MLS Cup Playoffs - Preview (Part 2)
E1) New York Red Bulls Vs E3) Colorado Rapids:
League Record
New York- 15-9-6 (51 points), First in Eastern Conference
Colorado- 12-8-10 (46 points), Fifth in Western Conference
Players to watch out
New York- Thierry Henry, Dane Richards, Juan Pablo Angel, Rafa Marquez, Bouna Coundoul, Joel Lindpere
Colorado- Connor Casey, Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff Larentowicz, Omar Cummings, Marvell Wynne, Matt Pickens
Colorado might be able to get past Columbus Crew in this match but New York Red Bulls are going to be the clear favourites for the tie. The two sides also played a draw back in July, a few days before the arrival of Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. The
two ex-Barcelona stars have given the New York team some much needed creativity and inspiration.
Prediction
This season has been a fairy tale journey for the Red Bulls. They went from last to first in spectacular fashion and are showing no signs of stopping. A 3-1 score line will be enough to see them through against the Rapids.
W1) Los Angeles Galaxy Vs W4) Seattle Sounders:
League Record
Los Angeles- 18-7-5 (59 points), First in Western Conference, MLS Supporters Shield
Seattle- 14-10-6 (48 points), Fourth in Western Conference
Players to watch out
Los Angeles- Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Edson Buddle, Donovan Ricketts, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza
Seattle- Fredy Montero, Kasey Keller, Blaise Nkufo, Sanna Nyassi, James Riley, Miguel Montano
This would definitely be the best match-up of quarterfinals. Two entertaining clubs take on each other in a West Coast battle that sadly has to be played in the quarterfinals. Both sides have a great roster that is complete with good and talented players
in all positions along with two of the best MLS coaches, Bruce Arena and Sigi Schmid.
Prediction
It would be a tough call as both teams have balanced squads and motivated players. The whole 180 minutes that are divided in two ties would be an entertaining affair but L.A. Galaxy would be the favourites this time.
W2) Real Salt Lake Vs W3) F.C. Dallas:
League Record
Real Salt Lake- 15-4-11 (56 points), Second in Western Conference
FC Dallas- 12-4-14 (50 points), Third in Western Conference
Players to watch out
Real Salt Lake- Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando, Robbie Findley, Javier Morales, Fabian Espindola, Alvaro Saborio
FC Dallas- Jeff Cunningham, Kevin Hartman, David Ferreira, Heath Pearce, Brek Shea, Milton Rodriguez
The 2009 MLS Cup winners, Salt Lake are taking on a team that’s really hot right now coming back from a record equalling 19-game unbeaten run. It’s a close call with both teams winning against each other 2-0. With goal-machines like Saborio and Cunningham,
it would be a tough game.
Prediction
Real Salt Lake are the defending champions but both teams are just too close which makes the prediction of winner amongst them even more difficult. Still, Real Salt Lake have a habit of turning it on in the big moments and it might turn out to be the same
story. A 2-1 aggregate win for Real Salt Lake sounds a fair prediction in what’s going to be a tightly contested affair.
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