In the latest soccer news: After tallying a 3 out 7 correct predictions last week, Joelstradamus is determined to earn a better percentage this week. As ties continue to headline MLS circuits as a new theme, perhaps it would be a good idea to allow soft penalty calls to dominate the end of games in order to break the trend of ties that has been plagueing the league (Saying sorry in advance at the expense of Chivas USA fan).
Two interesting developments take place this weekend when Dwayne DeRosario travels to Robertson Stadium to face the surging Houston Dynamo. Will the homecoming be a welcoming one or will the Dynamo defense stifle the potent TFC offense? Sigi Schmid and the Sounders play host to the Columbus Crew, a 2008 team that he guided victorious to the MLS Cup. It will be interesting to see the tactics involved between coaches Schmid and Warzycha who know each other very well after spending several years together.
Let's hope that this week's MLS match ups will provide the energy witnessed on Thursday where Chivas USA and Chicago Fire battled it out for MLS bragging rights. Let’s see how these teams will fair in Week 11 of Joelstradamus Major League Soccer predictions.
Saturday
DC United @ New England Revolution -7:30 P.M.: DC United struggled to score a goal against the lifeless road-weary RSL. More volatile than the stock market and oil prices in 2007-08, DC United aspires to kick the Revs while they are down. Yes, the Revs have been down on their luck, and deploying star central Midfielder Shalrie Joseph at forward won't help matters. New England will play a compact and conservative game limiting DC United's possession and build up. Could Twellman's return inspire the team to win? It appears very unlikely. The central pairing of Pat Phelan and Jeff Larentowitcz will give the DC United midfield all it can handle. DC United draws 1-1 with the Revs.
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Colorado Rapids @ New York Red Bulls - 7:30 pm: Look for the NYRB to have a break out game since they are playing at home and will start a gruelling away stretch playing 7 out of 9 games on the road. Albert Celades and Seth Stammler have solidified the central midfield allowing for stronger play. NYRB's wing play and its service has been inconsistent for most of the season. The famished-for-service forward pairing of Mac Kandji and Juan Pablo Angel have almost caused collaps from starvation. The strikers have been begging for nourishment in the form of service in order to score goals. If the poor service continues to exist, the NYRB could be on the outside looking in at a potential playoff opportunity, and several players could be waiting in the USL soup line for 2010 season. The NYRB will be motivated for this game and will continue their scoring ways at home.
After squandering a 2-1 lead against the Sounders at home, the Colorado Rapids could fall further behind in the Western Conference standings. Terry Cooke will return on the right wing, but the #10 position occupied by Maloud Ballouchy has been less than impressive. If the Rapids forge their stamp on the game, they will utilize their flanks providing service to the dangerous tandem of Casey and Cummings. Although the Rapids have played compact and organized most of the season, the frustration mounts when the Rapids attack is detained by the Red Bull central midfield. Mac Khandji and Juan Pablo Angel experience a break out game. NYRB win 3-1.
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Toronto FC @ Houston Dynamo - 8:30 pm: Dwayne DeRosario will make his triumphant return to Robertson stadium but this time wearing red. It will be interesting to see how TFC's offense attempts to break down the stingy Dynamo defense. With the Houston Dynamo experiencing a recent euphoric offensive display and improving defense, it is difficult to imagine TFC earning even a point. Houston will frustrate TFC with their pesky defense and humid home conditions. De Ro will have to wait another year as the Houston Dynamo win 2-1.
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Real Salt Lake @ San Jose Quakes - 10:30 pm: Despite drawing away against DC United, RSL have proven to be one of the worst on the road in MLS in 2009 (0-4-1). Playing the worst team in MLS, the San Jose Quakes, might help boost their battered-away confidence. In their 2009 away games, RSL has only managed one goal, and that was in in US Open Cup play against the Sounders who won 4-1. So, don't expect to a goal fest this weekend.
Even if RSL is playing the worst team in MLS, San Jose showed promise on Wednesday in the first half against the Columbus Crew, but a Guillermo Barros Schelotto second half goal ruined their gutsy performance. Although the Quakes lost the game and played fairly well, the one bright spot on the team is Ryan Johnson who has 5 out of the team's 10 goals. It is very possible that this game could be both high and low scoring, but the game will ultimately end in a 1-1 draw.
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Columbus Crew @ Seattle Sounders - 10:30 pm: This game basically boils down to who will be playing in the central midfield. Decimated with several injuries over the past several weeks, the Seattle Sounders will receive encouraging news that Freddie Ljunberg and Brad Evans will return to the starting lineup. The unfortunate news focuses on the exclusion of Osvaldo Alonso, the work horse of the Sounders midfield.
The Crew received a devastating blow when Brian Carrol separated his shoulder against the Quakes. His exclusion from the lineup will have a dramatic effect on the team's balance and defensive bite. His quiet presence and control in the central midfield instills confidence for the other attacking players to advance forward. With a rowdy Sounders crowd and without his presence, the Crew will be vulnerable at the back. The Sounders win 3-2 in an open, attacking and explosive game.
Kansas City Wizards @ Los Angeles Galaxy - 10:30 pm: When KC went to Rio Tinto Stadium Stadium pulling a 2-0 upset and moving the ball in such a fluid manner, the Wizards began to inspire hope in a season that looked at best .500. Playing on a big field will definitely facilitate their offensive fluidity and allow them to play an up-tempo game. Missing Josh Wolff and Santiago Hirsig will hurt their offensive activity, but playing the LA Galaxy does not necessarily strike fear into most opponents. Coach Onalfo must find the right replacement; A roster that boasts numerous options to fill the void.
The Galaxy, suffering from draw after draw, was unable to put the nail in the coffin as they faced the impotent Hoops resulting in a 1-1 outcome. Los Galacticos will lose the midfield battle in this match up as Arnaud and Jewsburry silence the likes of Kovalenko and Tudela. The Galaxy are in for some rough weeks ahead now that Landon Donovan heads to World Cup qualifiers and then the Confederations Cup. The Wizards win 2-1.
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FC Dallas @ Chicago Fire Sunday 3pm: Is it possible to believe that the Chicago Fire will experience a let down against FC Dallas still searching for the offensive magic that caused fear in opponents in 2008. Although FC Dallas has pulled recent upsets against the Chicago Fire, don't look for any revelations this game. FC Dallas plays as defensive oriented as the Phoenix Suns circa 2004-07. Fatigued from an inspired come-from-behind victory, the Fire possess a myriad of offensive weapons. Justin Mapp and Patrick Nyarko looked dangerous in the second half providing dangerous runs in the offensive final third.
FC Dallas continues to sink deeper and deeper heading to the MLS playoff-less abyss. Chicago Fire provides too many weapons winning easily 2-1.
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What are your predictions? Do you agree with Joelstradamus? Will the MLS referees ever start to improve their decision making? Share your thoughts.
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