MLS Playoffs: A Fight to the Finish

The first round of the Major League Soccer playoffs turned out to be wildly entertaining with upsets, penalty shootouts and even fights. Let’s start with the one series that was the exception to the rule. DC United got by the New York Red Bulls 2-1 on aggregate. The second leg was nothing short of a snoozefest and United fans have to be wondering what has happened to their team, which was largely unstoppable the first half of the season.

The upset of the first round took place in Dallas where the Colorado Rapids knocked off the top seed, FC Dallas, which led to an ill-advised celebration in front of the Dallas fans and a few fisticuffs worthy of a Mike Tyson fight. Colorado is turning into the MLS version of Millwall and I’m not entirely sure that is a bad thing, especially with the MLS Cup final being played in front of those same Dallas fans this year.

More fists were thrown in Houston during the Dynamo’s come from behind second leg victory over Chivas USA. The brawl during the game shouldn’t entirely overshadow Houston’s performance. Playing in front of a loud and enthusiastic crowd, the Dynamo showed they were the better team.

Finally there was a nail bitter in New England where the Revolution downed the Chicago Fire in penalties. These two teams were evenly matched throughout their two games. Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis was the hero with a pair of outstanding saves in the shootout eliminating yet another red team.

After predicting two correctly and two incorrectly in my first round predictions, I’m confident that I can do just as mediocre with the next round. My predictions:

DC United over New England
The Revs will be a popular choice because of United’s poor form, but DC is still the better team and will advance.

Houston over Colorado
The Dynamo have more weapons than the Rapids and unless this one is decided in a steel cage death match, I like Houston’s chances of making the MLS Cup final.

Your thoughts and predictions?

Category: MLS

Tags: Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, MLS, MLS. predictions, New York Red Bulls, Playoffs

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