Goat Killin' Time

The last time this team came to the RioT was not pretty. It was awful. It was possibly worse than losing the CCL Final to Monterrey. It was easily the most hollow win I've ever watched RSL partake in. This year is about revenge. This year it's about taking the Goats out behind the woodshed, telling Robin Fraser to cover his eyes, and smashing this pathetic billboard of a team from "LA" to tiny pieces.

When you look at this match on paper, there isn't much to get excited about. You have possibly the worst team in the league, Chivas USA, taking on what most would consider the best in the league currently, Real Salt Lake. It's at the RioT, where RSL typically dominates. RSL is returning key players. Their on fire. Chivas hasn't scored yet. etc etc. This match is one that, if you were playing in it, you would feel the result was predetermined. The one aspect of this game, though, that blows up a whole lot of those other factors is the manager for Chivas USA. If there was a guy who could devise the best game plan against RSL possible, it'd probably be Robin Fraser. He knows this club, it's tendencies, it's players, and most importantly it's staff. Robin is the wild card, he is what will make this match much more intriguing than it probably should be.

My Predicted Starting XI for RSL
GK: Nick Rimando
LB: Chris Wingert
CB: Jamison Olave
CB: Chris Schuler (Nat Borchers could very easily start)
RB: Tony Beltran
LM: Ned Grabavoy
DM: Kyle Beckerman
AM: Javier Morales (sliding in for the injured Sebastian Velasquez)
RM: Luis Gil
FW: Fabian Espindola
FW: Alvaro Saborio (Could easily be Paulo Junior, but I bet we see Sabo get his first start)

Bench: Reynish (GK), Borchers (DF), Tanaka (DF), Steele (MF), Alvarez (MF), Johnson (MF), Paulo Jr (FW)

Key Player for RSL: Kyle Beckerman

- RSL is going to dominate for long stretches in this game. Chivas will likely pack it in a bit in search of trying to get a 0-0 draw. They don't have much offense, and it looks like they might be without Juan Pablo Angel, so going forward is going to be really tough. Kyle has to be the guy in the middle that dictates the flow of the game. When teams sit in you have to be patient with the ball, but you can't be slow with it. In order to get guys sucked out of position, there needs to be quick 1 or 2 touch passes dissecting their shell. Kyle will be the guy that initiates and, most likely, be called upon to make that lethal pass to the attack far more often than he typically would. I expect Kyle to have a stellar game in this one.

Prediction: RSL 3 - Chivas 0
 - The key to RSL getting a win will be a first half goal, preferably in the first 30 minutes. The longer we go without finding the net, the more confidence Chivas will gain and the more we'll be tempted to force the issue. Forcing them to come out of their shell with a goal in the first 30 minutes or so will do wonders for the game. It's either going to be a blowout win for RSL, or a tight 1-0 or 0-0 affair with Chivas holding on for dear life in the back. I prefer and believe the first will happen.

FORZA RSL

Cheers,

15 to 32

Home Sweet Home

Victory. Two goals. Clean Sheet. Couldn't ask for much more out of a home opener for the 2012 season.

RSL didn't show their seemingly mid-season form like they did in LA during this game, but they did show that they are still a dominant side. Against a team that has loads of talent (just can't seem to put it together) RSL not only was able to get the W, but also do so with their typically "sexy" fashion of football. Loved the game, loved the atmosphere, just a great night. Well done RSL and RSL Nation.

Man of the Match: Paulo Junior

I'm guessing Paulo took my criticism to heart from last week. He looked much much better on, and more importantly, off the ball in this game. His skill on the ball proved to the be difference as he got an assist on the game winner and should get loads of credit for setting up the second. He still lacked that really explosive burst of speed that could have opened up the New York back line, but he made up for it with well-timed runs and passes. It was really hard to pick a guy for MOTM. You could pick probably 7 or 8 guys in an RSL kit (and maybe even Henry) and make a valid argument for them.

