New York – RSL: With both of these teams at 35 points, the best result would be a tie.  However, with this being the first game in RSL’s new stadium, I would be surprised if they don’t come out pumped up and get a win from this one.

New England – KC: It would be nice if New England bury one of our competitors in the East.

Toronto – Dallas: We badly need Toronto to win this one, both because of the standings and to kill Dallas’ momentum.

Columbus – Chicago: Take a breather and ignore this one.  Doesn’t matter to us. 

D.C. – Houston: Houston is secure with their playoff spot, so let’s hope they do us a favor and beat D.C.

Colorado – L.A.: Ugh.  Stuck in a situation where we actually have to go for a Galaxy win.  I can’t quite bring myself to it though and would settle for a draw here. 

Here’s what the table would look like if all the results went our way (with a game in hand):

Houston 46

Chivas 39

RSL 36

Colorado 35

Dallas 34

Quakes 33

Scum 30

And the wildcard race would look like this (let’s say a Col-Chi tie):

Columbus 54

New England 46

Houston 46

Chicago 43

RSL 36

New York 36

Colorado 35

Dallas 34

————————————–

Toronto 34

Quakes 33

KC 33

D.C. 33

Scum 30

In a blog a couple of weeks ago, I tried to predict which Western team might go on a run, little did I know that all of them would!    We definitely need some help this weekend.  Here’s your supporter’s guide to this weekend’s games:

L.A. – Columbus: Worst versus first.  Give  ‘em hell Crew!

Chivas – D.C. United: Some might hope for a draw to hedge our bets on either a western berth or wildcard.  I say go for a D.C. win, because we are playing Chivas soon and need to maximize the impact of that game.

Toronto – New York: With Toronto posing no threat, back them to beat the Bulls.

RSL – New England: Surely RSL can’t pull off a big road win two weeks in a row.  We need the Revs to sink this ship.

Houston – Colorado: With Houston safe in the first spot and no threat to our playoff chances, let’s hope they can pick up a road win against the Rapids. 

Chicago – Kansas City: Chicago looks safe in that third spot while K.C. is fighting for a wildcard berth.  Let’s go Fire!

Here’s what the standings would look like if all the results went our way:

Houston 43

Chivas 36

Colorado 34

RSL 34

Dallas 33

Quakes 32

L.A. 29

Which leaves us only two points out of the third spot with a game in hand.  At this point, destiny is still in our hands, but only if we can win at least three or four out of the last five games. 

What are the keys to winning tonight’s game?  Be physical!  It seems like teams have found the Quakes’ weakness: we lack physicality and can get pushed and roughed out of a game (see Houston and Salt Lake).  We also have a lack of height, which together with the lack of physicality means that we are best when we keep the ball on the ground.  The problem right now is that having Corrales in the middle would help us weather what’s thrown at us in the midfield, while Grabavoy tends to get lost and dominated way too easily.  I would like to see Johnson, who is one of our most physical players, get the start or at least a hefty amount of minutes.  Keep the ball on the ground, but play with real drive, direction, and pace, because the Dallas players are not going to allow a lot of time on the ball.  Finally, defensive shape and concentration is key.  It’s obvious that our backline doesn’t have enough pace to catch up to long balls over the top when they’re out of position.  We need Garcia and Hernandez in the center, who as a pair seem to be better organized and composed. 

This reminds me of another late season game in Dallas for a playoff spot (except on that occasion it was the last game of the season), anyone remember that one?

Let’s go Quakes!

Houston – Toronto: Houston are on top, and Toronto are basically out of the playoffs, so this game doesn’t mean much for us.  But hey, I’ll go for a Toronto win anyway to put a dent in Houston’s confidence. 

Colorado – New York: In keeping with our strategy of aiming for the 3rd west spot, let’s go for a New York win.

Columbus – New England: Doesn’t matter in the slightest.  Pick your favorite or ignore it.

Kansas City – Chivas: Go Wiz!

D.C. United – Dallas: Do the business, D.C.

Here’s what the table will look like if all the results go our way, including a San Jose win:

Houston   39

Chivas      33

Quakes     32

Colorado   31

RSL            31

Dallas        30

Scum          29

Here’s what it would like if all the results go against us, including a Quakes loss:

Houston      42

Chivas         35

Colorado     33

RSL              33

Dallas          32

Scum            29

Quakes         29

No pressure.

First things first, Saturday’s game against the Dynamo in Houston has been postponed until October 15 due to Ike.  This should give the Quakes some extra rest after a very physical and bruising game last Saturday (though they’ll have to make it up with a Sat-Wed-Sat marathon later on, with the Wed being the rescheduled game).  On one hand, this break might mess up their rhythm, but on the other hand, the Quakes seem to be tiring a bit, so all in all, it looks to be a fortunate turn of events.

Ok, now for the upcoming games:

New York – Columbus (Thurs): Not vitally important, because realistically we don’t have a chance at a wildcard spot, but let’s go for a Columbus win just in case.

Toronto – Kansas City: Battle of the East basement dwellers.  A tie is the best result just to keep them down.

New England – Colorado: Let’s hope the Rapids aren’t about to go on a run.  We need the Revs to go to Dick’s and beat them. 

Chivas – Real Salt Lake: A draw would be ideal, as it would keep both teams within 3 points. 

D.C. – L.A.: Again we should really be hoping for a draw, but again, I’m hoping D.C. torch the Scum.

Dallas – Chicago: Take ‘em down, Fire. 

We should come out of this weekend with a better idea of what we need to get out of the last few games, which will be good motivation for the absolutely vital match-up against Salt Lake on the 27th.  I will probably say it a million times from now until then, but that game is absolutely vital.  We must win. 

For Quakes fans, you can take the weekend off, watch LA’s incredible winless streak continue, have a tailgate at home, sing Quakes songs in the comfort of your home or whatever else makes you happy.  I will be using the opportunity to wake up early (once again) and watch Newcastle lose (once again).  Why do I do this to myself?  I just don’t know.