Other MLS Games - July 14 & 15
Saturday
SKC @ NYRB 7pm SKC is starting their annual mid season dive. Pundits say it shouldn't last long because for once this team is playing its spare parts. But a club culture of this happening is hard to get past. As for NYRB, last week's coaching debut (no subs until 85 minutes) was not a good start. I think Vermes will pull one over the newbie.
2-1 SKC
Columbus @ NYCFC 7pm -The yellow guys are going through a bit of a slump. Meanwhile, NYC is finding ways to get the points they need & have moved away from the dogmatic play the ball out of the back approach that was their Achilles heal under Vierra. Most important thing - NYC doesn't lose at home, especially against teams that like to keep the ball.
2-0 NYC
San Jose @ Montreal 7:30pm - A series that every year just makes me go....meh. SJE has 2 wins all season. The Impact are better, just not top 5 in the East better.
3-1 Montreal
LAG @ NER 7:30pm - Will Zlatan play on that carpet? Two teams running with long unbeaten streaks. NER freely admitted their last game was the most boring game of the season in all of MLS. LAG will not allow that to happen this time.
2-2
Chicago @ FCD 8pm - FCD doesn't lose at home. Chicago doesn't have the defence to keep FCD out. Could get ugly.
3-0 Dallas
************
Vancouver @ DC United8pm
OK, this one gets its own section. Sure, new stadium and all & Rooney debut. Great stuff.
Just one problem
Two of the proto supporter groups, the ones that in many ways started all that MLS has become, are feeling shafted by DCU management.
https://wtop.com/dc-united/2018/07/w...-united-again/
***
A lot of pressure on DC for this game. Vancouver is a pretty good team at smash & grab while travelling. But, the narrative for DCU starts here. And, I have a lot of respect for Olsen who has done so much with so little for so long & grown into the job.
2-1 DCU
RSL @ Minnesota 8pm The difference between these two teams is RSL is slightly better at home. Both teams have been horrid away. If RSL is to remain in playoff games, they have to start getting results in games like this one. Not sure that is going to happen.
1-1 draw
Houston @ Colorado 9pm All you need to know about Colorado. They dropped an English guy who was underperforming & replaced him with Giles Barnes. Only reason this game won't be ugly is altitude.
2-1 Houston
Sunday
Seattle @ Atlanta 2pmHey, who wants to watch a blowout after the World Cup Final?
4-0 Atlanta
Portland @ LAFC 6pm GAME OF THE WEEK Now this game might be worth a watch. Two decent teams. Well coached. Offences that purr. Portland's defence is better. That will be the difference.
3-2 Portland
