MLS Weekend Preview

With the Gold Cup quarterfinals this weekend and La Liga coming down to the wire, it would be easy to forget about some midseason MLS action. Fortunately for you, we here at the Cupcakes are here to serve...

SATURDAY
New England-Columbus, 6:30 ET (FSC)
There should be a really nice crowd at the Razor, considering this will kickoff after the US-Panama Gold Cup quarterfinal. The Revs have been out of action for a bit, probably for the best considering their Gold Cup players being absent. The Crew haven't won since April 29, and Sigi Era is starting to collapse on itself. Sigi's a big man too, so that can't be pleasant. I don't think this one will be pretty, but the home fans should be okay with the result.
New England 1, Columbus 0

DC-Chicago, 7:30 ET (HDNet)
United is starting to get its act together, although they'll be a little thin this weekend. Jaime Moreno is going to Copa America with Bolivia, and his probably replacement Guy Roland-Kpene is injured. He might see some action, but he's not 100%. I guess Fred will slide into the middle with Emilio but then who goes out to the left wing. It's a shame too, because the wing combo of Fred and Beninho gave New York fits. Chicago is also having serious injury problems, missing Rolfe, Armas, and Thiago. Throw in the Gold Cup absences of Mapp and Guerrero, and this isn't much more than a candle in a Fire's uniform.
DC 2, Chicago 0

New York-Kansas City, 7:30 (DK)
Since when did the Mutts-Wiz match become the marquee match of the weekend? Both teams are sitting on top of the Eastern Conference, but KC got the better of the Bulls a couple of weeks ago. There's no Eddie Johnson to score another hat trick this time around for the Wizards though. That might not be necessary as the Red Bulls comes in struggling, losers of three of their last four. We'll see if the Bulls can inspire more than 10,000 people to come out to Giants Stadium this weekend, I'm guessing not.
New York 1, Kansas City 1

Chivas USA-Colorado, 10:30 (DK)
The Goats are on a two game winning streak, while the Rapids have lost their last two. Colorado has been in a bit of a funk, and they've lost the good form they were showing earlier in the year. Chivas' form has been all over the place, but seems to be headed in the right direction currently. Bornstein and Mastroeni are both at the Gold Cup, which one is more easily replaced? I'm going to have to go with Bornstein, as I think Pablo is a crucial part of Colorado's midfield. Without him, they're going to struggle at the HDC.
Chivas 3, Colorado 1

SUNDAY
Toronto-Dallas, 1:00 (TeleFutura)
The Reds have had some time off since Juan Pablo Angel beat them. Dallas will be playing on short rest after their last minute win over Salt Lake last night. While Toronto will be missing some players, I think they'll be okay against the tired Hoops.
Toronto 1, Dallas 0

Los Angeles-Salt Lake, 8:00 (DK)
The Battle of Who Will Suck Less is at the Home Depot Center this week as the hapless Gals host the even more hapless RSL. I don't think Jason Kreis will have time to break any more league rules between now and the game, but I wouldn't put it past him. I also don't think Alexi Lalas can talk about signing any more international players or sign up for more midseason friendlies, but I wouldn't put it past him either. Abel Xavier could be making his LA debut, and their defense desperately needs him. Their main question is if they can replace Landon Donovan while he's away at the Gold Cup. I don't know, but I think they can find enough to beat a tired and depressed bunch from Utah.
LA 1, Salt Lake 0