and I imagine BMO Field would rock pretty hard for a playoff match -- this is a must-win.
4. Sept. 22, New England at New York. The Red Bulls have gone two consecutive home games without scoring a goal, and not for lack of creating chances. You've got to believe they'll straighten that out in August, which will set up this match as a huge one for both clubs. When I think of New England and the MetroStars/Red Bulls, I think of a 5-4 Metro win at the end of 2005. It is etched in my mind as one of the most thrilling MLS games I've ever seen, with Youri Djorkaeff scoring an amazing winner late in the match. Revs-Bulls has become a good rivalry.
3. Sept. 29, Chicago at Chivas USA. Chivas USA have been nearly perfect (6-0-1) so far at The Home Depot Center. If they want to set themselves up for home-field advantage come playoff time, they're going to have to continue that trend with games like this late-September clash with the Fire. This game also looms as interesting as you wonder how Cuauhtemoc Blanco will be treated by the Chivas fans. For that matter, how many Blanco fans will show up to see No. 10?
2. Oct. 7, Los Angeles at Houston. This is the game where, I believe, Dynamo will have a chance to put an end to BeckhamMania I. If Houston cannot get the job done, see below:
1. Oct. 13, Toronto at Los Angeles. Here is the Galaxy's final home game of the season. Will Hollywood still be showing up at The Home Depot Center to watch Becks? Or will the hardcore, old-school L.A. fans be all that's left to watch the Galaxy try to avoid missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Since I consider myself to be hardcore and old school, I'm way more compelled by the storyline that evolves on the field with Beckham, Landon Donovan and Co. than what is happening on the red carpet. So, for that reason alone, I've got this game circled on my calendar.
Jeff Bradley is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. Send your comments and complaints (200 words or less, please) to Jeff at jbradleyespn2003@yahoo.com and he promises to read (but not respond to) all of them. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com.
