ESPN MLS PRIMETIME THURSDAY...
FC Dallas vs. Red Bull New York
Pizza Hut Park
Home has been good to Dallas at the start of this season and it they look to continue against the Metrobulls. Shaka Hislop would really like to have a good game before he gets booted out of goal again in favor of the Argentine Dario Sala. Can Toja keep the Dallas midfield sound and collected with Nunez providing the offensive spark again? Looking at the MLS preview, the line-ups look borderline identical to each respective team's last match. Also, stumbled across this fast fact: Clint Mathis' red card last week tied an MLS record of 7. Is he really that big of a hot head? Regardless, RBNY will likely go with a 4-5-1 as their midfield is their glue. Look for Dane Richards and Dave Van den Bergh to light up the wings, hopefully connecting a cross with the 17 year old Jozy Altidore's head.
Prediction: RBNY 2, FCD 1...could be even more high-scoring this, but I think you're gonna see RBNY's defense excel a bit and start to jell.
Showing posts with label Predictions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Predictions. Show all posts
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Can Mo inspire TFC?
Kansas City Wizards 3, Toronto FC 0
My prediction was right, but clearly I gave TFC a more optimistic look than most. In a KC downpour, Carlos Marinelli (looking to be as effective as Juan Carlos Toja at holding midfield) certainly kept KC from going full out offensive and getting caught on the counterattack. The injection of new acquisitions Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite was marginal to say the least. I think it will pan out still, but look for Toronto to continue their cellar-dwelling. Did Andy Welsh play better? No. Not really. Check in at Jesse's Toronto FC to see what he is saying about the state of the TFC. Maybe a packed stadium will help, cause KC looked like they had paid people to come. 19 year old Yuri Movsisyan got his first goal of the season (2nd of his career) and Michael Harrington got his first assist to go with his first goal.
TFC: NONE KCW: E. Johnson (2), Zavagnin (1), Movsisyan (1)
Kansas City vs. Toronto FC (preview)
Can Toronto shed the expansion shell and show us all that they're not the expansion clubs Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA were in their first year. The truth is, despite their horrid displays, I still believe that these guys can pull themselves out of the cellar. On the other hand, I have no factual evidence to believe that. Just a hunch. Kansas City could potentially have a field day on Toronto's defense, but if those chances aren't converted look for Toronto to get their first goal out of Buddle. In the same breath of my belief that Toronto can rebound, it also won't be at Arrowhead Stadium.
PREDICTION: 2-1, EJ toys with the slow Toronto centre-backs.
Little Extra:
Michael Essien and Michael Ballack will not be in Chelsea's roster today against Liverpool. Ballack because of his ankle and Essien because of his booze (I think he was suspended already, but the Ghanaian went on a DUI pleasure cruise and is now on the sideline). Look for Jon Obi Mikel or Lassana Diarra to get the start. Also, look for Liverpool to come away with 1-0 win thanks to the Robot Artist Formerly Known as Peter Crouch. If not him, Dirk Kuijt.
CHELSEA STILL WINS 1-0 after Joe Cole (he always seems to knock in meaningful goals, despite the fact he's injured most of the time). Look for Liverpool to fight back with a vengeance at Anfield. Drogba has been quiet as of late, if there is anyone that is going to close the door on Liverpool in the 2nd leg it would be him.
My prediction was right, but clearly I gave TFC a more optimistic look than most. In a KC downpour, Carlos Marinelli (looking to be as effective as Juan Carlos Toja at holding midfield) certainly kept KC from going full out offensive and getting caught on the counterattack. The injection of new acquisitions Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite was marginal to say the least. I think it will pan out still, but look for Toronto to continue their cellar-dwelling. Did Andy Welsh play better? No. Not really. Check in at Jesse's Toronto FC to see what he is saying about the state of the TFC. Maybe a packed stadium will help, cause KC looked like they had paid people to come. 19 year old Yuri Movsisyan got his first goal of the season (2nd of his career) and Michael Harrington got his first assist to go with his first goal.
