MLS Thread.

Wratho · November 14, 2010

Kay20 said:
Congrats Wratho on the Rapids win!!! Did you end up going to the game?

No had some friends over to have a waztching party.... Galaxy Rapids final in toronto

Kay20 · November 15, 2010

In about an hour, hopefully your prediction will come true. Can't wait to watch - it should be a good game.

Kay20 · November 15, 2010

Sigh. Never mind. Blegh.

pfim · November 15, 2010

I don't think Gonzalez and De La Garza dealt with the quickness of Dallas very well, was probably their toughest challenge to date. Lewis on the left side didn't help much either. They missed Berhalter and Dunivant.

Hopefully they can land Juninho for another year, or better yet permenantly. He could be a top MLS player for years.

Wratho · November 15, 2010

Wynn the CB for Colorado has great pace. He can keep up. The other backs not sure. First goal will be the difference in this one as both Dallas and the Rapids can lock it down.

TX Bill · November 15, 2010

TX Bill said:
Ok.

Going out on a slight limb here.

I'm picking Dallas to beat LA. And I hate FC Dallas. But I think they have something special and actually have a decent bench as well.

Well, I didn't think it would be that easy for them but wow !!!

I'm putting FC Dallas down as the favorite to win their first MLS Cup.

Aztattooedfootballfan · November 16, 2010

Nice to see Dallas finally make it as they are the last of the originals to make it. Dallas vs Colorado. I would lean towards picking Dallas.

Kay20 · November 16, 2010

TX Bill said:
Well, I didn't think it would be that easy for them but wow !!!

I'm putting FC Dallas down as the favorite to win their first MLS Cup.

As much as I hate to say it, you were right. Although I will say that LA did NOT play to their Sounders form. AJ and Omar melted in the back, I agree they were overwhelmed, and David played through injury (and you could tell - he should have been subbed). Plus, Kevin freaking Hartman. He blocked two shots in the first half that another keeper wouldn't have, and Landon missed an open net (a very hard shot), that could have been the turning point had he have made it - missed by literally about 6 inches.

Regardless, FCD is my pick as well. 2-0 if Hartman continues to do cartwheels in goal. I fully expect him to.

Hellerad · November 16, 2010

Hellerad said:
I'll be in Dallas for their home game v. Colorado. Hopefully Cunningham will net MLS goal 134 and extend the streak to 19 unbeaten. A 2 loss season is a hell of an improvement over last year, but even if they beat Colorado at home they finish the season with 2 away games, including a season finale IN L.A.

If FC Dallas can go into the playoffs on a 21 game unbeaten streak, they could make a run for the trophy.

As an FC Dallas fan, this is dripping with bias, however, I believe Dallas takes the Cup.

But after having watched Colorado and Dallas in person, they are very well matched. Wynn's speed can contain the counter and his engine won't stop running. On the flipside, Dallas' twin CBs should take Casey out of the game.

Dallas' 4-1-4-1 is designed to absorb Colorado's pressure and Shea is going to eat Kamura for breakfast on the counter if Kamura plays too aggresively. Dallas wins the central midfield, no question, but Colorado can still win the game if Cummings' attacks down the flank can pull Dallas' defenders out of position or he can earn enough corners to wear down Hartman.

Key matchups: Hartman vs. Cummings; Shea vs. Kamura; Wynn vs. Chavez or Cunningham.

Wratho · November 16, 2010

Hellerad said:
As an FC Dallas fan, this is dripping with bias, however, I believe Dallas takes the Cup.

But after having watched Colorado and Dallas in person, they are very well matched. Wynn's speed can contain the counter and his engine won't stop running. On the flipside, Dallas' twin CBs should take Casey out of the game.

Dallas' 4-1-4-1 is designed to absorb Colorado's pressure and Shea is going to eat Kamura for breakfast on the counter if Kamura plays too aggresively. Dallas wins the central midfield, no question, but Colorado can still win the game if Cummings' attacks down the flank can pull Dallas' defenders out of position or he can earn enough corners to wear down Hartman.

Key matchups: Hartman vs. Cummings; Shea vs. Kamura; Wynn vs. Chavez or Cunningham.

Pickens is not a bad keeper as well. I really do think it is Cummings that has to be the difference. Casey is similar to Buddle with being a more back to goal Striker. Dalls has shown they can handle that with ease. Cummings has to play well or Colorado is done.

First Goal wins the Game. 2-1 ( the 1 being a late goal)

prediction: Cummings with a great left footed shot from 20 yards out. Casey with a goal in the Second half when Dallas has to press, and Ferreira with a late feel good goal....... Ferreira's goal was pretty good against LA. He will not have that much space this game.

Of course this is said with a Rapids bias, but I had to counter all you freakin Texans.... You are taking over my state and now this thread and I cannot stand for it

Nordecke · November 17, 2010

Columbus Crew let go of GBS, Hejduk, Padilla, and Oughton

The idea is to get younger and faster.. Crew were 9-0-1 without GBS in the starting XI

Frankie Hejduk is a liability ( Though I really like him ) He will be a good pick up for a new expansion team.

Never cared to much for Padilla, but he is a solid LB.

I love Duncan Oughton, the All White international is past his prime though.

Overall I say these are Good Moves from the Crew.

TX Bill · November 17, 2010

Nordecke said:
Columbus Crew let go of GBS, Hejduk, Padilla, and Oughton

The idea is to get younger and faster.. Crew were 9-0-1 without GBS in the starting XI

Frankie Hejduk is a liability ( Though I really like him ) He will be a good pick up for a new expansion team.

Never cared to much for Padilla, but he is a solid LB.

I love Duncan Oughton, the All White international is past his prime though.

Overall I say these are Good Moves from the Crew.

I didn't see that coming. Seriously. I also didn't know the Crew had a better record with him out of the lineup.

Nordecke · November 18, 2010

Official: The Kansas City Wizards will from now on be known as Sporting KC..

Personally, I like it.. Much better than Wizards

TX Bill · November 18, 2010

One of my favorite quotes in the early MLS days was when someone was talking about the Dallas Burn vs. Kansas City Wiz.

It was said that the matchup was a urologist's dream.

Kay20 · November 22, 2010

Did you guys see these announcements today? (Also, 1-1 is not a score I was expecting, game still trundling along...)

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/ne...national-schedule-alignment-playoff-expansion

10 teams in the playoffs? Really? That's a lot. I don't know about that - yes, I like the excitement, but does it give teams a reason to push for so long if 50% of teams make it through? And it means that placing 2nd does absolutely nothing for you as you are basically the same as the other 8 teams behind you. Supporter's Shield or bust.

I do like the catering to the international schedule though. Seems reasonable.