Crew Rd 9 Predictions, Midweek at Houston

Quick turnaround for the Columbus Crew after Sunday's loss to Sporting as they travel south to Houston to take on the Dynamo. 8 PM Eastern, 7 Central.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Wil Trapp out (suspension, red card)
CLB: Only 2 days rest
CLB: 3 pts in last 5
HOU: Big 4-1 win vs Chivas last match
HOU: Davis back, regained form
HOU: MLS vet Kinnear looking for wins during this part of season

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percentage on left is accuracy in picking Crew matches only.

63% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Wiseguys like the Crew this week, 0-1 Away. 42% on Columbus victory in the Your Vote section (31% Draw, 25% Houston).

50% WHOSCORED.COM ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
"The Dynamo will be looking to build on their win over Chivas USA as they try to salvage a poor start to the new season." 1-0 Houston, says Graham Ruthven.

38% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
Jardy says that the "three-game winning streak to open the season seems a distant memory," and thinks that the Dynamo are tough to beat at home. Pick up today's paper, good story on Trapp's replacement and some quotes from Berhalter about KC loss.

25% BET365 ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
Home team is heavy favorites here, which is why we probably see the wiseguys moving on this one. 10/11 Dynamo (13/5 Draw, 11/4 Crew).

25% GOAL.COM ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
Up and at 'em is Jon Arnold with today's preview along with the general observation that "three consecutive wins to start the season, but the club hasn't picked up three points since."

25% HOME TEAM ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
Not expecting a huge crowd but Crew on one less day rest and on second away city in a few days.

25% MLSSOCCER ... n/a
Slackers. Will update if I get time tomorrow.

25% WV HOOLIGAN ... n/a
Busy week.

0% MASSIVE REPORT ... n/a
Check out a preview with a Dynamo Theory contributor. I'm not as impressed with Sean Ringrose as he is with his stats about when specific players score, but you decide for yourself.

0% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew seem to be hitting every branch on the way down, here.

 MY PREDICTION 
Very quick turn for the Crew and they don't really have any depth ready to come in and play. A situation made worse by Trapp being suspended. In the world of MLS this sort of thing can sometimes be an advantage but I don't really see that for the Crew this year. There are no reports with a concrete replacement for young Wil. Thus, a problem of depth for the Crew.

That doesn't necessarily spell doom and gloom for the Crew though. "The Oven" hasn't proved to be a difficult place for the Crew to play and being that it's a midweek matchup we shouldn't expect a vivacious crowd.

Houston, with an in form Brad Davis and an increasingly dangerous Will Bruin, are the team to beat here as the Crew are still trying to figure things out this year (a loss here and fans might be looking to next year).

We see. A draw would be high on my list of results, Crew win least likely.

Weather will be in the mid 70s. Enjoy.

Crew Rd 6, Home vs DC United

DC United is back in town this evening to take on the Columbus Crew. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM EST. Temps will be on the cool side (60-ish) with a slight NE breeze (means it'll feel like -8 in the stadium, bring your blanket).

  TEAM NOTES  
CLB: Winless in last two
CLB: Only question to lineup might be up top (Oduro or Arrieta)
CLB: Still healthy, Paladini might make 1st app as a sub
DCU: Ben Olsen is still coach
DCU: Dykstra to start again, Hamid out
DCU: Last 2 are 1st back to back wins since Oct 2012

  TEN PREDICTIONS  
Percent is accuracy in picking result this season for Crew matches only.

60% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Large stake on 1-0 Crew win and 58% of the 'Your Vote' (DC 12%)

40% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW(?)
Adam Jardy - Crew beat man on the pulse, like white on rice and bees on honey - notes that "the Crew will enter this game as a heavy favorite - just like it did against Toronto." Have a feeling Jardy thinks this one may go the way the TFC one did (noted). Pick up the Dispatch today, good stuff on possession and how players like playing that way.

40% GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Thomas Floyd took down a long quote from DC boss Ben Olsen praising the Crew. Olsen gives "Gregg a lot of credit" and singles out Higuain, Oduro and Trapp as good players. "They're fun to watch," he said.

40% WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Previewer Gra... wait!? Not Ruthven today? Martin Laurence thinks the Crew have enough to edge out DC tonight 1-0 but thinks it will be "a tight match this weekend."

20% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home team are heavy favorites today (8/11 fav, Draw 13/5, DC 15/4). Only heavier favorite this week is KC over Montreal.

20% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Last out at home against TFC didn't go well at all. Crew will be looking to get back on track tonight.

20% MLSSOCCER ... COLUMBUS CREW
Another week, another major lean towards the Crew with five of six votes going their way. Only one picking draw, none have DC.

0% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
We are officially into the season now, table positions will start to matter more as a sign of quality.

0% WV HOOLIGAN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Epperley is pretty confident the Crew will in this one 2-1 siting support as one of the drivers... "I see them bouncing back this weekend at home in front of their massive supporters (who killed it this weekend with their welcome to Atlanta)." Interesting. Because Sherman also "killed it," right? - an angry Virginian.

n/a% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Josh Williams wants to make up for the last game and says the "Nordecke will be ready." Go check out Mr. Murphy's latest to find out more about what (a remarkably prepared and up to speed on DC) Williams thinks about DC.

  MY THOUGHTS  

DC haven't been limiting attempts against the last two weeks, particularly last week. NY dominated DC with tons of possession in their half and loads of attempts, but they didn't bring the shooting boots (and that was a DC home game).

It's entirely possible that this week's game will look like that NY / DC match up. United aren't a possession team and that plays well into what the Crew want to do but the big question will be if the Crew can finish. They have been well below average with Dominic Oduro leading the attack as far as shots on frame % (you want to be getting 1 in 3 on the 'keeper) and I don't really see that changing much today if he gets the call.

With open play goals generated from possession something we probably won't see tonight, it means is that set pieces will be the difference maker today.

Tonight's wildcard, however, will be Eddie Johnson. Eddie is healthy and is settling in with his team and his money. Once he gets all settled in he will get hungry for goals. Is that tonight or is it later in the year? I'm not sure. But with the team finally getting a few results I think his time is coming... and when it does, it'll come in bunches. Water finding it's level and all that.

Final note is related to Jardy's "just like it did" TFC comment. This week does feel like that (team even seemed to be very relaxed at training yesterday, according to reports). While Josh Williams might be up to speed on DC, most other starters probably think they are facing the same team the rolled week one at their place. DC was never really out of that game and had Parkhurst not drawn that penalty it might have ended differently.

DC is a much better team that that first week and full of confidence. It's an extremely experienced group made up of players that have all probably played well at Crew Stadium at one time or another. Throw in a very light crowd (by very I mean approaching 10k levels with the Blue Jackets playoff game starting at same time) and this match up could have a few surprises.

We see. Bundle up and for God's sake, take a blanket so you don't have to buy one at the stadium.

Crew Rd 5 Predictions, at SJE

The Columbus Crew are in San Jose today to take on the Earthquakes. Kickoff is 3 PM EST, 1 PM PST. Weather should be just awful out there today.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB : Team still has clean bill of health
CLB : Lineup not expected to change much
CLB : Look to get back on plan after last week's loss
SJE : Only played 3 MLS games in 2014 (+CCL action)
SJE : Looking for first win of 2014, losses to Sporting and New England
SJE : Off last week

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percentage on left is accuracy so far this season in picking result. Sorted Best to Worst.

75% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
For the 5th match in a row, Win Draw Win likes the Crew. Wiseguys like this one to have some goals in it (which is different) 1-3 to the Away side. "Your Vote" also likes Columbus with 48% (Draw 29%, SJ 22%).

50% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (lean)
Adam Jardy thinks the story this week will be how the Crew rebounds from their seasons first defeat last week. Edge seems to go to SJ because of how physical they are and the fact that they are looking for their first win. Pick up a copy of today's Dispatch here in town if you get a chance!

50% WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Graham Ruthven likes the Crew this week to "return to winning ways." Noting the great start the team has. He also mentions Scott Cooper is "under increasing pressure to turn their form around." Crew have higher whoscored.com rating.

25% BET365 ... SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Looks like SJ is getting better than even today 10/11 (12/5 Draw, 3/1 Crew). A low scoring 1-0 match most likely.

25% GOAL.COM ... DRAW
No author listed on this lonely game preview but he/she does note that, "fans hoping their side will pick up three points may be disappointed if recent history holds. The previous three meetings between the Quakes and the Crew have ended in draws." Readers have chosen SJ this week.

25% HOME TEAM ... SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Well, they have this going for them today.

25% MLSSOCCER ... SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The team over at the corp league offices likes the 'Quakes today, 3 of 6 picking them. Two draw, one lone pick Crew from Kristel Valencia. Kristel has lowest accuracy rate of the group.

0% WV HOOLIGAN ... SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Drew Epperley likes "the Quakes chances being at home in this one as Chris Wondolowski gets rolling here." He also says that "Columbus has to show that they can be the same club that impressed" early on. Why do they have to do that? For power rankings?

n/a% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
We'll go ahead and kick this on off now that it is past week five.

n/a % MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Head on over to MR to check out Pat Murphy's preview of the game to find out how seriously the Crew are taking this match. His preview is excellent as always and full of pre-match quotes and overloading with important information.

 MY THOUGHTS ON AN INTERESTING MATCHUP 

Weather is a common player complaint about playing away to San Jose. Garber to address issue?

First thought that ran through my mind when seeing this game on the schedule was that of relief because it wasn't going to be a 11 PM start but after thinking on it decided that it was sort of a bummer though because I like seeing the evening sky and the sun set on Buck Shaw. There is something about the color and shadows I love about it. I think some of it comes from the fact that the stands sit low and allow the sun to drench the pitch and players in magical hues... take it away Kerouac.

“Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgandy red, the fields the color of love" ...

... where was I?

As mentioned a few game previews above, these two have played to low scoring ties in recent times but each one has been memorable in its own right. Last time this matchup was lopsided was a few years ago, late game eastern time out there and the Crew got stomped 3-0.

San Jose is a team that feeds off emotion. If they get going early, it's bad for the Crew. If they are in it late, it is bad for the Crew. Chris Wondolowski's last game being one where he played well for the USMNT against Mexico is bad for the Crew. Fact that SJ has only lost one of last 22 at Buck Shaw is... well you get the point.

Those things are all emotional type things a team like San Jose feeds off of. The Crew are taking on the mentality of their new coach Gregg Berhalter and he is the antithesis of riding on emotion (so far anyway). The way he is building this team is exactly the right poison for a group like San Jose has.

It might be cold and boring, but if Berhalter can get it right he will win games like the one. I reckon that's what I'll be looking for today but if they'd kindly leave the camera running until the sun is finished setting this evening, I'd be looking for that too.

Crew Rd 2 Predictions (Home vs PHI)

Two teams looking improved over last year are in action tonight as the Philadelphia Union are in town to take on the Columbus Crew. Game starts 6:00 PM EST.

GAME NOTES:
CLB: Healthy so far this season.
CLB: Oduro off suspension, should play role tonight.
CLB: Crewsmas Day in Columbus, fun for fans.
PHI: Looks like missing Austin Berry today, if so? big loss.
PHI: Played Crew to draw in Columbus last year.
PHI: Maurice Edu will be in mid controlling action.

TEN PREDICTIONS

1. WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Folks in the know like the Crew this week. Small stake on 1-0 home win. "Your Votes" also has the Crew with 42% (37% Draw, 20% Philly)

2. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
Adam Jardy does think the Union will be "more formidable test for the Crew" than last weeks DC team, but in the end finds it hard to find a reason for the Crew not to get 3 pts. Pick up a copy of the Dispatch today to read all about it.

3. BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Leaning heavily on the Home teams across the entire league today. Crew no different at almost even (21/20 fav). Draw 11/5 and PHI 11/4.

4. HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home teams are dominate in MLS thus far in 2014, only losing 3 games out of 16 played.

5. GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Thomas Floyd thinks "The outlook is better for Columbus, with Parkhurst set to play after recovering from a calf knock and Dominic Oduro ready to make his 2014 debut." Reader predictions likes Philly, however.

6. MASSIVE REPORT ... (no lean)
Pat Murphy points out that the Crew have never started a season with two wins. Give his good match preview a read.

7. WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Graham Ruthven thinks "...Berhalter's team put down an impressive marker in the capital but now face a tougher challenge on Saturday," he likes the Crew 2-1.

8. TABLE POSITION ... (too early)
Only a couple weeks in, chill dude.

9. MLSSOCCER.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
The "pick em" crew likes the Crew this week, 5 of the 6 going with them. Only Nick Rosano likes this one a draw.

10. WV HOOLIGAN ... DRAW
Drew Epperley is the only one this week that see's this any other way than a Crew win thinking; "Both teams have plenty to be excited by surrounding them." Score prediction: 1-1.

MY THOUGHTS

Think bigger, kid.

There's always a buzz in the crowd for home openers and that should be no different for the Crew today. Rumors have the Nordecke sold out, so the atmosphere should be hoppin' over there at the very least.

Both the Crew and Philly are improved over last year which means the soccer might be fun to watch... later this year. Since this is early in the season we will see a lot of pressing and (likely) a lot of fouls which means free(ish) flowing match from last week will not re-appear this week.

Like many on my list above I also think this will be a good test for both sides. I expect Hackworth and Berhalter to try and control the match in the middle of the pitch from the get-go today and the score line to be low and close.

A couple key things to watch for will be if Dominic Oduro starts or not (up top or in the MF) and if Philly's Austin Berry goes (injured?).

Oduro hasn't played a competitive match with the first team since February 26th against Orlando in the preseason. Speaking of the preseason, these two met early on and it was a midfield tug of war. Federico eventually put the Crew up but it took a 88th minute penalty.

Crew Round 1 Preview and Predictions (Away, DC)

First game of the year for the Crew as they travel to the nations capital to take on DC United at RFK Stadium. A replacement ref will blow the whistle to start this one at 7 PM EST.

GAME NOTES:
CLB: Without Dominic Oduro, red card last game (last minute) of 2013.
CLB: Come off a good preseason, throttled KC in dress rehersal.
CLB: Won early match in DC last year 2-1.
DCU: Looking to erase last year from memory bank.
DCU: Lots of MLS experience on the team this year.
DCU: Eddie Johnson got paid.

------------
TEN PREDICTIONS
------------

1. BET365 ... DC UNITED
This changed from just two days ago (they must have read my tweet!). They've got DC at 7/5, Crew at 19/10 right now.

2. HOME TEAM ... DC UNITED
Reminder: Just picking the home team in every match will be the correct pick about half the time.

3. GOAL.COM ... DC UNITED
Thomas Floyd with the preview today and he just sort of runs through a quick fact check. Judging by what he wrote, I think he leans DC without Oduro in there. Down at the readers poll, looks like DC as well with 70% of the vote.

4. MASSIVE REPORT ...
(will update when preview available)

5. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
Adam Jardy is still assigned to the beat and thinks that while this one might be bumpy, "...the Crew has an edge with a defense that should be much improved from a year ago." Be sure to pick up a Dispatch if you can, also look around for yesterday's copy, it has a great season preview.

6. WHOSCORED.COM ... DC UNITED
Graham Ruthven with the game prediction going 1-0 DC, "DC United have done a good job of rebuilding over the off-season, but it could take some time for Olsen's team to gel." Also worth noting that there are a number of errors on the preview page (Oduro starting, Glauber injured?).

