MLS Week 17 Preview: Sounders-Dynamo, Rivalries Headline Showcase Week

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

With two top-of-the-table clashes—one of which is a regional rivalry—and the always-entertaining Super Classico, this Saturday will be a MLS showpiece.

Oh, and just in case you care, some English guy is coming back to the Galaxy the following Thursday.

Headlining this momentous week is a big match at the top of the Western Conference: Houston Dynamo (31 pts) at Seattle Sounders FC (25 pts).

This game may very well tip the power balance in the Western Conference.

Houston are looking to make the Conference title a two-horse race: a win would extend their lead to an insurmountable nine points over third-place Seattle. On the other hand, a Seattle win can move the Sounders to second place in the conference and bring the top spot in the West within striking distance—three points.

This match pits Seattle’s potent offense (24 GF, second in MLS) against Houston’s rock-solid defense (10 GA, first in MLS).

But Gold Cup duty has robbed both teams of key players: Stu Holden and Brian Ching for Dynamo, Brad Evans and Tyrone Marshall for Sounders FC.

Houston has lost two key playmakers in attack, and Seattle loses an impact player and an anchor in defense.

Houston also reclaim Ricardo Clark from national team duty.  He and Brad Davis should have an intriguing midfield battle with Seattle’s Freddie Ljungberg and Osvaldo Alonso.

Add the Steve Zakuani vs. Cameron Weaver rookie battle, and this clash looks like it may be the game of the MLS regular season.

With so much talent on either side, intangibles will decide this battle.  This is Houston’s first trip to Qwest Field.  The raucous environment has affected the attitude most every team that has played against Seattle, and should play a huge factor in what is perceived to be a very important match. Houston’s poor recent form, with a loss to the Galaxy and a scrappy road win against KC, may be amplified by entering the hostile environment without their two veteran leaders.

But Seattle’s inconsistent form against top clubs in this league should not be ignored.  The Sounders convincingly lost two games at Chivas USA while dominating possession.  They drew against DC United after leading 3-1 at 70 minutes.

But they also forced draws against Columbus at home and Colorado at Toyota Park, and they recently showed maturation in a rout of Colorado at home.

Result: Dynamo 1-2 Sounders. Houston Dynamo are missing too many important players to give them the nod outright. The Sounders have what it takes to pull off the upset, but only if they keep up their scintillating recent form.

As for the other matches:

Columbus Crew (23 pts) at Chicago Fire (24 pts) – The plot thickens with another 1-3 matchup in the East. Schelotto and the Crew are looking to continue their positive momentum with a big road win, but losing Chad Marshall and Robbie Rogers to Gold Cup duty could prove to be the difference against a potent, experienced Fire attack.

While they miss Logan Pause, Gonzalo Segares, and Jon Busch, Chicago has proven that when they find their form, they are the most dangerous team in the league.

Result: Fire 2-2 Crew. Chicago snatch a tie from the jaws of victory once again.

Chivas USA (27 pts) at LA Galaxy (21 pts) – El Super Clasico will not disappoint. Chivas has been on a run of poor form in SuperLiga and MLS, while the Galaxy will be looking to rally after convincingly beating the Dynamo at home without Landon Donovan.

A big X-factor in this match will be Alecko Eskandarian, who was traded to the Galaxy from Chivas USA and has been a huge factor in both teams’ offense. Captain Donovan returns to amplify his team’s offensive kick.

Result: Chivas 1-2 Galaxy, with four yellow cards, three red cards, and Eskandarian being punched in the face more than once.

Kansas City Wizards (19 points) at New England Revolution (16 points) – Don’t let the Revs’ low point total fool you; they have at least two games in hand. Both teams need this game to stay relevant in the East.

The Wizards don’t have Davy Arnaud or captain Jimmy Conrad, but the Revs are without Shalrie Joseph, whose absence leaves the “Steven Gerrard” effect.

Result: Revs 1-1 Wizards. Without Joseph, the Revs just look sloppy, but the Wizards are sloppy already.

FC Dallas (17 pts) at Colorado Rapids (21 pts) – The Hoops have lost Kenny Cooper to Gold Cup duty, and therefore have also lost any hope of scoring a goal in this match. It doesn’t help that the Rapids just got Conor Casey back. Result: Rapids 3-0 FCD.

Toronto FC (22 pts) at San Jose Earthquakes (13 pts) – TFC kept Dwayne DeRosario from the Gold Cup, and he will most likely lead the steamrolling of the lowly-but-lovable Earthquakes. Result: TFC 2-0 Quakes.

And to think this is the warm-up to David Beckham’s return next Thursday.  Amazing.

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