 |
| They're hard to spot, sometimes... |
Well, I did do some jiggering with the format, but nearly as
much as I thought I would (again, incorrigible). They layout below is self-evident,
hopefully, but it’s very choppy and just-the-facts-and-OCD-ma’am. I do post a
longer narrative review every week that (ideally) goes up every Monday morning
on Orange & Blue Press…went on a bit this week, but that’s more story and
less reference, where this closer to reference with light commentary.
On the nuts and bolts level, I did add some more
reference/context (and it’s neat-o!): because it’s the scheduling form of a
round number, I listed the next several games ahead for all the teams in Major
League Soccer up to the Gold Cup break (aka, the bulk of June). You’ll see
those on the bottom of the Info-Boxes (you’ll see what I mean). Before
getting to those, however, here are some quick notes on MLS Week 11 (with a
sharper reference to what’s below).
As noted here, there, and everywhere, MLS has two official contenders
in LAFC and Philadelphia – even if the latter might deserve an inspection to
its under-belly (check their recent opposition). Going the other way, surely
Toronto finally dropped out of official contender status over the past weekend?
Teams with any claim to contender thin out after that, but New York City FC
stakes the strongest one based on their recent road wins (srsly, it’s worth scrolling
down…and not far). Why don’t some obvious teams have equal claim?
A lot of them – e.g., Atlanta, DC, Chicago, even Dallas –
have tough/tricky schedules before the break. For Atlanta and DC, it’s a lot of
games and a lot of travel; the way they come out of that could be big and/or defining. For
Chicago (who has ground to make up), it’s the matter of playing a bunch of
games on the road…where they haven’t been good (0-2-2); another situation to
watch. Dallas, along with Vancouver, aren’t playing bad, but they’ve got more
dodgy ties ahead than your local Goodwill.
Another category lurks below there, teams facing semi- to
thoroughly pivotal stretches before going into the break. I put Minnesota and
Sporting KC in that group – and FC Cincinnati, but for a totally different
reason. The first two have plausible opportunities to pick up points – so watch
for that – but, with Cincinnati, it’s a trick of not slipping back into a coma
and with some bad prognoses ahead. And to wrap up with a couple random notes:
- I wanted more time to learn how much Revolution players
hated Brad Friedel, but, when New England hired Bruce Arena, they threw a
damned good opportunity out the window.
- Orlando has a pretty shitty offense – i.e., they’ve scored
just 13 goals in 11 games, a pissant average of (factually under) 1.2 goals per
game. If you’re laughing now, fans of the following teams can shut up (and, for
the record, I never laughed) because their teams have scored either fewer goals
than Orlando, or just as few: Atlanta, Columbus, Cincinnati (forza, Ohio!),
Vancouver, and Portland (fuck. me. dammit.). Feel like shit? Consider that even
Colorado has scored more than every one of those teams.
Right, time for the Info-Boxes, which are useful little
buggers.
LOS ANGELES FC, 8-1-3,
27 points, 29 gf, 8 ga, (5-0-1 home, 3-1-2 away)
Last Ten: DWWWWLWDDW (6-1-3)
Last 10 at home: WWWD
Last 10 away: DWWLDW
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
|
a NYC
|
v RSL
|
a SJ
|
a DC
|
v CIN
|
a VAN
|
v SEA
|
a SEA
|
v CHI
|
a CLB
|
|
2-2
|
2-1
|
5-0
|
4-0
|
2-0
|
0-1
|
4-1
|
1-1
|
0-0
|
3-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. A booming goal-differential, a midfield trio
with powers of suffocation (Atuesta, Kaye and Blessing), and they ate Columbus
alive last weekend. A punishing out for any opposition, anywhere at the moment,
regardless of venue. (More) Injuries are probably their greatest threat.
Next Games: v FC Dallas (5/16), @ FC Dallas(5/19), v
Montreal (5/24), @ Portland (6/1). I’d call Portland the hardest out of the
bunch, but injuries to that midfield would appear to be the greatest threat.