7. TABLE POSITION ... N/A
No games yet man.

8. WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
We've got an away favorite today, a special treat. Very rare for the Crew to get that. Wiseguys think this is 2-1 road team and the 'your votes' section has the Crew 44% picked to win (DC 25%).

9. MLSSOCCER.COM ... DC UNITED
Whoa, Cobi Jones joins the panel this year. Not sure who he replaced but they have kept same number of pickers at six. I'll check some other time. Anyway, looks like we've got 4 of the 6 going DC. Dir. of Video likes the Crew. Cobi likes it a Draw. Comin' strong, like his playin' days.

10. WV HOOLIGAN ... DC UNITED
League watcher Drew Epperley believes, "...United do enough to start out the season in a better way than the whole of 2013."

----------------------
MY THOUGHTS ON HOW IT WILL PLAY

Above: MLS

Tempered expectations for both sides this year. Best way to describe DC is 'wildcard' because they have completely rebuilt the roster, which might spell doom for most, but they have done it with experienced and very good MLS players. As for the Crew, gone are the lofty "the Cup comes through Columbus" expectations. New owner has new coach and reason has returned.

Looking at the lineups I think DC has the ability to jump all over the Crew had it not been for the fact that they are still a team learning to play together. The key to this one for the Crew will be to keep it from turning into a mess. The responsibility falls on the the Crew to hold this one together.

The Crew cannot win a multiple goal type game today. DC is much more capable of that than they are. If they can maintain discipline in the back and have solid possession in the middle they can come out of this with a solid point. Three points might prove to be tough, but who knows this early on.

Can't believe it's already here, game on!

Predictions: Crew (H) v Sporting

Big game at Crew Stadium tonight, Sporting KC is in town. Whistle blows at 7:30 PM EST, 6:30 PM Central.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Same lineup as previous 3 likely
CLB: Hot streak, have won last three
CLB: Recent results: have shutout NY, TFC, HOU, CHI at home
SKC: Oriol Rosell is out, Red Card
SKC: Decent results last 6, even GD 9 pts
SKC: Looking to catch NY for top spot in East

PREDICTIONS
(in no particular order)

1. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
"Something about the timing and location of this game points to an upset in the making," writes team beat writer Adam Jardy.

2. HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW

3. BET 365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home team favorites at 31/20 but a little unusual that it isn't even (which has been the trend in MLS for home teams). Next most likely is SKC win 7/4 and draw 9/4.

4. WV HOOLIGAN ... DRAW
Site Editor and Writer Drew Epperley has a hunch... "This one feels like a draw to me for some reason." has it at 1-1.

5. GOAL.COM ... DRAW
No preview yet, which is strange for this site. Reader prediction has this as a draw.

6. TABLE POSITION ... SPORTING KC

7. WIN DRAW WIN ... DRAW
Looks pretty tight. Stake is on 1-1 and home side getting less than 50% (41% Crew, 33% draw). Crew slight favorite but close enough to call this even.

8. MLSSOCCER.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Contributors to the "Pick 'em" feature at the virtual home base of MLS are jumping on the Crew bandwagon. Four of the six picking Crew and the other two say draw.

9. MASSIVE REPORT ... DRAW
Patrick Guldan thinks one of the important things for the Crew will be the play of Trapp and Tchani, saying "...the central midfield pair will have to work to move the ball around and unsettle a well drilled." He has this one finishing 1-1.

10. WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Graham Ruthven is a Crew believer now as well. After mentioning how the Crew have perked up in recent weeks, he is all in with them now. Even going as far as saying, "Dominic Oduro and Federico Higuain are among the most potent attackers in the league, and with Sporting KC's backline struggling at the moment the Crew's attacking duo could make the difference."

++++++++++++++

MY THOUGHTS, PREDICTION
The Columbus Crew hot streak finds itself back in the friendly confines of Crew Stadium tonight after a wild 4-2 win at Dallas last week.

The indicators above tell us this one will be tight and I tend to agree.

Sporting KC is one of only two teams that can pull out point on the road in MLS this year. Facing a hot team on the road shouldn't phase them too much but this one really comes down to motivations.