Player and Team Ratings:
Rimando: B+
 - When called upon he made the saves. I think there were possibly a few chances for quick distribution from him that he missed. Other than that, I can't think of any criticisms.

Wingert: A-
 - Solid night from Wingert who I originally had at MOTM. New York wanted to put Richards in behind Wingert all night and he simply wouldn't let it happen.

Schuler: B+
 - A very solid night from him as well. He had his hands full between Henry, Cooper, and Ballouchy. He was probably the best player for RSL in the defensive middle.

Olave: B
 - This dude is incredible. My only complaint is that it seemed New York was looking to attack him largely in the second half and nearly succeeded on a few occasions. His shrug on Cooper in the second half was a thing of beauty.

Beltran: B
 - He started the game rather sketchy. His touch was letting him down and he seemed almost a little too jacked up on the emotions of the game. After awhile he settled, though, and proved to be the solid defender we know he is

Beckerman: B-
 - He struggled in this match once New York overloaded the midfield. He'll get the blame for their attacks as they were most dangerous in his "area" but he also wasn't getting the proper coverage from his other midfielders.

Velasquez: B
 - Good night from the kid, again. If there were any complaints it would be that he still struggles to cover for Beckerman (takes time to learn) and that he passed the ball more often to the easy pass rather than correct pass.

Grabavoy: B+
 - Another serious MOTM candidate, Grabs was the solid underrated player again. He prevented more New York counters from happening than any other RSL player on the pitch. He does stuff not many notice, but it is truly some of the most valuable stuff for the team.

Gil: B
 - Luis would disappear in this game for stretches, but when he was there he was lethal with his passes. Playing that AM spot is hard on the guy as it requires run after run after run across the pitch to be the release valve for both the defense and offense. He is still developing game by game and looks better each passing play.

Espindola: B+
 - Espy is an interesting character in that he wants perfection from his teammates but also wants to try things out himself. It is frustrating at times to watch, but then he'll make a perfect run and win the game and you just have to tip your hat to the guy. Solid player. He is going to have a hell of a season.

Paulo Junior: A
 - Listed as MOTM, enough said. Solid night.

Javi: B-
 - When I saw he and Sabo being subbed on I thought we were in store for a grand finish to the match. It turned out I was wrong, New York completely controlled the game once Javi and Sabo came on. The spark the two were supposed to add just never came and it wasn't because the other guys dropped their game. Javi and Sabo both struggled once out there/

Sabo: C+
 - Shanking his shot in the second half instead of laying off to a wide open Espy gets him the lowest player rating. I can't really be too harsh on him for shooting, it was open at the far post, but the pass was so much more the right choice it was frustrating to watch.

Team Rating: B
 - We looked good at times, but really struggled to close the game out. On the road, that will get us punished. At home, that will make a lot of us fans really uncomfortable. Pretty solid start, great end to the first half and opening of the second. But the finish? Really lacked that typical RSL closing.

Wanker of the Match: Roy Miller

I forgot to add this last week. It makes me sad as last weeks was a thousand times easier to pick (that bitching David Beckham). Miller had a pretty off game for New York in this one. The Tico just found himself out of position more often than not and really should have been punished more than RSL did.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

St Patty's Home Opener

After an extremely satisfying season opener at LA, RSL returns home to open the home schedule against the unpredictable New York Red Bulls.

Once again, RSL is carrying a ton of injuries entering this game. While they showed last game that they have some pretty solid depth to replace those missing pieces, it's still a bit of a worry for the team in this match. New York, on the other hand, is coming off of a road loss at Dallas over the weekend. They really struggled to get anything going offensively and were outplayed in pretty much every position on the field. They'll be looking to bounce back and, like they did when the RioT opened, ruin the special night for RSL.

With Beltran likely out for knee issues, Morales resting his sore legs, Saborio still recovering, and Johnson still on the road to full health after sports hernia surgery - RSL is going to have an interesting lineup for this one. Expect a lot of the same faces as we did in LA with a new, brightly highlighted one, added in.

