MLS Viewing Guide, Week 24

It it week 24 and the MLS scheduling wizards have come up with some terrific match ups and many of the games here have playoff implications (sorry Burgundy fans).  MLS will be pushing the marquee game on Sunday (LA vs NYCFC) but I am excited for the Portland vs Houston game on Friday and the Sporting vs Columbus match on Saturday.  All in all, a great MLS footy weekend!

Here is your Week 24 MLS viewing guide:

Off this Week: New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls

Wednesday, August 19

Columbus Crew SC vs New York City FC--MAPFRE Stadium--5:30 PM MDT (MLS Live)

This one is ripe with playoff implications as both Columbus and NYCFC need this one.  The Crew have a tough two game weekend with Sporting coming into town on Saturday, so this one feels like a must win for them.  I think the Crew get it done and win late.

Sporting Kansas City vs San Jose Earthquakes--Sporting Park--6:30 PM MDT (MLS Live)

The Quakes may be riding a one game winning streak, but they beat the putrid Rapids which everyone does.  Sporting going away in this game.

Friday, August 21

Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo--Providence Park--9:00 PM MDT (UniMas)

I do like this one.  Houston will be pissed about playing so poorly at New England last weekend and Portland will be riding an emotional high after defeating RSL on the road.  I think Houston makes this one close, but Portland will win this match.

Saturday, August 22

Toronto FC vs Orlando City--BMO Field--2:00 PM MDT (MLS Live)

The match between two teams who seemed destined to play for that final playoff spot in the East.  Honestly, I do not care much for this one but I think TFC wins at home.

D.C. United vs San Jose Earthquakes--RFK Stadium--5:00 PM MDT (MLS Live)

DCU had a poor game against NYCFC last week and will want to atone for that crap fest.  Sorry to the Quakes, but they get run here.

Columbus Crew SC vs Sporting Kansas City--MAPFRE Stadium--5:30 PM MDT (MLS Live)

Game of the Week?  Perhaps.  But regardless this should be excellent soccer.  Both teams play a very nice attacking style and with Columbus at home they should have the edge.  But Sporting wins this one on the road.

Montreal Impact vs Philadelphia Union--Stade Saputo--6:00 PM MDT (MLS Live)

Man, the Union have to be feeling just terrible.  They had a win and went all Rapids and lost it late (OK, they tied, but losing a late lead at home?)  Montreal wins this game.

Chicago Fire vs Colorado Rapids--Toyota Park--6:30 PM MDT (Altitude Sports)

LOL Rapids.  Fire win.

Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders--Rio Tinto Stadium--8:00 PM MDT (MLS Live)

WOW!  Normally this would be an exciting match, but I see no way that RSL wins this one.  Seattle with a road win.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs FC Dallas--BC Place--8:00 PM MDT (MLS Live)

FCD is struggling and the Caps are reeling after blowing a sure fire signature victory.  But I think they rebound and get the W here.

Sunday, August 23

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC--StubHub Center--1:00 PM MDT (ESPN)

Stars on display in LA.  Honestly, I do not care other than it gives me something to do on Sunday.  LA win.