Playoff race is on

posted by kidpurple September 24, 2008

With just about 5 weeks remaining in the regular season schedule the race to the playoffs is heating up. Here is a quick look at the current situation of each team

Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew 14-6-5 47pts

The Crew missed the playoffs last year and are on the top this year.  They have at least a spot in the playoffs clinched and are the only team to do so yet.

Last 5: W T W W W (13pts)

Remaining Schedule:

@ New England Revolution
LA GALAXY
@ Chicago Fire
@ New York Red Bulls
DC UNITED

New England Revolution 12-7-6 42pts

The Revolution are always near the top, usually going far into the playoffs and collecing some trophies (just not the MLS Cup).  This could be the year they get that MLS Cup.  They got SuperLiga and aren’t doing so bad at 2nd place in the league.

Last 5: T W L L T

Remaining Schedule:

COLUMBUS CREW
REAL SALT LAKE
@ Kansas City Wizards
@ DC United
Kansas City Wizards 

Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo 10-5-9 39pts

Defending MLS Cup champions have a habit of starting the season slow and peaking at the right time and they could do it again this year.

Last 5: T W W L W

Remaining Schedule:

@ Toronto FC
@ Colorado Rapids
DC UNITED
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
LA GALAXY

Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire 11-9-5 38pts

The Fire started out with a bang this season – for a while they held the top spot in the league.  Now they are in a slump but if they come out of it at the right time they can bean anyone and could add to their collection of silverware.

Last 5: L L W L L

Remaining Schedule:

LA GALAXY
@ Kansas City Wizards
COLUMBUS CREW
@ Toronto FC
NEW YORK RED BULLS

New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls 9-8-8 35pts

The Red Bulls have been all over the place, near the top and near the bottom.  You never know what the Red Bulls are gonna do.   They are currently 5th overall but currently 4th in the East with DC and KC within striking distance.  They could go either way in the playoff hunt but I’d expect to see them get in.

Last 5: L W L T W

Remaining Schedule:

COLORADO RAPIDS
TORONTO FC
@ Real Salt Lake
COLUMBUS CREW
@ Chicago Fire

DC United

DC United 10-12-3 33pts

One of the most successful clubs in MLS History, defenders of the Supporters’ Shield, DC United is going to make it close to the playoffs this year.  If they playoffs were to start today, they’d be the last team in.  There are a couple teams right on their heels.

Last 5: L T L T W

Remaining Schedule:

@ FC Dallas
CHIVAS USA
@ Houston Dynamo
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
@ Columbus Crew

Chivas USA

Chivas USA 9-10-6 33pts

Chivas USA were winners of the Western Conference last year and then took a first round exit from the playoffs.  Right now they have 2nd position in the West although they are 7th overall.

Last 5: W L W W T

Remaining Schedule:

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
@ DC United
@ San Jose Earthquakes
COLORADO RAPIDS
HOUSTON DYNAMO

Kansas City Wizards

Kansas City Wizards 8-9-8 32pts

The Wizards must like to cut it close.  They’ve gone down to the very last day of the regular season to determine their playoff fate a couple times in the past few years.  Right now they’ve got some ground to make up to get in this year.

Last 5: W W L L T

Remaining Schedule:

@ Chivas USA
CHICAGO FIRE
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
@ New England Revolution 

Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids 9-12-4 31pts

The Rapids have been up and down this year.  They missed the playoffs last year and hope to change that this year.  They are current tied on points with RSL for the 3rd position in the West – which will likely be the last position to get into the playoffs from the West.

Last 5: T W W L L

Remaining Schedule:

@ New York Red Bulls
HOUSTON DYNAMO
@ LA Galaxy
@ Chivas USA
REAL SALT LAKE

Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake 8-10-7 31pts

RSL have had a bit of a slide lately.  They had been on top of the West and looking forward to making the playoffs for the first time in their history.  Now they’ve got a battle to get there.  This could come down to the last game of the saeson when they play Colorado.