PHILADELPHIA UNION, 7-3-2,
23 points, 23 gf, 12 ga, (5-1-0 home, 2-2-2 away)
Last Ten: DWWWLWDWWW (7-1-2)
Last 10 at home: WWWWW
Last 10 away: DWLDW
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
|
a ATL
|
v CLB
|
a CIN
|
v FCD
|
a LAG
|
v MTL
|
a VAN
|
v CIN
|
v NE
|
a TFC
|
|
1-1
|
3-0
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
0-2
|
3-0
|
1-1
|
3-0
|
6-1
|
2-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. First, note the last 10 numbers. After that,
mind the opposition. Philly’s still flat-out getting it done, but they’re
caught more than a few middling teams in their weakest moments.
Next Games. v Seattle Sounders (5/18), v Portland
(5/25), v Colorado (5/29), @ Minnesota (6/2), v RBNY (6/8). They’ll be exactly
halfway at the break and, with how they’re playing, I expect them 8-10 points
higher by then.
NEW YORK CITY FC,
4-1-6, 18 points, 15 gf, 12 ga, (1-0-4 home, 3-1-2 away)
Last Ten: DDLDDWWDWW (4-1-6)
Last 10 at home: DDDWD
Last 10 away: DLDWW
|
D
|
D
|
L
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
|
v DC
|
v LAF
|
a TFC
|
v MTL
|
a MIN
|
a DC
|
v CHI
|
v ORL
|
a MTL
|
a LAG
|
|
0-0
|
2-2
|
0-4
|
0-0
|
3-3
|
2-0
|
1-0
|
1-1
|
2-0
|
2-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. When said a win last weekend “should get
people’s attention,” those were effectively my notes for this weekend. Overall,
note where they played some of their last five: at DC, at Montreal, at the
Galaxy – where they got all available points.
Next Game: @ Chicago (5/25), @ Columbus (6/1) v
Cincinnati. I don’t expect all nine points, but I also don’t see them slowing
down. Also, note the back-loaded season (only 14 games at the break).
ATLANTA UNITED FC,
5-3-2, 17 points, 12 gf, 8 ga, (3-1-2 home, 2-2-0 away)
Last Ten: LDDLWLWWWW (5-3-2)
|
L
|
D
|
D
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
|
a DC
|
v CIN
|
v PHI
|
a CLB
|
a NE
|
v FCD
|
v COL
|
a SKC
|
v TFC
|
v ORL
|
|
0-2
|
1-1
|
1-1
|
0-2
|
2-0
|
1-2
|
1-0
|
3-0
|
2-0
|
1-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Again, last week’s notes said they’d have to
start “leading the conversation. They’re doing that now. Also, note their goals
allowed over their past six games.@ Vancouver Whitecaps, May 15, then @ New
York Red Bulls, May 19.
Next Game. @ Vancouver (5/15), @ RBNY (5/19), @ RSL
(5/24), v Minnesota (5/29), v Chicago (6/1). A bit (circumstantially) fortunate
in terms of opposition, but that’s a lot of travel/games in very little time;
this’ll test their mettle nicely.
DC UNITED, 7-3-2, 19
points, 17 gf, 11 ga, (4-2-1 home, 3-1-1 away)
Last Ten: WWLDWLWLWW (6-3-1)
Last 10 at home: WLDLWW
Last 10 away: WWWL
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
|
v RSL
|
a ORL
|
v LAF
|
v MTL
|
a COL
|
v NYC
|
a CLB
|
a MIN
|
v CLB
|
v SKC
|
|
5-0
|
2-1
|
0-4
|
0-0
|
3-2
|
0-2
|
1-0
|
0-1
|
3-1
|
1-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. They still have a solid record (obviously),
and they pulled out of an uneven period with two straight, and they own
Columbus. Playoff-bound (for now), maybe better than that.
Next Game: @ TFC (5/15), @ Houston (5/18), @ NE Revs
(5/25), v Chicago (5/29), v San Jose (6/1). They’ll get a real road test
against Houston, and I’d watch for how they handle the travel/congestion.
HOUSTON DYNAMO, 6-2-1,
19 points, 17 gf, 10 ga, (5-0-1 home, 1-2-0 away)
Last Ten: N/A
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
|
v RSL
|
v MTL
|
v VAN
|
a COL
|
v SJ
|
a LAG
|
v CLB
|
v HOU
|
a SEA
|
|
1-1
|
2-1
|
3-2
|
4-1
|
2-1
|
1-2
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
0-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Even with the loss, a credible result on the
road – a good sign, given what’s coming (e.g., a lot of road games). Also, they’ve
played the fewest games in the league – and will have among the fewest after
the break (just four games between here and there?).
