Since August 1st, DC United and Chivas USA are a combined 14-0-2 in league play, vaulting each to the top of their respective division and 1-2 in the MLS standings. The only draws in that stretch came in the 2-2 deadlock the teams played in Carson on September 6th.
There's such a thing as peaking too early, but there's no reason to think that the squads won't meet at RFK for the MLS Cup on November 14th. DC has the easier road to the Supporters Shield, as United plays at Chicago, home vs. TFC, at Kansas City, and home vs. the Fire and Columbus to end the season. Chivas has two games at hand on DC and plays at Colorado, home vs. KC, at Chicago, at RSL, at Dallas, home vs. Colorado, and finishes at home versus division contender Houston.
Barring a late surge by Chicago or KC, the Red Bulls should qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs for the fifth straight year, and a win in Bridgeview on Saturday could go a long way to cement New York's standing as a playoff team. There's little expectation for advancement in the postseason unless the walking Red Bull wounded (Kovalenko, Altidore, Richards, Reyna) get back into form and play some inspired ball. I wouldn't bet on it.
Friday, September 14, 2007
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