MLS PICK ‘EM 2016 – WEEK 5 – Houston Dynamo v. Seattle Sounders FC
Only two writers picked the Revs to beat the Red Bulls last week, and neither was the Revs beat writer for LWOS. Matt and I picked up the points last week, leaving Matt some breathing room in 2nd place, and I moved into sole possession of 3rd. Here’s how our standings look so far:
| Player | Points | Correct Outcome | Incorrect | Correct Score |
| Eric Walcott | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Matt Pollard | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Joseph Goldstein | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Alec Rivera | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Joe Hojnacki | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Russ McKenzie | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Ned Joyce | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Daniel Sperry | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Laura McFayden | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
This week move’s out west to Texas where the Houston Dynamo take on the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders have been struggling so far this season but finally picked up their first win last week. Will Clint Dempsey find his magic against a Dynamo team that has been less than defensively sound? For the Dynamo, their potent offense sputtered in last week’s loss to the Whitecaps. Will they turn it around against the West’s bottom dwellers? Let’s see what the experts say:
| Expert | Pick | Comments |
|
Joseph Goldstein |
HOU |
Houston’s defense won’t hold firm for the shutout, but they will pcontrol the midfield against the Sounders and thus control the game. Seattle is still trying to find itself even after breaking their winless skid. |
Eric Walcott |
DRAW |
Seattle is badly underperforming so far, and Houston has looked better than they actually are. Seattle takes an early lead before Houston levels it late. |
Alec Rivera |
HOU |
Seattle’s success with free kicks will not continue indefinitely; they need to get something else going offensively. Houston have had a week off to address their defensive issues, and their goal scoring threats have looked formidable all season. They will capitalize. |
Russ McKenzie |
HOU |
Owen Coyle has the Dynamo humming this season, and Seattle is simply disjointed. This is the match that might turn some heads, as the Dynamo will likely score 2 first half goals. |
Ned Joyce |
HOU |
This Seattle team looks poor so far and Houston looks dangerous. Houston will top this sounders team and it won’t be as close as the scoreline suggests |
Matt Pollard |
SEA |
Seattle finally got the monkey off their back. Now they’ve got a home against against a Houston Dynamo team who’s offense has struggled the past two games. Seattle still has issues at the back, but Houston’s back line is certainly exploitable. I’m calling for Jordan Morris to get his first professional goal in this one. Will Bruin helps create one late for the visitors, but Rave Green holds on to take all three points. |
Daniel Sperry |
SEA |
Seattle finally put together a shutout last week and picked up their first win of the season. Clint Dempsey is in top form at the moment so look for him to bag another goal, and for Jordan Morris to break the ice. Andrew Wenger grabs a consolation goal for Houston. |
Joe Hojnacki |
DRAW |
Seattle is still waiting to have their big breakout moment. Yes, they have points now, but I don’t think going on the road is the right place to get their wheels truly rolling. They go ahead before half time, but give up a late equalizer to… let’s say Will Bruin. |
Laura McFayden |
HOU |
Neither team has had a great start, but Owen Coyle’s men can make a little magic at home. Seattle’s own Messi hasn’t quite lived up to the hype as they’d hoped, and will continue to need time to adjust. |