Next. v Portland (5/15), v DC (5/18), @ Minnesota (5/25),
v SKC (6/1). Look for the number of points they get in these home games. Could
be big later.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS, 6-1-4,
22 points, 20 gf, 13 ga, (5-0-2 home, 1-1-2 away)
Last Ten: WWDWWLDDDW (5-1-4)
Last 10 at home: WWWDDW
Last 10 away: WDLD
|
W
|
W
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
D
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
|
v COL
|
a CHI
|
a VAN
|
v RSL
|
v TFC
|
a LAF
|
v SJ
|
v LAF
|
a MIN
|
v HOU
|
|
2-0
|
4-2
|
0-0
|
1-0
|
3-2
|
1-4
|
2-2
|
1-1
|
1-1
|
1-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes They did the bare minimum, especially in the
context of the 3 games prior. Another lightly home-heavy team, too. They’ll go
into the break at 9 home, 7 away.
Next Games. v. Orlando (5/15), @ Philly (5/18), @ SKC
(5/26), v FCD (6/1), @ Montreal (6/5). Take out Philly, and Seattle on-form has
it in them to take the rest.
FC DALLAS, 5-4-2, 17
points, 16 gf, 14 ga, (3-1-2 home, 2-3-0 away)
Last Ten: WLWWLWWDLL (5-4-1)
Last 10 at home: WWWDL
Last 10 away: LWLWL
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
|
v LAG
|
a CLB
|
v COL
|
a RSL
|
a PHI
|
v POR
|
a ATL
|
v SJ
|
a HOU
|
v RB
|
|
2-0
|
0-1
|
2-1
|
4-2
|
1-2
|
2-1
|
2-1
|
0-0
|
1-2
|
1-3
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. They did not survive that trap game against
the Red Bulls, also note the soft patch
generally. A solid team, but that’s about it.
Next Games. @ LAFC (5/16), v LAFC (5/19), @ Vancouver
(5/25), v Seattle (6/1), @ San Jose (6/8). Even after the “holy shit” week
ahead, both Vancouver and San Jose have improved (also venue), and Seattle is
Seattle. Death or glory period, ahoy!
LOS ANGELES GALAXY,
7-4-1, 22 points, 18 gf, 16 ga, (6-1-0 home, 1-3-1 away)
Last Ten: WWWWWDWLLL (5-4-1)
Last 10 at home: WWWWWL
Last 10 away: WDLL
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
|
v MIN
|
v POR
|
a VAN
|
v PHI
|
v HOU
|
a MIN
|
v RSL
|
a RB
|
a CLB
|
v NYC
|
|
3-2
|
2-1
|
2-0
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
0-0
|
2-1
|
2-3
|
1-3
|
0-2
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. The case for bad road form looks real – and,
look, they carried it home!
Next Games. v Colorado (5/18), @ Orlando (5/24), @
SKC (5/29), v NE Revs (6/2). A good team eats that run alive, that’s all I’m
saying.
CHICAGO FIRE, 4-4-4,
16 points, 19 gf, 13 ga, (4-1-2 home, 0-3-2 away)
Last Ten: LWDDWLLDWW (2-4-4)
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
|
v SEA
|
v NYR
|
a TFC
|
v VAN
|
v COL
|
a NYC
|
a MTL
|
a LAF
|
v NE
|
v MIN
|
|
2-4
|
1-0
|
2-2
|
1-1
|
4-1
|
0-1
|
0-1
|
1-1
|
5-0
|
2-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. They, along with that goals against record,
made me a believer this weekend. Shame about Nico Gaitan (assuming he’s still
gimpy). They’ve made good moves, too.
Next Games. @ Orlando (5/18), v RBNY (5/25), @ DC
(5/29), @ Atlanta (6/1). That’s a lot of away games in a little time and
Chicago hasn’t been great on the road as yet (0-2-2, and a lot of it’s recent).
