MLS Form Guide ULTRA, Week 13: A Whole Bunch of Data & A Stupid Epiphany

There are dozens of more respectful images, but I liked the roman candle.

With a narrative summary of MLS Week 13 posted over on Orange & Blue Press, I can finally post the source material. [Ed. – If I edit these posts even once, the formatting falls apart; these things can actually look worse, swear to god.] While I at least touched on every game in that narrative summary, a handful of useful details/budding narratives fell to the cutting room floor.

Before that, and to wrap up the argument I started against the “West > East” line in the narrative post, the reason I resisted that is down below in how I organized…fine, ranked the teams. If you use “W” for the Western Conference, and “E” for the Eastern, my top eight ranking is: WEEWWEWW. Yes, that is five teams out of eight in favor of the Western Conference, but I also have Eastern Conference teams in the next three spots (e.g., 9-11). I don’t like the verb “rank” on these things, because I think the sports rankings only achieve clarity at the poles – e.g., it can tell you which teams are good, and which teams suck openly and weekly, but the deeper reality is that everything just sort of runs together in the middle – especially in a (relatively) tight-wad league like MLS. In so many words, the clearest judgments are at the beginning and the end - and that's how I push past the "West > East" narrative: the bad teams in both conferences are just bad. (yes, I saw that Colorado beat Columbus...but was that really so weird? See below.) and you can ignore everything in the middle. Shit. Why did explaining that make me feel like I’m the last guy to experience this “epiphany”? Now, some details…

I won’t gloat for long about the Timbers’ win over Phillly (that’s been covered), but the moved up in the crapshoot down below because they were a team on a solid run beating a strong team at home; that’s the smell of upward momentum. To continue with that theme:

- The Red Bulls went higher on ruthlessness alone, but, goddammit, are they borderline unwatchable. Without the(ir comparative) elegance from seasons past, the gegenpresse becomes hacking, send-in-the-goons stuff. One more page falls from that little red book I keep about the league…

- If their defense starts leaking, Seattle doesn’t have the offense to cover for that right now. Just a point of interstfaction.

- I have both Dallas and Houston over Atlanta down below and, that’s where the idea about closeness to the center comes from. Anyone who remembers Atlanta just rolling over teams in 2018, can’t escape the comparison. They still look a little uncertain out there - even on the defensive side (their late strength) against RSL. I can’t defend where I put Dallas because they have flat-out died out there (two points from 15 - yeah!). Also, the games can't help but get easier, so they've looked good enough for me to expect them to pick up points. With Houston, they need to visibly fuck-up before I write them off.

- LAFC are very good, but they’re mowing through a soft-ish stretch right now, so that’s to be expected. Or, the short version, kicking Montreal’s ass in any venue just isn’t that impressive.

Uh, what else? I think the Chicago Fire are playing closer to their honest level than any team in MLS. A Jimmy-Carter-esque malaise has seized DC, and I still don’t buy Minnesota, even while completely accepting that a lot of their key players are doing well (but Darwin Quintero has to make better decisions). All right, that’s that. Time for the Info-Boxes. I think they’re self-explanatory, and also a loose form of obsessive (“Weeks Since I’ve Posted This Feature Without a Factual Error: 0”). Forward any questions/arguments over twitter (@JeffBull5), I guess. I just wanna sleep...

LOS ANGELES FC, 10-1-4, 34 points, 36 gf, 11 ga, (7-0-1 home, 3-1-3 away)

Last 10 games: WWLWDDWWDW (6-1-3)

Last 10 at home: WWDWW

Last 10 away: WLDWD

W	W	L	W	D	D	W	W	D	W
a DC	v CIN	a VAN	v SEA	a SEA	v CHI	a CLB	v FCD	a FCD	v MTL
4-0	2-0	0-1	4-1	1-1	0-0	3-0	2-0	1-1	4-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Expectation met, boring as you like. If someone asked me to explain LAFC’s success with one highlight, I’d show them this one.

Next Games: @ Portland (6/1) If they beat Portland like the beat Montreal, it’s time for the rest of MLS to dig out that pair of spare pants. Happily, Portland has made that more of an open question than it was 5-6 weeks ago.