TFC: NONE KCW: E. Johnson (2), Zavagnin (1), Movsisyan (1)
Kansas City vs. Toronto FC (preview)
Can Toronto shed the expansion shell and show us all that they're not the expansion clubs Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA were in their first year. The truth is, despite their horrid displays, I still believe that these guys can pull themselves out of the cellar. On the other hand, I have no factual evidence to believe that. Just a hunch. Kansas City could potentially have a field day on Toronto's defense, but if those chances aren't converted look for Toronto to get their first goal out of Buddle. In the same breath of my belief that Toronto can rebound, it also won't be at Arrowhead Stadium.
PREDICTION: 2-1, EJ toys with the slow Toronto centre-backs.
Little Extra:
Michael Essien and Michael Ballack will not be in Chelsea's roster today against Liverpool. Ballack because of his ankle and Essien because of his booze (I think he was suspended already, but the Ghanaian went on a DUI pleasure cruise and is now on the sideline). Look for Jon Obi Mikel or Lassana Diarra to get the start. Also, look for Liverpool to come away with 1-0 win thanks to the Robot Artist Formerly Known as Peter Crouch. If not him, Dirk Kuijt.
CHELSEA STILL WINS 1-0 after Joe Cole (he always seems to knock in meaningful goals, despite the fact he's injured most of the time). Look for Liverpool to fight back with a vengeance at Anfield. Drogba has been quiet as of late, if there is anyone that is going to close the door on Liverpool in the 2nd leg it would be him.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
MLS Week Three Predictions
Saturday, April 21st
Houston vs. Red Bull New York
Giants Stadium
Well...each team will be recognizing and welcoming different players to their outfit. New signing Juan Pablo Angel will most likely not play as he is getting his work visa. Richard Mulrooney is welcomed back to "San Jose" but will be stuck behind Wade Barrett yet again. It will be interesting to see how Hunter Freeman deals with the prospect of having the right back position all to himself. Bruce Arena seems to be building a winner in the Big Apple, but the franchise holds a stubborn stigma. Can RBNY match the defending champion's quality of play?
PREDICTION: 1-2, RBNY continues its' good form with Altidore and Dane Richards (the young'uns) scoring...Brian Ching makes thing interesting.
Kansas City vs. Chicago
Toyota Park
Even with last game's unlikely hero Logan Pause out, Chicago has history on their side against KC. Michael Harrington coming off the best game of his 2 game career, will look to make another important contribution. The Wizards are reeling after beating a tough but flawed DC United team. Even though the all-time series is 17-7 (advantage Chicago), it's gonna be a fun game to watch. Scott Sealy, a little knicked-up, will be ready to link up with new signing Carlos Marinelli who played 20 minutes or so in the US Open Cup qualifier loss to Real Salt Lake.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Sealy and Mapp.
Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA
Home Depot Center
With more bite than the Miami Fusion vs. Chicago Fire matchup, this game looks to be an attack fest. Whose defense can last the onslaught. My guess is Chivas USA. The Yankee Goats are bitter over a 1-0 loss last week against Houston and they are out to prove that they are playoff material this year. If the pieces fall together, they could be Championship caliber. Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham have to keep the collaboration consistent or else Chivas will exploit the rather weak wingbacks. Look for Maykel Galindo to trouble aging Eddie Pope with his speed and persistence.
PREDICTION: 1-2, Freddy Adu gets his first with RSL while Chivas counters with a goal from Galindo and a second from Francisco Mendoza.
Sunday, April 22nd
Colorado vs. FC Dallas
Pizza Hut Park
I am convinced Conor Casey is going to be a stud for the Rapids. I am also convinced I can't figure out why I like the Rapids so much this season. New colors, faces, stadium...it's easy to latch on. The truth is, their play says a lot. It's not stopping any time soon either. Niko and Kirovski up front. Gomez, an eccentric wing midfielder, will wreak havoc on Dallas' untrustworthy backline. With Wagenfuhr out for Dallas, their defensive prospects get even worse. Look for Casey to come on late and make an impact. Also, check out this game preview section the Rapids have on their new website.
