MLS Playoff Thread

[MannyIsGod]

I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who gives a shit but anyone else paying attention?

I think we're about to see Donovan kick it into gear. He's been in cruise control since this summer and taking it easy but I think right about now he's about to throw it into another gear and start playing really well again.

I expect the Galaxy and Red Bulls to make some noise but the truth is likely that the best team in the League is in Salt Lake City.

[PuttPutt]

You aren't the only one who gives a shit.

The Galaxy better be ready. They are about to face a completely different Sounders team than they faced early in the season. Seattle is no easy draw for the 1st round. Much improved.

And you better believe it's going to be loud at Qwest. Over 36,000 fans screaming for a Sounder victory!! It's an incredible place to watch a match. I would be there if I didn't have to take my kids trick or treating.


SOUNDERS TILL I DIE!!

[Libri]

I want to see a Galaxy vs Red Bulls final.

[MannyIsGod]

You aren't the only one who gives a shit.

The Galaxy better be ready. They are about to face a completely different Sounders team than they faced early in the season. Seattle is no easy draw for the 1st round. Much improved.

And you better believe it's going to be loud at Qwest. Over 36,000 fans screaming for a Sounder victory!! It's an incredible place to watch a match. I would be there if I didn't have to take my kids trick or treating.


SOUNDERS TILL I DIE!!

I was hoping the Sounders would get kicked to the East and that the Galaxy would play the Rapids so I could make the short trip. In any event, its going to be a good series. Down the stretch the Sounders played better overall soccer but I saw the Galaxy flip the switches they had to when they had to. The last game against Dallas FC was a perfect example. After they went down 1-0 Donovan pretty much made a goal out of nothing.

Should be a great couple of games though.

[MannyIsGod]

I want to see a Galaxy vs Red Bulls final.

Yeah, it would be good.

[PuttPutt]

I was hoping the Sounders would get kicked to the East and that the Galaxy would play the Rapids so I could make the short trip. In any event, its going to be a good series. Down the stretch the Sounders played better overall soccer but I saw the Galaxy flip the switches they had to when they had to. The last game against Dallas FC was a perfect example. After they went down 1-0 Donovan pretty much made a goal out of nothing.

Should be a great couple of games though.


It will be good. If the Sounders would've won their last game, the outcome would be a little different & they probably would've ended up in the East. After they lost, I didn't really care for either of their possible match ups. It was either LA or RSL. I like their chances better against LA over RSL. RSL is an interesting team.
And you are correct. LA can flip the switch. Ought to be interesting.

[scott]

I think Sounders will pull off an upset. By far the best homefield advantage in MLS, and despite Manny's nuthugging, Buddle is an overrated louse who hasn't done anything of note in months. Donovan and Becks won't be able to carry the team on their own. Kasey Keller will channel the spirit of 1998 when he blanked Brazil 1-0.

Both games end in a draw, but Sounders get the critical away goal and go forward. BOOK IT.

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao

Your Buddle hate knows no bounds.

Avatar bet imo. If Sounders win I'll put an Avatar of your choice but if and when the Galaxy take their first step to the Cup you have to put up a Buddle avatar of my choosing.

[Girasuck]

I think Sounders will pull off an upset. By far the best homefield advantage in MLS

Ummm...no

That would belong to the team that has the MLS record 24 game home unbeaten streak.

[MannyIsGod]

http://thesoccerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/edson-buddle.jpg
"Scott, why do you hate me?"

[scott]

Ummm...no

That would belong to the team that has the MLS record 24 game home unbeaten streak.

Fair enough, although RLS is a much better team than the Sounders. If a team of RSL's caliber played in front of Seattle's crowd, that unbeaten streak might have even more wins and fewer draws. But nevertheless, yes RSL has a better home field advantage.

I'll retract my statement and change it to "By far the best home crowds in the MLS"

[scott]

:lmao

Your Buddle hate knows no bounds.

Avatar bet imo. If Sounders win I'll put an Avatar of your choice but if and when the Galaxy take their first step to the Cup you have to put up a Buddle avatar of my choosing.

Hell no to that bet. First of all, I like the Galaxy, though I am rooting for the Sounders in this one. Mostly though, I'm not entirely confident and I don't ever want Buddle anywhere near my avatar.

I like how he Buddled away the Golden Boot by being invisible since August though.

[scott]

http://thesoccerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/edson-buddle.jpg
"Scott, why do you hate me?"

Because you have the first touch of a fat girl reaching for the last cupcake.

