MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: Week 30 – Portland Timbers v. New York Red Bulls

MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: Week 30 – Portland Timbers v. New York Red Bulls

Last week, Toronto FC got pummeled at home by the streaking New England Revolution and nearly every writer picked up points in the standings. Alec and Jeff both picked the score, and Jeff moves back into second place thanks to tie breakers. Ned and John both moved off the bottom and left Norton all alone. Will he be able to pick up points this week and avoid relegation (Not that we have pro/rel in MLS Pick ’em). Let’s take a look at the updated standings:

This week, Portland Timbers welcome the road weary New York Red Bulls. While the Red Bulls have scored the most road goals this season, they are coming off of short rest and traveling to the West Coast. The Timbers on the other hand are experiencing an early fall thanks to struggling strikers, but they have been grinding out results thanks to their defense. Can the Red Bulls shake off their midweek loss and earn a result with a shorthanded lineup or will the Timbers take the Bull by the horns and give NY their second loss in a row for the first time since June? Let’s see what our experts think:

Expert	Pick	Comments
Joseph Goldstein Analyst @LastWord_JG	DRAW (1-1)	I feel like this is an optomistic pick more than anything. Short rest and without Dax, Perrinelle, and Lade seems like trouble. Zizzo should be fine out wide, but Zubar starting means goals are likely, even if the Timbers have been lacking in that department lately.
Eric Walcott Staff Writer @ericwalcott	Do Not Sell My Info Privacy Settings POR (1-0)	Portland is having trouble creating and finishing chances, but with key pieces missing for New York a single goal will do the trick. Portland has everyone back from injury, suspension, and international duty, and it’s not a moment too late.
Alec Rivera Department Head @LWOSAlec	POR (2-1)	The offense still isn’t firing on all cylinders, but the Red Bulls are without key components of their starting lineup. If the Marschine can’t get rolling without McCarty & Perinelle, as I suspect it won’t, expect a long night for the Red Bulls faithful.
Jeff Krause Editor @DFBJeff	RBNY (3-1)	Portland has shown that Providence Park is no fortress, and RBNY’s attack is far too potent. Portland will expose the Red Bulls’ backline, but Mike Grella and Bradley Wright-Phillips are proving tough to stop.
Russ McKenzie Department Head @Russ_McKenzie	RBNY (2-1)	Portland has attacking issues (Eric Walcott says so, that piece was brilliant), and RBNY has missing pieces in the back third. However, that won’t stop Marsch’s high press, and his roster is deep. Grella and Veron score.
John Richan Staff Writer @John_Richan	NYRB (2-1)	New York has been one of the most consistent teams in MLS all season, and it will show again this weekend.
Michael Norton Editor @MichaelNorton95	DRAW (1-1)	The Red Bulls have been scoring, averaging about two goals a game since August. But without their string puller in Dax McCarty, they’ll be in tough against Borchers and Ridgewell. New England gets a great chance to pad their East lead.
Ned Joyce Contributor @nedjoyce	POR (3-2)	Yellow cards have RBNJ’s defense in shambles . Portland offense finally becomes potent and wins in an exciting Friday barn burner