Match Previews: MLS Week 5

After the chaos of the international break in Week 4; it should be business as usual for most of the teams this weekend. Hopefully, all the games will have at least one shot on target. We’re looking at you Seattle and Dallas.

Teams not in action this week include New York City and New York Red Bulls, as well as the Montreal Impact.

So, here is the information you need to know about the upcoming games. All kickoff times ET.

Friday April 3

Orlando City vs D.C United (7:00 pm)

First off, no, the field will not be purple. Orlando joined in the April Fools Day fun on Wednesday and the club circulated a story that the Citrus Bowl field would be completely purple for the game against D.C United. The field however will have Brek Shea and a number of other Orlando players who missed last, week back in action. DC are waiting to see how Luis Silva’s fitness holds, and he could make his first appearance of the campaign. Kaka could play for Orlando despite some calf trouble in the week. Orlando should win this one with a slightly more replenished squad and the inconsistency in this D.C side.

Saturday April 4

Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC (3:00 pm)

The Fire could hand a start to Accam; as the Ghanaian is back from international duty. For Toronto, they welcome back Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley from the USMNT as they hope to beat 8th placed Chicago. Toronto are only one place above their opponents – making this game seem more evenly matched than first thought. Toronto are missing Steven Caldwell among others, possibly leaving a defensive gap for the Fire to capitalize on.

Colorado Rapids vs New England Revolution (7:00 pm)

The Rapids STILL have not scored. But, at the same time have not conceded either. The Rev’s on the other hand have conceded 6, but will feel less threatened by this Rapids attack. The Rev’s still have Jermaine Jones sidelined, but could welcome back Teal Bunbury. Therefore it is very much a strong defense against a weak one, but the Rev’s can counter their weak defense with more firepower in attack than the Rapids can muster, who are still waiting for Kevin Doyle’s arrival to provide reinforcements.

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo (10:00 pm)

After a dismal 0-0 draw with FC Dallas, the Sounders will want to make amends and hit some goals. The Dynamo also come into this game off the back of a 0-0 draw; so judging by last week, goals will be hard to come by. They have no injuries to report, so a full-strength side gives them an advantage over the Sounders, who were missing Alonso, Dempsey and Martins last week with injuries and are awaiting news on when they will be back in action. Never write off Seattle though, so this one remains tough to call.

More from Chicago Fire

Vancouver Whitecaps vs LA Galaxy (10:00 pm)

The Galaxy continue with life without Landon Donovan, but welcome back Robbie Keane from international duty with the Republic of Ireland. The Whitecaps sit second in the Western Conference with three straight wins since losing their opening game against Toronto FC. Arguably the most exciting game of the weekend, as the Whitecaps look to stop the defending champions climb the table, and at least keep Bruce Arena’s side on just the one win for another week.

Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas (10:30 pm)

The Timbers look to assert themselves going forward, having yet to win a game and registering 3 draws, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference. FC Dallas meanwhile sit top of the Western Conference and see this game as another opportunity to consolidate that position. Jack Jewsbury is reported as questionable with concussion making the task tougher for Portland, who are still without Will Johnson. If FC Dallas don’t win this, they will be seriously asking themselves why they did not.

Sunday April 5

San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake (5:00 pm)

Real Salt Lake beat Toronto FC last week, and travel to the brand new Avaya Stadium to face the Earthquakes. After winning their first home game; the Earthquakes will look to do the same in their second home game. Both teams are in the top half of the table and are actually next to each other in the table too, making it a close one to call. The Earthquakes have the home advantage which could be an important factor in getting the win over Salt Lake.

Sporting Kansas City vs Philadelphia Union (7:00 pm)

The Union sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with just 2 points. Kansas on the other hand come into this game after breaking New York City’s unbeaten start to the season. They could miss key player Zusi, who missed some training sessions this week due to an injury problem, the home side should be taking the 3 points in this one against a very weak Union side.

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