Last 5: L L T W L

Remaining Schedule:

@ San Jose Earthquakes
@ New England Revolution
NEW YORK RED BULLS
FC DALLAS
@ Colorado Rapids

FC Dallas

FC Dallas 7-9-9 30pts

FC Dallas could likely be one of the team that made the cut last year to drop out.  They have had their moments but not enough of them.  They are only 1 point away, but I think it is unlikely they move up.

Last 5: W T L L T

Remaining Schedule:

DC UNITED
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
TORONTO FC
@ Real Salt Lake
@ LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy 7-10-8 29pts

The Galaxy have had ups and downs as much as anyone in the leage.  For a while they got hot and led the west, they’ve also been on the bottom on the single table.  Chances of the Galaxy getting into the playoffs are not looking very good.

Last 5: W L T T L

Remaining Schedule:

@ Chicago Fire
@ Columbus Crew
COLORADO RAPIDS
@ Houston Dynamo
FC DALLAS

 San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose Earthquakes 7-9-8 29pts

The Earthquakes have been close to or at the very bottom for most of the year.  A first year team isn’t expected much more, but they have had a hot run in the 2nd half of the season.  They came up and threatened to take a playoff position, but now they’ve fallen back a little bit.

Last 5: T W W T W

Remaining Schedule:

REAL SALT LAKE
@ FC Dallas
CHIVAS USA
@ Houston Dynamo
@ Kansas City Wizards
TORONTO FC

Toronto FC

Toronto FC 7-12-6 27pts

TFC spent some impressive time in the playoff hunt, but now they sit at the bottom of the league.  It would take an amazing run to get them in now.

Last 5: L T L L T

Remaining Schedule:

HOUSTON DYNAMO
@ New York Red Bulls
@ FC Dallas
CHICAGO FIRE
@ San Jose Earthquakes

Posted in Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC, Uncategorized | Comments (1)

Cory Gibbs and Eddie Lewis coming back to MLS

posted by kidpurple August 12, 2008

Cory Gibbs and Eddie Lewis, both former MLS players, are coming back to the league. After Toronto FC used their top allocation spot the LA Galaxy moved to that top position and the Colorado Rapids have the 2nd spot. So when Cory Gibbs became available the Galaxy had a chance to take him, but they used the top spot on Eddie Lewis. This gave the Rapids a change to snap up Cory Gibbs.

Lewis played for the San Jose Clash before making the move over to England in 1999. The 34 year old California native played for Fulham, Preston North End, Leeds United and most recently Derby County. Lewis will likely fit into the midfield for the Galaxy but he has played on the left side in both midfield and defense.

Cory Gibbs played for the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) in 2004 before moving to play in the Netherlands. While there Gibbs spent time with 2 different teams before moving to Charlton Athletic in England for the past 2 years. Gibbs will be joining a Colorado Rapids team that could use a boost. As of today the Rapids have the 2nd worst record in the league next to the brand new San Jose Earthquakes.

Posted in Colorado Rapids, Cory Gibbs, Eddie Lewis, Los Angeles Galaxy | Comments (0)

Opening weekend

posted by kidpurple March 31, 2008

Well the opening weekend is over and we’ve seen each team other than New York and the expansion San Jose.  Thursday we get a double-header from ESPN2, and a second look at both the New England Revolution and LA Galaxy.

The Revolution got a re-match of the MLS Cup that they lost again to the Houston Dynamo at the end of last year.  That game ended 3-0 in favor of the 2 time runners-up Revolution.  The Revs sure didn’t look like there were missing out on any of their strike power from last year.  Taylor Twellman was not playing due to injury and Pat Noonan was traded in the offseason.    The young Gambians Sainey Nyassi and Kenny Mansally were very impressive.  If Steve Ralston didn’t take a serious injury the Revolution could be even stronger than they were last year.

They Dynamo looked tired and un-inspired.

Later we got to see Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy.  At times the Rapids looked really good, and the other times the Galaxy looked like crap.  So the Galaxy picked right back up on their tradition of losing that they got going real good last season.  Could the Rapids be a greatly improved team?  They sure looked good at times, but we’ll see how they look when they play a team like the Revolution, Dynamo, or DC United.

