MLS Matchday Three: Weekend Preview
The third weekend of MLS action is upon us and there are plenty of quality match-ups to take in. From the Houston-KC showdown to the New England-Colorado tilt, there will be some exciting games in what has been a high-scoring season so far.
Here is a rundown of some things to watch for:
Game of the weekend: Colorado at New England. Yes, I know, Houston at Kansas City would be the popular pick here but I see the Rapids-Revs tilt being a wide-open encounter. Any time Christian Gomez and Shalrie Joseph do battle it is a match worth watching.
MATCH-UP OF THE WEEKEND: Brian Ching vs. Jimmy Conrad. The former U.S. World Cup teammates square off and will be key to determining the winner of the Houston-KC match. The Claudio Suarez-Guillermo Barros Schelotto match-up is also one for the aged ages.
UPSET SPECIAL: D.C. United at Real Salt Lake. Rice-Eccles Stadium has been a house of horrors for D.C. United the past two seasons. Despite being one of the league's best regular season teams the past two years D.C. has still gone to Utah twice and lost both times. With a CONCACAF Champions Cup hangover likely, D.C. could be in trouble again vs. an improved RSL attack. An upset here wouldn't shock me at all.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK PREDICTIONS: With Eddie Robinson unlikely to play for Houston, look for Claudio Lopez to have a good game and lead the Wizards to victory.
If you are looking for my game predictions, you can find them at the bottom of my recent ESPN.com column on Amado Guevara.
Share your own thoughts on these categories and keep an eye out for reader running commentaries on all of today's matches.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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I think the real best match-up is the one you mention in your game of the weekend; Christian Gomez v. Shalrie Joseph.
Posted by: Dr. Rockzo, The Rock N' Roll Clown | April 12, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I'd be surprised if KC doesn't score more than 1, I don't believe in the Houston backline.
We're still in kneejerk reaction season, but don't Columbus fans need to start worrying if Schelotto puts in another mediocre game?
Posted by: eric | April 12, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Come on NY
Posted by: Scott A | April 12, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Admit it Ives, you are a secret Revs fan. We'll welcome you anytime up here
Posted by: ldq | April 12, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Glad to see some RSL love, Ives.
Posted by: RPH | April 12, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Eric - maybe. More importantly will be whether or not anyone actually takes a shot in the general direction of the opponent's goal.
Posted by: Brant | April 12, 2008 at 05:56 PM