Who am I to break tradition? Lets do this!

 

 

Chicago Vs New England – This looks like the best match-up in the first round of the playoffs. Two very strong teams looking to make a serious cup run. New England took a big blow this week, as Taylor Twellman was announced to be out for the season with concussion problems. In contrast, Chicago seems on form at the moment with a big victory over the Red Bulls. McBride is finding the net, Blanco has found his smile, and.. and Justin Mapp is still losing his hair.

 

I expect this match to be a bit of an easy win for Chicago. Not only are all of these things working for them, the Fire have won all 3 games this season with a combined score of 9-1. For the Revs to have any chance, the defense needs to step-up and recapture its 2007 form. If that doesn’t happen this series is over after the first leg.

 

I’m going to predict a 3-1 aggregate victory for Chicago

 

Houston Vs New York – For Houston, the task is simple. The Dynamo need to contain Juan Pablo Angel. If they can do that, they will be fine. Angel has been on top form lately, finding the net with the regularity he did last year. The Red Bulls have squeaked into the playoffs, only winning once in the last six games. New York had to wait until the last moment to see rivals DC United fall to Columbus in order to qualify..

 

Sorry Red Bull fans, it’s another year without a title! 

 

Expect a 5-2 aggregate score in favour of Houston

 

Chivas Vs RealSaltLake – Chivas took this series in the regular season, but every game was very tight. Both teams lack a top scorer, and use strongteam play to beat their opponents. This is going to be the closest series in the first round of the playoffs. Especially since RSL has not lost a game since September 20^th. Interestingly enough, it was against Chivas.

 

Sacha Kljestan Vs Kyle Beckerman is going to be the match-up that makes this series. Is  the tough Beckerman going to close down Chivas’ best attacking option? Can Salt Lake win their first playoff game in the club’s short history?

 

Chivas wins this series 3-2, in extra time 

Columbus Vs KC –Columbus has 2 wins and a tie against Kansas City this year. Expect Columbus to keep on ticking and run though this Kansas City team. The blues are still trying to find their selves, and are severely lacking an attack. The Wizards have only 37 goals this season and their second leading scorer is a centre back. Expect Columbus to fill the net and continue to drop the hammer all series long.

 

Columbus wins 5-1