Last week, two of our three experts picked Real Salt Lake to triumph over the Colorado Rapids. However, Roger Cleaves was dead on, predicting the scoreline of 2-1.
This week, our highly skilled swamis turn their crystal ball gazes to the super hot New England Revolution vs DC United. Let’s see what they have to say!
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Roger Cleaves (@TheCleavesiest) –
Just when you thought Eddie Johnson was never going to score, he turns it on, finally scoring in the draw against the Montreal Impact. But here comes New England to spoil the party. This will probably be one of the best matches of the weekend, and I anticipate a lot of wide-open play and tons of shots. But the Revs just have the mojo flowing right now, and I know Lee Nguyen is going to love picking this team apart. I still have concerns about D.C. United’s back line, and I think this New England midfield is going to have a field day.
Prediction: 2-1 Revs
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Xavier Vasquez (@LastWordXavi) –
Coming off of a solid midweek win against the Dynamo, DC United are riding high in second place of the Eastern Conference. They have been playing well recently and because of this, I am just a tad bit uneasy about them coming to Gillette. Last week’s match against the Union showed what an inch of complacency can do to our defense. DC look solid defensively, having conceded 1 goal in the last 3 matches. Its looking like things are finally clicking for the side. On the flip side, the Revs are scorching, scoring 10 in their last 2, notably against top defenses( the union actually had a better defense than the sounders, but a deplorable offense couldn’t back it up). They are undefeated at Gillette, and in fact haven’t conceded in Gillette. However, both of our starting goalies, Knighton and Shuttleworth, are questionable for a start. I think rest and preparation for the next match at Sporting Park may show a weakened DC side. And thus, the only way I see the Revs losing this is by their own hand. And that’s my biggest worry. The Rev’s can’t go into this match complacent or DC may slip by. Otherwise, I can’t see DC pulling points from this match.
Prediction: 4-2 Revs
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Eric McChesney (@lwosEric) –
Who would have thought that an early match-up between the New England Revolution and D.C. United would be a battle of the first and second place teams in the Eastern Conference? Well, this Saturday night that is exactly what is going to occur as the United visit the Revolution at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution have been a very hot team as of lately, scoring five goals in both of their last two games. D.C. has been playing well also, defeating Houston 2-0 this past Wednesday. This is an interesting match in which I believe the scoring ability of the Revolution, along with their balanced attack will be too much for a young United team to defend. If the Revolution has Shuttleworth back in net, then, I believe that the Revs will take this game, but, if Knighton is in net, then, this could be another high scoring affair with the Revs putting up ridiculous numbers. Doyle, Johnson and Silva need to propel United in this match and show MLS that, in fact, they are a team in contention this season.
Prediction: 3-1 Revs
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Alec Rivera (@lwosalec) –
This is a marquee match this weekend, putting the top two eastern conference teams against each other in what may end up being a preview for the postseason. The Revs have been playing some beautiful attacking soccer which has resulted in 10 goals in two matches, while United’s seasoned defense and keeper Bill Hamid have smothered the few chances their opponents have taken in their last three matches. We certainly shouldn’t expect another five-goal match from the Revs; both Philadelphia and Seattle’s defenses have allowed more goals this season than United has thus far. With Eddie Johnson back from suspension and Chris Rolfe and Fabian Espindola coming off impressive showings against Houston, United will prove to be a worthy adversary for the Revs. United takes three points in Foxboro,
Prediction: 3-2 DC
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Michael Norton (@MichaelNorton95) –
D.C. have won two out of their last three matches, including a big morale booster earlier in the week against a Houston side that had dominated them in the recent past. But New England have won their last four and with the home victory would tie Seattle for the league’s longest winning streak this season.
I called playoffs for both of these sides at the start of the year and after early blips they now both look the part. The veterans D.C. signed over the winter are finally showing up, while the youth movement in New England has been bolstered by additions of its own.
New England have scored five in each of their last two matches. If it happens again, it may be the greatest offensive run of form in league history. I have them pegged for three. Fans shouldn’t be disappointed, especially when I have D.C. getting two. Goals from two of the most hated players in MLS, Eddie Johnson and Teal Bunbury, could provide some fireworks. Buckle up.
Prediction: 3-2 Revs
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