Starting XI for RSL
GK: Rimando
LB: Wingert
CB: Olave
CB: Schuler
RB: Tanaka
LM: Grabavoy
DM: Beckerman
AM: Gil
RM: Velasquez
FW: Espindola
FW: Paulo Junior

Bench: Reynish (GK) Borchers (CB) Cruz (CB) Alvarez (DM) Morales (AM) Saborio (FW) Steele (MF)

Key Player for RSL: Terukazu Tanaka

 - The Japanese addition will have to prove his worth in this game. I'm not sure if Kreis will put him on the right or the left side of the defense. If he is on the right, that would likely mean Velasquez is in front of him. Two rookies on the same side of the field? Not something I'd be comfortable with. If he is on the left side, though, he'd probably be going 1v1 with Dane Richards a lot. Also something I'm not too comfortable with. No matter what, it's going to be a match up that decides the game. Tanaka will be defending Lindpere or Richards, two guys that have proven to be lethal against RSL.
RSL should be able to win the midfield, will have a huge advantage with Espindola in the offensive third, but will have a huge question mark at outside back. Schuler and Olave will need to be on the top of their games, too, as the starting forwards for New York will likely be Henry and Cooper (another guy who has had success against RSL). This could very easily turn into a shootout of sorts as the offensive pieces for each team have shown to be successful against the opposing defensive pieces.

Prediction: RSL 3 - New York 2
 - I think we see a flurry of goals in the second half after a 1-0 or 0-0 first half. RSL should, with it being at home and being the more superior team, be able to pull this one out. The biggest thing RSL will have going is that if the game is close, they can bring on both Morales and Saborio to swing things their way. Those two, like they did in LA, will tip the scale in RSL's favor for the win.

FORZA REAL!

Cheers,

15 to 32

Revenge

While it wasn't a playoff game, or anywhere really close to that kind of importance, it was still satisfying to serve LA a cold glass of revenge on their home field. Ending their home undefeated streak was just a cheery on top.

 

Man of the Match: Sebastian Velasquez

 - I was really nervous when I saw this kid in the starting lineup. Just months ago this kid was playing in a junior college. Now he is playing on the same field as David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, Kyle Beckerman, etc. You could tell early on that he was nervous. Can you blame him? But after some touches on the ball, a few completed passes, and a few tackles he got into the flow. Even more so, he started to show  his flair on the ball. Javi and Sabo coming on made the difference, but Velasquez was what sparked the ultimate RSL comeback. If this was any sort of indication on what he'll bring to the team, we all should be very excited and enjoy it while he stays (Europe will come calling).

Moment of the Match: RSL's Quick (own goal) Equalizer.

 - The 5 minutes following the first goal in a game are incredibly important, ask any coach. The team that registered the first goal can become relaxed or they can be injected with a burst of energy. Similarly, the team that was scored on can dip into a letdown or they can "turn the switch" and mount a comeback. In this game, we saw both LA relax a little and RSL push. Velasqeuz was the main man as he whipped in a dangerous ball. Sean Franklin of LA dealt with it in the worst possible way, placing it neatly into the back of his own net. Had LA been able to weather the storm for 5 more minutes rather than concede a goal, the result would have likely been much different.

Player and Team Evaluations:
Rimando: B+
 - A few shaky moments, but also some truly brilliant moments. That orange kit of his is hideous.

 Wingert: B
 - He had his hands full dealing with Beckham in occasional 1v1 situations. His switch on defending lead to the goal. Though that was likely more Grabavoy's fault than his.

Olave: B
 - A pretty solid night overall. However, his marking on the LA goal was absolutely pathetic.

Schuler: B-
 - Similar to Olave, his marking on the LA goal was bad. His touch seemed a bit off at times throughout the game, as well.