PREDICTION: 2-0, I know it's tough to keep Dallas goalless with Carlos Ruiz and Cooper up on the field, but it is doable and the tough Colorado backline can be the ones to partake. Can Gomez score another? Score one for Niko (about time) and an outside shot by new US international Kyle Beckerman.
Houston vs. Red Bull New York
Giants Stadium
Well...each team will be recognizing and welcoming different players to their outfit. New signing Juan Pablo Angel will most likely not play as he is getting his work visa. Richard Mulrooney is welcomed back to "San Jose" but will be stuck behind Wade Barrett yet again. It will be interesting to see how Hunter Freeman deals with the prospect of having the right back position all to himself. Bruce Arena seems to be building a winner in the Big Apple, but the franchise holds a stubborn stigma. Can RBNY match the defending champion's quality of play?
PREDICTION: 1-2, RBNY continues its' good form with Altidore and Dane Richards (the young'uns) scoring...Brian Ching makes thing interesting.
Kansas City vs. Chicago
Toyota Park
Even with last game's unlikely hero Logan Pause out, Chicago has history on their side against KC. Michael Harrington coming off the best game of his 2 game career, will look to make another important contribution. The Wizards are reeling after beating a tough but flawed DC United team. Even though the all-time series is 17-7 (advantage Chicago), it's gonna be a fun game to watch. Scott Sealy, a little knicked-up, will be ready to link up with new signing Carlos Marinelli who played 20 minutes or so in the US Open Cup qualifier loss to Real Salt Lake.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Sealy and Mapp.
Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA
Home Depot Center
With more bite than the Miami Fusion vs. Chicago Fire matchup, this game looks to be an attack fest. Whose defense can last the onslaught. My guess is Chivas USA. The Yankee Goats are bitter over a 1-0 loss last week against Houston and they are out to prove that they are playoff material this year. If the pieces fall together, they could be Championship caliber. Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham have to keep the collaboration consistent or else Chivas will exploit the rather weak wingbacks. Look for Maykel Galindo to trouble aging Eddie Pope with his speed and persistence.
PREDICTION: 1-2, Freddy Adu gets his first with RSL while Chivas counters with a goal from Galindo and a second from Francisco Mendoza.
Sunday, April 22nd
Colorado vs. FC Dallas
Pizza Hut Park
I am convinced Conor Casey is going to be a stud for the Rapids. I am also convinced I can't figure out why I like the Rapids so much this season. New colors, faces, stadium...it's easy to latch on. The truth is, their play says a lot. It's not stopping any time soon either. Niko and Kirovski up front. Gomez, an eccentric wing midfielder, will wreak havoc on Dallas' untrustworthy backline. With Wagenfuhr out for Dallas, their defensive prospects get even worse. Look for Casey to come on late and make an impact. Also, check out this game preview section the Rapids have on their new website.
PREDICTION: 2-0, I know it's tough to keep Dallas goalless with Carlos Ruiz and Cooper up on the field, but it is doable and the tough Colorado backline can be the ones to partake. Can Gomez score another? Score one for Niko (about time) and an outside shot by new US international Kyle Beckerman.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
LA's Homestand
Los Angeles vs F.C. Dallas
Home Depot Center
10:30pm, ESPN2
My predictions will be put to the test today as FC Dallas and what I consider the weakest defense in the league (next to Toronto) takes on a potent offense led by the likes of Landon Donovan. With Alan Gordon out, Robbie Findley will see more time and his first go was a good one. He's strong, fast, and looks real ready to contribute this season. Dallas could get burned, but their offense is strong enough to get an early lead and hold on. Or as we saw against Real Salt Lake, if the Galaxy don't put a good hurting on FCD early, there could be hell to pay. Look for Cooper and Ruiz to combine for 30 goals this year, barring no injuries. Have fun watching your first MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2. Jim Rome as guest commentator? No.
Prediction: LA, 2-1...a goal by Landon and another by Albright. FCD gets a good amount of chances but no conversions. Ruiz tallies another.
