Predictions will be recapped as the number of correct results, followed by the number of incorrect results. And in parentheses, I will list the number of accurate scores I predicted. If you have a better way to do it, let me know in the comments.
Last Week: 6 correct – 3 incorrect (1 correct score)
This Week’s Predictions (all times ET)
Sharpie Into Your Calendar
New York vs. Chicago, Saturday, 3:30 PM, NBC
This should be a great contest between two teams jockeying for playoff position. You would think with the new tiebreaker rules that it would be imperative for Chicago to go for a victory. Yet the Fire has the easier schedule in (DC sans DeRosario < Sporting KC), so they may park the bus to earn a point. Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
L.A. Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake, Saturday, 9:00 PM, NBCSN
The race for 2nd in the West is tighter than leotards on a hippopotamus, and this prime-time fixture may sort it all out for us. The Galaxy took awhile to get on track, but they let two points fly away in Mile High country. The Tale of Two Halves will continue for the hosts, and this match becomes their statement victory to Western Conference #2. Prediction: LA, 2-1.
Seattle vs. Portland, Sunday, 9:00 PM, ESPN
Plenty is always said about the Cascadia Cup, so I’m not going to bring it up again. The Sounders’ form has dipped, but they won’t sleep on a match like this. Sigi Schmid will have them fired up, and even with the platitudes about this Cup, Portland won’t have enough. Prediction: SEA, 3-1.
DVR/TiVo For Later
Colorado vs. San Jose, Saturday, 9:00 PM, Local/MLSLive
The Earthquakes haven’t made it easy on themselves lately, but Colorado has been pedestrian, and San Jose will all but lock #1 in the West on Saturday. Prediction: SJ, 2-0.
Columbus vs. Sporting Kansas City, Sunday, 4:00 PM, Local/MLSLive
Two teams that should smell the blood in the water. One seems to be a team of destiny since the Higuain signing, the other is just tenacious and well-rounded. In my book, this match will come down to Peter Vermes’ philosophy – if he goes for the Supporters Shield via a victory, he risks allowing New York back in the hunt for #1 in the Eastern Conference. The wiser move would be to get a road point, and when SKC wants a draw, they tend to earn it. Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
My Date Cancelled, What To Do?
Toronto vs. D.C. United, Saturday, 1:00 PM, TSN/Local/MLSLive
I feel kind for this rating, you may want to keep an EMT friend on call in case you need some defib. If D.C. United can’t get three points in this match, they have no rights being in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Prediction: DC, 2-1.
Houston vs. Montreal, Saturday, 8:30 PM, Local/MLSLive
Houston. BBVA Compass. As great as the Impact has played all year, Houston can’t let this one slip by with the competition around them. Prediction: Houston 1-0. (Edited – forgot the team)
Keep An Energy Drink Handy
Philadelphia vs. New England, Saturday, 7:00 PM, Local/MLSLive
Two non-playoff teams meet at PPL Park on Saturday. A year ago this fixture produced a 4-4 goal outburst, but I don’t see this getting that crazy. The Union gives fans something to cheer about, building off their midweek domination in Chicago. Prediction: Philadelphia, 1-0.
Chivas USA vs. F.C. Dallas, Sunday, 7:00 PM, Galavision
If there’s a team that can play down to Chivas USA, it’s a Schellas Hyndman team. I’m willing to give Goats’ fans hope of a brighter day in this one. Prediction: Draw, 1-1.
And with that, I’ll bid you good night. Here’s hoping your team has a good week.
