Executive Editor Mike Woitalla predicts: MetroStars 2 New England 1 Miami 3 D.C. United 1 Chicago 2 Dallas 1 Kansas City 0 San Jose 2 Colorado 0 Los Angeles 3 Tampa Bay 1 Columbus 4
Previews
(All times ET) Friday, September 7, (8:00 p.m.) New England Revolution at MetroStars (Fox New England, MSG)
Did you know? With their playoff hopes dashed, New England makes the trip south to Giants Stadium playing only to stay sharp in hopes of winning the U.S. Open Cup on Oct. 27 … The MetroStars are in a battle for the fourth and fifth overall positions currently held by Los Angeles and Columbus. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Paul Tamberino; Assistant Referees: Craig Lowry (SAR), Richard Eddy (JAR)
Saturday, September 8, (4:00 p.m.) D.C. United at Miami Fusion (Telemundo) Season series: Miami leads 1-0-1 (Miami leads 4-3 in aggregate goals); All-time regular season series: United leads 6-7-1 (Series tied 28-28 in aggregate goals)
Did you know? United travels to Miami clinging to their playoff lives, while the Fusion must mount a late surge to regain the No. 1 overall seed in the postseason. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Gerry Corrie; Assistant Referees: Roger Itaya (SAR), Steven Taylor (JAR)
Saturday, September 8, (8:00 p.m.) Dallas Burn at Chicago Fire (KSTR)
Did you know? Dallas is 1-6 in five previous trips to Soldier Field during MLS regular-season play. … Having wrapped up their second consecutive Division championship last week, the Fire is looking to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs if by claiming the No. 1 seed. … At 7-2-2, the Fire are tied with Miami for the best home record in MLS. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Noel Kenny; Assistant Referees: Chip Reed (SAR), Francisco Sanchez (JAR)
Saturday, September 8 (8:30 p.m.) San Jose Earthquakes at Kansas City Wizards
Did you know? After storming through the 2000 regular season en route to MLS Cup, the Wizards stand in the eighth and final playoff spot for the MLS Cup 2001 postseason. … The Wizards will look to rebound off a disappointing 3-0 defeat at San Jose last Saturday. … With a full week to prepare, Tony Meola and company take aim at three points to ensure passage into the playoffs. … San Jose is fighting for the first division title in their history, currently leading Los Angeles by one point with three games to play. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Terry Vaughn; Assistant Referees: Steven Davidson (SAR), Richard Huber (JAR).
Saturday, September 8 (9:00 p.m.) Los Angeles Galaxy at Colorado Rapids (KCAL)
Did you know? A week after the Galaxy ended their playoff hopes, the Rapids limp home to face Los Angeles one final time this season. … The Rapids will be hoping to avoid a four-game season sweep at the hands of the Galaxy. … The Galaxy is one point behind San Jose for the division lead with three games to play. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Erich Simmons; Assistant Referees: Chris Strickland (SAR), George Gansner (JAR)
Sunday, September 9 (5:00 p.m.) Columbus Crew at Tampa Bay Mutiny (ESPN2)
Did you know? The Crew has five players in double figures in scoring, having produced between 14 and 31 points. … Columbus will continue its fight for playoff seeding against the last-place Mutiny. SCHEDULED REFEREES: Referee: Kevin Terry; Assistant Referees: Greg Barkey (SAR), Jon Wilson (JAR)