PHILADELPHIA UNION, 7-4-3, 24 points, 24 gf, 15 ga, (5-2-1 home, 2-2-2 away)

Last 10 games: WWLWDWWWDL (6-2-2)

Last 10 at home: WWWWDL

Last 10 away: WLDW

W	W	L	W	D	W	W	W	D	L
a CIN	v FCD	a LAG	v MTL	a VAN	v CIN	v NE	a TFC	v SEA	v POR
2-0	2-1	0-2	3-0	1-1	3-0	6-1	2-1	0-0	1-3
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. That’s two punches on the nose against two West Coast teams and with both games in Philly. Noted. (And the better West Coast team actually won their game. Also noted.). As noted in my extended write-up, the Union still looked very good – even losing.

Next Games. v Colorado (5/29), @ Minnesota (6/2), v RBNY (6/8). “I expect them 8-10 points higher by then,” was last week’s take away on Philly’s schedule. The window for that just shrank. And at least one of those games looks harder after today (away to Minnesota).

NEW YORK CITY FC, 4-1-7, 19 points, 16 gf, 13 ga, (1-0-4 home, 3-1-3 away)

Last 10 games: DLDDWWDWWD (4-1-6)

Last 10 at home: DDWD

Last 10 away: LDWWDD

D	L	D	D	W	W	D	W	W	D
v LAF	a TFC	v MTL	a MIN	a DC	v CHI	v ORL	a MTL	a LAG	a CHI
2-2	0-4	0-0	3-3	2-0	1-0	1-1	2-0	2-0	1-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Another game, another draw, but also a remarkable unbeaten streak. They looked a little sluggish out there, honestly, but they’ve also taken seven points of nine, all of them on the road.

Next Game: @ Columbus (6/1) v Cincinnati (6/6). To paraphrase the last post, “six points seems realistic (Thanks, Ohio!).” They feel like a good bet to get 10 of 12 from a run of four road games, and FC Cincy doesn’t look like they could stop a gaggle of toddlers right now.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS, 7-2-5, 26 points, 24 gf, 17 ga, (6-0-2 home, 1-2-3 away)

Last 10 games: WWLDDDWWDL (4-2-4)

Last 10 at home: WWDDWW

Last 10 away: LDDL

W	W	L	D	D	D	W	W	D	L
v RSL	v TFC	a LAF	v SJ	v LAF	a MIN	v HOU	v ORL	a PHI	a SKC
1-0	3-2	1-4	2-2	1-1	1-1	1-0	2-1	0-0	2-3
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Details aside, this was about the result you’d expect from these two teams in a context-free game. In context, though, the Sounders just aren’t posting big results – and it goes beyond things breaking wrong for them (e.g., they missed a sure goal, but also got away with a hand-ball, so…karma’s still balanced).

Next Games. v FCD (6/1), @ Montreal (6/5). “…anything less than four points between here and the Gold Cup should be cause for concern at this point.” I think that still holds – especially since their next two games are two they should win. But that’s what you watch for.

HOUSTON DYNAMO, 7-3-2, 23 points, 20 gf, 13 ga, (6-0-2 home, 1-3-0 away)

Last 10 games: WWWLWWLDWL (6-3-1)

Last 10 at home: WWWWDW

Last 10 away: WLLL

W	W	W	L	W	W	L	D	W	L
v VAN	a COL	v SJ	a LAG	v CLB	v HOU	a SEA	v POR	v DC	a MIN
3-2	4-1	2-1	1-2	2-0	2-1	0-1	1-1	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. Their road jinx returns(?), but I wouldn’t read too much into this loss. They kept Minnesota largely to half-chances. A little less wayward shooting, and this game was theirs for the taking.

Next. v SKC (6/1). It just got a little tougher for them to go into the Gold Cup Break on a high; still, gives the Dynamo another shot at proving they’re death at home.

NEW YORK RED BULLS, 6-5-3, 21 points, 21 gf, 16 ga, (4-3-1 home, 2-2-2 away)

Last Ten: LDLWWLWWDW (5-3-2)

Last 10 at home: LWWLWD

Last 10 away: DLWW

L	D	L	W	W	L	W	W	D	W
v MIN	a SKC	a NE	v CIN	v LA	v MTL	a FCD	v ATL	v VAN	a CIN
1-2	2-2	0-1	1-0	3-2	1-2	3-1	1-0	2-2	2-0
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. As pointed out in my extended notes, the Red Bulls didn’t look good, they barely generated offense, the press didn’t do shit, etc. They still won, and that’s two wins on the road now. The long-term trend has all of one hiccup in it (the home loss to Montreal…WTF?)

