MLS Playoff thread

[lordbrook]

I might be the only one that is interested, but I thought I'd post anyway. Here's my take so far:

Play-in games: NY seemed to dominate start to finish which really surprised me because in the limited times I've seen them this year they were really inconsistent. Colorado and Columbus looked like they were hoping someone else would win. Crap game all in all.

First rounds: LA/NY features the Yankees/Red Sox match up where the only good result for me would be for both teams to lose. As it was, LA looked more focused and had better chances. The field condition was atrocious, but understandably so considering the weather. It wasn't until LA scored that NY started pushing forward.

Colorado/KC: KC dominated but IMO Colorado got screwed on the PK/red card (and I don't like Colorado). I hate Toledo as a ref and hope he's relegated to AYSO games from now on. I still think KC should have won though.

Houston/Philly: I didn't watch the first half of the game, but it looked pretty evenly matched. I was a bit surprised at the result so this is my second most anticipated match coming up.

RSL/Seattle: My team dominated from beginning to end. If Keller hadn't been in top form it could have been 6-0 at the final whistle. I haven't seen RSL play this well since the spring. Should be interesting in Seattle because of their rabid fans, but we did win there already this year so we'll see.

Anyone else have a horse in this race?

[Basketeer]

My "horse" is D.C. So now I'm rooting for "Anyone playing against NYRB."

Houston surprised me. I still think they are a one-trick pony, relying solely on the creativity of Brad Davis. More of a team effort against Union was good to see.

I really like what's happening in Kansas City. Sporting's coach should win Coach of the Year hands down, what a turnaround they've had. A whole lot of firepower on that team and they're currently my favorites to win the East.

RSL shocked Sounders, I don't think many expected to see a result like that. When this team is healthy and firing on all cylinders, they can be the best team in MLS. It'll be tougher to pick up a win in Seattle, but they've got a nice 3 goal cushion. Disappointing for a Seattle team that is chalk-full of firepower. It's hard to argue that Kasey Keller isn't the greatest GK in U.S. history, even with other exceptional keepers like Friedel and Howard vying for that title.

Hans Backe is a terrible manager. He's lucky the ownership likes to spend money, but with this roster, his team should've easily won the East. Rafa Marquez continues to be a joke and why Juan Agudelo never sees the field is beyond me. I don't like LA either, but at least they have a coherent style and are managed well. I'll be glad when NYRB crash-out.

[lordbrook]

My "horse" is D.C. So now I'm rooting for "Anyone playing against NYRB."

Houston surprised me. I still think they are a one-trick pony, relying solely on the creativity of Brad Davis. More of a team effort against Union was good to see.

I really like what's happening in Kansas City. Sporting's coach should win Coach of the Year hands down, what a turnaround they've had. A whole lot of firepower on that team and they're currently my favorites to win the East.

RSL shocked Sounders, I don't think many expected to see a result like that. When this team is healthy and firing on all cylinders, they can be the best team in MLS. It'll be tougher to pick up a win in Seattle, but they've got a nice 3 goal cushion. Disappointing for a Seattle team that is chalk-full of firepower. It's hard to argue that Kasey Keller isn't the greatest GK in U.S. history, even with other exceptional keepers like Friedel and Howard vying for that title.

Hans Backe is a terrible manager. He's lucky the ownership likes to spend money, but with this roster, his team should've easily won the East. Rafa Marquez continues to be a joke and why Juan Agudelo never sees the field is beyond me. I don't like LA either, but at least they have a coherent style and are managed well. I'll be glad when NYRB crash-out.

Unless something is wrong with him that isn't being reported, he should have played if not started. They brought in Ballouchy (whom I've always liked) but leave Agudelo on the bench??? It was a joke.

[lordbrook]

Another installment after last night.

Colorado/KC round 2: Colorado was playing with so many player missing that I almost felt sorry for them. The conditions were horrible, or they moved the game to Calcutta during monsoon season and didn't tell anyone. Both of their goals were on set pieces with the first one being just a minor redirection header and their second being an authoritative rocket header from about 12 yards out. KC looked really good and will be moving on.

RSL/Seattle: As an RSL fan I'm just now starting to breathe again. RSL came out missing there two center backs (IMO 2 of the top 4 or 5 defensive players in the league) and it showed. They were scrambling all game long and faced constant pressure. Kudos to Seattle for applying that pressure for the entire game. I thought they would run out of gas as the game wore on but they didn't. Their first goal was on a PK that should have been a no call. There was a lot of physical play going on in the box by both sides with Seattle getting a gift (again IMO, but I'm right so there). Their second goal was a thing of beauty. I hate saying that, but man was it nice. The save of the game didn't come from the keeper but from RSL defender Beltran on a shot off of a deflection from keeper Rimando. Check out the highlight because it's worth it.

[Basketeer]

Disappointing to see Seattle crash out early, but RSL earned the right to advance. Another stiff test in the next round against LA/NYRB.

SKC is looking mighty fine right now. Bunbury is one of my favorite players in MLS and he's only going to get better. If Klinsmann insists on calling-in big #9's for USMNT, why not give Teal a shot over Altidore?

[lordbrook]

Disappointing to see Seattle crash out early, but RSL earned the right to advance. Another stiff test in the next round against LA/NYRB.

SKC is looking mighty fine right now. Bunbury is one of my favorite players in MLS and he's only going to get better. If Klinsmann insists on calling-in big #9's for USMNT, why not give Teal a shot over Altidore?

