MLS Pick ‘Em 2015: MLS Cup Playoffs Round 2
Last week’s matchups came right down to the wire, not unlike Portland and Sporting KC. Russ and Eric moved onto round 2 thanks to the Timbers shootout win. There were a couple of fun surprises too, including the fact that all four “experts” picked New England Revolution to move on in the playoffs. So far, the MLS Cup Playoffs have been nothing short of thrilling. The quality might not be at the level of the EPL, but the drama and intensity is nearly unparalleled. Here’s the updated bracket.
This week some big rivalries are up in the Conference Semi-Finals. First, the New York Red Bulls will be looking for a way to repeat last year’s success and keep this team going. DC United may have turned some heads with Wednesday’s victory, but will it be enough to overcome the newly crowned Supporter’s Shield winners? Next up? Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland write a brand new chapter in the Cascadia rivalry. This is the first time either team has faced each other in the playoffs, and both had some rough patches of form to round out the year. Sunday’s match-up doesn’t bode well on the short rest the Timbers experienced midweek. Columbus Crew and Montreal Impact should be thrilling. Both teams capable of brilliant attacking football, with the likes of Kei Kamara and Didier Drogba patrolling the 18. Don’t be fooled into thinking these are the only players worth talking about for either team, even if they do get the headlines. Ignacio Piatti and Ethan Finlay have both shown very well on the wings this season. Finally, we head down to Dallas to see if FCD is serious about making a run for the cup. Seattle Sounders has the advantage historically having already beaten Dallas twice this year. Anyway, let’s see what the experts say:
| Expert | RBNY v. DC | VAN v. POR | CLB v. MTL | FCD v. SEA | Tiebreaker | Comment |
| Joseph Goldstein
|
RBNY |
VAN |
MTL |
FCD |
FCD (5-2) | Seattle is unbeaten in 9 now, but don’t expect that to last against Dallas. Playing at home for the first leg will help, but Dallas’s stingy defense will make it hard on the Sounders. Back in Dallas things might get a little out of hand. |
| Eric Walcott |
RBNY |
POR |
CLB |
FCD |
FCD (4-3) | I still can’t decide if Seattle won Wednesday because they were good or because the Galaxy were so bad. Either way, we know that FC Dallas are very good, and defense is not Seattle’s forte. FCD will be much better defensively than the Galaxy were, and more balanced in midfield. The Sounders won’t be able to cope, and they’ll drop the result at home before falling flat on the road. |
| Russ McKenzie
|
RBNY |
POR |
MTL |
FCD |
MTL (4-3) | Montreal is absolutely rolling and Columbus still has defensive issues no matter how the last two regular went. Columbus may win small at Mapfre, but Montreal knows how to light clubs with mediocre defenses up at home. |
| Jeff Krause
|
RBNY |
VAN |
CLB |
FCD |
CLB (5-4) | Kei Kamara has been nearly unstoppable all season, and Columbus’ front six is one of the best in the league. Montreal are riding high, but if anyone can organize a strategy to shut down Drogba and Piatti, it’s Gregg Berhalter. McKenzie’s reign of terror ends with this series. |