Next Games. v RSL (6/1), @ Philly (6/8). “Six points from this stretch of games, amounts to announcing its revival.” They picked up three points already, and with how RSL plays on the road…and against a possession side like Philly. This could be a real pivot for them.

PORTLAND TIMBERS, 4-6-2, 14 points, 17 gf, 23 ga, (0-0-0 home, 4-6-2 away)

Last 10 games: LLLLWWWLDW (4-5-1)

Last 10 at home: N/A

Last 10 away: LLLLWWWLDW

L	L	L	L	W	W	W	L	D	W
a CIN	a LAG	a SJ	a FCD	a CLB	a TFC	a RSL	a VAN	a HOU	3-1
0-3	1-2	0-3	2-1	3-1	2-1	2-1	0-1	1-1	a PHI
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. That’s a lot of Ws up there and, as argued in my extended notes on their win over Philly, “Portland, 1) still has viable (healthy) talent, and 2) has its shit figured out.”

Next Games. v LAFC (6/1). It doesn’t really matter if Portland wins this – they’ve got lots of season left to tear up – but, jesus fucking Christ, do I want them to win this game.

FC DALLAS, 5-6-3, 18 points, 18 gf, 19 ga, (3-1-3 home, 2-5-0 away)

Last 10 games: WLWWDLLLDL (3-5-2)

Last 10 at home: WDLD

Last 10 away: WLWLLL

W	L	W	W	D	L	L	L	D	L
a RSL	a PHI	v POR	a ATL	v SJ	a HOU	v RB	a LAF	v LAF	a VAN
4-2	1-2	2-1	2-1	0-0	1-2	1-3	0-2	1-1	1-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. “Dallas impressed me a little last weekend.” That was last weekend, and I almost wrote them off – and, with just one point from the last 15 on offer, that stands up. True, Dallas dying on the road, but they’ve played in the toughest places over that stretch (and Vancouver), their last 5 games were hell, and they put up big numbers for the second week running. They had every chance to draw this match to boot.

Next Games. v Seattle (6/1), @ San Jose (6/8). None of the above matters if they can’t convert big numbers into wins. All the tough games now means they should hit a soft patch later.

ATLANTA UNITED FC, 6-5-2, 20 points, 14 gf, 11 ga, (3-1-2 home, 3-4-0 away)

Last 10 games: LWLWWWWWLL (6-4-0)

Last 10 at home: LWWW

Last 10 away: LWWWLL

L	W	L	W	W	W	W	W	L	L
a CLB	a NE	v FCD	v COL	a SKC	v TFC	v ORL	a VAN	a NYR	a RSL
0-2	2-0	1-2	1-0	3-0	2-0	1-0	1-0	0-1	1-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. While I’d be damned anxious about how many shots they gave away from range (seriously, ask Brad Guzan how he felt about this), they made RSL take every last minute to beat them. Also, that’s a curious little streak they’ve started…

Next Game. v Minnesota (5/29), v Chicago (6/1). Those two games aren’t must-wins, but they sure as hell are “should-wins.” Anything else is just giving away points.

DC UNITED, 7-4-4, 25 points, 19 gf, 14 ga, (4-2-1 home, 3-2-3 away)

Last 10 games: DWLWLWWDLD (4-3-3)

Last 10 at home: DLWW

Last 10 away: WWLDLD

D	W	L	W	L	W	W	D	L	D
v MTL	a COL	v NYC	a CLB	a MIN	v CLB	v SKC	a TFC	a HOU	a NE
0-0	3-2	0-2	1-0	0-1	3-1	1-0	0-0	1-2	1-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. A tricky game to read, honestly. The condensed game didn’t show much from them beyond Wayne Rooney getting on both sides of an ass-kicking. They had a man advantage for most of the second half, and still needed a gift of a penalty call to rescue a point. The recent road form is a cause for concern – especially given the opposition.

Next Game: v Chicago (5/29), v San Jose (6/1). They need wins in both, but less than four points is what I’m really watching for.