Beltran: B+
 - He made one of the biggest plays in the game and is getting zero credit for it. Robbie Keane, earlier in the second half, had found space in between the RSL back line and was inside the 18. He did a move to cut back to his right foot. The goal was there for the taking but Beltran got a foot in at the very last second. HUGE play if you look back at it.

Beckerman: B
 - The middle of the pitch was RSL's for long stretches, however, he made some pretty bad passes that were nearly turned into counters by LA. He cleaned it up in the second half and was a major part of why RSL was able to possess the ball for as long as they did.

Grabavoy: B-
 - A pretty solid yet quite night from Ned. Doing his thing, quietly, and without much notice from writers.

Gil: A-
 - Honestly, I thought Gil had possibly the best night of any RSL player but was just unlucky to not end up on the stat sheet for an assist or two. His pass in the first half that should have been finished by Paulo Junior (and then Velasquez) was something even Javi would have been jealous of. This kid just keeps improving.

Velasquez: B+
 - The best way to describe what we saw from Velasquez in this game was a cross of the energy of Will Johnson, the skill of Javier Morales, and the tenacity of Fabian Espindola. If he can play like that each and every game, we've not only found ourselves a true diamond in the rough, but a solid contender for Rookie of the Year.

Espindola: B-
 - Espy really struggled at times in this game. His work rate never failed, but his focus did at times. You could tell he was frustrated with his partner up top in PJ and just wasn't always on the same page as Gil and the midfield. Still, the guy was able to find the back of the net and was a rather constant threat down the left wing for RSL. If he can score on a bad night the league should really be worried.

Paulo Junior: C+
 - Of all the RSL players that touched the pitch, I thought he had the worst night. While he looked to have his composure on the ball and confidence in his legs back, he still lacked that burst of speed that made him so hard to mark when he first arrived at RSL. His finishing was very sub par, as well. Just not his night. However, it was a big improvement from what we saw from him at the end of last season.

Morales: B+
 - Came on and pretty much instantly the game swung in RSL's favor. The guy, even when injured, just has the ability to weave through defenders with and without the ball. his goal was the result of great passing, timing, and bravery to go into the tackle. Reports indicate that his knee is doing just fine and he shouldn't have another setback on his recovery.

Saborio: B
 - We were greatly missing his size and target abilities in this game. Had he been in from the start, RSL would have found the goal in the first half as they would have had a target to whip in crosses to. LA was giving RSL the wings all the way down to their own 18. With a guy like Sabo in there, it would have spelled disaster for them.

Alvarez: NA
 - He was on the field for hardly any time. The time he was on was chaotic as LA was throwing each and every player forward and had a complete disregard for shape and formation. Hard to give an assessment on Yordany when that was the case.

RSL Rating: B
 - There were areas that could have been approved upon as a team, however, for the first game of the new season, with that many injuries... damn. This team looks good. Lets just hope they can get healthy and stay that way. If they can, I'm not sure any team in this league honestly can say they are better than them.

FORZA REAL

Cheers,

15 to 32

2012 Opening Kick

It's finally here!

RSL heads back out to LA, the place where the 2011 season ended, to start the 2012 version. It should be a really intriguing game, not only because of the two teams involved and their history, but because of the circumstances surrounding the game. LA plays their knockout Champions League series with TFC wrapped around this game. They play at TFC today, Wednesday, then host TFC in LA next Wednesday (3/14). Thus, LA's focus likely will not be fully on this game. They'll likely put their starters out in the TFC matches hoping to advance to the next round while resting some of them, if not all, for the RSL match. That bodes well for RSL.

On the RSL side, though, it's the injuries that are making this game extra intriguing and harder to determine. Alvaro Saborio, Javier Morales, Will Johnson, Nat Borchers, and even Chris Wingert are all listed between doubtful to out. Sabo and Javi are likely to be on the bench as they aren't 100% but they are good enough to sub on. Johnson just had a sports hernia surgery so he likely won't even be in LA for the match. Borchers is still recovering from a nagging hamstring injury and is out likely until April. Wingert, lastly, is the most likely to play. His (nasty) gash could very easily keep him out, but the wound seems to be healing really quickly. RSL would be in much better shape with him on the pitch, so hopefully he gets cleared by the doctors to play.

