Can the MLS maintain the publicity and boost brought by the midweek win of the U.S. Men’s National Team?

After a win many are lauding as one of the greatest in U.S. soccer history, MLS certainly has a tough act to follow, compounded further by an emptier schedule. Capitalizing on the new-found popularity is essential, as they have a chance to bring in an audience that might not last through this weekend.

The sparse number of games might hinder that effort. Of course, that can be attributed to the final round of SuperLiga matches, as the three-year-old competition enters its final stages.

It’s also the last weekend before international duty impacts the league even more. At the moment, only five MLS regulars are in South Africa—and they’ll return after Sunday’s final. However, with the Gold Cup getting underway in just a week, an even larger player exodus is about to begin; one that will test the depth of most team’s in the league as key players head out for the CONCACAF competition. And it’s not only the U.S. players getting called up, but also players from the likes of Canada and Jamaica. With the tournament set to go on for the month of July, it will be a make or break stretch of the year for some of these clubs.

But that’s to be considered later on. Most imminent is the Toronto’s opportunity to take first place from dormant D.C. United. Or perhaps New York turning around their abysmal season, a point that has been brought up every on a weekly basis, yet hasn’t come close to fruition. The halfway point of the season is almost upon us, and if you haven’t tuned in before, there are some notable matchups to take in.

Saturday, June 26

New York at Columbus — 7:30 PM (Fox Soccer Channel)

The New York faithful must be wondering why Juan Carlos Osorio remains employed. Over the last year and a half, the Red Bulls have failed to win away from home on 21 consecutive occasions. This includes a 0-8-1 record on the road, with one goal scored against 16 conceded. Is there any way that trend reverses itself this week? The chances are few, given that Juan Pablo Angel, Macoumba Kandji, and Albert Celades are all listed as questionable. If any combination of those players miss out, New York’s chances are sitting at a little more than zero. The few bright spots in this abysmal season have included the solid play of Danny Cepero and the revelation of Nick Zimmerman in the midfield. The Crew head into this game proving that slow starts can be overcome, as they sit just four points out of first place in the Eastern Conference. The goal-scoring prowess of Guillermo Barros Schelotto has been a tremendous boost, as the leading assist-man from last season has swapped his passing boots for his scoring ones. Injury issues seem to be a thing of the past, as Frankie Hejduk and Will Hesmer could be ready to return. It’s likely to be another tough road game for the Red Bull, as the championship matchup of 2008 certainly lacks the luster of a year before.

Toronto FC at Real Salt Lake — 9:30 PM (MLS Direct Kick)

An important road test for Toronto, heading out to Sandy, Utah to face a Real Salt Lake struggling to stay afloat in the West. It’s been a uneven path for RSL, as they’ve struggled to remain consistent through the 2009 season. They’ve maintained a solid home record—3-1-2 at lovely Rio Tinto—and even managed to win one on the road against Los Angeles. But it’s been moments of frustration from the likes of Jamison Olave, who has developed a knack for red cards that must surely infuriate Jason Kreis. Javier Morales remains the key cog in the midfield, and linking up well with Clint Mathis and Kyle Beckerman is a must. For Toronto, a mid-week win against the Red Bull could leave them a bit tired, but they’ll surely be fired up with first place in their sights. Pablo Vitti managed to secure that elusive first goal in MLS, and TFC faithful will be hoping for that to cue something in the Argentinian’s mind to help him find the back of the net. The debut of new signing Ali Gerba will have to wait until after the Gold Cup, but the addition of a new striker is no doubt a signal to Vitti and Chad Barrett to either produce or get out.

Sunday, June 28

Colorado at Seattle — 4:00 PM (MLS Direct Kick)

Another party out in Seattle on Sunday, one that will most likely take precedence over the USMNT first-ever apperance in a FIFA final for Sounders faithful. While the Sounders have come down quite a bit from their exceptional start, they remain a genuine playoff contender, even more so as Fredy Montero heats up and learns to work with Freddie Ljungberg. It’s not just about the Fredy/Freddie combination, however, as the defense has proved to be a bit leaky as of late. The surging Rapids come into town, fresh off a late equalizer at Dallas from Omar Cummings are just a point behind the Sounders. Gary Clark has his charges working well in the absence of Conor Casey, with the acquisition of Pat Noonan likely to boost their attack. Cummings will need to be as dangerous as ever in order for Colorado to have any kind of a chance in this one.

Houston at Los Angeles — 10:00 (ESPN2, Deportes)

The hottest team in the league travels to the Home Depot Center, hoping to inflict some more damage into a floundering Galaxy side. Without Landon Donovan, the last few weeks have been hardly a joy-ride. Bruce Arena must have silently cursed the developments in South Africa, as it not only threatens the 2009 season for the Galaxy, but also the chances of keeping Donovan in a LA uniform. They face a Dynamo side that has catipulted itself to the top of the league, all without the services of Brian Ching. While Ching has made a full recovery, he does so in time to join up for Gold Cup duties. Cam Weaver has indicated that he’ll do a more-than-adequate job of replacing the Hawaiian while he’s gone. The bigger question will be replacing Stuart Holden, another key leader of the Dynamo’s strong play. That won’t be holding them back against the Galaxy, a team they should have success against on the road.

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