MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: Week 5 – OCSC v. DC

MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: Week 5 – OCSC v. DC

Last week RSL won with late game heroics from 18 year-old homegrown striker, Jordan Allen. A fair number of our experts had predicted a draw, so the late goal was a big blow to about half the board. I managed to get on the board for the first time this year, so hopefully the flood gates have opened. Let’s take a look at our standings below.

This week, D.C. United travels down to Orlando. D.C. has had a mixed bag of results so far. Two quality wins against Montreal and LA, with a demoralizing loss to the New York Red Bulls in the middle. They are a team dealing with a multitude of absences with injuries and suspensions hurting them so far. In Orlando, they will be missing Fabian Espindola, Eddie Johnson, and Steve Birnbaum to name a few. It is possible that they will get a boost from the returning Luis Silva, but his inclusion is still very much up in the air. Orlando is still searching for their first win of the year. Last week, they battled back from two goals down to tie Montreal on the road. It was a positive result for the newcomers who are still searching for their identity and winning form. How will they fare against the likes of D.C.? Here’s what our experts think:

Main Photo: ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 08: Brek Shea #20 of Orlando City SC steps over Josh Williams #13 of New York City FC to get the ball during an MLS soccer match between the New York City FC and the Orlando City SC at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on March 8, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. This was the first game for both teams and the final score was 1-1. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)

Joseph Goldstein Analyst@LastWord_JG	OCSC (1-0)	Orlando finally gets a win against a D.C. side that is just not impressive over the last four weeks. Kaka shines once again with lone goal.
Eric WalcottStaff Writer@ericwalcott	Draw (1-1)	Both teams are still figuring things out in the attack early in the season. Everything runs through Kaka for Orland and D.C.U’s defense will figure out a way to limit his threat.
Alec Rivera Department Head @LWOSAlec	DCU (2-1)	The Lions can’t seem to put together a complete performance defensively. D.C.’s defense is hurting without Birnbaum but their offense is starting to click, with more pieces returning by the week. Kaká puts Orlando ahead, but Pontius and Arrieta come to life.
Jeff Krause Editor@DFBJeff	OCSC (2-0)	Kaka is going to run roughshod over the D.C.U defense. Bill Hamid will be powerless to stop him.
Russ McKenzieDepartment Head@Russ_McKenzie	OCSC 2-0	Remember that moment all of us said that Kaka was going to embarrass some MLS centerbacks? Yeah, this is one of those times. Kaka scores once, and assists on another.
John Richan Staff Writer@John_Richan	OCSC (2-0)	Orlando is going to take advantage of being at home. Kaka has the ability to turn a game on its head and will do so against a D.C. team that is struggling to find the back of the net.
Michael NortonEditor@MichaelNorton95	OCSC (2-0)	D.C. will feel the effects of Steve Birnbaum’s absence, and Bobby Boswell will have to be stellar to cover. At the other end, Aurelien Collin has to score off a set piece at some point, right?
Ned JoyceContributor@nedjoyce	OCSC wins (2-1)	Kaka and Ribeiro continue their great partnership but let a bad goal slip