MLS Playoffs set

Chicago sub John Thorrington chipped over Joe Cannon in stoppage time to give Chicago the win over LA in the battle for the final playoff spot in the final game of the season.

The excitement for some was tempered by thoughts of 'what might have been' if injuries had not played a major role from mid-season on.

If Beckham had not come back too soon, it's probable there would have been a different outcome in the seedings due to LA coming on faster.
But the outcome of today's game left Crew atop the losers bracket of those who just 'missed by THAT much!'

The same could be said for any of the other teams, with the exception of Toronto and RSL. Even Colorado who was deemed dead in the race a few months ago was back in it till last week.

If Schelotto had not been injured along with missing a game due to a new arrival in his family things might have been different with the Crew. Same with the loss for the season of key Crew CB Chad Marshall.

As it is, though, the Crew's last two games.. resulting in a good effort against NE for a 3-2 win and the very exciting 3-2 win at RFK last night only gave hope for the next year.... A hope which many jaded Crew fans are reluctant to take up, despite the showcasing of our new young gun.. Robbie Rogers. If Szetela was the biz... then Rogers will have the Euro clubs panting after him by next year.

It's MY opinion, however, that it would have been better for MLS if LA, rather than Chicago, had made the 8th slot. Beckham would have had a chance to take LA deep into the picture and possibly energized the team to the point of actually winning the Cup.

Even though the Crew with a few GOOD breaks could well have made the top four in the single table, it is again apparent why MLS has it right in letting a field of 8 into the playoffs.

 

I think the Crew have much to build on this season. Moreno was a pretty good match up with Schelotto, but we need more attacking options.

But sadly with the MLS, most teams seem to go complete make overs in the offseason and spend half the season experimenting. That is very frustrating.

 

The Fire was pressing the Galaxy most of that game. Blanco is a major part of that team. They know to get him that ball as much as possible, and he makes things happen - he should have had a couple of assists. The other thing he adds is the animation after a foul. He goes down on everything. Although I do not like the diving thing, he makes me laugh at least.

The game did not change until Beckham got subbed in. Unfortunately, the subbing is where I think Yallop made his mistake. I do not understand the need to start Pavon game in and game out. I would have used Buddle and Glinton to start. Also, I would have started Beckham if he was fit enough - which I am assuming he was given his play. This was a do or die game. I am bummed. One more thing, Cannon was awesome yesterday.

Pettyfog - I did not see the Crew game, but if it was a chance for Robbie Rogers to show his stuff, then I am glad he is getting the chance. He was a stud in tbe U-20s.

 

He was... it wasnt working out. It will have to be a GOOD offer from no less than Ajax or the EPL to get him back over there.

 

Playoffs!

Playoffs got rolling last night. Chicago was able to best DC 1-0 last night in Chicago. It’s an alright result for the Fire but given that this is home and home aggregate score, they really could have used another goal.

Chicago v DC
New York v New England

Houston v Dallas
Chivas v KC

My prediction; the winner is coming from the east, I'm picking New York.

 

RE: Playoffs!

Who are the Crew?

When are the playoffs?

Am I bovvered?

Can I be arsed?

Wake me for the final. Wait, let me get back to you on that.

 

RE: Playoffs!

I'm gonna pick Houston to repeat. Their defense is Solid.

 

I hear the playoff games so far have been barnburners, particularly the Fire/DCU series. Fire advances, BTW.

Of course I'm getting all this second hand as it's NOT CREW RELATED. :x

I hear also that the Paulo Wanchope deal is turning out about as I expected. {But still more productive than Denilson.}

Heh...

 

The Fire played well in both games. It got a bit nervy toward the end of the second half last night, but they survived and were the better team in the two matches played.

Chicago is playing well and peaking at the right time. I think they have a shot in the Eastern Conference finals against either New York or New England.

 

I can't lie and say I am a die hard Fire fan, but I do cheer for them because of geographical reasons. I only went to one match this year so I am probably not the best of supporters. Regardless, it is nice to see them do well in the playoffs when it counts.

As for the Warriors, I think this year will be tough to repeat the great season they had last time around. I just hope they make the playoffs.

 

I hate to put the bad mojo on them but with DC out I like the Rev's chances in the East.

 

It will be REv's v Fire for the East.

Note there is only ONE DP left in the playoffs?

I'm thinking Revs will do it this year.

 

Poor Goats hit the post on more than one occasion in their agg. loss to KC at the Home Depot Center last night. The injury to Razov was a killer. A Houston-NE rematchup looks to be in the offing.