Thus, we could see a really strange match-up. Lots of reserves out there despite this being the beginning of the season with two top level teams. For RSL, this is what is likely to take the pitch...

Starting XI:
GK: Nick Rimando
LB: Chris Wingert (Tanaka if he can't go)
CB: Chris Schuler
CB: Jamison Olave
RB: Tony Beltran
RM: Ned Grabavoy
DM: Kyle Beckerman
AM: Luis Gil
LM: Yordany Alvarez
FW: Fabian Espindola
FW: Paulo Junior

Bench: Reynish (GK), Tanaka (DF), Cruze (DF), Morales (MF), Velasquez (MF), Arnoux (MF/FW), Saborio (FW)

Key Player for RSL: Paulo Junior

 - RSL has really struggled through the preseason to find the back of the net. I think the defense and midfield has the talent, even with players missing, to get the job done. However, the offense doesn't look too promising without our target man in Alvaro Saborio. Fabian Espindola has proven time and time again that he'll be reliable up top. I'm not worried about him. The issue is can the guy next to him, replacing Sabo, step it up? Paulo lost a lot of his game last season through injury and such. From all reports, though, he is back to full health this season. If he can show that brilliance of the old Paulo out there (great speed, sleek touches, confidence on the ball, etc) then RSL's attack will be just fine. If we are relying on just Espy - who is a hell of a guy even alone but wont be able to carry RSL - then we are screwed when it comes to finding the net. This is a very early test of how deep we truly are up top.

Prediction
RSL 1 - LA Galaxy 1
 - I think RSL has the ability to win this game, especially with LA likely resting players (result against TFC the deciding factor there) but just won't be able to find the net enough to punish them. A draw is a decent result, but knowing that we will likely be facing a less than full strength Galaxy and still not get the full 3 points will be disappointing.

One thing is for certain, I am absolutely excited to start the season back up!

FORZA RSL!

Cheers,

15 to 32

Predictions

This coming Major League Soccer season is one that, on the surface, looks rather predictable. Everyone seems to be buying into this notion that the LA Galaxy have formed a "super team" and will just destroy the league. Even with the injuries, international call-ups, Olympics, etc. people are touting them as untouchable. I'm not buying it.

With the reintroduction of an unbalanced schedule, the Western Conference looking like the much superior side, international call-ups for world qualifiers, Olympics, etc. this MLS season will be intriguing. Which teams can handle the mass of games, not only in MLS play, but USOC and CCL will be the determining factor. As always, injuries can make or break a team (see RSL and Dallas last season) but great coaches prepare for the worst and hope for the best. As such, those teams that have strong proven leadership are what will succeed this season. It's not anything new, per say, but I believe the separation will be evident early on and that some teams will simply get left in the dust.

Predicted Final Conference Standings
Western Conference
1. Real Salt Lake

 - Yeah, I'm a homer, but not one without cause. Look at this RSL team. It's stacked. The first 11, when healthy (key point), can compete with anyone. Even this vaulted unbeatable LA Galaxy team. Fabian Espindola had a bit of a coming out party last year. This year, he's only going to get better. Javier Morales, while still recovering from that nasty ankle injury, is poised to last all season and in the preseason looked to be the same old Javi. Jamison Olave, Nat Borchers, Nick Rimando, Kyle Beckerman, etc etc. This is a team that, honestly, competes at every position with the rest of the league for best player. However, it's not just the individual talent that has me sipping the RSL juice, it's the chemistry and leadership of the squad. Jason Kreis gets the best out of his players, Kyle Beckerman is the best holding mid in the league and probably one of the best captains in the league. This team is built to win. Most importantly, though, is that they won't be dealing with CCL knockout stages early on this season. USOC and CCL play will happen later on, but by that time RSL will be in full healthy (fingers crossed) and full form.