CHICAGO FIRE, 4-5-5, 16 points, 21 gf, 18 ga, (4-1-3 home, 0-4-2 away)

Last 10 games: DDWLLDWWLD (3-3-4)

Last 10 at home: DWWWD

Last 10 away: DLLDL

D	D	W	L	L	D	W	W	L	D
a TFC	v VAN	v COL	a NYC	a MTL	a LAF	v NE	v MIN	a SJ	v NYC
2-2	1-1	4-1	0-1	0-1	1-1	5-0	2-0	1-4	1-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. They had a real opportunity to win this game and that would’ve been something. Take out the fluke against San Jose, and I’d argue that their last five games show the Fire’s level (which is decent).

Next Games. @ DC, 5/29, @ Atlanta, 6/1. “…if they give away the next nine points – sure feels possible - can they recover?” A win would have been nice, sure, but they didn’t give up the next nine points. The question is what comes next – especially with their road record.

MINNESOTA UNITED FC, 6-4-3, 21 points, 21 gf, 18 ga, (3-0-3 home, 3-4-0 away)

Last 10 games: LWDLDWDLWW (4-3-3)

Last 10 at home: DDWDWW

Last 10 away: LWLL

L	W	D	L	D	W	D	L	W	W
a NE	a NYR	v NYC	a TFC	v LAG	v DC	v SEA	a CHI	v CLB	v HOU
1-2	2-1	3-3	3-4	0-0	1-0	1-1	0-2	1-0	1-0
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. “A team simply can’t leave that much fetid air between wins and expect to get anywhere.” That was last week and, so that’s one issue fixed gap closed. On the other hand, they won it on a (damned) lucky goal, and gave Houston too much to work with.

Next Games. @ Atlanta (5/29), v Philly (6/2), @ Colorado (6/8). That’s still a nightmare schedule, and they’ll (realistically) want 4 or more points out of it.

REAL SALT LAKE, 6-6-1, 19 points, 20 gf, 21 ga, (4-2-0 home, 2-4-1 away)

Last 10 games: LLLWWLLWWW (5-5-0)

Last 10 at home: LWLWW

Last 10 away: LLWLW

L	L	L	W	W	L	L	W	W	W
a LAF	v FCD	a SEA	v ORL	a CIN	a LAG	v POR	a COL	v TFC	v ATL
1-2	2-4	0-1	2-1	3-0	1-2	1-2	3-2	3-0	2-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. RSL looked perfectly comfortable going toe-to-toe with the lately-revived reigning champs. They firmed up their case to be taken seriously over the last three games - and showing you can win without a “real” forward – bombs away (i.e., Savarino, Saucedo, and Rusnak).

Next Games: @ Montreal (5/29), @ RBNY (6/1). God knows what’ll happen in their next game (against Montreal, all cards are wild), but getting anything out of Red Bull Arena would be something.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES, 5-6-2, 17 points, 20 gf, 24 ga, (4-3-0 home, 1-3-2 away)

Last 10 games: LWLWDDWLWW (5-3-2)

Last 10 at home: LWWWW

Last 10 away: LDDLW

L	W	L	W	D	D	W	L	W	W
v LAF	v POR	a HOU	v SKC	a SEA	a FCD	v CIN	a NE	v CHI	a TFC
0-5	3-0	1-2	4-1	2-2	0-0	1-0	1-3	4-1	2-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. They won this one on the back of having one good player (Cristian Espinoza) being able to find another one (Chris Wondolowski). Two times. Looked like an even game in most regards, but finishing and desire, and the ‘Quakes held the edge in both cases.

Next Games: @ DC (6/1), v Dallas (6/8). At the same time, “anything over six points should command people’s attention” was last week’s note. They’re halfway there by beating Chicago.

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS, 4-6-5, 17 points, 16 gf, 19 ga, (3-3-2 home, 1-3-3 away)

Last 10 games: DWLDWWLDDW (4-2-4)

Last 10 at home: WDWLW

Last 10 away: DLWDD

D	W	L	D	W	W	L	D	D	W
a CHI	v LAF	a ORL	v PHI	a COL	v POR	v ATL	a SKC	a NYR	v FCD
1-1	1-0	0-1	1-1	3-2	1-0	0-1	1-1	2-2	2-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. “Overall, they’re rounding into a tough game, minimum.” I love when my theories hold up…but, even if the ‘Caps should have made it 3-1, they got out-played in the game and it took a couple lucky bounces and a great goal to get all three. The fate of Ali Adnan’s groin could be a big deal (this is just one thing he can do).

Next Games. v TFC (5/31). “Dallas should trouble them.” And they did, just not enough. Playing a Toronto team in free-fall in Vancouver could see them over the playoff line at the break.

