Five-a-side: the questions I want answered today in Major League Soccer

1. Will Montreal win a game?

Obviously, the expansion Impact, currently winless in five, will collect a “W” here and there this year. This looks like a great place to start. Toronto is reeling, having just been dumped like a cheating spouse in Champions League. It’s best player, Torsten Frings, remains on the injury shelf. The team traveled across North American on Thursday following Wednesday’s night beat down in Torreon, Mexico, so the physical condition of Aron Winter’s men can hardly be tip-top. This is one Montreal surely has circled, and not just because of its budding-rivalry status.

2. Will David Beckham’s absence somehow help the Galaxy shakes it funk?

Manager Bruce Arena can bang on all he wants about how Beckham’s halftime removal last week was tactical, and how he could have changed out all 11 players. But it’s difficult to conceive of how the Galaxy couldn’t have tweaked things tactically in a way that involved its captain and top player. So, clearly Arena wasn’t happy with something he saw in the first half of last week’s loss. Will Los Angeles, somehow, see improvement today against Sporting Kansas City without Beckham in the lineup?

3. Is Bobby Convey fitting at Sporting Kansas City?

Things are going so well for Peter Vermes’ side at the moment, there’s really no pressing need to ask a bunch of questions. On the other hand, every team needs to be the best it can be, so it’s fair to begin wondering if the former San Jose Earthquake can make a dent or even keep his place. While Graham Zusi keeps running the SKC attack with aplomb, Convey continues to seek his first goal or assist after four starts.

4. Will the Brandon McDonald suspension disrupt D.C. United’s momentum?

The center back’s suspension, announced in mid-week as retroactive action for a reckless tackle against FC Dallas, was a bit of a buzz kill. But will it be more? Manager Ben Olsen will probably summon Dejan Jakovic to partner with Emiliano Dudar as United hosts Seattle at RFK Stadium. Things will be going in the right direction for Olsen and Co. if they can build on last week’s big win over Dallas. On the other hand, Seattle is coming off a home loss, and Sigi Schmid’s Sounders will want to put things right without delay.

5. How many goals does Thierry Henry have in him today?

The famous Frenchman is hotter than Jose Mourinho’s head after another Barcelona beat down. Henry has five goals and two assists in his last two matches, enjoying a great relationship with Kenny Cooper, who has four goals of his own this year. The pair’s next chance to impress happens in Ohio, site of today’s contest against the quietly effective 2-1-0 Crew. While the absence of steady holding midfielder Teemu Tainio and center back Wilman Conde could dent the defensive side, New York’s attack should be none the worse for it.