All the hype about this weekend's Major League Soccer action surrounds the Los Angeles-New York tilt that will feature the glitz and glamor of the league (sans Thierry Henry). But does that mean it's necessarily the best game of the weekend?
In Chicago, the Fire and Seattle Sounders will do battle in Freddie Cup II, with Freddie Ljungberg facing his former team for the second time since he was traded. In Salt Lake, RSL looks to keep pace in the race for the Supporters' Shield, while the rising Colorado Rapids look to further solidify a place in the postseason. In Kansas City, the Wizards and FC Dallas each come off exhilarating comebacks, with the Wizards still in the hunt for a playoff spot and FCD still riding an unbeaten streak that has reached 16 games.
Not to be overlooked is the Toronto-San Jose clash (pun intended) that features two teams fighting for their postseason lives. The question for you is:
How did you vote? Any conspiracy theorists out there actually more excited for Philadelphia-Chivas and Houston-D.C. to see if any team will tank for better draft positioning?
Share your thoughts below.
LA isn’t playing great? Did you see the 3-1 dismantling of Columbus?
I don’t think anyone in Chicago really cares about this thing you’re calling the ‘Freddie Cup’. It’s more of a story line in sports news terms, than an actual rivalry of any kind.
Freddie wanted out of Seattle, and we (in Chicago) needed some of what he provides–even fairly level-headed Seattle fans could probably agree that he still has some decent skill. It was certainly worth a whirl–it’s not like the Fire had much else going for them at the time. I’d rather see a gamble than a steady decline.
But I don’t know how competitive this match will really be with the Fire’s (of late) ‘roll over and die in the last few minutes of each half’ approach.
It just looks like mental and physical fatigue have set in because of the fairly rigorous training regiment that DLC had the team doing from day 1. Those close to the Fire knew this could well be a problem as the season wore on. If anything though, I hope it makes the Fire come out leaner and meaner next season–because at the current rate, that’s about all we have to look forward to. Ho-hum.
Best match-up of the weekend though? hmmm, KC/FCD. a close second (but less competitive) is RSL/COL. FCD’s streak and KC’s desire for the playoffs is going to be the eye-catching match of the weekend for purists. RSL’s talent and drive is just going to prove too much for COL, and it will be feisty, but not as competitive (despite being a ‘rivalry’ match).
Of course MLS’s marquee match-up is the coast to coast rivalry and ‘star-studded’ event that will be LA/NY–it will be interesting to see it played out though, but I’m just not sold on the glitz, I want the grit. That’s why I’ll still with KC/FCD as my choice for match of the week.
Ballouchy stinks, just warning you now… He’s too inconsistent to frighten anybody. I would trade him for Beckerman a 1000x over!
LA-NY could be a high-scoring affair, between LA’s injury problems in its central defense and the tendency of NY’s back line to get a tad sloppy from time to time. Who (if anyone) will pair with Angel up top? Will we see Ballouchy in a midfield/withdrawn striker position?
and still yet keep on putting up results.
KC is pulling a late season run like Dallas’ year, and like Dallas i think they’ll barely miss out, with Dallas being responsible for partially responsible hopefully. I think George John is gonna be eligible for the game
As a galaxy fan i am aware and love the rivalry of the rocky mountain cup. the last game of the season they have agaonst one another always seems to be a playoff decider for one of the teams. in this case colorado since RSL is practically in. But i have to choose LA vs. NY. why? because i will be there watching in the stands lol
KC is the only team on the outside looking in that has a real shot of getting into the playoffs every game they play will be the game of the week to watch. I’m saying that as a NYRB fan
That toward Canterbury wolden ryde.
Who cares – MLS sucks.
RSL vs Colorado is always a good match, this year will be even better with so much riding on the match.
Thumbs up to New York taking down the Galaxy.
“either really good, or really boring.”
I’m pretty sure all games can go either of these ways.
And let me guess, Rico Clark is the antagonist?
95, yo!
sooo… out sourced characters are Dempsey, and Charlie Davies….
and ESPN2 Just dropped the wednesday night game next week…
http://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/2010/09/sj-chi-match-be-televised-csnca
Mapquest, google maps…
2007 just called and said Houston-DC would be a great game.
any one kknows how to get to ppl park from elizabeth nj? I’m looking for ways to get to us game.
That’s pretty much what I was thinking. KC has a pretty solid roster right now and Dallas is on one hell of a roll. Tough poll as pretty much every matchup listed is pretty special in it’s own right.
NY vs. LA – 2 of the top 5 teams has to get the nod.
RSL vs. COL a close 2nd
Wait isnt Philly playing. Two teams with young talent. LA/NY is one to watch becasue its probably their last meeting this year. RSL/Colorada sounds like a good ole mls game.
Is it any surprise at all that NY/LA is winning the poll on this site?
I voted RSL/Colorado. There is already a natural rivalry there and both teams really would like to win the game for their playoff positioning.
Given the playoff implications, I think the Dallas – KC game is the one to watch. Neither team really benefits from a tie.
FCD and Wizards are the 2 best teams as of late being completely objective
There are plenty of good matches here. The whole Freddie L aspect, and two matches with DPs on all sides. Not to mention, I love Rocky Mountain football.
Definately RSL/Colo. I dont think enough people have witnessed an RSL/Col game to realize just how exciting they can be. As for NY/LA niether team is really the best right now, and it will never reach the hype the league has been throwing at it.
NY LA should be good, IMO NY is one of the best teams in the league, and gets better every week. dont read too much in the Dallas result, they were controlling the game until Dallas went down and man and started to put all 10 players back . the NY defense is not very fast thus giving dallas the advantage in a counter attack game. in an regular game at full strength i think NY beats Dallas NY 2-1 over LA. LA is not playing great and got a break vs DC who let them back in the game . i dont even believe LA will win the Western Conference. RSL vs Seatle or Colorado. Dallas has deplete much due to injuries.
It’s the Rocky Mountain Cup they have a nice little cup and all that
Is there a name for this rivalry? The Rocky Mountain Derby? If not, it should be. Contact me for the copyright….
Supporter’s shield race is about the best thing right now, i guess since RSL is actually in the runnings haha. Bring it Crapids!
Agreed! The RSL/COL game is always exciting and physical. It is a very underrated series.
and two of the best MLS teams of late. Bring it on RLS!
LA-NY can go 2 ways, either really good, or really boring. That said i think Kansas City vs FC Dallas is going to be good, Dallas looks unbeatable and KC looks like they won’t stop fighting, should be great
NY/LA seems like the logical choice, but that’s mostly because few people have actually seen a RSL/COL game – one of the best rivalries in the MLS!!!