NEW YORK RED BULLS,
4-5-2, 14 points, 16 gf, 14 ga, (3-3-0 home, 1-2-2 away)
Last Ten: WLLLDLWWLW (4-5-1)
Last 10 at home: WLLWWL
Last 10 away: LDLW
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
|
v SJ
|
v ORL
|
a CHI
|
v MIN
|
a SKC
|
a NE
|
v CIN
|
v LA
|
v MTL
|
a FCD
|
|
4-1
|
0-1
|
0-1
|
1-2
|
2-2
|
0-1
|
1-0
|
3-2
|
1-2
|
3-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. While clearly(?) improving, the last two
results contain the logic of Red Bulls’ 2019.
Next Games. v Atlanta (5/18), v Vancouver (5/22), @
Cincinnati (5/25), v RSL (6/1), @ Philly (6/8). Caveat: who the fuck knows what
they’ll do, but two of those (Vancouver and RSL) need to be six points.
Everything else = gravy.
MINNESOTA UNITED FC,
4-4-3, 15 points, 19 gf, 18 ga, (1-0-3 home, 3-4-0 away)
Last Ten: WLLWDLDWDL (3-4-3)
Last 10 at home: DDWD
Last 10 away: WLLWLL
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
D
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
|
a SJ
|
a LA
|
a NE
|
a NYR
|
v NYC
|
a TFC
|
v LAG
|
v DC
|
v SEA
|
a CHI
|
|
3-0
|
2-3
|
1-2
|
2-1
|
3-3
|
3-4
|
0-0
|
1-0
|
1-1
|
0-2
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. As The Who once sang, the good’s gone, mainly
because the offense has gone cold. Then again, that’s a murderer’s row of
defensive teams.
Next Games. v Columbus (5/18), v Houston (5/25), @
Atlanta (5/29), v Philly (6/2), @ Colorado (6/8). Anything nine points or
higher counts as a good haul. And I’m betting against it for now.
MONTREAL IMPACT,
6-5-2, 20 points, 15 gf, 19 ga, (2-1-0 home, 4-4-2 away)
Last Ten: LDDWLWWLWL (4-4-2)
Last 10 at home: WWL
Last 10 away: LDDLWWL
|
L
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
|
a SKC
|
a NYC
|
a DC
|
v CLB
|
a PHI
|
a NE
|
v CHI
|
v NYC
|
a RB
|
a CIN
|
|
1-7
|
0-0
|
0-0
|
1-0
|
0-3
|
3-0
|
1-0
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
1-2
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Yeah, yeah, it’s a miracle they’re doing this
well without Piatti (and why did they rest Taider v. Cincy?), but both their
last two looked disconcertingly lackluster.
Next Games. v. NERevs (5/18), @ LAFC (5/24), v RSL
(5/29), v Orlando (6/1), v Seattle (6/5). Can’t imagine LAFC away will go well,
but we should know more about their home record soon.
TORONTO FC, 5-4-1, 16
points, 22 gf, 17 ga, (3-2-1 home, 2-2-0 away)
Last Ten: WWWDLWLWLL (5-4-1)
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
|
a PHI
|
v NE
|
v NYC
|
v CHI
|
a SEA
|
v MIN
|
v POR
|
a ORL
|
a ATL
|
v PHI
|
|
3-1
|
3-2
|
4-0
|
2-2
|
2-3
|
4-3
|
1-2
|
2-0
|
0-2
|
1-2
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Call it a disastrous, yet understandable week.
Also, it smacked the shine out of whatever “contender status” they had left. And
the trends (2-4-0) over their last six games ain’t good.
Next Games. v. DC (5/15), @ RSL (5/18), v San Jose
(5/26), @ Vancouver (5/31), v SKC (6/7). If they can’t get their home form
going, I’d get nervous. Also, worried about a disaster ahead of the break.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS,
3-5-3, 12 points, 11 gf, 14 ga, (2-2-2 home, 1-3-1 away)
Last Ten: LLDLDWLDWW (3-4-3)
Last 10 at home: DLWDW
Last 10 away: LLDLW
|
L
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
D
|
W
|
W
|
|
a RSL
|
a HOU
|
v SEA
|
v LA
|
a CHI
|
v LAF
|
a ORL
|
v PHI
|
a COL
|
v POR
|
|
0-1
|
2-3
|
0-0
|
0-2
|
1-1
|
1-0
|
0-1
|
1-1
|
3-2
|
1-0
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Still kind of up in the air, but, between opposition
and venue, they’re on a solid run over their past five games.
