MLS Pick ‘Em 2016: Week 2 – TFC v. NYCFC
Week 1 is in the books. While there were some surprises, most of what we knew heading into the season still holds true. Portland started the year in style with a 2-1 victory. The result pushed Eric to the top of the table picking the exact score. What team does he cover again? Oh. Right. Anyway, here’s the standings after Week 1:
| Player | Points | Correct Outcome | Incorrect | Correct Score |
| Eric Walcott | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Joseph Goldstein | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Alec Rivera | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Joe Hojnacki | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Russ McKenzie | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Ned Joyce | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Matt Pollard | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Daniel Sperry | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Laura McFayden | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
This week, we’ve got Toronto FC visiting New York City FC. It is the second time in 2 weeks that Toronto is looking to get another big result in against a NY team. Can they keep their strong form at the back from Week 1 or will NYC’s youthful attack find ways to expose the Reds. Let’s see what the experts say:
| Expert | Pick | Comments |
|
Joseph Goldstein |
TFC |
Toronto’s offense is still a work in progress while missing their DP forward, but it will be of no consequence for the Red’s to easily pick apart a defense that was atrocious last week in Chicago. TFC will earn the shutout behind an improved defense. |
Eric Walcott |
TFC |
This will be a big test of how improved TFC’s back line is. Home and away teams scored goals galore at Yankee Stadium last year. NYCFC have already proven they can’t stop anyone, so TFC will score. Their back line is much improved, and it will get them the win. NY is red…TFC red. |
Alec Rivera |
NYCFC |
Toronto managed to steal three points at Red Bull Area, but this is a long road stretch and City will be hungry to continue their positive momentum at home. Surely Toronto won’t spoil consecutive home openers… |
Russ McKenzie |
TFC |
NYCFC is improved, but this time they’re up against a better than average defense. City isn’t up the task yet, and Toronto gets 3 more points from New York Metro area this week. |
Ned Joyce |
TFC |
Toronto looks solid this year but nycfc has fire power. It’ll be a fun time to watch unless you enjoy man marking or coverage of the opposing teams |
Matt Pollard |
DRAW |
Similar to a game these two teams played last year, this is going to be an absolute goal fest. Villa and Giovinco are going to go off. I expect a role player from both teams to make a big play in this game as well. Osorio for TFC, maybe Patrick Mullins for NYCFC. The Yankees stadium pitch makes for helter-skelter back and forth play. Hold on to your butts, friends. |
Daniel Sperry |
TFC |
Jozy Altidore’s absence is a big hole, but having Giovinco drop deep into a false nine role will help cover that absence. NYCFC’s defense is a joke, and Toronto has really improved their back line. Expect Toronto to play similar to how they did against NYRB |
Joe Hojnacki |
TFC |
Toronto’s goal scoring power will overrun New York City’s lack of defense. Giovinco bags a brace and assists on the other one. New York’s midfield is too lazy and old to properly transition into any goal scoring opportunities and Clint Irwin is gifted his second clean sheet to open his TFC career. |
Laura McFayden |
TOR |
NYCFC haven’t done much of anything to improve their defense and that back line won’t stand a chance against Giovinco. TFC has improved defensively, but the NYCFC attack is strong. More goals upon goals at Yankee Stadium. |
