Playoff Previews – Who Advances, Who Goes Home

By: travis | November 6th, 2008

Apologies for the vacancy last weekend. But I didn’t write anything. Simple as that. Those of you that missed any of the MLS Playoff opening weekend, Laurie has written up a small recap over on the main page worth taking a look at. There were some good things about last week, lots of passion and energy from all teams involved. Things were heated – good to see that although some cities don’t care about the MLS, the players actually do. Now, it’s my turn to take a look previewing what to look for, who has the edge, and who needs to step up in each of the four games scheduled to take place this weekend.

Chicago v New England (0-0)
Last weekend’s match up was hardly a product you’d want on national television. Sloppy finishing, poor attendance, lots of fouls, pretty much couldn’t get worse if you’re the MLS. There were few chances last weekend, but I think the Fire should advance. The firepower that Chris Rolfe, Brian McBride and Cuatomoc Blanco provide should overwhelm an undermanned Revs side. Then again, New England has been here before – and they could sneak away with a victory.

Edge after the first weekend: I don’t expect New England to advance because of their injuries, but getting a draw at home means that they are still in this thing to the very end.

Players to watch: Brian McBride brings a wealth of experience to the Fire, with his World Cup and EPL experience. Expect big things from him, whether it is setting up teammates or scoring goals for himself. On the other side,

Expect to see: Blanco trying to pick a fight with Jay Heaps. And Chicago to get a couple by Matt Reis and knock out the Revs.

Verdict: Chicago 2-0 New England (2-0 ag)

Columbus v Kansas City (1-1)
It was a tough result for the Wizards, who were looking to kept their strong home form going. A goal from Davy Arnaud gave them the lead in the 53rd minute off a beautiful service from Claudio Lopez. The Crew did their share of attacking, and a number of Kevin Hartman saves were required to keep a clean sheet. Herculez Gomez was then shown red for a harsh challenge on Gino Padula. Despite that, KC looked liked they were holding on until the 93rd minute when Steven Lenhart was at the right place at the right time to equalize. Bad day for the Wizards.

Edge after the first weekend: This has to go to the Crew. They went down 1-0, but managed to keep KC from inflicting any further damage. Their late goal was icing on the cake, giving them pole position for a home game.

Players to watch: Kevin Hartman has played exceptionally all season, and is one of the main reasons why KC is this far. Also facing the spotlight is Claudio Lopez, DP and one of the veteran leaders. For the Crew, keep your eyes on Robbie Rogers. He’s young, explosive, and a threat going down the wing.

Expect to see: The Crew take care of business in the confines of home. And maybe they’ll even be a decent crowd.

Verdict: Columbus 2-1 Kansas City (3-2 ag)

Chivas v Real Salt Lake (0-1)
The only match of the weekend to not end in a draw, it was a real exciting match in Salt Lake City. The home team absolutely pummeled the goal, firing 21 shots and getting eight of them on frame. They can’t back down too much on the road, with a good chance of going through this weekend at the Home Depot Center.

Edge after the first weekend: Yura Movsisyan’s winner in the 90th minute gives them the advantage heading into the second leg in Los Angeles.

Players to watch: Ante Razov, where art thou? The reliable old striker has had a quiet 2008, and he’ll be needed to help generate offense. Along with that, Sacha Klejstan could be making his final appearance for Chivas. Real Salt Lake’s playmaker Javier Morales needs to distribute well out of the midfield to set up the likes of Yura Movsisyan.

Expect to see: Real Salt Lake to surprise a lot of people by getting past Chivas and into the Conference final. It would be a shock considering how bad RSL was on the road this season.

Verdict: Chivas 1-1 Real Salt Lake (1-2 ag)

Houston v New York (1-1)
It’s playoff time, and once again the Dynamo are poised to make a run at the MLS Cup. It’s almost like they’re the Yankees of Major League Soccer – if that analogy is possible. The Red Bull were major underdogs before the first leg, and with a draw after the first leg they’re facing a real challenge to win in Houston. Juan Pablo Angel came up big last weekend

Players to watch: Juan Pablo Angel is the no-brainer here. He has to score, and maybe in bunches for the Red Bull to have a shot at the upset. Hard to see who else is going to step up. On the other side of the ball, pick your poision. Either Dwayne De Rosario or Brian Ching will help provide the fire power needed to get the Dynamo through.

Edge after the first weekend: Simply put, the Red Bulls needed a larger margin of victory than one. When Houston equalized, the Dynamo seized control of this. It’ll be a tough uphill battle for Juan Carlos Osorio on the road.

Expect to see: A Dynamo domination. One could argue that this Houston team is the deepest and strongest team in the playoffs (sorry Columbus).

Verdict: Houston 2-0 New York (3-1 ag)

Let me know what you think.