First off, recapping the opening round:

Columbus Crew vs. Kansas City Wizards

           I picked Columbus with some difficulty

Well, as I expected with this matchup the Wizards put up a good fight and managed to keep things all even in Missouri.  However, also as I expected the Crew’s quality came through in the Buckeye state and the Supporter’s Shield holders still look good to me for the league double.

Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution

           I picked Chicago in a close shoot-out series

In defense of my pick, Twellman was still expected to play when I called for the high scoring.  I still think with at least one of their offensive tools available the Rev’s could have put up some goals in this series.  Especially with all the injuries it looked like a mismatch coming in and it looks like one heading out as well.  Despite the two shutouts I still believe the Fire will either live by McBride, Blanco, Rolfe and the rest of the offense or die by the guys lined up directly in front of standout Jon Busch.

Continue reading "MLS 2008 Playoffs First Round Recap and Conference Finals Predictions"

Recapping the Conference Finals:

East Final: Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire

           I picked the Crew pulling away in a hard fought match

The Crew continues to roll, all hail the Crew.  In what looked to me like a matchup between the top two first round survivors the Ohio boys came out on top.  Sigi’s side has been the best of the league all season, with no glaring weaknesses.  They handled a very dangerous Fire squad with a solid, but not heroic, performance from their MVP finalist.  They even reaffirmed their mental toughness by coming from behind after McBride put his new team ahead of his old.

West Final: Real Salt Lake vs. New York Goal Posts

Continue reading "MLS 2008 Conference Finals Recap and MLS Cup Prediction"