Preview of Game 27 - DC United vs Toronto FC

DC United welcomes Toronto FC to RFK stadium this weekend looking to further solidify their claim on the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and the Supporter's Shield. United are on a ten game MLS regular season unbeaten streak (8-2-0, W-D-L) They are also unbeaten at home since April. United's home record is 9-2-1 and they have a +13 goal differential. DC are currently in 1st place in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of New England. DC United also leads the Supporter's Shield race, three points clear of Chivas USA who holds a game in hand.

Toronto FC, not to put too fine a point on it, have been playing the worst soccer in MLS over the last ten weeks. Their league record 824 minute scoreless streak ended in their last game, a 2-1 loss to Columbus. TFC are a horrible road team, with a 1-4-7 record and a -18 goal differential. Toronto is winless since July 4th (0-4-8, -16) and is in last place in the Eastern Conference, twenty-nine points behind DC United. They are also in last place in the Supporter's Shield race.

Entering this weekend, United hold their destiny in their hands. Win out, and they receive all the regular season accolades possible. This weekend Chivas hosts Chicago and New England hosts Colorado. Chicago and Colorado are desperate for points as they are both looking for one of the last playoff spots. Toronto, while mathematically alive, is out of the hunt being eleven points back with four games to play. I expect United to play the same roster they used against CD Guadalajara, Emilio, Morerno, Fred, Gomez, Olsen, Simms, Burch, Vanney, McTavish, Namoff, and Perkins. I also expect the top subs to remain Gros, Carroll, and Boswell.

Predictions:

DC United 3:0 Toronto FC
Chivas USA 2:2 Chicago Fire
New England Revolution 2:1 Colorado Rapids