We are half way thought the MLS Divisional Semifinals and all but one of the match-ups are playing out the way I expected. I have actually projected two of these 100% accurate, and another I was expecting a 1-1 draw and we got a 0-0 draw. After these weekend I am only worried about one of the teams I predicted to make the conference finals not making it. Let's look at where these match-up stand:
Eastern Conference - #3 Columbus vs #2 New England
I was expecting for a 2-1 win at home for Columbus and for New England to finish business at home and move on. Well New England has taken all the drama out of this one by destroying Columbus 4-2 on the road. It will take a small miracle for Columbus to get back in this as they will either need to win by 3 goals, or by 2 goals and either score 4 goals (which will put it in to extra time) or more. I see New England cruising in the return leg and easily moves on to the conference finals.
Easter Conference - #4 New York vs #1 DC United
I predicted New York to win this game 2-0, DC to come back with their own 2-0 win at home and to win in extra time. However after seeing New York twice in this past week they look very dangerous. Henry is making everyone on the pitch look better and playing perfect balls in for goals. Palmer-Brown is just flat out scoring. I still think DC at home will make a game out of this one. I am just worried with the form that New York is in at the moment I don't see them not scorning a goal. With the away goals being added to decide a tie this year that is huge for New York as I don't see DC winning by three goals in regulation. I am sticking with my original thoughts, but it will not surprise me if New York was to move on.
Western Conference - #3 Real Salt Lake vs #2 LA Galaxy
While I expected this game to be tied going back to LA, I did expect for both teams to get a goal in Salt Lake. I still think LA is the better team and should move on. However if there are any goals scored now and the game is tied at the end of regulation Salt Lake would be the team moving on. If there is a team scrappy enough to do this in LA it is Salt Lake. I still think LA puts in a couple games and keeps Donovan's career going a little longer.
Western Conference - #4 FC Dallas vs #1 Seattle
As I thought this game ended 1-1 in Dallas and now Seattle will have Dallas right where they want then for a Monday night game in Seattle. If Dallas could not get the win at home, I just don't see how they go on the road (OK a couple red cards on Seattle) and win this game. I will be shocked if this game is not over by halftime on Monday.
No comments:
Post a Comment