Next Games. v Atlanta (5/15), @ SKC (5/18), @ RBNY
(5/22), v. Dallas (5/25), v TFC (5/31). That’s a rough stretch under current
conditions. They need more than 6 points, but I’d still be impressed if they
get them.
PORTLAND TIMBERS, 3-6-1,
10 points, 13 gf, 21 ga, (0-0-0 home, 3-6-1 away)
Last Ten: DLLLLLWWWL (3-6-1)
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
|
a COL
|
a LAF
|
a CIN
|
a LAG
|
a SJ
|
a FCD
|
a CLB
|
a TFC
|
a RSL
|
a VAN
|
|
3-3
|
1-4
|
0-3
|
1-2
|
0-3
|
2-1
|
3-1
|
2-1
|
2-1
|
0-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. After a strong run, the Timbers played well,
but failed to score. It happens. It just can’t keep happening. Also, wow,
Portland will have played just…13 games at the break?
Next Games. @ Houston (5/15), @Philly (5/25), v LAFC
(6/1). The games are well-spaced, they’ll have time to integrate/introduce the
new money man (Brian Fernandez), so, tough as that run is, the team has every
chance to be prepared for it – to the extent it’s in their power.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES,
3-6-2, 11 points, 14 gf, 22 ga, (3-3-0 home, 0-3-2 away)
Last Ten: LLLWLWDDWL (3-5-2)
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
D
|
W
|
L
|
|
v MIN
|
a NYR
|
v LAF
|
v POR
|
a HOU
|
v SKC
|
a SEA
|
a FCD
|
v CIN
|
a NE
|
|
0-3
|
1-4
|
0-5
|
3-0
|
1-2
|
4-1
|
2-2
|
0-0
|
1-0
|
1-3
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. The loss to the Revs was a real shock given
the trends, so that’s something to watch.
Next Games: v Chicago (5/18), @ TFC (5/26), @ DC
(6/1), v Dallas (6/8). I wouldn’t wish this run on any team, San Jose more than
most. Anything over six points should command people’s attention.
COLUMBUS CREW SC, 5-7-1,
16 points, 12 gf, 18 ga, (4-3-1 home, 1-4-0 away)
Last Ten: LWWLLLLLWL (3-7-0)
Last 10 at home: WWLLWL
Last 10 away: LLLL
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
|
a PHI
|
v ATL
|
v NE
|
a MTL
|
v POR
|
v DC
|
a HOU
|
a DC
|
v LAG
|
v LAF
|
|
0-3
|
2-0
|
1-0
|
0-1
|
1-3
|
0-1
|
0-2
|
1-3
|
3-1
|
0-3
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. It really does take stepping back to fully
appreciate how wrong things have gone for Columbus lately. The gap between
Berhalter and Porter grows?
Next Games. @ Minnesota (5/18), @ Colorado (5/25),
and NYCFC (6/1). Given their road record and the monster that greets them when
they arrive home, the Crew could hit the break on a major down.
REAL SALT LAKE, 4-6-1,
13 points, 15 gf, 20 ga, (2-2-0 home, 2-4-1 away)
Last Ten: WLLLLWWLLW (4-6-0)
Last 10 at home: WLWL
Last 10 away: LLLWLW
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
|
v VAN
|
a DC
|
a LAF
|
v FCD
|
a SEA
|
v ORL
|
a CIN
|
a LAG
|
v POR
|
a COL
|
|
1-0
|
0-5
|
1-2
|
2-4
|
0-1
|
2-1
|
3-0
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
3-2
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. In context, that was a bare-ass minimum result
this past weekend. The home losses to Dallas and Portland really sting – and road
wins against Cincy and Colorado…do they count?
Next Games: v TFC (5/18), v Atlanta (5/24), @
Montreal (5/29), @ RBNY (6/1). So, that’s two rough-to-brutal home games,
followed by two tricky ones on the road? They’ll be lucky to get three.
ORLANDO CITY SC, 3-5-3,
12 points, 13 gf, 16 ga, (2-3-1 home, 1-1-2 away)
Last Ten: DLWLWLWDLL (3-5-2)
Last 10 at home: LLWWL
Last 10 away: DWLDL
|
D
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
|
a CHI
|
v MTL
|
a NYR
|
v DC
|
v COL
|
a RSL
|
v VAN
|
a NYC
|
v TFC
|
a ATL
|
|
1-1
|
1-3
|
1-0
|
1-2
|
4-3
|
1-2
|
1-0
|
1-1
|
2-0
|
0-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. They just never seem to get there, Orlando.
