What to Watch For: MLS Week 7 Preview

Here are the five burning questions that will be answered this week in MLS Action:

1. Can Toronto Maintain Home Supremacy?
After an impressive performance by TFC (Backed by a doubly impressive and energetic home crowd), the onus is on the Canucks to build on this newly gained momentum. They have the good fortune of hosting two games this week, although their opponents, Houston and D.C. United respectively, will be on the offensive and will test an admittedly weak defensive backline. With Dichio out for one game and De Rosario back in Canada, I see Houston snatching the three points. Toronto recovers later in the week to tie D.C. United.

2. Will the Real L.A. Galaxy Please Stand Up, Please Stand Up?
Landon Donovan is THE best player in MLS. Easily. And unfortunately, all the burden will be on him this week to perform in the second "superclasico" of the season against Chivas USA. The Galaxy have been plagued by inconsistency all season but if they can build on the success from the Open Cup victory against New York, this team has the potential of doing serious damage in a fairly competitive West division. I think the Gals get it done and paste three on the Goats, 3-1 for the final.

3. Can the Red Bulls Right the Ship?
If the Red Bulls defense was a ship, they'd be entering Titanic mode right about now. They've let in seven goals in their past three games, a tally that is simply unacceptable for a team hoping to contend for a championship. They face a scrappy Columbus team that won't threaten for many goals but will force the Red Bulls to attack with everything they got - which may potentially leave them open in the back. Look for Arena to make some lineup changes (Regan, you're back on the bench where you belong) and Juan Pablo Angel to open up his regular season scoring account. Red Bulls win it 2-1.

4. Will Twellman Be Stopped?
Playing like a man on a mission (And perhaps fighting desperately for a spot in CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer), Twellman leads the league in goals and has led his team to first place in all of MLS. However, they're playing a Dynamo team that's finally starting to gel, so I don't see the Revs getting much away from home. They'll lose this game 2-1, but don't be surprised if Twellman still manages to get on the scoresheet.

5. And Finally, Will Real Salt Lake Win a Game?
Unfortunately Utah fans, I don't see it happening this week either. Dallas is being led by a youth movement right now, as Toja, Ramon Nunez, and Richetti are all playing phenomenal football right (Carlos Ruiz, who?) And if Kenny Cooper has truly found his scoring touch, this may be a slaughter. 3-1 Dallas.

Other scores:

Away - Home
FC Dallas 1 - 1 Chicago Fire
Kansas City Wizards 2 - 1 Colorado Rapids

Players of the Week:
Landon Donovan, Dwayne De Rosario, Ramon Nunez