecaps try to get into a track meet they're screwed. Other than that, cautious optimism reigns.
Portland Timbers v Sporting Kansas City,Sat 10.30pm
Roger Anthony, Timbers Army, Portland:
The Timbers' "Tribute to Titanic" tour lurched into Los Angeles with predictably glamorous star turns. Scottish legend Kris Boyd scored the opening goal for Portland. Irish legend Robbie Keane set up the equalizer for American legend Landon Donovan. English legend David Beckham closed out the match.
But before Beckham, the iceberg. With Boyd subbed off in the 81st minute, LA poured forward, pinning the Timbers against their net. Defender Mike Chabala headed the ball from the goal area out to Timbers' F/MF Darlington Nagbe, standing just outside the box. Nagbe chested the ball down, took a jostle from Galaxy MF Juninho and collapsed like a 3-year-old on roller skates. Juninho collected the suddenly-loose ball and slammed it home.
Then came a precise illustration of what ails the Timbers. Down a goal, the club simply could not command possession of the ball. Killing time, Donovan and three Galaxy teammates set up by the left touchline, and simply played keep-away from Portland – basic, fundamental, pass-and-move football. Unable to decode this, the Timbers eventually had six players drift over to Donovan's playground, only to see him whip the ball across to Beckham, who took a touch, lit a cigar, and smoked a rocket into the top corner.
Next up is a home match against seemingly invinceable Kansas City. Last year, once KC righted itself, they beat the Timbers 3-1 on Aug. 17 in a match that must have cemented Peter Vermes' decision to go with a 4-3-3. Kansas City's big, speedy forwards – Bunbury, Sapong, Kamara – simply muscled themselves into the positions they wanted.
SKC has given up one goal in six games. In the six 15-minute installments at the end of each game this season (from the 75th minute on, in other words - totaling 90 minutes), Portland has now been outscored 5-0. Timbers fans must ask themselves: Would conceding a late, game-deciding goal against mighty Kansas City constitute progress?
Sean Dane, Hype Man, The Cauldron, Sporting KC:
Its been a busy week for SKC. Since the last article we have another 6
points in the bag and an 11 point lead in the East. Salt Lake came to
town and played a good game but we did what you have to do at home and
won. Vancouver gave a challenge last night and was the closest played
game so far this year in my opinion. The scoreline certainly came out
better than last years collapse. The #Roaddron (Traveling Cauldron)
was in fine form in Vancouver and the more than 70 fans there got a
great treat. We head down to Portland for Saturdays game next. The
guys looked a little tired at the end of the Vancouver game.
Hopefully they can get their strength back in time to fun with the
Timbers. Jeld-Wen is a tough place to play and the Timbers are
looking to change their recent run of play. I think we have a chance
to pick up some more points on the road if we stay healthy and get
rested. Can we keep this streak intact? Why not, nothing seems to
be able to stop these guys right now. Lets make it 8-0. We have
around 100 fans in Portland for the game and it would be great to
leave with the points.
Chivas USA v Philadelphia Union, Sat 10.30pm
Alicia Ratterree, The Goat Parade, Chivas USA:
Last week Chivas USA traveled up to Toronto to take on TFC, winning 1-0. It was their second consecutive victory, and preserved their perfect record on the road to start the 2012 season. While it was not the most dominant performance and they benefited from a couple of moments of exceptional fortune to get last-gasp saves, it showed that Chivas could maintain their concentration for an entire match in order to get three points. In particular, goalkeeper Dan Kennedy had several key saves in the second half, and his performance earned him MLS Player of the Week honors. With the win, Chivas are in the middle of the Western Conference standings, and they have momentum in their favor at this point.
This week, they will come back to the Home Depot Center and host the Philadelphia Union. For a team that was successful last season, the Union have considerable skill despite their struggles so far in 2012. That said, Chivas have every reason to believe they can continue their winning streak and more importantly finally get a result at home, where they have yet to earn a point this season. With their brutal schedule to start the first month of the season behind them, Chivas have been able to defeat teams that they ought to beat, and they have to like their chances against Philadelphia. Of course, it won't be an easy effort, and I expect a very physical and low-scoring affair Saturday.
Corey Furlan, Sons of Ben, Philadelphia:
A win - I'll take it... Feels like things are slowly coming together. There was some impatience with Nowak with the sale of LeToux and the slow start, but I honestly think a couple of back to back wins would silence that. Not sure I necessarily expected the winner last week to be a set piece goal, though that's where our goals have come from this season, but the penalty was taken so coolly under the circumstances. When he stepped up I thought, "What are you doing?".
So we're traveling to Chivas this week. They've been poor at home, the Union has historically struggled on the West coast. I can see it finishing 1-1, which would be fine. Other than that I'd like to see the new loan signing, Kai Herdling (MF/FW signed from Hoffenheim just before the transfer deadline) get a game. On that note, I really believe the front office has a big signing up their sleeves for June.
San Jose Earthquakes v Real Salt Lake, Sat 10.30pm
Lisa Erickson, Center Line Soccer, San Jose:
San Jose Earthquakes picked up their most costly point over the weekend against the New York Red Bulls. The match started out very exciting, with all 3 forerunners for the Golden Boot pitted against each other. NY's Kenny Cooper's goal got quickly answered by SJ's Rafael Baca's; which then in turn got answered by NY's Dax McCarty; to which Chris Wondolowski made the Quakes intent known with a goal of his own. Then in the 44th minute, all went bleak for the Quakes when Rafa Marquez took down Shea Salinas in the box breaking the midfielder's clavicle into 4 pieces, all the while rolling on top of him and kicking the wingman near the face. The appalling action didn't even draw a card or a penalty from the referee much to the dismay of football fans around the country. A few seconds later, San Jose's stellar defender Victor Bernardez fell to the ground with a strained MCL and had to be stretchered off the pitch. Luckily due to the depth of the Quakes bench, NY captain Thierry Henry declared that the Quakes didn't allow New York to touch the ball in the second half, even after losing their captain Ramiro Corrales to injury in the 80th minute.