[MannyIsGod]

Buddle scored in half the games since August. Nothing to be ashamed of there.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I admit, I haven't watched any other MLS games this season, but once I made my first Sounders match, I was hooked.

Love the atmosphere of Qwest. I'll be there Sunday.

[PuttPutt]

I admit, I haven't watched any other MLS games this season, but once I made my first Sounders match, I was hooked.

Love the atmosphere of Qwest. I'll be there Sunday.

I seriously dislike you now. J/K. I am just very jealous. It's an amazing place to catch a match. :toast.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/04/01/us/01seattle2_650.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/jputnam98942/28325_395582723588_34459843588_4395524_2908793_n.j pg

[Girasuck]

Fair enough, although RLS is a much better team than the Sounders. If a team of RSL's caliber played in front of Seattle's crowd, that unbeaten streak might have even more wins and fewer draws. But nevertheless, yes RSL has a better home field advantage.

I'll retract my statement and change it to "By far the best home crowds in the MLS"

I agree with this. We have unbelievable crowds for the big games, but when the bottom feeders visit there's many empty seats. Seattle's fans are the most passionate, but if you take everything into account, I feel like we have the greatest home field advantage. Fans close to the field, loud obnoxious fans, and altitude all factor into our HFA. Plus our team is pretty good.

[MannyIsGod]

I hadn't even thought of the altitude. What elevation is the stadium at?

[PuttPutt]

Sandy, UT 4450ft.

RSL definately has the elevation advantage


Compared to Seattle at 150 ft.

Seattle has the crowd advantage.

[MannyIsGod]

4450 isn't all that much.

Seattle's big crowds just mean there are more people who will be disappointed in person tomorrow. :)

[MannyIsGod]

Damn! RLS upset coming??

[PuttPutt]

Damn! RLS upset coming??

I hope so. Get them out of the playoffs. RSL is a dangerous team.

No surprise that the Red Bulls won though. I just figured they would have won by more.

[Girasuck]

Well we definitely have our work cut out for us but it's not impossible to beat Dallas by 2 goals at home.

[MannyIsGod]

http://thesoccerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/edson-buddle.jpg
"Scott, why do you hate me?"

[PuttPutt]

DAMN YOU BUDDLE!!!

Going to be tough to score 2 in LA.

Sounders do pretty good on the road though

[Libri]

I enjoyed watching the LA/Sea game. That Buddle goal was nasty.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

http://thesoccerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/edson-buddle.jpg
"Scott, why do you hate me?"

HAHA... Ouch.

From my end, it seemed as though the crowd wasn't quite as into the game tonight as they've been in the past. Was weird, actually.

[MannyIsGod]

I dont know - they sounded intense on the TV.

LA's defense was top notch tonight. Really Really good.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I dont know - they sounded intense on the TV.

LA's defense was top notch tonight. Really Really good.

There were some periods of downtime when the band had to start playing to get some noise. It even seemed like the ECS (largest supporters group) wasn't into it as much. Their leaders were trying to get them fired up late in the game when they don't usually have to (at least from my previous three games).

Even a handful of people around me sat down most of the match, when it hasn't been that way in other sections.

On the game side, yeah, LA's defense was pretty damn solid all night long. Despite the Sounders pressure, there wasn't much give.

[PuttPutt]

I dont know - they sounded intense on the TV.

LA's defense was top notch tonight. Really Really good.

Yes it was. Seattle gave them hell, but it just wasn't enough. :depressed

[MannyIsGod]

And when they got through Rickets was there. He made some great saves tonight. The point blank one in the 2nd was awesome awesome awesome

[Cry Havoc]

I missed the game, due to the fact that I had a crazy weekend, with the Rally in DC and Halloween.

Pissed I missed it, but still mourning in my drinks that DC United had such a horrible season in Moreno's last hurrah.

[scott]

Becks quoted as saying it was the first time since coming to MLS that a crowd has replicated what it's like playing in Europe. That's a pretty amazing compliment to the Sounders crowd considering this guy has played in the largest stages in the world.

Buddle's goal was sick. I wish Jozy had Buddle's striking ability, or Buddle had the ability to do anything else.

[DAF86]

Barros Schelotto may retire saturday if his team loses.

[DAF86]

Becks quoted as saying it was the first time since coming to MLS that a crowd has replicated what it's like playing in Europe. That's a pretty amazing compliment to the Sounders crowd considering this guy has played in the largest stages in the world.

Buddle's goal was sick. I wish Jozy had Buddle's striking ability, or Buddle had the ability to do anything else.

Beckham has never played a game in South America so he doesn't know what a "loud crowd" sound like.

