It’s been a long World Cup break for MLS Dispatch, as many of our writers pulled double duty during the festivities. Pick Em is back from a month-long hiatus to dissect and predict the showdown between D.C. United and Chivas USA. DC United has shown a complete turnaround from last season’s dismal last-place finish; they have already eclipsed last years wins, goal scoring, and points total and sit five points atop the Eastern Conference standings. Chivas USA are on a tear in the West, winning their last four and looking to continue their climb up the standings against one of the best defenses in MLS. Will Torres continue to show us his individual talents and lead Chivas to a fifth straight win, or will DC’s defense and midfield dominate the day? Our writers share their predictions for an exciting match-up between these two underdog clubs.
Chivas USA vs D.C. United
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Roger Cleaves (@TheCleavesiest) –
Two teams on amazing win streaks will meet in RFK Stadium on Monday, but only one will come out on top. The key to this match will be Eddie Johnson, and if he can get hot he could easily slot home a few goals to keep the United run going. Chivas USA have a secret weapon in Erick Torres, but their defense is still a little questionable. Look for D.C. United to come out swinging and for Chris Rolfe to pick apart the opponents.
Prediction: 2-1 United
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Eric Walcott (@ericwalcott) –
I have no idea how D.C. United keep winning. Eddie Johnson isn’t scoring and Fabian Espindola is injured, yet they keep pulling out the results. I know exactly how Chivas USA is winning. Cubo Torres is amazing, and right now he’s one of the few players in MLS that makes me tune in just for the individual performance. Torres has scored 5 games in a row to lead Chivas to a 5 game unbeaten streak. Chivas USA has beaten Real Salt Lake and Vancouver in the last 4 weeks, as well as San Jose and Montreal (whom United have also beaten). With the exception of a 3-1 win against Vancouver last weekend, Chivas has mostly been snatching 1-0 wins on goals from Cubo.
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