Player to Watch: Robbie Findley
Really Odd Sidenote: Everybody dreams, but my dream (which conveniently I don't remember) last night resulted in me waking up this past morning with my Los Angeles Galaxy jersey, still on hanger, clutched in my hands like a frickin' teddy bear. How do I bet against that sign? Or was it my subconscious excitement for the prospects of the Galaxy? Landycakes? DBecks? I really don't know, but that was odd. I have about 15 jerseys hangin' on my wall and I pick, in my sleep, the Galaxy's. Interpretations (the less you mock, the better)????
Home Depot Center
10:30pm, ESPN2
My predictions will be put to the test today as FC Dallas and what I consider the weakest defense in the league (next to Toronto) takes on a potent offense led by the likes of Landon Donovan. With Alan Gordon out, Robbie Findley will see more time and his first go was a good one. He's strong, fast, and looks real ready to contribute this season. Dallas could get burned, but their offense is strong enough to get an early lead and hold on. Or as we saw against Real Salt Lake, if the Galaxy don't put a good hurting on FCD early, there could be hell to pay. Look for Cooper and Ruiz to combine for 30 goals this year, barring no injuries. Have fun watching your first MLS Primetime Thursday on ESPN2. Jim Rome as guest commentator? No.
Prediction: LA, 2-1...a goal by Landon and another by Albright. FCD gets a good amount of chances but no conversions. Ruiz tallies another.
Player to Watch: Robbie Findley
Really Odd Sidenote: Everybody dreams, but my dream (which conveniently I don't remember) last night resulted in me waking up this past morning with my Los Angeles Galaxy jersey, still on hanger, clutched in my hands like a frickin' teddy bear. How do I bet against that sign? Or was it my subconscious excitement for the prospects of the Galaxy? Landycakes? DBecks? I really don't know, but that was odd. I have about 15 jerseys hangin' on my wall and I pick, in my sleep, the Galaxy's. Interpretations (the less you mock, the better)????
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Quick MLS Week 1 Predictions
D.C. United vs. Colorado Rapids
3:30pm ABC
This is going to be a tough match-up for United and it's not because they have a 'Chivas hangover'. It will be because Colorado's team, in my opinion, is drastically improved. We are going to see Herculez Gomez and Nico Hernandez thrive this year. Roberto Brown is a question mark, but had an okay preseason. The good riddance of Clint Mathis makes the Rapids a better team as he was not the right fit. Beckerman and Mastroeni will do well in the midfield. The Latin trio of D.C. is real hard to bet against though.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Emilio strikes, Nico counters.
FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
6:00pm
I have put Dallas on my shit list for the year as I think their defense has been downgraded. If they pick up one or two pieces to address that issue, my opinions can be swayed. I'm a fickle character. Juan Carlos Toja will be the guy to watch and Ruiz can hit the century mark for goals today if he performs. RSL's spotlight will be occupied by how Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham link up. There's about a decade and a half separating the two guys, so it should be interesting. Also, look for Mehdi Ballouchy to make his matured presence known.
PREDICTION: 2-1, Ruiz gets one, Wagenfuhr the other as the FC Dallas defense scores just to spite me, Adu scores to welcome himself to Salt Lake
Red Bull New York vs. Columbus Crew
7:00pm
From comments I have received, being bullish on the bulls is utter bullshit (say that five times fast). My bets are on the abilities of Bruce Arena. He knows how to craft a winner and RBNY will be no different. Young'un Josmer Altidore will have a burden on his shoulders, but it should be okay as he's got Dave Van der Bergh and Claudio Reyna feeding him crosses/passes. Robbie Rogers and Andy Herron will have to adjust to the Columbus cold and mediocrity. Who knows though, could be a better year for the PREDICTION: 3-1, Altidore gets 1, Van der Bergh 1, rookie Dane Richards adds one; Kamara scores for Columbus
New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire
8:30pm
This proves to be an intriguing matchup mainly because for many previewers of the MLS season these teams along with F.C. Dallas had the biggest swing of the predictions. New England is without Dempsey, but still has a solid core in Dorman, Larentowicz, and Joseph whether he is happy or not. Nicol has praised his new draftees - Adam Cristman, Amaechi Igwe, Wells Thompson, and Ryan Solle but only Cristman looks to seize his first MLS cap today. Chicago will field Blanco and I will be watching on MLSlive.tv to see how that turns out, especially with Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe already up front. If certain things fall in place for these teams, both could be dangerous.
