In the latest soccer news: Hanging his prophetic head, Joelstradamus crawls to safety with a 1-5 record. Although the likelihood of predicting correctly is a third, Joelstradamus batted .200 only predicting correctly once - the Chicago Fire vs FC Dallas win. The other selections fizzled out in the second half of the games as Chivas USA, Landon Donovan, a certain referee, and an injury-riddled Revs squad ruined Joelstradamus' predictions.
It is important to point out what was good in week one. For starters, the scoring and level of play proved enjoyable to watch. Only one game in particular provoked moments of drowsiness causing the similar effects of cough syrup when sick. In addition, MLS produced several multiple goal scores; Landon Donovan, Fredy Montero, Davy Arnaud, Paolo Nagamura, and Amado Guevarra. Kenny Cooper's 60 yard strike shocked both fans, coaches, and Jon Busch.
This week offers some great matchups, and international fixtures could change several outcomes in this week's games. The RSL and Sounders matchup features two upcoming teams which display attacking talent. Can Seattle carry over their momentum from the season opener? Will RSL build on their playoff run and performance? Let's take a look at this week's matchups.
Columbus Crew vs Toronto FC: This game features two teams capable of scoring goals. With Robbie Rogers, Alejandro Moreno, and Frankie Hejduk missing for international duty, the Columbus Crew will lean heavily on Guillermo Barros Schelotto for leadership. TFC proved against KC that their offense is the real deal. Unfortunately for TFC Fans, Amado Guevarra and Carl Robinson will not participate due to international duty. Can Sam Cronin fill Robinson's spot as he attempts to slow down the 2008 MLS MVP - Schelotto?
Defense wins Championships, and the Crew provide a steady back line to prevent TFC and De Rosario. It is possible that TFC will shift De Ro into the central midfield allowing for a Barrett and Vitti pairing in a 4-4-2. The changes won't be enough as Schelotto will demonstrate his superiority giving the Crew a 2-1 victory.
Chicago Fire vs DC United: Despite outplaying the LA Galaxy, DC United played a very strong game but faded in the second half. Two late-game Donovan goals shocked both the Riot Squad and the Barra Brava. Let's not forget that DC United confronted the worst defense of 2008, the LA Galaxy. With DC's back line appearing in disarray and missing Janicki and McTavish, the Chicago Fire are poised to dissect the DC defense. With Blanco and Rolfe returning, this game will offer many goals favoring the Fire 4-1 in a goliza.
New York Red Bulls vs New England Revs: If being humiliated on national television has your head lowered, don't worry Red Bull fan. The stats indicate that Saturday should be a new outcome for week 2. Their home record over the past two seasons is 9-3-3, and their home openers against the Revs provides a glimmer of hope as they remain undefeated 3-0-1. In addition, their recent five openers, 3-0-2, suggests that the NYRB will rebound well.
The New England Revolution escaped with three points against San Jose. Rookies Kevin Alston and Darrius Barnes performed admirably in their first starts. Since their defense proved anemic against the Quakes, the injury concerns and lack formality will end their streak of luck. The NYRB rebound winning 3-1 with two goals from JPA and one from Mac Khandji.
KC Wizards vs Colorado Rapids: As predicted in my Eastern Conference preview, the KC Wizards would struggle offensively. After changing to a 3-4-3, the Wizards failed to penetrate the TFC defense. Fortunately, the Wizards still boast Arnaud's long-distance shooting, or KC would be the worse offenisve team in MLS. KC will struggle against a compact 4-4-2 despite missing Maestroni and Guerrero on international duty. The altitude, Colorado's ambition to rebound from a tough loss, and the speed of Clarke, Cummings, and Richardson will lead to the Wizard's demise. The Rapids win 1-0.
Houston Dynamo vs San Jose Earthquakes: Despite not having Kamara and suffering the loss of Jacqua and De Ro, the Houston Dynamo escaped with a point against the Columbus Crew. The Dynamo enter the game without Ching and Kamara. As all the Dynamo fans freak out, I must remind you not to worry: you are playing the Quakes. Last week, San Jose could not penetrate a New England Revs' defense that featured two rookies in the starting Xl. Is this game going to be a score fest? Probably not. But, the Dynamo will keep the game close finding a way to draw 1-1.
Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders: If the Sounder's performance reaches the same level as last week, I will say a prayer right now for RSL. The Sounders play host to RSL who received a bye last week and could suffer from the rust that they collected over the offseason. Considered one of the premier games this week, this game will illustrate if Seattle's performance was an aberration or an indication of great things to come. The Sounder's key to success in this matchup points to the center midfield. Will Alonso and Evans limit Javier Morales and Beckerman's touches and service? If the midfield can dispossess RSL for a majority of the game, Seattle's probabilty of winning increases tremendously. Ljungberg's debut creates a buzz heading into week two: Will he play in the midfield or up top? Given RSL's bye and lack of playing time, the Seattle Sounders offer several mismatches on the flanks due to their team speed. Seattle wins comfortably 3-2.
Chivas USA vs FC Dallas: After correctly predicting the Chicago Fire vs Dallas game, Joelstradamus bears enormous shame for his Week 1 predictions. Has he hit a bad string of luck? Let's hope not. With that said, Chivas USA benefitted from a late game Rapid's error, Chivas USA will not feature Sacha Kljestan and are experiencing several injuries. Although FC Dallas lost 1-3 to the Fire, the score does not indicate the play during the game. The Hoops failed to capitilize on their opportunities holding possession during the second half. With Richetti's inclusion and Ferreira's better understanding of his teammates, FC Dallas appears ready to take advantage of this opportunity.
Will the injury to Sala cause more concern? Will Dave Van De Berg demonstrate his 2008 form? Will Purdy change to a longer cleat or will he ride the bench? FC Dallas must bounce back from this game. Richetti provides the stability in the midfield and makes the center back's jobs that much easier. Kenny Cooper receives better service scoring two leading the Hoops to a 3-1 victory.
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What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Joelstradamus? Who will be the MLS Player of the Week? Let us know.
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