LOS ANGELES GALAXY, 8-5-1, 25 points, 19 gf, 17 ga, (6-2-0 home, 2-3-1 away)

Last 10 games: WWWDWLLLLW (5-4-1)

Last 10 at home: WWWLL

Last 10 away: WDLLW

W	W	W	D	W	L	L	L	L	W
a VAN	v PHI	v HOU	a MIN	v RSL	a RB	a CLB	v NYC	v COL	a ORL
2-0	2-0	2-1	0-0	2-1	2-3	1-3	0-2	0-1	0-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Jonathan dos Santos got one, and got away with win (HT; Nani). A win counts more or less according to circumstances. A necessary win, but it doesn’t re-write the Galaxy’s fate.

Next Games. @ SKC (5/29), v NE Revs (6/2). “A good team eats that run alive, that’s all I’m saying. I’d be stunned if they get less than three points.” Low bar, cleared. I’ll give ‘em credit if they get three more points.

MONTREAL IMPACT, 6-6-3, 21 points, 17 gf, 23 ga, (2-1-1 home, 4-5-2 away)

Last 10 games: DWLWWLWLDL (4-4-2)

Last 10 at home: WWLD

Last 10 away: DLWWL

D	W	L	W	W	L	W	L	D	L
a DC	v CLB	a PHI	a NE	v CHI	v NYC	a RB	a CIN	v NE	a LAF
0-0	1-0	0-3	3-0	1-0	2-0	2-1	1-2	0-0	2-4
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Were they signs of life? Nah, they got dunked on, then pulled apart; LAFC set up a shooting gallery. They got four points out of the last 15 available, and they even did that weird.

Next Games. v RSL (5/29), v Orlando (6/1), v Seattle (6/5). That’s three home games against three teams with different issues/weaknesses, plus Ignacio Piatti back in the fold. This is where they show who they are this season.

TORONTO FC, 5-6-2, 17 points, 23 gf, 22 ga, (3-3-2 home, 2-3-0 away)

Last 10 games: DLWLWLLDLL (2-6-2)

Last 10 at home: DWLLDL

Last 10 away: LWLL

D	L	W	L	W	L	L	D	L	L
v CHI	a SEA	v MIN	v POR	a ORL	a ATL	v PHI	v DC	a RSL	v SJ
2-2	2-3	4-3	1-2	2-0	0-2	1-2	0-0	0-3	1-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Their last four results at home should be enough to underscore just how reasonable the doubts surrounding TFC have become.; the record over their last 10 games is straight-up sobering. Missing Bradley and Pozuelo hurts, but the goals they allowed…way too easy. Watch Drew Moor. He knows.

Next Games. @ Vancouver (5/31), v SKC (6/7). “Also, worried about a disaster ahead of the break.” That’s from two weeks prior now, and I still stand by it.

SPORTING KC, 3-4-5, 14 points, 23 gf, 22 ga, (3-1-3 home, 0-3-2 away)

Last 10 games: DWDDLDLLDW (2-3-5)

Last 10 at home: WDDLDW

Last 10 away: DDLL

D	W	D	D	L	D	L	L	D	W
a COL	v MTL	a CIN	v NYR	a SJ	v NE	v ATL	a DC	v VAN	v SEA
1-1	7-1	1-1	2-2	1-4	4-4	0-3	0-1	1-1	3-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. A great win, but…does it really matter yet? Johnny Russell will not do this every week, bluntly, and look at the gap between their wins – and how that’s with four games at home. And Matt Besler limped off again to boot…

Next Games. v LA Galaxy (5/29), @ Houston (6/1), @ TFC (6/7). “The crazy thing is, all they have to do is wake up.” They’ve hit the snooze button with that result. If they get six points between now and the Gold Cup break, they return to the watch list.

COLUMBUS CREW SC, 5-9-1, 16 points, 14 gf, 22 ga, (4-3-1 home, 1-6-0 away)

Last 10 games: WLLLLLWLLL (2-8-0)

Last 10 at home: WLLWL

Last 10 away: LLLLL

W	L	L	L	L	L	W	L	L	L
v NE	a MTL	v POR	v DC	a HOU	a DC	v LAG	v LAF	a MIN	a COL
1-0	0-1	1-3	0-1	0-2	1-3	3-1	0-3	0-1	2-3
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. Caleb Porter’s deer-in-the-headlights post-game comments say something global, but, despite playing an even game, lllooooonnnngggggg runs of failure are built on flukes and fuck-ups, and Columbus simply cannot quit them.

