Five things to look out for in MLS this weekend
Wednesday 25 March 2015 15:44, UK
Five things to look out for in the MLS this weekend...
DC United v LA Galaxy: Can DC overcome LA Galaxy at home?
11pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 5 HD
As it is international week, LA will be missing some crucial starters including Robbie Keane, first-choice 'keeper Jaime Penedo and Keane’s striker partner Gyasi Zardes, who is set to earn his third cap for USA. This could potentially scupper their already-stuttering start to the season with an opening day win followed by two draws.
DC United lost to New York Red Bulls last week and head coach Ben Olsen was far from happy with his team’s performance. What seemed clear from the game was DC’s sloppiness in holding possession. Wingers Chris Rolfe and Nick DeLeon also lack pace, something LA may wish to try and exploit.
The odds are stacked against DC but with none of their own players going on international duty and LA missing three key men, DC have a good chance to get three points against the Galaxy for the first time since 2008.
Live MLS
Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union: Can pressure be eased on Chicago boss Frank Yallop?
10pm, Sunday, Sky Sports 5 HD
Frank Yallop is feeling the heat from Fire fans as he began the season with three straight losses. Fans are becoming increasingly alienated by both the management and the ownership of the club meaning a win could not come any sooner. They come up against Philadelphia Union on Sunday night, who are without a win themselves.
Chicago scored their first goal of the whole season last weekend thanks to Harry Shipp but will need to make a return on their heavy investment in pre-season. They’ll be without Designated Player Shaun Maloney, who is away with Scotland, but have plenty of players capable of scoring.
Philadelphia have been criticised in recent weeks for their slow build-up play whilst the controversy surrounding Zach Pfeffer’s elbow on FC Dallas’ Mauro Diaz and his subsequent sending off still lingers.
Just like the Fire, Philadelphia need greater creativity going forward but they at least have two draws out of their three opening matches. Chicago are under immense pressure to deliver and a fourth loss in a row to start the season would not sit easy with fans.
Live MLS
FC Dallas v Seattle Sounders: MLS heavyweights go head-to-head
FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders were dubbed by critics and fans as two of the league’s front-runners for the MLS Cup before the season began. FC Dallas has won three in three, maintaining a perfect start to their season but, although Seattle opened with a convincing win over New England on day one, a shock defeat to San Jose followed.
This will be Seattle’s first away game of the season and they boast a strong record against Dallas in recent years as they won two of the three league meetings last season. Last year, the two sides also met in the Western Conference semi-finals where Seattle progressed on away goals after a 1-1 in Frisco, Texas.
Seattle will be without Guatemalan Marco Pappa and Clint Dempsey due to their international commitments so FC Dallas will have a great opportunity to get their revenge on the team that ended their 2014 season.
Real Salt Lake v Toronto FC: A battle of playmakers - can the new-look teams find consistency?
Neither Real Salt Lake nor Toronto FC look the same as they did at the beginning of last season; new managers and different formations since then has meant a totally fresh approach for both sides entering 2015.
Real Salt Lake have moved away from their traditional diamond which they played for so many years under now-NYCFC manager Jason Kreis and instead are persevering with a 4-3-3 which has got them two draws so far.
Playmaker Javier Morales, 35, who did play as the number ten in their diamond, has been moved into a deeper role in centre midfield. Despite his increasing years, his passing ability is still considered as one of the best in the league.
Morales may be called upon to deliver a huge performance as Toronto, without Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, only have one of their three designated players. That is Sebastian Giovinco, who was not selected by Italy manager Antonio Conte for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria. Giovinco could play up front to compensate for Altidore’s absence.
Real Salt Lake have two draws and Toronto have won one and lost one. Expect an open, entertaining occasion in Utah.
New York City FC v Sporting Kansas City: Can either put in a convincing display?
New York City FC played to an underwhelming draw last weekend against Colorado away but now will be looking to repeat the kind of display they put in against New England in their last home game in front of 43,504 people.
Slovakian striker Adam Nemec and US U23 international Khiry Shelton will both be missing for NYCFC on international duty. Patrick Mullins, who showed signs of promise last season at New England before joining New York in December, will most likely get the call-up.
The 23-year-old has scored one goal in six minutes of game time this season but could break into the starting XI permanently should he perform well.
Sporting Kansas City have been in poor form so far. They are winless in their last five stretching from last season and currently have a front three who is yet to get a goal between them.
A shuffle in the starting line-up may be required to get Kansas City back to being cohesive attacking unit like they have been for the past three seasons.
In New York, David Villa is hungry for more goals. Stopping him will be Kansas City’s first priority.