Circumstance has got the Crew playing like a teenager hopped up on Mountain Drew right now and they have cut through less motivated teams recently.

Does Sporting have a whole lot to play for here?

They are within range of taking NY for the top spot in the east and also want to maintain a home advantage in the playoffs.

KC has abused the Crew in KC during previous two matches this year so this one is hot team verses good team situation.

Temps look to be a little above normal tonight here in Columbus. High 70s around kickoff. Storms are rolling through trying to flip the switch to fall temps, might be a little damp.

Enjoy the game.

Predictions: Crew (A) v Impact

Good Morning,

The Columbus Crew take on the Montreal Impact in an early afternoon MLS fixture today. Temps up in Montreal don't appear to be making it out of the low 60s so this game could have good pace to it. 2:00 PM EST Kickoff time.

GAME NOTES
-CLB: Injuries up and down roster, Defense is concern
-CLB: Higuain not listed in projected lineup
-CLB: On longest road losing streak in team history
-MTL: Currently 2nd in MLS (ppg). Looking to keep Shield pace
-MTL: Crowded upcoming schedule
-MTL: Di Viao brace in 3 of last 4 games

----------
PREDICTIONS
(in no particular order)

1. GOAL.COM ... MONTREAL
"The top team in the Eastern Conference will look to secure its footing against the desperate visitors from Columbus," says Thomas Floyd's headline today. Readers predictions on this site also like Montreal this week (67%).

2. TABLE POSITION ... MONTREAL

3. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... MONTREAL
On the pulse and on the beat is Adam Jardy. After noting long list of injuries and probable absence of Federico Higuain, he says "...on the road against a team chasing the Supporter's Shield does not add up to a promising afternoon."

4. MLSSOCCER.COM ... MONTREAL
The 'pick 'em' group over there like the Impact across the board today. Matthew Doyle still holding at 50% accuracy (very good) with Nick Rosano nipping at his heals (48% accuracy).

5. BET365 ... MONTREAL
Looking like we are getting standard late season odds here for the Impact (4/7). Draw is sitting at 14/5 and Crew 5/1.

6. HOME TEAM ... MONTREAL
I list home team because it is one of the strongest predictors this season. Only one MLS team has a positive Goal Differential on the road this year.

7. WVHOOLIGAN.COM ... MONTREAL
Mr. Drew Epperley: "If anything, this may really knock the Crew out of the playoff range for good." He likes the Impact to win this one by two goals 3-1.

8. MASSIVE REPORT ...
Managing Editor, Patrick Guldan; "Montreal's movement causes problems with unschooled pairings and the Crew defense won't have had many practices together as a unit." Patrick see's this one as a 1-2 Impact win.

9. WHOSCORED.COM ... MONTREAL
Graham Ruthven see's this on as a 1-0 Home side win and states, "The Impact appear to have focused their minds and are favourites to take all three points against the Crew."

10. WINDRAWWIN.COM ... MONTREAL
Last, but not least, is the betting aggregate site and the now near legendary 'your vote' predictor. 56% like the Impact, 12% Crew. Wise guys seem to be making a stake on 3-0 win this week as well.

----------
MY THINKINGS, PREDICTION
The Crew have been miserable on the road this year. In fact, the current seven game road losing streak is the longest in franchise history.

Conqueror of MLS

The way I'm choosing to view this one is as a great test for interim head man Brian Bliss. He's the guy that assembled this group and now he's had his hands on these guys for a good couple weeks. Short, yes. But meaningful. It's not like he dropped in from outer space. He knows this squad very well and they know him.

A good showing here and the Crew can mark this down as the best win of the season.

An outright loss, however, could damage this opportunity for Bliss. Injuries have certainly run rampant of late but this team was build by Bliss to be this young. It was something the organization touted early in the year as part of the plan.

What we are seeing with this team, this year, is the result of building such a young team (and local Ohioans). Historically poor on the road. The experience just isn't there.