Next Games. v NYCFC (6/1). “…the Crew will very likely hit the break on a major down.” Another prediction panned out. This team desperately needs to clear its collective head.

ORLANDO CITY SC, 4-7-3, 15 points, 19 gf, 21 ga, (3-4-1 home, 1-3-2 away)

Last 10 games: LWLWDLLLWL (3-6-1)

Last 10 at home: LWWLWL

Last 10 away: LDLL

L	W	L	W	D	L	L	L	W	L
v DC	v COL	a RSL	v VAN	a NYC	v TFC	a ATL	a SEA	v CIN	v LAG
1-2	4-3	1-2	1-0	1-1	2-0	0-1	1-2	5-1	0-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. When your DP chokes on a penalty kick, right? The Lions racked up chances and drove them game, but I offer one grasping moment as a symbol for this loss (ask yourself; why did that look so half-assed?), and Orlando’s season as a whole.

Next Games. @ Montreal (6/1). This loss also amounted to fucking up their best shot at redemption. Good thing Montreal plays with loose dice.

COLORADO RAPIDS, 2-9-2, 8 points, 20 gf, 32 ga, (1-4-2 home, 1-5-0 away)

Last 10 games: LLLLLLLLLWW (2-8-0)

Last 10 at home: LLLLW

Last 10 away: LLLLW

L	L	L	L	L	L	L	L	W	W
a FCD	v HOU	a ORL	v DC	a CHI	a ATL	v VAN	v RSL	a LAG	v CLB
1-2	1-4	3-4	2-3	4-1	0-1	2-3	2-3	1-0	3-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. A glorious win – and Nicolas Mezquida deserves celebration/freak-out of Week 13 – but it’s vital to acknowledge just how tenuous this was; Columbus got more looks than the highlights suggested. For Colorado, though, Jonathan Lewis looks like an addition to their modest collection of good pieces.

Next Game: @ Philly (5/29), v Cincinnati (6/1), v Minnesota (6/8). “The Columbus game is one to watch.” And now we have part of the answer. “If they’ve really found their feet, the Rapids will get six points out of those home games.” That leaves watching Cincy and the Loons.

NEW ENGLAND REVS, 3-8-4, 13 points, 15 gf, 32 ga, (3-4-1 home, 0-4-3 away)

Last 10 games: LLWLDLLWDD (2-5-3)

Last 10 at home: LWLWD

Last 10 away: LDLLD

L	L	W	L	D	L	L	W	D	D
a CLB	v ATL	v NYR	v MTL	a SKC	a PHI	a CHI	v SJ	a MTL	v DC
0-1	0-2	1-0	0-3-	4-4	1-6	0-5	3-1	0-0	1-1
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. You have to squint to see it, but the Revs started in a better direction after getting rid of Brad Friedel. They scored after going down a player – they lost their starting ‘keeper and his replacement had to stand immediately tall – and came close to winning. New kids (e.g., Tajon Buchanan and Brandon Bye) showing well, and Cristian Penilla is waking up.

Next Games. @ LA Galaxy (6/2). As much as the Revs could use a win, file that game under doable, but also unlikely.

FC CINCINNATI, 3-9-2, 11 points, 11 gf, 25 ga, (2-3-1 home, 1-6-1 away)

Last 10 games: LDLLLLLWLL (1-8-1)

Last 10 at home: LDLWL

Last 10 away: LLLLL

L	D	L	L	L	L	L	W	L	L
v PHI	v SKC	a LAF	v RSL	a NYR	a PHI	a SJ	v MTL	a ORL	v NYR
0-2	1-1	0-2	0-3	0-1	0-2	0-1	2-1	1-5	0-2
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Notes. It’s as bad as it looks and, as argued in my extended notes, I don’t see it going away soon. They have an optimal line-up, and I think that’s their ceiling. And it’s damned low.

Next Games. @ Colorado (6/1), @ NYCFC (6/6). With the road as cruel as it has been, I give Cincy no chance in that second game. Which means they need to get something out of that first one.

Right. That’s my crystal ball spit-shined as clean as I can get it…yeah, I’ve always been a fraud…