[PuttPutt]

Beckham has never played a game in South America so he doesn't know what a "loud crowd" sound like.

Yes South American stadiums are loud, but what about stadiums in Spain? Those can be incredibly loud too. He's played in those stadiums.

It is a very nice compliment from Becks. Qwest is a loud stadium for just having 36,000 fans for MLS games. It's really loud when the Seahawks play. And next year, like the Sounders front office has done 2 years in a row, will be opening 3,000-5,000 more seats for games. Definately an awesome place to see a game.

[MannyIsGod]

That crowd was definitely amazing. If we can just get that around the league. Oh man.

I really do feel MLS is on the verge of getting huge here.

[PuttPutt]

That crowd was definitely amazing. If we can just get that around the league. Oh man.

I really do feel MLS is on the verge of getting huge here.


that would be awesome.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I know I've been a little down on the crowd (hell, maybe it was because I was closer to the pitch than ever before), but when Zakuani put the ball in the net one minute in, it was so quick that we couldn't tell he was offside, it was pretty damn loud.

Sad that no matter what, that was the last Sounders FC game I'll see live.

[PuttPutt]

I know I've been a little down on the crowd (hell, maybe it was because I was closer to the pitch than ever before), but when Zakuani put the ball in the net one minute in, it was so quick that we couldn't tell he was offside, it was pretty damn loud.

Sad that no matter what, that was the last Sounders FC game I'll see live.

Why johnny?

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Why johnny?

I meant since the Sounders aren't playing at home regardless of next weekend.

[PuttPutt]

Oic.

[SAtown]

Still 10 minutes left but damn what a game between NY and SJ

[Girasuck]

lol at Henry for missing that header.

[PuttPutt]

Good bye Red Bulls!

Gives me hope for the Sounders on sunday!!!

[MannyIsGod]

Bad ass game!

[MannyIsGod]

RLS Dallas game is intense!

[MannyIsGod]

Hartman was amazing for FC Dallas tonight.

[Girasuck]

What a horrible sports day for me. I sat through two games that destroyed my desire to watch sports. Utah was pathetic and RSL couldn't get the job done. Very dissapointing day for Utah sports.

[MannyIsGod]

http://thesoccerroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/edson-buddle.jpg
"Scott, why do you hate me?"

[PuttPutt]

LA proving to be to much for Seattle. Very good game being played by LA

[MannyIsGod]

Galaxy look really good. The back line is playing amazing right now. FC Dallas is being carried by Hartman, though. Gonna be a really really interesting game.

[Libri]

Hartman was a wall.

Galaxy LOL

[MannyIsGod]

I don't know where the hell the Galaxy back line is but they sure as hell didn't show up at the HDC tonight. Geez man, they were brutal. Otherwise Hartman stopping 3 balls that no other GK can stop in the first half was brutal.

Dallas should win the MLS cup and then can't wait till next year.

[scott]

lol Edson Puddle

[Libri]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c5/MLSCup2010.jpg/175px-MLSCup2010.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c8/NewRapids.PNG/150px-NewRapids.PNG VS http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/15/FCDallas.png/175px-FCDallas.png

[PuttPutt]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c5/MLSCup2010.jpg/175px-MLSCup2010.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c8/NewRapids.PNG/150px-NewRapids.PNG VS http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/15/FCDallas.png/175px-FCDallas.png

Woud've never guessed these 2 would be in the final. I see Dallas winning 2-1

[TheTruth]

Man, one of the best things about soccer are the Club Shields. The Dallas one is very nice.

[MannyIsGod]

lol Edson Puddle

:lol

More like LOL Ricketts and LOL Omar and LOL Lewis and LOL Franklin.

I don't get it, the back line had been so damn good in recent weeks and they just played lie the worst backline in the MLS. They're too damn talented to let that happen.

I was dissapointed that they weren't able to get even one goal off those 3 strikes in the first half. A 1-1 game probably keeps them in it mentally much more than the way it unfolded. That being said a championship team should be mentally stronger than this.

In any event, actually hoping for an FC Dallas win at this point.

[MannyIsGod]

Galaxy look really good. The back line is playing amazing right now. FC Dallas is being carried by Hartman, though. Gonna be a really really interesting game.

LOL at least I knew Hartman would be a beast. :(

[PuttPutt]

What a great game. Congrats to Colorado :toast

[Libri]

It wasn't the most tactical game but it was intense and hard fought. The second overtime was very entertaining.

[MannyIsGod]

I hate that Colorado won. Bleh.