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Week 11
The Forecast explains the importance of the World Cup break and offers its Week 11 picks.
Jun 4, 2010
By Kyle McCarthy
SEATTLE – MLS handed its clubs a unique opportunity when it scheduled a two-week break during the World Cup.
Every MLS team will have the chance to pause during the middle of the campaign and alter their present course. There will be time to get healthy and time to tinker. There will be room to change and room to grow. There will be hope discovered and hope revived.
Few clubs around the league need the fortnight off more than Seattle. After entering the year with lofty expectations, Sounders FC has stumbled out of the gate. While the performances have occasionally provided glimpses of why Seattle entered the season as one of the favorites to lift MLS Cup, the results have yet to meet or exceed those expectations.
The break grants Seattle the chance to get back on track. Osvaldo Alonso will have two weeks to recover from his lingering quadriceps injury and reclaim his influential place in the engine room. Blaise N'Kufo will have two weeks to play for Switzerland in the World Cup before linking up with Seattle in July to provide his new club with the target man it desperately needs. Freddie Ljungberg will have two weeks to rest his legs without scything challenges tearing him down. And those three players don't even comprise a complete list of Sounders who might benefit from the interlude.
Will the break revive Seattle? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain: Sounders FC will likely benefit from the rare opportunity to take a break in the middle of a disappointing campaign and attempt to fix its problems.
Last week: 2/7 (29%)
For the season: 28/65 (43%)
Saturday
Kansas City @ Toronto FC – 4:00p.m. (CBC) – Goal.com Preview
The impending World Cup break comes at a poor time for a TFC side finally starting to discover its identity. Preki has his Reds composed and organized at the back with Nana Attakora and Adrian Cann providing stability in central defense. The progress doesn't stop there. Julian de Guzman is finally starting to find his form in central midfield, while Dwayne De Rosario will enter the World Cup break as the leading contender for MVP based upon his influence in TFC's resurgence. After snagging an impressive 3-1 victory at San Jose last Saturday and resting the majority of the starting XI in the meaningless midweek match against Vancouver in the Canadian Championship, TFC should cap off its fine run by dispatching the out-of-form Wizards (sans the suspended Davy Arnaud). The question most TFC fans will take into the break: is this finally the year the Reds make their playoff bow?
Prediction: Toronto FC win.
Real Salt Lake @ D.C. United – 7:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
These two sides toiled through a reserve-laden test run in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match on Wednesday. United won that match 2-1 in extra time, though that particular contest shouldn't have much bearing on this one aside from the corresponding confidence boost for the home side. D.C. has made winning a surprising habit over the past week after dispatching Chivas USA last Saturday, so RSL will have to exercise some caution and keep a watchful eye on the precocious Andy Najar to limit United's suddenly productive attack. Injuries to Kyle Beckerman (foot) and Andy Williams (hamstring) will reduce Jason Kreis' options in midfield, but the MLS Cup holders can muddle through by relying on their depth if Jean Alexandre can submit a composed performance in Beckerman's holding midfield role. If those nominal reserves continue to rise to the occasion, RSL may just celebrate its White House visit with a victory.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake win.
Chivas USA @ New York – 7:30p.m. (Fox Soccer Channel) – Goal.com Preview
The outcome of this match could depend on how the Red-and-White reacts to the rumors surrounding captain Sacha Kljestan and his potential move to Anderlecht. With news filtering out about Kljestan's mooted departure on Thursday, the whispers could serve as a distraction for a side already missing the suspended Zach Thornton. Dan Kennedy should start in Thornton's place after recovering from a hamstring strain. Chivas USA's struggles on the road won't be helped by those rumors, Thornton's absence and the momentum gained by the Red Bulls after a last gasp 2-1 win over Houston on Wednesday night snapped their four-game losing streak. All things considered, it should be a fairly easy night for New York if the Red Bulls can secure an early goal and disrupt Chivas USA's rhythm in possession.
Prediction: New York win.
Houston @ Los Angeles – 8:00p.m. (Galavision) – Goal.com Preview
This rematch of last year's Western Conference final pits two teams heading in opposite directions. Houston fell to a second consecutive loss at New York on Wednesday to finally break its win one, lose one streak in disappointing fashion. The Dynamo hasn't quite found its stride this season with its uncharacteristic leakiness at the back a primary factor in its stumbles. As Columbus can attest after the Galaxy's smash and grab victory at Crew Stadium last weekend, Los Angeles exposes defensive breakdowns ruthlessly on the counterattack. Throw in the Dynamo's midweek cross-country trek from New Jersey and the Galaxy should notch yet another victory to cap off a record-setting start to the season.
Prediction: Los Angeles win.
