MLS Viewing Guide, Week 31

With a mere four weeks left in the 2015 Major League Soccer season only one team has booked their place (the Metros) in the playoffs and most teams still have a realistic shot at making it.  There are many terrific games this weekend and, of course, the Rocky Mountain Cup will be decided.

All in All, a great weekend for Major League Soccer

Friday, October 2

D.C. United vs New York City FC--RKF Stadium--5:00 PM MDT  (UniMas)

Seven weeks ago DC United was top of the table in the Eastern Conference.  Since that point they have gone 0-5-1 and have fallen to fourth in the East and could be in sixth by the end of the weekend.  To call this a must win for United is a remarkable understatement and they are playing a NYCFC team that have won three in a row to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.  I think this one ends in a draw

Saturday, October 3

Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union--BMO Field--3:00 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

I kind of feel bad for the Union.  They had everything going for them on Wednesday night in the US Open Cup final, but ultimately they fell in PK's to Sporting.  Emotionally I think they are going to be spent when they take the pitch in Toronto, but they will find an extra gear and grab a late equalizer at BMO for the draw

New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew SC--Red Bull Arena--5:00 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

The Metros and the Crew will be very disappointed after some poor showings last weekend.  Although both of these teams will make the playoffs (the Metros have clinched), both still have a great shot at the top two in the East which means a first round bye.  I have to think that the Red Bulls will figure this out and grab the win.

Orlando City vs Montreal Impact--The Citrus Bowl--5:30 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

Another must win game in the Eastern Conference and in this case it is for the Lions.  Orlando City trails the Impact by four points and have played two more games then the Impact.  The margin for error is nil for OCSC so they must win this one.  Orlando City win.

Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution--Toyota Park--6:30 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

The Revs are still in line to take the top spot in the East and they have taken a dip in form with a 0-1-1 run over their last two.  I think this is a bit of a trap game and Chicago is due for a win to break their losing streak (five in a row).  I think Chicago pulls an upset and wins.

Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City--Providence Park--8:30 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

Fifth vs Sixth.  One point separating these two clubs.  And with teams below them in the table trying to grab that sixth spot, both Sporting and the Timbers are going to want this one.  I don't have a good reason for this, but I think Sporting wins this match and.....

San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps--Avaya Stadium--8:30 PM MDT  (MLS Live)

.....this will allow the Quakes to take over the sixth spot when they beat the Caps.

Sunday, October 4

FC Dallas vs Houston Dynamo--Toyota Stadium--3:00 PM MDT  (ESPN2)

I know that everyone is so pumped for FC Dallas and everything that they can bring to the playoffs, but FC Dallas have lost five of their last eight.  And the Dynamo have won two in a row and will need this one to keep their playoff hopes alive.  This is a draw.

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake--Dick's Sporting Goods Park--5:00 PM MDT  (Fox Sports1)

Emotion tells me that the Rapids grab a result and take the Rocky Mountain Cup.  But logic says that Real Salt Lake wins this match and keeps the RMC.

Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy--Century Like Field--7:30 PM MDT  (Fox Sports1)

Western Conference Finals preview?  Probably.  The Galaxy have a had a hell of a time of the road and they will find this one tough sledding in a loss to the Sounders.