Bunbury has looked awesome. My nephew and I were saying that exact same thing last night about him getting some MNT time. IMO we need some infusion of young talent because our old guard isn't getting it done. I will be surprised if Bunbury stays in MLS for long because he looks like he'll be playing in Europe soon at the rate he's going.

[lordbrook]

Two more deciding games last night.

I really didn't have time to watch the entire Houston/Philly game but I did catch their goal. It was off of a set piece with a beautifully placed ball inside the top of the 18 that was rocketed into the net off the head of Ching. I really didn't watch too closely because of problems at work and getting my 3 kids fed and watered. So we'll have an Eastern final of Houston versus KC. My prediction is KC by hair.

The second game was LA/NYC and NYC came to play (at least early on). NYC dictated the pace and attack for the first bit with LA playing catchup to anything NYC wanted to do. It culminated in an early goal by Rodgers off of a great through ball by Henry. Rodgers then went on to give LA a reason to fight back by acting like a dick for a little bit after he scored. Magee, who is the stunt double for Bradley Cooper, scored on a header just before half to put LA in front on aggregate goals again. NYC had some chances in the second but nothing as sustained as the beginning of the game. LA wrapped it up when Beckham was fouled in the box for a Donovan PK. When I saw it live I was livid that a PK was awarded to Beckham knowing that he gets every marginal call anyway, but the replay showed that the ref was right and I was wrong. It was a stupid play by Miller and was a well deserved PK. Western final will be RSL versus LA. My prediction is RSL on penalties again. I think both teams are very well matched with their offense being more refined and our defense being better. The difference will be Rimando's ability on PK's (I hope).

[Basketeer]

Last night was Brad Davis v. David Beckham. They were the reason their respective teams won. Davis is my pick for MVP, nobody does more with less. Houston wouldn't be in the playoffs without Davis.

I loved watching Beckham last night. He played like a guy 10 years younger, was all over the place and had a hand in both goals. This kind of game was what MLS fans have been waiting to see from Becks since he arrived. Only 5 years in the making!

I'm taking SKC over Houston 2-1 on aggregate. Toss-up between RSL and LA.

[lordbrook]

Last night was Brad Davis v. David Beckham. They were the reason their respective teams won. Davis is my pick for MVP, nobody does more with less. Houston wouldn't be in the playoffs without Davis.

I loved watching Beckham last night. He played like a guy 10 years younger, was all over the place and had a hand in both goals. This kind of game was what MLS fans have been waiting to see from Becks since he arrived. Only 5 years in the making!

I'm taking SKC over Houston 2-1 on aggregate. Toss-up between RSL and LA.

I've never liked Beckham but he was really good last night. No aggregate this next round but I wouldn't be surprised with a 2-1 result for KC.

[Basketeer]

I've never liked Beckham but he was really good last night. No aggregate this next round but I wouldn't be surprised with a 2-1 result for KC.

^ This highlights both my lack of knowledge about MLS playoffs and the ridiculousness of how they're structured.

This league will get much better, imo, when they adopt an NHL-style table and playoff system. Top 4 teams in each conference enter playoffs, two-legs each for first two rounds, single-elimination MLS Cup final.

I'd say they should go single table ala EPL, but I think the travel would be too much.

[Basketeer]

Well I'll be danged. Didn't think Houston had it in 'em, especially with Davis out for most of the game. Solid effort all around...maybe they actually have a chance at winning this whole thing.

Geoff Cameron is straight beast at CB. He, Bunbury, and Omar Gonzalez are the three most deserving of a USMNT call-up, in my opinion.

[lordbrook]

Ugh. I can barely bring myself to write this, but here goes.

I didn't get a chance to watch Houston/KC at all due to helping my brother in law replace an engine in his Jeep, but I was blown away by the result. Good for Houston.

The RSL/LA game was a surprise as well, but on the negative side for me. RSL had the reigning Defender of the Year back in the lineup, but barely. Our other starting center defender was still out and the lack in the middle was showing. The only consolation I can take from this loss is that we were out played and lost fair and square. I'm disappointed that we couldn't have a full healthy team on the field, but thems the breaks. The first goal for LA was a complete BS call, and had the game ended with this being the deciding factor I would be ranting up a storm by now, but it wasn't and LA deserves to move on. They got great play from all of their million dollar players and RSL just couldn't match them.

A bitter side note that all O's fans will share with me in this context: Average player salary for LA players-$428,265, average salary for RSL players-$135,306.

[RedDevil00]

For any other people who may be reading this thread but not replying... a friend of mine runs and writes www.mlsreserves.com. He's always looking for new readers, so check it out and maybe spread the word to your fellow MLS fans if you like what you see.

[lordbrook]

For any other people who may be reading this thread but not replying... a friend of mine runs and writes www.mlsreserves.com. He's always looking for new readers, so check it out and maybe spread the word to your fellow MLS fans if you like what you see.

This is a great site IMO. It gives some good insight into the ins and outs of other teams that you may not follow as closely. I see all the players at least a couple of times during the season, but it's nice to get a deeper look.

[RedDevil00]

This is a great site IMO. It gives some good insight into the ins and outs of other teams that you may not follow as closely. I see all the players at least a couple of times during the season, but it's nice to get a deeper look.

Glad to hear you like it! I hope you do tell a lot of other people about it. He's actually very close with RSL so hopefully you do see a lot of content having to do with your team.