MLSsoccer.com's editors have been expertly picking matches all year (Armchair Analyst Matthew Doyle led the pack) and we're not about to stop during the MLS Cup Playoffs, which continue on Thursday night with the Western Conference Semifinal second leg between Portland and Seattle (11 pm ET, NBCSN).
Disagree with the picks? Make your voice heard in the comment section below!
<strong>Editor</strong> |
<strong>Score</strong> |
<strong>Comments</strong> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/GregLalas_0.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Greg Lalas</strong><br><em>Editor-In-Chief</em></p> |
<br><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 39px;"><br><strong>2-1</strong><br>
(POR win 4-2 on agg.)</p> |
From the talent in attack to the force in defense, the Timbers are just too good, too balanced, and too confident. It's as simple as that. |
<br><p><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/freedman_2.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Jonah Freedman</strong><br><em>Managing Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 40px;"><br><strong>1-3 (AET)</strong><br>
(SEA win 4-3 on agg.)</p> |
<p>That Osvaldo Alonso goal in stoppage changed <em>everything</em>. The Sounders have their mojo back. And this is where Deuce earns his money with an extratime winner.</p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Borg_0.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Simon Borg</strong><br><em>Senior Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 40px;"><br><strong>0-2</strong><br>
(SEA win 3-2 on agg.)</p> |
<p>The Sounders created chances in the first leg when Dempsey was pushed higher up the field. With Neagle suspended, he should line up at forward alongside EJ. If that happens and Rosales and Evans can supply balls, the Sounders will find goals.</p> |
<em><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/valencia_1.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong></em><p class="rtecenter"><strong>Kristel Valencia</strong><br><em>Editor FutbolMLS.com</em></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 39px;"><br><strong>2-1</strong><br>
(POR win 4-2 on agg.) |
Same score and a big party at JELD-WEN Field, just as I've been saying for months. |
<p class="rtecenter"><em><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Doyle_2.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong></em><br><strong>Matt Doyle</strong><br><em>Armchair Analyst</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 40px;"><br><strong>1-2</strong><br><strong>(SEA win series in PKs)</strong></p> |
<p>I picked Seattle to win MLS Cup way back in February, and I have to stick by my prediction. That said, Portland are the clear favorites in this one.</p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/AndrewWiebe_0.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Andrew Wiebe</strong><br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato, sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 39px;"><br><strong>2-1</strong><br>
(POR win 4-2 on agg.)</p> |
More of the same for the Sounders, who watch as their archrivals celebrate a historic playoff victory on home turf. That ought to heat things up even more in Cascadia. |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/JasonSaghini_1.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Jason Saghini</strong><br><em>Director of Video</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><strong>DRAW</strong><br><strong>3-3</strong><br>
(POR win 5-4 on agg.)</p> |
I expect this to be the game of the playoffs (and probably the season). Tactics and strategy give way to skill and determination. An early strike opens things up, and from there, I expect plenty of goals. |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Rosano_2.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Nick Rosano</strong><br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><strong>DRAW</strong><br><strong>2-2</strong><br>
(POR win 4-3 on agg.)</p> |
<p>The Sounders have no choice but to go for it in the cauldron of JELD-WEN Field and with some good news on the health front, they should be able to net a goal or two. But keeping Portland of the score sheet? That's a trickier proposition.</p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/DiegoPinzon_0.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><br><strong>Diego Pinzon</strong><br><em>FutbolMLS.com Assoc. Editor</em></p> |
<p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/portland_150.png" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: medium none; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Lato,sans-serif; line-height: 22.5px; width: 40px; height: 39px;"><br><strong>3-1</strong><br>
(POR win 5-2 on agg.)</p> |
<p>Caleb Porter knows some things we don't.</p> |