With Higuain likely not getting out there, Josh Williams out, Chad Marshall banged up this one has the opportunity to turn messy very, very quickly.

Of note: Since the only Spanish speaking coach (Iribarren) was let go the Crew haven't fielded non-English speakers (Viana, Higuain, Sanchez). This could be circumstance over anything but it is interesting and noteworthy.

Again, very tall odds but real opportunity for Brian Bliss to put a feather in his cap tonight.

Enjoy the game.

Predictions: Crew (A) v Sporting

The Crew are at Sporting KC today. Kickoff is 8:30 PM EST and a Sporting 7:30 PM Central.

IMPORTANT GAME NOTES
-CLB: Have lost last 6 on the road (only 5 GF, -12 GD)
-CLB: Higuain back in lineup after 2 game suspension
-CLB: 2nd game under interim coach Brian Bliss
-SKC: INT Duty: Zusi, Besler (USA), Jerome and Joseph (Haiti)
-SKC: Kia Kamara sold to Middlesbrough
-SKC: Only 1 loss at home in last 6 (+7 GD)

PREDICTIONS
(in no particular order)

1. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... EVEN (NO LEAN)
Beat writer Adam Jardy notes key player absences for KC but also states the Crew "...now will face a road test against one of the league’s elite teams." Jardy doesn't seem to lean either way.

2. TABLE POSITION ... SPORTING

3. GOAL.COM ... EVEN
Sayeth Seth Vertelney (Goal.com contributor) "The home side will be shorthanded due to international matches, and the visitors, with a new head coach in tow, will hope to take advantage." Vartelney thinks KC is "formidable" but he doesn't fully commit to them. Reader Prediction leans KC with 50% of vote, 38% draw.

4. MASSIVE REPORT ... EVEN
Site Editor Patrick Guldan likes this one a 1:1 Draw and offers insightful comments on what might happen, "If Meram or Finlay are slow to tuck in, the Kansas City midfield, even under gunned as it is can do damage."

5. BET365.COM ... SPORTING
KC has heavy odds today at 4/7 (11/4 draw, 5/1 crew).

6. WHOSCORED.COM ... SPORTING
If I'm not mistaken it looks like Graham Ruthven is writing these up now? Regardless, key call out here is, "Despite the unpredictability of the Crew Sporting KC will be considered favourites to take all three points."

7. HOME TEAM ... SPORTING

8. WVHOOLIGAN.COM ... SPORTING
Drew Epperley thinks the Crew's "..midweek result was a good one for Brian Bliss’ first game in charge but heading on the road to Kansas City is never an easy task." Final prediction? 2:1 KC.

9. WINDRAWWIN.COM ... SPORTING
There is a large stake on a 3:0 Home win and the 'Your Votes' is very KC, 56%. All key indicators here point to KC but the are based on form not unique events (missing players).

10. MLSSOCCER.COM ... SPORTING
All six participants in this years Pick 'Em feature think KC are winners. Matt Doyle remains in the lead at nearly 50% accurate (impressive).

----------
MY THOUGHTS
It is very difficult for me to get past 6 straight losses on the road for the Crew (and only 5 goals). New coach is a good sign but I don't think this particular issue is all on former head man Robert Warzycha.

This logo has no meaning

It has to do with youth and inexperience. Barson, Trapp, Lampson and Ryan Finley have very little experience on the road. Last three results were horror shows ... 4-0 in Salt Lake, 3-1 in Houston and the straw that essentially broke the back of the season, the 2-1 loss in Toronto.

The Crew will have to play disciplined in the back like they did last week by keeping Barson and Wahl at home (easily the most notable tactic change Bliss has implemented thus far). If those guys get caught up then KC will get the two goals need to put them past the Crew.

The Crew are catching KC at the right time but sometimes a team that is missing key guys is a little more motivated with players looking to make their mark. You'll notice in the predictions that team and league watchers are calling this on closer than the macro betting sites.

Will be fun to see how Bliss approaches this one tonight. Enjoy the game.