After a one week hiatus, MLS Dispatch Pick Em returns. Two weeks ago, Roger Cleaves correctly predicted a 2-1 win for the New England Revolution over D.C. United, his second correct scoreline in a row!
Just so Roger doesn’t open up too much of a gap atop our Pick Em standings, we’ve glued him to the bench and called on some of our other predictors to pull even. This week’s MLS Dispatch Pick Em: Philadelphia Union vs Vancouver Whitecaps on June 6.
John Richan (@John_Richan), Montreal Impact Correspondant
The Vancouver Whitecaps travel to the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ to face off against the Union this weekend. The Whitecaps have been one of the pleasant surprises of the MLS so far this season, after some offseason turmoil. Vancouver is coming off a strong 4-3 victory over the Portland Timbers last weekend, and have not lost a match since April 12 against the LA Galaxy. The Union are also coming off of a 3-0 victory against Chivas USA.
Chilean Pedro Morales has the chance to be the difference maker in the match, as he leads the Whitecaps with 5 goals this season. On paper, Vancouver should be considered favourites, however road victories in MLS can be hard to come by. Vancouver will want to work on keeping balls out of their own net after allowing 3 against Portland. The Union know exactly the firepower that Vancouver possesses, and will be prepared to defend. Stalemate.
Prediction: 1-1 DRAW
Eric McChesney (@lwosEric), Pharaoh of the North American soccer pyramid
This week, the Vancouver Whitecaps visit PPL Park to take on the Philadelphia Union. I will have to say that I am intrigued by this match-up for the simple reason of seeing which Union team shows up. If the Union team that plays well together, sets their plays, and are crisp with their passing ability comes around, this will be a very entertaining match. On the other hand, if the team that shows up is the one that is unorganized and sloppy on the ball, it will be a long night with the Whitecaps controlling most of the play.
I believe that Vancouver has too many offensive weapons and are a much faster squad than the Union and it should not be a close match, even if the Union play up to potential. Pedro Morales has been unbelievable lately and should once again have a huge game for Vancouver. The Whitecaps take this match easily.
Prediction: 3-0 VAN
Michael Norton (@MichaelNorton95), MLS Editor
Vancouver hasn’t lost in nearly two months and Pedro Morales’ MVP credentials are growing exponentially. Apart from arguably the league’s worst goalkeeper in David Ousted, there is not much to pick apart. Carl Robinson has done magnificently so far in his first managerial gig.
Philadelphia has two game breakers in Maurice Edu and Sebeastian Le Toux, but little else to show for in support. Apart from goalkeeper Zac MacMath, the Union backline has been a huge disappointment this season. Expect the disappointment to continue against one of MLS’ deepest attacking outfits.
Prediction: 3-1 VAN
Xavier Vasquez (@LastWordXavi), Liverpool-MLS Two Trick Pony
This past week the Philadelphia Union beat a weak Chivas side pretty convincingly for a small boost going into this match with the Vancouver Whitecaps, but I doubt much will change in terms of the form between these two sides. Vancouver has quickly become one of the best road teams in MLS, acquiring only one loss in six matches away from home. Philly on the flip side have only won a single home match this season. I expect Carl Robinson’s side to handle Philly at PPL Park.
Erik Hurtado should prove to be a hindrance to Philly’s defense; he has scored three goals in his last three matches. Pedro Morales has proved to be the focal point of Vancouver’s attack, scoring five and assisting five in 11 matches this season. The 4-2-3-1 formation highlights the importance of Morales as Vancouver’s main playmaker. If Philly want a chance at this, I say they stifle Morales with relentless pressing and isolate Hurtado. Without these two, Vancouver’s attack will lose potency and maybe Philly can snag a goal or two on the counter.
Prediction: 3-1 VAN
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