The Kansas City Wizards opened their season with a win against annual powerhouse DC United – just like they did last year.  Probably not many expect that, but it was only one of 2 games I got correct in the MFLS prediction league.  I didn’t get to see that game – I know I should order the MLS package on Dish Network.

It is going to be an exciting year!

Posted in Colorado Rapids, DC United, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Kenny Mansally, Sainey Nyassi, Steve Ralston | Comments (2)

Christian Gomez moves west to join the Colorado Rapids

posted by kidpurple February 12, 2008

Well this is old news but I thought I’d still say a little something. 

Former MLS MVP, 3 time All-Star, and Best XI – Christian Gomez will start out the 2008 season with the Colorado Rapids.  Gomez has been in the league for 3 season and he is the leading point scorer for that span of 3 seasons.  In that time he has recorded the 2nd highest mark in both goals and assists, trailing Taylor Twellman and Landon Donovan respectively.

Gomez will join MLS All-Star and sometimes US National team member Pablo Mastroeni in the middle.  Mastroeni will do the defensive work in the middle, while Gomez will supply the attacking out of the middle.  The partnership between Mastroeni and Gomez could prove to be one of the best in all of Major League Soccer if they are able to work well together.

Rapids fans must be excited about the addition to Christian Gomez for this upcoming season.

Posted in Christian Gomez, Colorado Rapids, DC United, Pablo Mastroeni | Comments (0)

Wizards look to change formation and Fulham buys the US National Team

posted by kidpurple January 17, 2008

Along with the recent departure of Nick Garcia, the news that Jose Burciaga Jr is going to Colorado for more draft picks reveals signs that the Wizards will be looking to play a new formation.  The lineup will feature 1 defender (who needs more than Jimmy Conrad anyway?), 6 in the midfield, and 3 strikers.

Jose Burciaga Jr is headed to the Colorado Rapids.  In exchange for Burciaga Jr the Wizards will get a second round draft pick in 2009.

The Wizards may also be losing Eddie Johnson to Fulham.  It seems the US National team is just moving to London.  Now Fulham, who already has 4 Americans, is after Eddie Johnson and Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan.  Who will be the next American to head for Fulham?

Posted in Brad Guzan, Colorado Rapids, Eddie Johnson, Jimmy Conrad, Jose Burciaga Jr., Kansas City Wizards, Nick Garcia | Comments (0)

Updated playoff race

posted by kidpurple October 19, 2007

The Galaxy tied NYRB 1-1 last nite to keep the playoff race interesting.

Here is a look at the current playoff situation. The Columbus Crew are right there even with the Galaxy but because of head to head tie-breakers do not have a chance of making the post season anymore.  Each team has one game left.

[37] Chicago Fire (Sunday – LA Galaxy)
[37] KC Wizards (Saturday – @ FC Dallas)
====================
[35] Colorado Rapids (Saturday – Real Salt Lake)
[34] LA Galaxy (sunday – @ Chicago Fire)

This is how it works. The Galaxy and Rapids both need a win to have a chance. If they both fail to win Kansas City and Chicago will both be in.

The Galaxy will be cheering on Real Salt Lake to beat or tie the Rapids and FC Dallas to beat the Wizards on Saturday. If neither one of those situations happens, the Galaxy have no chance of playoffs.

The Rapids will be cheering for FC Dallas to beat the Wizards or the Fire beat or tie the Galaxy.  Either of those outcomes along with a Rapids victory will put them in the post season.

So it looks like everyone is going to be behind FC Dallas this weekend.   The Wizards fan in me is sure that FC Dallas is going to give hope to LA and Colorado.  The Wizards managed to wait until the last game of the year last year to drop out of the playoffs, why not do it again this year?

