MLS: Week 5 Predictions – Nathan vs. The Field

Players are returning from international break, as MLS loads up for a full Week 5. Time to look into the murky crystal ball for this week’s predictions.

Last week’s MLS shortened lineup was highlighted by convincing wins for the New York Red Bulls and the Columbus Crew, surrounded by four draws in the remaining matches. Portland finally earned a point, picking up a draw in Dallas, while the LA Galaxy traveled to Vancouver, with only 14 fit outfield players and held the Whitecaps scoreless.

With the last two MLS Champions – Toronto and Seattle – idle during week four, the table continues to have a very strange look. Both clubs sit at the bottom of their respective conferences.

Related Story: USMNT eligible youth: Analyzing MLS Western Conference options

Week 4 Results

Only six matches to pick from last weekend, so there wasn’t a lot of movement. Both Dan and I took home 20 points, which leaves the season total even.

• The Field (Dan Garza): 2 correct results = 20 points
• Nathan: 2 correct results = 20 points.

Season Total

• The Field: 160 points
• Nathan: 160 points

Week 5 Predictions

Representing the field for week five is Matt Nelson. Matt has been both a site expert and a contributor here at MLS Multiplex in the past. He is also a fellow Sounders fan, so make sure to give him a follow at @MattSoccerTalk. It’s all level once again, so let’s see if we can create some separation with a few upsets.

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• Real Salt Lake at Toronto FC
  • Nathan: Toronto 2-1. RSL have the attack to get a road victory at TFC, but even with the CCL looming, this side will want a home victory for momentum heading into leg one against Club America.
  • Matt: 1-1 Draw. The defending champs will rest a handful of players ahead of this weeks CCL match against Club America and RSL will take advantage of it by stealing a point on the road.
• New York Red Bulls at Orlando City
  • Nathan: 1-1 Draw. The Red Bulls train and Orlando’s struggles say easy prediction. Well this MLS, so expect the opposite.
  • Matt: Red Bulls 2-1. Orlando’s struggles are going to continue while New York’s youngsters will show up big once again as they rest players ahead of next week’s CCL matches.
• Vancouver Whitecaps at Columbus Crew
  • Nathan: Columbus 2-1. Twitter may be talking about the Crew’s crowd again early in the match, but Zardes and company are putting together a strong start to the season.
  • Matt: Columbus 2-0. Gyasi Zardes will score two goals against a Vancouver side who will fail to score for the second week in a row.
• LA FC at LA Galaxy
  • Nathan: LAFC 2-1. Injuries and international fatigue will limit the on-field fireworks, but the spectacle will be there nonetheless. Rossi is the star again, even if everyone is looking for Zlatan. Circle July 26th, when the clubs meet again at the new Banc of California Stadium.
  • Matt: LAFC 1-0. It will be a close match but a late Zlatan appearance still won’t see the Galaxy score against their new rivals as LAFC win their third match on the run.
• Portland Timbers at Chicago Fire
  • Nathan: Chicago 2-1. These defenses are letting in over 2.5 goals a game. The Fire need a home result and the Timbers still look out of sort under Savarese.
  • Matt: Chicago 2-0. Nikolic will grab two goals against a lackluster Timbers side who won’t be able to score on the road.
• Atlanta United at Minnesota United
  • Nathan: Atlanta 2-1. Expansion brothers meet once again. But expect the same result to last year’s snow debut for this rivalry.
  • Matt:  Atlanta 3-1. Josef Martinez will grab another goal against Minnesota, while Ramirez picks up his first of the season.
• New York City FC at San Jose Earthquakes
  • Nathan: NYCFC 2-0. The Quakes have found goals this season, but NYCFC’s defense is improved. They had only allowed 1 goals in 3 matches before last week, plus they should get David Villa back for Saturday.
  • Matt: 1-1 Draw. David Villa will grab a late equalizer to pick up a point on the road.
• New England Revolution at Houston Dynamo
  • Nathan: Houston 2-0. Both clubs are better at home, and the Revs defense won’t be able to contain the Dynamo attack for 90.
  • Matt: Houston 3-2. It will be a wild game but the Dynamo will get back to winning ways at home.
• DC United at Sporting Kansas City
  • Nathan: Sporting KC 2-1. Both clubs have already let in nine goals this season, so it should be an entertaining match for the neutral.
  • Matt: Sporting KC 3-0. Gutierrez keeps his hot form for SKC and DC United will continue their road struggles.
• Philadelphia Union at Colorado Rapids
  • Nathan: 1-1 Draw.
  • Matt: Colorado 1-0. Tim Howard will get his first clean sheet of the season as the Union loses their first match of the year.
• Montreal Impact at Seattle Sounders
  • Nathan: 1-1 Draw. No Dempsey or Morris, with Nico still recovering, the Sounders struggle to find goals but are able to pick up the first point of the season at home.
  • Matt: Seattle 2-1. Montreal will grab the first goal but Seattle will pick up their first win of the season with two second-half goals.

Next: New England Revolution: Where do star outcasts fit into lineup?

Eleven matches crammed into Saturday. Matt and I differ on five games, and an additional six scorelines. Thus we should see a swing in the season standings one way or another. Think you can correctly pick MLS matchday five? Then send us your thoughts on Twitter @NateByNorthwest and @MattSoccerTalk.