MLS Viewing Guide, Week 33

The Colorado Rapids are off this week, and all that means for Rapids fans is we get to go a week and utter these (nearly) unheard of words this year:

WE DID NOT LOSE THIS WEEKEND!!!!

But for the teams taking the pitch, every single game has some sort of Supporters Shield or Audi MLS Cup playoff implications.  This is going to be a terrific four days of MLS football.

The Week 33 MLS Viewing Guide:

Wednesday, October 14

Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls--5:00 PM MDT--BMO Field  (MLS Live)

For Toronto: win and you clinch your first ever playoff berth.  For New York: win and the Supporters Shield is nearly yours.  I think that TFC will clinch a playoff berth, but not on Wednesday as the Red Bulls win this one.

FC Dallas vs Vancouver Whitecaps--7:00 PM MDT--Toyota Stadium  (MLS Live)

Both of these teams have clinched a playoff berth and both can still finish in the top two (and clinch a bye).  This should mean an excellent and physical matchup for both clubs.  This should end in a tie.

Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers--7:30 PM MDT--Rio Tinto Stadium  (MLS Live)

RSL more or less has to win out to clinch a playoff berth and both Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman have been return to the claret and cobalt.  For some reason, I think RSL wins this.

Friday, October 16

Orlando City vs New York City FC--5:00 PM MDT--The Citrus Bowl  (UniMas)

New York is playing for pride and Orlando MUST win this game.  Lions victory.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Sporting Kansas City--9:00 PM MDT--Avaya Stadium  (UniMas)

San Jose MUST win this one to continue a playoff push, but SKC should be well rested and has that ability to knick points on the road.  This one should be good, but I think it ends in a draw.

Saturday, October 17

Toronto FC vs Columbus Crew SC--12:00 PM MDT--BMO Field  (MLS Live)

The Crew are a respectable road team and TFC will be looking for three points to cement their playoff credentials.  This one is a tie

New England Revolution vs Montreal Impact--5:30 PM MDT--Gillette Stadium  (MLS Live)

Depending on how the OCSC match goes, the Impact may have already clinched a playoff berth.  Regardless, they do not win this one as the Revs continue marching on.

Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas--7:30 PM MDT--Rio Tinto Stadium  (MLS Live)

RSL will need this one to have any shot at the playoffs and I think they pick up all three points against the Hoops.

Sunday, October 18

D.C. United vs Chicago Fire--12:00 PM MDT--RFK Stadium  (MLS Live)

Ugh, this matchup is the stinker of the week.  DCU has made the playoffs and Chicago just sucks.  But call this an upset....Fire win.

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union--1:00 PM MDT--Red Bull Arena  (MLS Live)

For the Red Bulls, this is all about getting closer to the Supporters Shield and home field throughout the playoffs.  This will be a win for New York.

Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders--3:00 PM MDT--BBVA Compass Stadium (ESPN)

Houston MUST win this matchup and despite how good Seattle is I think, somehow, Houston gets the win.

LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers--5:00 PM MDT--Stubhub Center  (Fox Sports 1)

The Galaxy are not going to lose at home to Portland.  Sorry Timbers.  Win for the defending champs.