Struggling to score and no momentum to boot. It’s just so much more of the
fucking same, only with a DP on the roster.
Next Games. @ Seattle (5/15), v Cincinnati (5/19), v
Galaxy (5/24), @ Montreal (6/1). The home games seem….doable? At least?
Honestly, I’d call six points their high-water mark.
SPORTING KC, 2-4-4,
10 points, 19 gf, 19 ga, (2-1-2 home, 0-3-2 away)
Last Ten: LWDWDDLDLL (2-4-4)
|
L
|
W
|
D
|
W
|
D
|
D
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
|
a LAF
|
v PHI
|
a COL
|
v MTL
|
a CIN
|
v NYR
|
a SJ
|
v NE
|
v ATL
|
a DC
|
|
1-2
|
2-0
|
1-1
|
7-1
|
1-1
|
2-2
|
1-4
|
4-4
|
0-3
|
0-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. The results are getting worse, not better. The
only positive is that they tried to change that by acquiring…Benny Feilhaber
(eh). At least they stopped the rot last weekend.
Next Games. v Vancouver (5/18), v Seattle (5/26), v
LA Galaxy (5/29), @ Houston (6/1), @ TFC (6/7). The crazy thing is, all they
have to do is wake up. That said, the state of their road record (0-3-2) raises
the stakes for their upcoming span of (well-rested) home games.
FC CINCINNATI, 3-7-2,
11 points, 10 gf, 18 ga, (1-2-1 home, 1-5-1 away)
Last Ten: WWLDLLLLLW (3-6-1)
Last 10 at home: WLDLW
Last 10 away: WLLLL
|
W
|
W
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
|
v POR
|
a NE
|
v PHI
|
v SKC
|
a LAF
|
v RSL
|
a NYR
|
a PHI
|
a SJ
|
v MTL
|
|
3-0
|
2-0
|
0-2
|
1-1
|
0-2
|
0-3
|
0-1
|
0-2
|
0-1
|
2-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. The win over Montreal was both good and
important (because death spiral). What’s ahead before the break could put Cincy
in an oubliette.
Next Games. @ Orlando (5/19), v RBNY (5/25), @
Colorado (6/1), @ NYCFC (6/6). It’s the away games that make you shit yourself…
NEW ENGLAND REVS, 3-8-2,
11 points, 14 gf, 31 ga, (3-4-0 home, 0-4-2 away)
Last Ten: LWLLWLDLLW (3-6-1)
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
W
|
|
v CIN
|
v MIN
|
a CLB
|
v ATL
|
v NYR
|
v MTL
|
a SKC
|
a PHI
|
a CHI
|
v SJ
|
|
0-2
|
2-1
|
0-1
|
0-2
|
1-0
|
0-3-
|
4-4
|
1-6
|
0-5
|
3-1
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Another vital win,
but I also believe that these players seriously hated Brad Friedel (or have at
least entertained the thought).
Next Games. @ Montreal (5/18), v DC (5/25), @ LA
Galaxy (6/2). What the hell, right? Serve it up. I’d write off the three points
against DC, but anything north of four points on the other two should at least
suggest a turn-around in fortunes.
COLORADO RAPIDS, 0-9-2,
2 points, 16 gf, 30 ga, (0-4-2 home, 0-5-0 away)
Last Ten: LDLLLLLLLLL (0-9-1)
|
L
|
D
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
L
|
|
a SEA
|
v SKC
|
a FCD
|
v HOU
|
a ORL
|
v DC
|
a CHI
|
a ATL
|
v VAN
|
v RSL
|
|
0-2
|
1-1
|
1-2
|
1-4
|
3-4
|
2-3
|
4-1
|
0-1
|
2-3
|
2-3
|
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Notes. Whenever there is hope, it is dead by the end
of 90 minutes. That was the lesson of last week’s (or just the next) home loss.
Next Game: @ LA Galaxy (5/19), v Columbus (5/25), @
Philly (5/29), v Cincinnati (6/1), v Minnesota (6/8). If you’re not paying
attention to this team, that’s totally excusable. God’s honest truth, hosting
Cincy is their best shot…
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