Chris Klein, Los Angeles Galaxy, MLS, July 2007 (ISI)
FC Dallas vs. Kansas City Wizards
When: 7 p.m. ET; TV: HDNet
Where: Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, Texas
The Gist: Dallas is still looking for the first league win in the Schellas Hyndman Era and welcome Kansas City, a team that hasn’t scored a goal of their own in MLS action in six weeks, to town. The Wizards have been even worse offensively away from home and face a Dallas team that has been strong at home, save for one game. Both teams come off midweek U.S. Open Cup wins but need to produce results in league games to have a chance to make the playoffs.
Why You Should Care: While the Hyndman Era for Dallas has been less than inspiring, Kansas City will reinstitute the Josh Wolff Era as the former Wizards striker returns after his hiatus in Germany. Though the U.S. international was anything but inspiring in two recent appearances for the Yanks, Wolff can only improve an impotent attack. The real problem for the Zards lies in the midfield, as they still are struggling to find a player to lead their attack. Dallas has several players capable of doing so, but will miss the services of Arturo Alvarez thanks to an injury. Juan Toja still has yet to find his 2007 form and needs to do so for the Hoops to have a chance at finding themselves playing late into October. Toja will be a key in springing Kenny Cooper who, if fans have their way, will be the future of the U.S. attack. Cooper will square off against an older American international in Jimmy Conrad, and the elder funnyman will have his hands full squaring off against the big youngster.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Claudio Lopez. The Argentine striker notched a goal and an assist in Kansas City’s midweek Open Cup win. With Wolff, a proven goal scorer in MLS now working with him, it may be time for El Piojo to live up to his billing.
Prediction: FC Dallas 1, Kansas City Wizards 1
Colorado Rapids vs. New York Red Bulls
When: 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo.
The Gist: Two teams that have been heading in the wrong direction meet at The Richard with the prospect of the only fireworks on the night happening after the match. Colorado has only lost once on the 4th of July in their history. The Rapids are currently in a four-game winless streak and currently are second to last in the Western Conference. New York sit in the same spot in the East, but are just two points out of third place. The Red Bulls haven’t lost in three games, but are coming off an embarrassing loss in the U.S. Open Cup to USL-2 side Crystal Palace USA on Tuesday night.
Why You Should Care: New York will again be without Juan Pablo Angel and Claudio Reyna, severely crippling their attack. The Rapids defense will welcome the weakened attack, as they have given up multiple goals in three of their past four games. The Red Bulls, without six of their regular starters, were unable to score against a lowly team earlier in the week and will have trouble doing so against the Pids. Meantime, Colorado’s offense has had chances of late, but finishing those chances has been their downfall. The back line in front of Jon Conway has started to come together and will make life tough for Conor Casey and Tom McManus. With Terry Cooke back in the starting lineup, those two will have more service though the Rapids will miss the mercurial Christian Gomez. With each team having more offensive options on the wings, the wide field will come into play and could cause the visitors to tire by the game’s end. As a result, Omar Cummings coming off the bench as a late sub for Colorado could use his pace to change the game.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Carlos Mendes. Now out of Juan Carlos Osorio’s doghouse, the natural defender has been playing well as a holding midfielder. Though New York still struggles offensively without the creative Reyna in the lineup. Mendes offers more defensive stability, allowing Seth Stammler to push forward in support of the attack.
Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1, New York Red Bulls 0
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New England Revolution
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: The Home Depot Center, Carson, Calif.
The Gist: The two first-place teams provide the nightcap for the 4th of July festivities. Los Angeles will look to bounce back from a humiliating defeat on national TV at the hands of D.C. United last week, but will face a solid defense in New England. The Revs are coming off a solid 2-1 win over Toronto, having turned in their best result in weeks. Back on West Coast time, the Galaxy should see a return of their potent offense that never awoke last week. The difference will be whether they can beat Matt Reis, who has been playing excellent this season as he has backstopped the league’s best team thus far.
Why You Should Care: New England will look to prevent the Galaxy from exploding like the fireworks that will follow the game. However, containing David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Edson Buddle this year has been nearly impossible. The cerebral Michael Parkhurst will be tested to his limits to break up potential chances that can spring up at any time off the foot of any one of that trio. Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz will no doubt help their center back and look to impose themselves physically without committing fouls that lead to dangerous free kicks from Beckham’s famed right foot. Offensively, the Revs are slowly welcoming back Taylor Twellman into the mix, and the former Golden Boot winner should earn his first start of the season. Facing the Galaxy’s back line will be a pleasant welcome back for Twellman. With Steve Ralston behind him setting up chances, Twellman will have plenty of opportunities -- as United did last week -- to score his second goal on the year, which would also be his second at The HDC. As New England has been the best road team this year, Los Angeles could release their grip on first in the West, while New England pulls away from the pack in the East.
He’s So Hot Right Now: Steve Ralston. The Florida International product has been a main reason as to why the Revs have not missed Twellman this year. Raising his level as he has moved to the middle of the midfield, Ralston has a team high six goals and is tied for best with three assists. Coming off a two-goal performance against Toronto, Ralston will look to continue his hot streak against the woeful Galaxy defense.
Prediction: New England Revolution 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 2
-- Pat Walsh, Goal.com USA
31
Watch