Now it's back at home to face the number one team in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake. Playing RSL at home has been a challenge over the past few years with the men in claret kits running away with all the points. This year, Quakes hope that it will be different. The big target forwards of Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon have been upgraded to "Questionable" on the injury list, with hopes that one of them will be able to play up top with Wondo. Veteran Jason Hernandez will most likely make his 100th start for the club on the back line; whereas, Simon Dawkins will most likely slot in Salinas' left wing spot. Marvin Chavez will be forced to sit this game out due to the league's stance on retroactive suspensions for hard tackles; I suspect Tressor Moreno will come in at center and push Baca to the right flank. This will be a hard test for the Boys in Blue and Black; here's hoping that they will pass it with flying colors and continue on their historic season start by claiming the "Best in the West" title on Saturday night.
Sayra Moran, Women United FC, Real Salt Lake:
Unfortunately, Real Salt Lake fell to Sporting Kansas City this past weekend but not without a fight. RSL played their usual beautiful footy with great passing and holding possession, but KC laid the pressure and the game-winning goal was bound to happen after many corner kicks. Other than that Nick Rimando had a tremendous save to rob Kamara of a goal, and the atmosphere at Livestrong Park looked and sounded tremendous on TV.
Next, RSL faces off to the San Jose Earthquakes at Buck Shaw Stadium. RSL is first in the Western Conference league standings with 15 points and San Jose is close behind with 13. Lenhart and Wondolowski will be facing off with the solid RSL back line, that will hopefully be able to stifle their efforts.
DC United v New York Red Bulls, Sun 6pm, ESPN
Guardian live game
Kim Kolb, Screaming Eagles, Author of Nestliner Blog, DC United:
Ben Olsen was faced with some lineup dilemmas this week. Three out of four central defenders are in various stages of recovering from injury, several players haven't been available, and the team has two matches this week. As such, a patchwork defense was put in, and players were shuffled around the midfield and forwards. And the lineup showed a lot of rust, who's creativity devolved as the game pressed on, but bringing on Maicon Santos and Danny Cruz after a Montreal goal, combined with a sense of urgency, seemed to solve the attacking puzzle, with Santos scoring from25 yards out. Salvaging a tie was not the desired result, but it does extend United's unbeaten streak to 5 games. Expect what has been the existing starting lineup to return for Sunday's big rivalry match with New York.
(GP: I asked Kim to provide a note on a tribute made by DC fans to one of their own this week) Javier 'Chico' Solares was an original member and elder of La Barra Brava, one of the two big original supporters groups in MLS. Chico was always friendly and welcoming (provided we're not talking about Metrostars/Red Bulls fans). He helped to found the supporters culture in DC, and as such, in the US. As a testament to what he's meant to the fan base and the four big supporters groups, a moment of silence for Chico was observed during the 12 minute of the Montreal match.....roughly 24 hours after he suddenly passed away. La Barra Brava, and District Ultras each had large tifo displays to honor Chico. We're sad to lose Chico, but having a game the very next day where people could discuss, remember, and honor him only seemed fitting.
Daniel Feuerstein, Host of Feuerstein's Fire, writer for MLS Talk:
Last Saturday, the New York Red Bulls drew with the San Jose Earthquakes two goals apiece. Kenny Cooper and Chris Wondolowski tied Thierry Henry with the league lead in goals (7) and there were a few gems from Rafael Baca of San Jose and Dax McCarty of New York. The main problem for the Red Bulls isn't scoring goals; it's the defense trying to keep them out of their net. Even though they tightened things up in the second half, the Earthquakes got their road point from Red Bull Arena.
Their next match is down Interstate 95 at our Nation's Capital, as the big Derby match is on Sunday, April 22nd. The ever loving DC United will host the New York Red Bulls at RFK Stadium. Of course former Red Bulls attacking midfielder/striker and Canadian International Dwayne DeRosario will be a threat against his former side. Bill Hamid, who suffered a leg injury during the final match of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament against El Salvador, is back in the net for DC. Even though they played a match a few nights before against the Montreal Impact, this should be a fantastic game to watch.
For the Red Bulls, their midfield must be ready to give support to both Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry who will be paired up top and filling DC's net. But we shall see if they will have Rafa Marquez in this match as we await a possible suspension coming from MLS for his rough tackle on Shea Salinas who suffered a broken collarbone during a late 1st half set piece (GP - a 3 game suspension was confirmed after Dan sent this through). Out of the sixteen goals the Red Bulls have scored McCarty & Mehdi Ballouchy have converted from the midfield. At the back, Ryan Meara has so far allowed ten goals against the opposition, nearly two goals a game in the first six. But he hasn't looked out of place at all.
Expect fireworks down in DC as the Red Bulls have won the last two away there.
You've read the previews, now have your say in our comments section – and join us for Sunday's live game of DC United v New York Red Bulls, and on Monday morning for five things we learned this weekend. Read More
انسخ الكود التالى و ضعه فى موقعك او مدونتك.