Philadelphia @ Chicago – 8:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The Union travels to Toyota Park in search of the first two-match winning streak in franchise history. In order to accomplish that goal, Philly will have to follow up last week's shocking victory in Houston with a somewhat less surprising win over a Fire side that often struggles at home. Chicago's indifferent home form does not, however, offer Philadelphia a solution for limiting Brian McBride's influence in the air or tracking the Fire's midfield runners. Can the Union pose enough danger in the attacking third to emerge with a second consecutive result? It may prove a bridge too far even with the Fire back four considerably below its impervious best in recent weeks.
Prediction: Chicago win.
San Jose @ FC Dallas – 8:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
After several weeks of fine defensive performances, the Earthquakes' back four has looked rickety in its past two outings. The quality of the opposition (Toronto FC and Columbus) may explain why San Jose shipped five goals in 180 minutes, but the Earthquake needs their defensive core to return to form at Pizza Hut Park. Chris Wondolowski's late equalizer to secure a 2-2 home draw with Columbus on Wednesday should boost the visitors as they emerge from the difficult pair of matches. San Jose will need its confidence to cope with the threat in possession posed by the home side, though FCD will miss Dax McCarty (hip pointer) if he isn't available. Despite all of its fine work on the ball, FCD struggles to apply the finishing touch in front of goal. It could lead, as it has on six other occasions this season, to yet another draw for FCD.
Prediction: Draw.
Columbus @ Colorado – 9:00p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The circumstances do not favor the Crew. After throwing away two leads in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at San Jose, Columbus faces a second game in four days. To compound the issue, the Crew must play the second match at altitude against a rugged Colorado side. Those difficulties aren't enough preclude a positive result if the Crew can sustain the momentum generated over the past two matches. Robert Warzycha's side has perked up creatively and boasts enough depth to freshen up the starting XI appropriately to cope with the congestion. Those advantages, however, may not be enough to overcome the circumstances here.
Prediction: Colorado win.
New England @ Seattle – 10:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The focus shifts to Revolution third-string goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth ahead of this contest after Preston Burpo fractured his right leg in last Saturday's 3-2 victory over New York. With Matt Reis still unavailable despite coming off the Disabled List earlier this week, Shuttleworth will make his first MLS start in perhaps the league's toughest road venue and will need to overcome any corresponding nerves early in order to solidify the Revs' defense. Shuttleworth should have some additional help in that quest with Cory Gibbs set to return to the lineup and Emmanuel Osei another possible addition after he returned to the training field this week. Expect Seattle to press forward to test Shuttleworth early and often in an attempt to overcome its suspect home form. As with most Sounders FC games this season, the final result will likely come down to whether Seattle can convert its chances.
Prediction: Seattle win.
The Forecast explains the importance of the World Cup break and offers its Week 11 picks.
Jun 4, 2010
By Kyle McCarthy
SEATTLE – MLS handed its clubs a unique opportunity when it scheduled a two-week break during the World Cup.
Every MLS team will have the chance to pause during the middle of the campaign and alter their present course. There will be time to get healthy and time to tinker. There will be room to change and room to grow. There will be hope discovered and hope revived.
Few clubs around the league need the fortnight off more than Seattle. After entering the year with lofty expectations, Sounders FC has stumbled out of the gate. While the performances have occasionally provided glimpses of why Seattle entered the season as one of the favorites to lift MLS Cup, the results have yet to meet or exceed those expectations.
The break grants Seattle the chance to get back on track. Osvaldo Alonso will have two weeks to recover from his lingering quadriceps injury and reclaim his influential place in the engine room. Blaise N'Kufo will have two weeks to play for Switzerland in the World Cup before linking up with Seattle in July to provide his new club with the target man it desperately needs. Freddie Ljungberg will have two weeks to rest his legs without scything challenges tearing him down. And those three players don't even comprise a complete list of Sounders who might benefit from the interlude.
Will the break revive Seattle? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain: Sounders FC will likely benefit from the rare opportunity to take a break in the middle of a disappointing campaign and attempt to fix its problems.
Last week: 2/7 (29%)
For the season: 28/65 (43%)
Saturday
Kansas City @ Toronto FC – 4:00p.m. (CBC) – Goal.com Preview
The impending World Cup break comes at a poor time for a TFC side finally starting to discover its identity. Preki has his Reds composed and organized at the back with Nana Attakora and Adrian Cann providing stability in central defense. The progress doesn't stop there. Julian de Guzman is finally starting to find his form in central midfield, while Dwayne De Rosario will enter the World Cup break as the leading contender for MVP based upon his influence in TFC's resurgence. After snagging an impressive 3-1 victory at San Jose last Saturday and resting the majority of the starting XI in the meaningless midweek match against Vancouver in the Canadian Championship, TFC should cap off its fine run by dispatching the out-of-form Wizards (sans the suspended Davy Arnaud). The question most TFC fans will take into the break: is this finally the year the Reds make their playoff bow?
Prediction: Toronto FC win.