PREDICTION: 2-2, Twellman solid, scores 2, Blanco gets his first and tough guy and soon-to-be retired Chris Armas tallies the other
Toronto FC vs. Chivas USA
10:30pm, FSC
I love expansion speculation - but there is nothing that makes me happier than when a team actually comes into fruition. There are many question marks for Toronto and some key injuries with Ronnie O'Brien and #1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu are out. Everyone cites the TFC defense as being relatively weak, but it's underestimation. We will know today. My guess is they do have some trouble but that is expected from a team trying to grasp cohesion. Chivas USA's men to watch consist of Cuban Maykel Galindo and Francisco Mendoza, my sleeper pick for this year's assist champion.
PREDICTION: TFC 1, Chivas USA 2, rookie John Cunliffe registers, Razov registers, and Toronto gets a consolation goal from Esky.
Because I Think...'s Record for the Year: 0-0
3:30pm ABC
This is going to be a tough match-up for United and it's not because they have a 'Chivas hangover'. It will be because Colorado's team, in my opinion, is drastically improved. We are going to see Herculez Gomez and Nico Hernandez thrive this year. Roberto Brown is a question mark, but had an okay preseason. The good riddance of Clint Mathis makes the Rapids a better team as he was not the right fit. Beckerman and Mastroeni will do well in the midfield. The Latin trio of D.C. is real hard to bet against though.
PREDICTION: 1-1, Emilio strikes, Nico counters.
FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
6:00pm
I have put Dallas on my shit list for the year as I think their defense has been downgraded. If they pick up one or two pieces to address that issue, my opinions can be swayed. I'm a fickle character. Juan Carlos Toja will be the guy to watch and Ruiz can hit the century mark for goals today if he performs. RSL's spotlight will be occupied by how Freddy Adu and Jeff Cunningham link up. There's about a decade and a half separating the two guys, so it should be interesting. Also, look for Mehdi Ballouchy to make his matured presence known.
PREDICTION: 2-1, Ruiz gets one, Wagenfuhr the other as the FC Dallas defense scores just to spite me, Adu scores to welcome himself to Salt Lake
Red Bull New York vs. Columbus Crew
7:00pm
From comments I have received, being bullish on the bulls is utter bullshit (say that five times fast). My bets are on the abilities of Bruce Arena. He knows how to craft a winner and RBNY will be no different. Young'un Josmer Altidore will have a burden on his shoulders, but it should be okay as he's got Dave Van der Bergh and Claudio Reyna feeding him crosses/passes. Robbie Rogers and Andy Herron will have to adjust to the Columbus cold and mediocrity. Who knows though, could be a better year for the PREDICTION: 3-1, Altidore gets 1, Van der Bergh 1, rookie Dane Richards adds one; Kamara scores for Columbus
New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire
8:30pm
This proves to be an intriguing matchup mainly because for many previewers of the MLS season these teams along with F.C. Dallas had the biggest swing of the predictions. New England is without Dempsey, but still has a solid core in Dorman, Larentowicz, and Joseph whether he is happy or not. Nicol has praised his new draftees - Adam Cristman, Amaechi Igwe, Wells Thompson, and Ryan Solle but only Cristman looks to seize his first MLS cap today. Chicago will field Blanco and I will be watching on MLSlive.tv to see how that turns out, especially with Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe already up front. If certain things fall in place for these teams, both could be dangerous.
PREDICTION: 2-2, Twellman solid, scores 2, Blanco gets his first and tough guy and soon-to-be retired Chris Armas tallies the other
Toronto FC vs. Chivas USA
10:30pm, FSC
I love expansion speculation - but there is nothing that makes me happier than when a team actually comes into fruition. There are many question marks for Toronto and some key injuries with Ronnie O'Brien and #1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu are out. Everyone cites the TFC defense as being relatively weak, but it's underestimation. We will know today. My guess is they do have some trouble but that is expected from a team trying to grasp cohesion. Chivas USA's men to watch consist of Cuban Maykel Galindo and Francisco Mendoza, my sleeper pick for this year's assist champion.