Posted in Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy | Comments (0)

Rapids Still Want Playoffs

posted by kidpurple October 14, 2007

Well the playoff picture is still all up in the air.  We know that Kansas City, Chicago and LA all have control of their own destiny.  Columbus and Colorado are both hoping to squeeze into the playoffs, but they need some help to get there.

The Colorado Rapids played the west leading Chivas USA.  The Rapids needed a victory and the game went into the 90th minute a 1-1 tie.  Omar Cummings change that scoreline and kept the Rapids in the playoff race for the time being.  So this is the current standings:

Chicago – 37
Kansas City – 37
—————-
Colorado – 35
Columbus – 34
LA – 33

Thursday:
New York Red Bulls @ LA Galaxy

Saturday:
Columbus Crew @ DC United
Kansas City Wizards @ FC Dallas
Real Salt Lake @ Colorado Rapids

Sunday:
LA Galaxy @ Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire, Kansas City Wizards and LA Galaxy all control their own destiny.  Finish the season with wins and they will play in the playoffs.  Chicago and Kansas City could both potentially still make the playoffs if they lose their last games as long as they have help from New York on Thursday and DC United and Real Salt Lake on Saturday.  The Rapids need to win and need a little bit of help to make the playoffs while the Crew need a win and quite a bit more help to get in.

Posted in Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy, Omar Cummings | Comments (0)

Fighting For The Playoffs

posted by kidpurple October 11, 2007

This is how the current situation looks, we have 5 teams fighting for the last 2 playoff spots:

#. Team – points (games remaining)
7. KC Wizards – 37 (2)
8. Chicago Fire – 36 (2)
====================
9. Colorado Rapids – 32 (2)
10. Columbus Crew – 31 (2)
11. LA Galaxy – 30 (3)

The following table represents how high the bottom 3 teams could possibly go:

LA Galaxy – 39
Colorado Rapids – 38
Columbus Crew – 37

I don’t think anything is going to change before the end of the year, unless Chicago moves into the #7 spot and KC drops to 8, but they both will be playing this post season.

Posted in 2007 Playoffs, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angeles Galaxy | Comments (0)

4 Teams Qualified For Playoffs Already

posted by kidpurple September 24, 2007

DC United, New England Revolution, Chivas USA and defending champions Houston Dynamo have all claimed their playoff spots.

As the table stands right now the wildcards would be FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls, Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire.

The Columbus Crew are only 1 point behind the Chicago Fire for the last spot, and behind them are the Colorado Rapids who are only 3 points back from the Fire.  This is what the remaining schedule look like for these teams that will be battling for that last spot in the playoffs:

Chicago Fire:
@ Chivas USA
New England Revolution
@ DC United
LA Galaxy

Columbus Crew:
LA Galaxy
FC Dallas
@ New England Revolution
@ DC United

Colorado Rapids:
@ New England Revolution
Toronto FC
@ Chivas USA
Real Salt Lake

The Rapids might have the easiest schedule remaining, but the Fire have been the best team lately.  I think this could come down to the last day of the season which has the Fire playing on their home turf with LA Galaxy visiting.  The Crew are playing in DC on that day.  Advantage goes to the Fire here, so they are my pick to make the playoffs out of these 3 teams.  Who knows something crazy could happen and the Wizards could give up their spot to another one of these teams, but I wouldn’t count on that.

Posted in Chivas USA, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution | Comments (0)

Colorado Drops Revolution

posted by kidpurple August 16, 2007

I couldn’t have been more wrong on my Thursday Prediction just hours ago.

First of all as Mr. Fish pointed out, tonite’s game was actually not on ESPN2 for some reason, so I didn’t see the game.  Thanks for the correction Mr. Fish.

Secondly, the Rapids put a whooping on the Revolution.  Who (besides Rapids fans) would have ever guessed that?

Jovan Kirovski scored a pair of goals in the first half and Omar Cummings via Colin Clark dropped in a 3rd closer to the end of the game.  3-0 was the final score.

Posted in Colin Clark, Colorado Rapids, Jovan Kirovski, New England Revolution, Omar Cummings, Prediction Thursday | Comments (2)