The Western Conferences Could get Tight this Weekend

Well, the mid-week matches were a bit less than spectacular but they did make the rankings somewhat more interesting. If LA can pull it together this weekend and take advantage of KC's slump, they can pull within three points of the Western conference leaders. The tough part is that they are going to have to do it in KC and face the probable return of Miklos Molnar to the Wizards line up. Another problem for LA is that they have not exactly been on fire as of late. Although KC was held scoreless on Wednesday, LA gained a 1-1 tie against Chicago after being awarded a penalty kick. I would look for the Wizards to regain their winning ways in this match.

As one of the two teams to have Wednesday off, Colorado's worn-down lineup was happy to have the rest. It had better have been a good rest because the Metrostars are coming to town. The Metros have been playing well lately, but they gave away the win to struggle to a 2-2 tie against DC on Wednesday. The Rapids have been playing well at home and now have Andres Limpar back in their lineup as a playmaker. Adin Brown has been playing very well in goal and the defense is healthy again. I would look for the Rapids to pull out a close one or earn a tie.

Dallas has not played really well this year on the road, but they did hold KC to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday. Jason Kreis and Ariel Graziani had been playing very well together until the match against KC. I would look for them to pull it back together for Saturday. DC has been a hot and cold team. Jaime Moreno and Marco Etcheverry played well in the second half of the match against Metros. Raul Diaz Arce was held scoreless, but you don't keep him down long. Look for this to be a close one.

Wednesday was a different night and a different town. It may seem a oddity, but Miami did well in Tampa, but can they do the same at home? I would expect the Mutiny to learn from Wednesday match and make adjustments. I think Miami has the momentum, but they have had problems with consistency. Serna and Welton are starting to click, but Diallo has the ability to turn that score around.

The other team with a break on Wednesday was Columbus. The Crew will be hosting the New England Revolution Saturday, but they will do it without Brian McBride. McBride suffered a broken cheekbone last Saturday in a collision with Colorado's Paul Bravo. He will be at for at least 4 weeks. This will be a tough time for them to be without McBride. The Revs have been playing well enough though their record may not show it. They battled back to a 2-2 draw against San Jose who has been tough to beat at home. I would look for New England to pull out a squeaker.

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