PREDICTION: TFC 1, Chivas USA 2, rookie John Cunliffe registers, Razov registers, and Toronto gets a consolation goal from Esky.
Because I Think...'s Record for the Year: 0-0
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
World Cup USA 2014? 2018?
The big headline, other than Man Utd's controversial 1-0 win over Lille and Rafa Benitez's fining/penalizing of 15, yes 1-5, of his Liverpool players, was that the US of A will DEFINITELY (almost, there's always complications) be submitting a bid to host the World Cup in 2018. According to Soccernet.com, the whole of the CONCACAF region is in accordance with this bid.
But what about the 2014, you say? It simply is stated that the US will be there to clean up the mess of a World Cup bid that Brazil or Colombia is supposed to muster up. There is just too much work to be done there. So why not bring it here!?
IN OTHER NEWS:
UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round
Lille 0, Man Utd 1
*Apparently a very controversial Giggsy goal on a restart in which the Lille keeper was still setting up his wall.
Real Madrid 3, Bayern Munich 2
*I predict Real loses on away goals in their away leg, but at least Beckham is playing
Celtic 0, AC Milan 0
*Not bad for the Hoops, but wait til they go to San Siro.
PSV 1, Arsenal 0
*The Ecuadorian Edison Mendez comes through. Can PSV push through to the next round again, even without Mr. DMB? My prediction sucked. I forgot Arsenal was not at the Emirates.
TIDBITS:
1. Lee Nguyen is injured for the rest of the year according to Yanks Abroad
2. Champions Cup tomorrow!
Houston v. Puntarenas at 2:30pm on FSC
vs. 
DC United v CD Olimpia at 9pm! Watch.
vs.
3. My sister is angry with me for forgetting the Lyon game and what not, but unfortunately Brittany...we all don't have the luxury of being IN LYON!! Instead, we must watch our FSC (not showing Lyon) and Gol TV and for those who are lucky, Setanta. I will try to preview Lyon games as the come up though. Happy belated 21st birthday! I hope they win tomorrow for you.
4. The US Under-23s are set to take Japan by storm with a tour this week. First, they'll play the Japanese U-22s and then a Japanese club squad NOT called South Jersey FC.
But what about the 2014, you say? It simply is stated that the US will be there to clean up the mess of a World Cup bid that Brazil or Colombia is supposed to muster up. There is just too much work to be done there. So why not bring it here!?
IN OTHER NEWS:
UEFA Champions League First Knockout Round
Lille 0, Man Utd 1
*Apparently a very controversial Giggsy goal on a restart in which the Lille keeper was still setting up his wall.
Real Madrid 3, Bayern Munich 2
*I predict Real loses on away goals in their away leg, but at least Beckham is playing
Celtic 0, AC Milan 0
*Not bad for the Hoops, but wait til they go to San Siro.
PSV 1, Arsenal 0
*The Ecuadorian Edison Mendez comes through. Can PSV push through to the next round again, even without Mr. DMB? My prediction sucked. I forgot Arsenal was not at the Emirates.
TIDBITS:
1. Lee Nguyen is injured for the rest of the year according to Yanks Abroad
2. Champions Cup tomorrow!
Houston v. Puntarenas at 2:30pm on FSC
vs. 
DC United v CD Olimpia at 9pm! Watch.
vs. 
3. My sister is angry with me for forgetting the Lyon game and what not, but unfortunately Brittany...we all don't have the luxury of being IN LYON!! Instead, we must watch our FSC (not showing Lyon) and Gol TV and for those who are lucky, Setanta. I will try to preview Lyon games as the come up though. Happy belated 21st birthday! I hope they win tomorrow for you.
4. The US Under-23s are set to take Japan by storm with a tour this week. First, they'll play the Japanese U-22s and then a Japanese club squad NOT called South Jersey FC.
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