Saturday, July 2nd
Portland Timbers - Sporting Kansas City: Initially it seemed that the Timbers may defy the curse of the expansion team much like the Sounders did, but their reliance on set pieces to score is beginning to be their downfall. In the run of play their attack has almost been non-existent, strikers Kenny Cooper and Jorge Perlaza often do not seem to be on the same page as well a lack of any play-making ability in the midfield. Sporting Kansas City, on the other hand, has been quite successful lately recording three precious wins in their last five matches and having gone undefeated in seven. Their defense is really starting to step up and their attack is gaining ever increasing momentum. Kansas City should have no problem leaving Jeld-Wen with a win.
Sunday, July 3rd
Colorado Rapids - Houston Dynamo: After a decent start to the season, lately the Rapids haven't been performing like the winning team that they were last season. One can't help but wince while watching the highlights of Columbus' 4-1 drubbing of the rapids last week. Three of Columbus' four goals were as a result of soft giveaways in the back, and it's not only those giveaways that's making them suffer either. The Rapids have also managed to lose a striker in both matches due to reckless challenges and their subsequent red cards. If Colorado continues breaking down in the back and losing their attacking players there is no where to go but down for them. Houston haven't exactly had the best form lately either though, recording only one win in their last five matches. Seeing last week's performance by the Rapids Im gonna have to favor the Dynamo for this one.
Monday, July 4th
LA Galaxy - Seattle Sounders: This is a big game for the Sounders for two reasons: the Galaxy is a team that they just have not been able to win against lately, and with a victory here they could become serious contenders for the Supporters Shield by being just a lone point below the Galaxy in the standings. Notably, last weekend saw the Galaxy losing both of their primary keepers (Ricketts to a broken arm, and Saunders a red card) which definitely gives the Sounders the advantage and the most opportune time in which to shake off that monkey thats been on their shoulders when it comes to facing the Galaxy. However, despite having to field a rookie keeper the Galaxy is still a very strong team offensively as well as defensively which assures that a victory will not come easily. I really can't say what the result will be, though on the Sounders current form and the fact that they lost to the Galaxy in the season opener only on a 1-0 scoreline (the Galaxy getting a wonder goal to get the win as well) certainly says that they're more than capable of competing with the Galaxy. Maybe it's because I'm biased, but I'm gonna say that the Sounders leave LA with a victory.
Real Salt Lake - New England Revolution: RSL has proven that they are one of the top teams in the league, and while they have gone through somewhat of a offensive dry spell lately, the return of Alvaro Saborio from Gold Cup duty has already proven beneficial to their attack as proven in their 3-1 victory over Toronto FC in which he netted a brace. Meanwhile New England hasn't won a match since early May and despite their efforts they just cannot get things to turn in their favor, and this match with RSL certainly doesn't strike me as the one for fortune to finally shine upon them. RSL has got this one.
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