It certainly seems like ages since we lost got a chance to take in a full slate of MLS action. That all changes today, as an early Friday matchup kicks off a holiday weekend that will feature all but three teams in action.

The past week has been an up and down one for a handful of MLS clubs, with Columbus, Chivas, New England, and Chicago getting knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night. And while this development could jump-start another round of MLS vs. USL, the bigger question is whether or not MLS coaches take the competition seriously. That’s a debate that could drag on for hours–so let’s switch gears back towards this weekend.

Maybe the bigger debate coaches would rather face is the timing of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With the biennial regional tournament scheduled to kickoff Friday, some 32 players (not including late additions) will miss anywhere from two to four weeks of action. As previously discussed this month of July will certainly dictate the fate of several clubs aspiring to make a run at the playoffs and a shot at the MLS Cup.

A point mentioned last week to expand upon–will MLS capitalize in anyway off the recent success of the U.S. Men’s National Team? Despite their inability to hold a 2-0 lead, the dramatic run garnered the attention of nation’s major sport outlets. Expecting that to translate to success at the ticket office is a bit rash, but it would make sense for the front office of any MLS club to try take advantage of soccer’s sudden rise.

Friday, July 3

San Jose at Real Salt Lake — 10:00 PM (Direct Kick)

A first look at this matchup and the initial favorite would have to be Real Salt Lake. Their 4-1-2 home record is something of a bragging point, but a closer look at RSL’s roster reveals major concerns. With the Gold Cup already claiming regulars Kyle Beckerman and Will Johnson, injuries bring the availability of Javier Morales and Robbie Findley into doubt. The onus will then be on Yura Movsisyan and his recent hot form to carry their side over a hurting Quakes side. San Jose needs a healthy Darren Huckerby, and reports that he’s still struggling with a quad injury is a cause for concern. Ultimately, the home crowd along with Movsisyan and Clint Mathis should be enough to carry the home side to three points.

Saturday, July 4

D.C. United at Columbus Crew — 7:00 PM (ESPN2, Deportes)

Revenge is a dish best served cold—or so the saying goes. That’s what could be on United’s mind Saturday, as they return to the scene of their 2008 undoing. Despite a uninspiring season, they traveled to Columbus for their last game of the year when a win would have taken them into the MLS playoffs. 2009 has been a different year for them, with the rookie duo of Chris Pontius and Rodney Wallace helping to breathe life anew into the Black-and-Red. The Gold Cup factor balances out in this one, as United misses starting centerback Dejan Jakovic and attacker Santino Quaranta, while the Crew must find a way without Robbie Rogers and Chad Marshall. It’s somewhat of a push when it comes to that, but I’d favor the side with the current Golden Boot leader and last year’s MVP.

Chicago at Colorado — 9:00 PM (Direct Kick)

With Omar Cummings heading out the door right when Conor Casey returns, Colorado’s strike-force is tested once again. There’s no break for the Rapids, who host the Fire, one of the best team’s on the road. While Chicago’s success away from Toyota Park is well-documented, it’s their home form that currently holds them back in the standings. Newcomer Pat Noonan will need to fit in faster than he has been, with the loss of Cummings. Chicago must be itching to get back out there and put an end to their three game losing streak. That being said, the Fire haven’t won in Colorado in ten years, though now might be their best chance to do it, even with starting keeper Jon Busch on Gold Cup duty.

New York at FC Dallas — 9:00 PM (Direct Kick)

Here’s an interesting matchup: two teams with little hope of making a playoff run facing off out in Frisco. The New York Red Bull, have been atrocious this season, and there’s little reason to believe they can turn this thing around. FC Dallas, on the other hand, has shown signs of life, but they’ll have to go on a little run without the services of Kenny Cooper. Young players like Dax McCarty and Drew Moor have begun to show glimpses of hope, and with a little more work in this season could key a turnaround. In order for New York to have a chance of any success on the road, Juan Pablo Angel and Macoumba Kandji must be healthy.

Houston at Kansas City — 9:00 PM (Direct Kick)

The unbeaten streak ended last week for Houston, so they’ve surely been anxious to get back out there and start anew. Both of these sides are among the hardest hit MLS sides, as a total of six players will most out on this fixture. Jimmy Conrad and Davy Arnaud are the two big losses for KC, while Brian Ching and Stuart Holden are in Seattle. The Wizards will be hard-pressed to cope with the loss of Conrad, one of the best defenders in the league, not to mention a source of veteran leadership in a young backline. Both sides will have to work hard to fill in the gaps departing players will leave.

New England at Los Angeles — 11:00 PM (Fox Soccer Channel)

What else is new with Steve Nicol’s side? Reeling from injury, as is the norm for 2009, the Revolution head into LA where they’ll face a Galaxy side hoping to build momentum after a gritty, 1-0 win against Houston. The return of Landon Donovan should be a boost, though it’ll be interesting to see what kind of energy he can bring after what was surely a draining trip to South Africa. Despite the loss of Donovan Ricketts, the Galaxy should be ok in this one. New England has seven people listed on their injury report, none better than quesitonable. And with the names on the list reading Steve Ralston, Shalrie Joseph, and Taylor Twellman, it’s no wonder why Nicol went out to get help—even if the help is a 34-year-old striker out of Lithuania.

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