MLS Pick ‘Em 2016 – Week 9 – DC United v New York City FC
Last week, only Ned Joyce came away with points after LA drew SKC on the road. As Ned picked up his first points of the season, it means that only two writers are still shutout. See below:
| Player | Points | Correct Outcome | Incorrect | Correct Score |
| Eric Walcott | 12 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Joseph Goldstein | 5 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Matt Pollard | 5 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Joe Hojnacki | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
| Alec Rivera | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Russ McKenzie | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Ned Joyce | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Daniel Sperry | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Laura McFayden | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
This week, NYCFC visits DC United at RFK. Whew, that’s a lot of initials. City had a big win at home against the Whitecaps, while DC fought back to earn a draw against Chicago on the road. Neither team has been particularly consistent thus far, so this one is really wide open. Will DC find 3 points at home, or will NYCFC steal one on the road? Let’s see what the experts think.
| Expert | Pick | Comments |
|
Joseph Goldstein |
DC |
DC is starting to come together while NYCFC is still sort of a mess. DC should be able to contain Villa and co. for the most part. I can still see them sneaking a goal though DC wins the day. |
Eric Walcott |
DC |
DC United are inconsistent, but have their moments. NYCFC is at the very least consistently bad defensively, especially on the road. |
Alec Rivera |
DC |
City are an offensive powerhouse, so we can spot them a goal more nights than not. Still, D.C. United appears to be figuring things out offensively and, with Luciano Acosta, can look very dangerous. Some magic from the Boca Juniors product will create a flurry of opportunities for Nyarko, Neagle, and Saborio. Either Kemp or Birnbaum will also open their account for the season. |
Russ McKenzie |
DC |
Acosta is an x factor for DC, and City is suspect defensively. While Josh Saunders will look to redeem himself and his poor ball handling abilities, DC will victimize City twice, and City will rally late to no avail. |
Ned Joyce |
DRAW |
Acosta will provide a much needed offensive spark for DC but tommy mac will again prove decisive. Mix diskerud will also make a rare appearance on the scoreboard at raccoon land..err rfk |
Matt Pollard |
DRAW |
United is just too banged up right now. Still on a third string goalie and now the ageless Espindola is still hurt. NYCFC’s attack has come alive the last few games but they’ve done it mostly at home, where their crazy field dimensions make things chaotic. D.C. is going to bunker and play for counters and set pieces. The midfield is going to muck it up. Boswell and Birnbaum won’t give up much. NYCFC will eventually break through. Rolfe and Saborio will find some way to create a goal. This one ends in a bruising 1-1 draw. #BennyBall |
Daniel Sperry |
DC |
NYCFC have been pretty dismal on the road, and DC look much improved from the beginning of the season. If Acosta plays, I’m afraid the NYCFC midfield will get pushed up to far trying to help and get caught. |
Joe Hojnacki |
DC |
New York City’s faulty defending will let them down against a United team that is starting to find some form. Playing against NYC should be more than enough for them to continue to score a few. I expect this to be pretty comfortable for them in the end. |
Laura McFayden |
DC |
With Acosta starting, DC will have what they’ve been missing. Their attack is exciting when he’s on the field. NYCFC might have an exciting attack, but it’s not enough when their defense is sloppy and midfield is inconsistent. Away from home, David Villa won’t be able to earn three points by himself. |
Main Photo: Rob Carr, Getty Images
