Puddle's MLS Matches of the Week.

Last year I wrote a few entries previewing all of the MLS for a particular weekend.  Well my work schedule has changed a bit since then, so I don't get to do as much reading prior to the fixtures.  This year I'm going to try just a picking a couple of matches and keeping an eye on them.

D.C. United vs Houston Dynamo:
RFK Stadium, Saturday, 4/28/12 7:30 PM EDT

Last year the Houston Dynamo represented the Eastern Conference in MLS Cup.  Meanwhile, DC United began a process of trying to restore themselves to MLS powerhouse status under Ben Olsen.  This year both of these clubs are off to a pretty hot start, under somewhat different circumstances.

The Houston Dynamo come into the match on the sixth game of a rough road trip as they wait for the opening of their new BBVA Compass Stadium.  However, they've done well so far, claiming 8 points in the first five matches of the season.  Last week they played to a 2-2 draw against Columbus at Crew Stadium.  DC United currently sit in second place in the east, on 12 points.  Last weekend they thumped the New York Red Bulls at RFK stadium 4-1, in a match that was never close.

It will be interesting to see if Houston can contain DC's offense, which has really been amongst the goals in recent weeks.  Maicon Santos has been especially hot, scoring 4 goals and adding 1 assist in the last 5 games.  Also, Chris Pontius scored a hat trick last weekend against New York.  However, these aren't DC's only weapons.  Nick DeLeon is certainly an early contender for Rookie of the Year.  He's scored three goals already this season, tops among rookies.  Houston also can't forget Dwayne De Rosario, who hasn't found the back of the net yet in 2012, but is always orchestrating the United attack.

For the Dynamo, they'll still be without a couple of key figures.  Colin Clark is still serving his early season suspension, and Brad Davis is still listed as doubtful.  Luckily for the Dynamo, they've had some different weapons start to emerge in the last couple of weeks, namely their forwards.  Through the first three matches of the season, the Dynamo forwards had not contributed either a goal or an assist.  However, Will Bruin and Brian Ching have combined for the last three Dynamo tallies, leading them to draws in their last two away matches.  Houston will need these guys to put in a good work rate against a reforged DC back line now anchored by former RSL man Robbie Russell.

Houston leads the all time series between the two clubs 7-3.  There have been 2 draws.  However, all 3 of DC's wins have come at RFK.  I look for DC to have too many weapons and outlast the road weary Dynamo.  I'll say it'll be 2-1 DC at full time.


L.A. Galaxy vs. F.C. Dallas
 Home Depot Center, Saturday, 4/28/12 10:30 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Galaxy have pulled themselves away from the brink, and off of the foot of the Western Conference table, after a horrid start to the season.  Maybe expectations were tempered for the Galaxy after early home losses and an early exit from Champions League.  Maybe they just finally got their act together.  Who knows?  They do seem to be getting back in the saddle a bit after holding on to a tough win at the Colorado Rapids last weekend.

FC Dallas has been trending the other direction.  Over the last few years they've been a Western Conference power, but they've been sputtering this year.  Last weekend they lost 1-0 up in Vancouver, and dropped points at home against Real Salt Lake midweek, coming out with a 1-1 draw after being dominated in the second half.

The Hoops will have more hands to the pump against the Galaxy this weekend though.  Blas Perez will return after being suspended against RSL, so he'll be somewhat rested.  Jackson has been recalled from loan at Cruziero in Brazil, and made his first appearance of the year midweek.  Team them with Brek Shea and they could possibly deal some damage to an LA defense that has yet to hold a clean sheet this season.

However the Galaxy have been tuning up their weapons the last couple of weeks as well, beating both Portland and the Rapids.  Still, it must be said that they didn't dominate either opponent.  Only a Josh Saunders penalty stop preserved all three points against Colorado, and they didn't really get a good grip against the Timbers until late in the second half.  Certainly, Keane and Donovan will be about their usual activities, and David Beckham is listed as questionable, but should see minutes.  It will be interesting to see if the supporting cast can help them step up against a tough Dallas defense.  Keeper Kevin Hartman is listed as questionable to go against the Galaxy attack, however EJ Holland's article on the Dallas injury list says he will not play, and backup Chris Seitz will get his third consecutive start.

I'm going to call this one a draw, but I want to pick the Galaxy.  I do think they'll get to Seitz, however, with Perez coming back rested and Brek Shea being, well, Brek Shea, I look for them to keep the vulnerable Galaxy defense from notching their first clean sheet of the year.  Look for 1-1 or 2-2 at full time.