Real Salt Lake @ D.C. United – 7:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
These two sides toiled through a reserve-laden test run in a U.S. Open Cup play-in match on Wednesday. United won that match 2-1 in extra time, though that particular contest shouldn't have much bearing on this one aside from the corresponding confidence boost for the home side. D.C. has made winning a surprising habit over the past week after dispatching Chivas USA last Saturday, so RSL will have to exercise some caution and keep a watchful eye on the precocious Andy Najar to limit United's suddenly productive attack. Injuries to Kyle Beckerman (foot) and Andy Williams (hamstring) will reduce Jason Kreis' options in midfield, but the MLS Cup holders can muddle through by relying on their depth if Jean Alexandre can submit a composed performance in Beckerman's holding midfield role. If those nominal reserves continue to rise to the occasion, RSL may just celebrate its White House visit with a victory.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake win.
Chivas USA @ New York – 7:30p.m. (Fox Soccer Channel) – Goal.com Preview
The outcome of this match could depend on how the Red-and-White reacts to the rumors surrounding captain Sacha Kljestan and his potential move to Anderlecht. With news filtering out about Kljestan's mooted departure on Thursday, the whispers could serve as a distraction for a side already missing the suspended Zach Thornton. Dan Kennedy should start in Thornton's place after recovering from a hamstring strain. Chivas USA's struggles on the road won't be helped by those rumors, Thornton's absence and the momentum gained by the Red Bulls after a last gasp 2-1 win over Houston on Wednesday night snapped their four-game losing streak. All things considered, it should be a fairly easy night for New York if the Red Bulls can secure an early goal and disrupt Chivas USA's rhythm in possession.
Prediction: New York win.
Houston @ Los Angeles – 8:00p.m. (Galavision) – Goal.com Preview
This rematch of last year's Western Conference final pits two teams heading in opposite directions. Houston fell to a second consecutive loss at New York on Wednesday to finally break its win one, lose one streak in disappointing fashion. The Dynamo hasn't quite found its stride this season with its uncharacteristic leakiness at the back a primary factor in its stumbles. As Columbus can attest after the Galaxy's smash and grab victory at Crew Stadium last weekend, Los Angeles exposes defensive breakdowns ruthlessly on the counterattack. Throw in the Dynamo's midweek cross-country trek from New Jersey and the Galaxy should notch yet another victory to cap off a record-setting start to the season.
Prediction: Los Angeles win.
Philadelphia @ Chicago – 8:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The Union travels to Toyota Park in search of the first two-match winning streak in franchise history. In order to accomplish that goal, Philly will have to follow up last week's shocking victory in Houston with a somewhat less surprising win over a Fire side that often struggles at home. Chicago's indifferent home form does not, however, offer Philadelphia a solution for limiting Brian McBride's influence in the air or tracking the Fire's midfield runners. Can the Union pose enough danger in the attacking third to emerge with a second consecutive result? It may prove a bridge too far even with the Fire back four considerably below its impervious best in recent weeks.
Prediction: Chicago win.
San Jose @ FC Dallas – 8:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
After several weeks of fine defensive performances, the Earthquakes' back four has looked rickety in its past two outings. The quality of the opposition (Toronto FC and Columbus) may explain why San Jose shipped five goals in 180 minutes, but the Earthquake needs their defensive core to return to form at Pizza Hut Park. Chris Wondolowski's late equalizer to secure a 2-2 home draw with Columbus on Wednesday should boost the visitors as they emerge from the difficult pair of matches. San Jose will need its confidence to cope with the threat in possession posed by the home side, though FCD will miss Dax McCarty (hip pointer) if he isn't available. Despite all of its fine work on the ball, FCD struggles to apply the finishing touch in front of goal. It could lead, as it has on six other occasions this season, to yet another draw for FCD.
Prediction: Draw.
Columbus @ Colorado – 9:00p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The circumstances do not favor the Crew. After throwing away two leads in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at San Jose, Columbus faces a second game in four days. To compound the issue, the Crew must play the second match at altitude against a rugged Colorado side. Those difficulties aren't enough preclude a positive result if the Crew can sustain the momentum generated over the past two matches. Robert Warzycha's side has perked up creatively and boasts enough depth to freshen up the starting XI appropriately to cope with the congestion. Those advantages, however, may not be enough to overcome the circumstances here.
Prediction: Colorado win.
New England @ Seattle – 10:30p.m. – Goal.com Preview
The focus shifts to Revolution third-string goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth ahead of this contest after Preston Burpo fractured his right leg in last Saturday's 3-2 victory over New York. With Matt Reis still unavailable despite coming off the Disabled List earlier this week, Shuttleworth will make his first MLS start in perhaps the league's toughest road venue and will need to overcome any corresponding nerves early in order to solidify the Revs' defense. Shuttleworth should have some additional help in that quest with Cory Gibbs set to return to the lineup and Emmanuel Osei another possible addition after he returned to the training field this week. Expect Seattle to press forward to test Shuttleworth early and often in an attempt to overcome its suspect home form. As with most Sounders FC games this season, the final result will likely come down to whether Seattle can convert its chances.
Prediction: Seattle win.