2. Seattle Sounders
 - If there was one team I had to pick that I think would challenge RSL this season, it's Seattle. For whatever reason, our games with them have always featured a lot of drama. Sigi Schmid, despite the "figure", builds greats teams and  this Seattle team is no exception. Rosales is my early pick for MVP of the league and players like Montero and Fernandez are top class. The one area that will hold them up this season, I believe, is goalkeeper. Losing Keller, even with his blunder issues, was a main part of their success over past years. Without him, they'll give up soft goals (no entering keepers ever have amazing first seasons) and lose ground. Add their early CCL match up with Santos and that they play on turf (aggravates injuries) and they'll come short. They'll be a damn good team, but they'll come up short.

3. FC Dallas
 - I have no idea why, but a lot of people are selling on Dallas this year. People throw around Vancouver and Portland higher than them and I simply don't get it. Brek Shea, even if he is gone for the Olympics, will cause havoc again all season. They return their star in Ferreira and have talent on all parts of the pitch. They'll be damn good. Not great, but pretty damn good.

4. LA Galaxy
 - If I could, I'd rate these guys last. However, I have to be honest. They have a lot of offensive talent on this team. In this league, though, that typically means it comes at a cost. And it shows itself in the defense. Yeah, the Gonzalez injury really is the biggest knock, but they have zero depth, especially on the back line. I think the long season will wear on them. Donovan, Beckham, and Keane will all be great but I just don't see how they can stop other teams from scoring on them like they did in the past two seasons.

5. Portland Timbers
 - I'm not high on this team for one gigantic reason: sophomore slump potential. They have it written all over them. They came out last season and, by expansion standards, had a pretty good season. Everyone is thinking they can only go up. The problem, though, is that they are not a new commodity. There is film on the team. There are proven tactics to beat them. I think they'll slide into the playoffs (5 from each conference this season) but they'll not do much more.

6. San Jose Earthquakes
 - I'm not a big fan of Frank Yallop, in fact I think he has ruined the 'quakes quite a bit. However, looking at the additions he's made this season I think they are really going to improve. They'll challenge Portland for that last Western Conference playoff spot but ultimately come short. I also think Wondo will have a much more quite season this year. No competing for the golden boot.

7. Vancouver Whitecaps
 - Like LA, they've stacked up on offensive talent. Their defense? yikes. I think they'll improve (couldn't get much worse) but they'll still be off the playoffs.

8. cRapids
 - Maybe I'm being a bit harsh on these guys, but its more than obvious they are in a transitional stage. The new manager wants to change the identity of the team from counters on the wings to possession. This is going to take time. They'll probably be a lot better than I have them listed here, but I really want them to be bad.

9. Chivas USA
 - They should be better, but they won't be. Chivas Guadalajara is the reason to blame. This supposed partnership doesn't operate even close to what it could/should. I feel bad for Robin Fraser, he has the skills to make a great manager. I just don't see it happening at this particular club, though.

Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Fire

 - A lot of people are low on Chicago. They think they'll make the playoffs, but not really do much. I think this team is built to cause havoc. Add that to the fact that they'll play a much heavier Eastern Conference schedule and this team could really turn heads. The biggest thing I see in this team is their speed. They showed at the end of last season that speed, when used correctly, will cause problems against any team, no matter their tactics. They've added the right pieces around Pappa, have Oduro and Nyarko, and a defense that isn't stellar but can get the job done. This is my surprise team of the season.

2. Sporting Kansas City
 - Sporting really made a strong push at the end of last season. They looked destined to make a similar run to the 2009 RSL MLS Champions. It fell short, but they laid the foundation for a really good future. They are young, and because so I think they'll continue to struggle this year, but they still will be a side to fear. With their setup (no CCL, playing in the East, etc) I also think they are built to be really good in the playoffs.

