MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: Week 34 – San Jose Earthquakes v. Sporting Kansas City
Two weeks ago Dallas won big against Houston. While no one guessed the score, the table pretty much stayed the same. Russ is still leading the charge with Jeff and I breathing down his neck. Just like a certain team he writes for, a perfect score this week would see him lock down the number 1 seed this week (assuming Jeff and I pick incorrectly or miss the score) Norton has a chance to jump out of the basement and up two places if he manages to outguess Ned and John. Playoff seedings are pretty much set, but the top and bottom are too close to call right now.
| Player | Points | Correct Outcome | Correct Score | Bonus | Incorrect | Percentage |
| Russ McKenzie | 31 | 21 | 5 | 0 | 13 | 61.76% |
| Jeff Krause | 30 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 12 | 64.71% |
| Joseph Goldstein | 29 | 18 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 52.94% |
| Alec Rivera | 22 | 14 | 4 | 0 | 20 | 41.18% |
| Eric Walcott | 19 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 55.88% |
| Ned Joyce | 12 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 29.41% |
| John Richan | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 32.35% |
| Michael Norton | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 29.41% |
This week, the San Jose Earthquakes look to try getting back above the red line against Sporting Kansas City. Kansas City has just two wins in the last 9 games, but seem to be shaking off the late summer slump. San Jose looked like a lock for the playoffs a month ago, but have just 1 win in their last 6 following a 4 game winning streak. Will SKC pull out the double dagger and clinch with a win or draw, or will San Jose pull ahead of Portland (temporarily) on GD with a big win? Let’s see what the experts think:
| Expert | Pick | Comments |
| Joseph Goldstein
|
SJ (2-0) |
SKC have been poor on the road, and against Western opposition this year. Add fatigue and you’ve got the recipe for a very tough outing. SJ climbs back into the playoffs with this one. Let’s not forget what SJ did to KC on the road. |
| Eric Walcott |
Draw (2-2) | SKC is the better team but if Mustivar and Ellis miss out that will hurt them defensively. |
| Alec Rivera
|
SKC (3-1) |
The stars are aligning in Soccer City, USA as they march toward the playoffs, with many of their key players back in form and producing for Sporting. Look for Nemeth, Dwyer, and Feilhaber to come alive, striking terror into the hearts of their Western Conference rivals heading into the playoffs. |
| Jeff Krause
|
SKC (2-1) |
San Jose is much improved this year, but SKC is looking towards building some momentum heading into the playoffs. This is the perfect time to start. |
| Russ McKenzie |
SKC (2-1) |
It’s simple math. Sporting KC will win the numbers game in midfield and remind SJ why they are likely missing the playoffs. |
| John Richan
|
SKC (2-1) |
With the playoffs right around the corner KC needs to get in the right mindset… and a win this weekend is just what the doctor ordered. |
| Michael Norton |
SKC (2-1) |
A Sporting win gives them a slim chance at the Shield while also making San Jose’s dream borderline impossible. Don’t expect a Kekuta Manneh-esque blown opportunity at Avaya Stadium from the likes of Nemeth and Dwyer. |
| Ned Joyce |
SKC (2-1) |
SKC need to show their playoff form and this is a huge occasion for them to do so. |
Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images