3. Toronto FC
 - I'm likely too high on this team but whatever. They showed flashes last season of a team that really could compete with anyone in this league. I want them to be good because that fan base up there is really fun when they are into the games. I think they are built to finally make the playoffs and, if the draw goes there way (read hosting warm weather teams) then they could really make a run.

4. Houston Dynamo
 -  This team is hard to figure out. They are going to have a season much like Kansas City did last year with a heavy road schedule to open things before getting their own place and having a load of home games. I think Brad Davis will continue to be a force to reckon with and that their style (physical) will reward them in close games.

5. New York Red Bulls
 - New York has loads of talent. Everyone knows this. Putting that talent together, though, looks to be rather difficult. I think they'll be better than they were last year, but really will struggle to make the playoffs again. I see them sliding in then possibly making some noise, but overall having another disappointing season compared to what their expectations are.

6. DC United
 - I want Ben Olsen to be successful and, honestly, they could be a lot better than I have them listed. However, I just don't see it. I think DeRo will be the life and blood of this team, once again, but that it will ultimately fall short. I am probably way off on this one, but it's just my gut reaction.

7. Philadelphia Union
 - I have no idea where to put this team. I had them as high as 2 or 3 in this conference and then they were right there with Montreal at the bottom the next. It's just too hard to figure them out. I think they'll really struggle. Trading LeToux, even with the contract issues, was stupid in my opinion. I expect the East, especially spots 3-8, to be really tight, but someone has to finish at the bottom.

8. New England Revolution
 - I want to put this team higher but I can't justify it. My whole argument for pushing them up was results in the preseason tournament against LA, New York, and RSL. However, the preseason has constantly proven itself to be a horrible gauge (at least when using results as the basis). I see talent on the team, and I see them being really good in two or three years, but not this year. It's a new group of coaches that need to learn on the job. That typically doesn't produce stellar results.

9. Columbus Crew
 - I see them struggling this year, a lot. They have decent talent on the field, but I think the core group is too old and that they'll burn out as the season progresses. It's time for Columbus to clean house and go into transition. Maybe they'll start that this season.

10. Montreal Impact
 - They are an expansion team, what more can be expected? They have some decent pieces on the team, but building chemistry takes a whole lot longer than the time they've been allotted. They'll be 10 times better at the end of the season than they are at the start, I guarantee that.


Trophy Predictions
US Open Cup: Seattle Sounders

 - They'll buy... I mean win it again. Good for them. Nobody really seems to care.

CONCACAF Champions League: Santos Laguna

 - I think LA will find a way past TFC but fall, like Seattle, to Santos and that Santos will win the whole thing. I see them playing either Monterrey or Morelia in the final. Like last year, I expect MLS to do a push of LA/Seattle saying we, as MLS fans, should support them. In response to that idea I give a big middle finger. I don't want those teams to succeed where we faltered!


Supporters Shield: Chicago Fire

 - Playing in the East will be the determining factor. They won't be better than RSL, Seattle, or even LA on the field, but because they get to play a team like Montreal three times as opposed to RSL/Seattle/LA only playing them once they will succeed.


MLS Cup: no idea
 - This all hinges on form right before the tournament. All you have to do this season is finish in the top five of your own conference to make the playoffs. Ten teams will have a shot at it (yeah, more than half...) If I had to pick, I'd go with Sporting. They don't have CCL on their plate and I seriously doubt they take USOC seriously. If they can't win the SS, I expect them to make a run in the playoffs. Playing on the eastern side, like in the regular season, will benefit them greatly.


Wrap it up
 - I really think this is going to be a really fun MLS season. I see the East really benefiting from this new setup and that the West, also because of the setup, will simply bang itself up throughout the season and not be able to walk away with the two big trophies.

Can't wait for the season to start. Just six days away!

FORZA RSL!

Cheers,

15 to 32