Predictions: NY v Crew (A)

Red Bull NY host Columbus today. These two have punched their ticket for the MLS Cup already but a win by one of the other means they could host the 4th v 5th 'wildcard' game. 3:00 PM start.

MATCH NOTES:
No notes this week.

MATCH PREDICTIONS

% Correct picking Crew games (last 10) Outlet 
56% (6) COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... NY RED BULLS (fav)
53% (7) WIN DRAW WIN ... NY RED BULLS
50% (6) MLSSOCCER ... NY RED BULLS
47% (7) HOME TEAM ... NY RED BULLS
47% (3) WHOSCORED.COM ... DRAW
44% (6) BET365 ... NY RED BULLS
38% (3) GOAL.COM ... NY RED BULLS
34% (6) TABLE POSITION ... NY RED BULLS
--% (6) MASSIVE REPORT ... NY RED BULLS
--% (-) WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

MATCH THOUGHTS:
No thoughts this week.

Predictions, Thoughts; Dynamo v Crew

Columbus Crew travel to Houston, Texas today to take on the MLS team down there. Kickoff is Today, 8:30 PM Eastern and will be televised on CSN Plus, Time Warner Sports Channel Ohio. The name of the venue is BBVA Compass Stadium.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Have only won one of their last 11 on the road
CLB: Traveled 18 players, reportedly
CLB: I'm sure there's other news around here somewhere
HOU: Are a team branded as "The Dynamo," have orange and white colors
HOU: \
HOU: *

GAME PREDICTIONS
Number on far left is percentage accuracy picking result this season. In parentheses is correct picks in last ten games.

52% (6) COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... HOUSTON DYNAMO (fav)
48% (4) WHOSCORED.COM ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
44% (6) MLSSOCCER ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
44% (6) WIN DRAW WIN ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
41% (4) GOAL.COM ... DRAW
41% (6) HOME TEAM ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
37% (5) BET365 ... HOUSTON DYNAMO
30% (6) TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
--% (-) WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)
--% (-) MASSIVE REPORT ... (preview only)

MATCH THOUGHTS

Should be a good one today. Houston trying to game this season by keeping roster small going into next CBA and trying to make a push to sneak into the MLS Cup tournament after the season ends. The Columbus Crew are in an advantageous position right now.

Speaking of the Crew, they have been poor on the road after winning a couple early. The thought was that this was due to inexperience but I just went over where players stood with total appearances last night and some of these guys have mountains of experience, just not as starters (completely different mindset). Would like to see Finlay, Meram and whomever plays up top (Schoenfeld) have a good game tonight.

*I'll never understand why a MLS team in Houston would build a stadium without an open end. I think this every time there is a Houston game on. Head scratcher. That said, looks to be "cooler" for that part of the country today, temps in the 80s with chance of storms. Rain would be very welcome addition to this match. Fall is here in Ohio, really nice out!

Predictions: Crew Rd 26, Away in Montreal

Crew travel to Stade Saputo to face Montreal Impact this evening, 7:30 PM EST.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Full travel roster (19), not always the case this year
CLB: On have one win in last 10 away (5 draw, 4 loss)
CLB: Back line questions remain, Finlay, Meram in MF form
MTL: Montreal have conceded at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8
MTL: Outside of CCL play, season all but over for Impact
MTL: Former Crew man Dilly Duka should be in lineup tonight

GAME PREDICTIONS
Number on far left is percentage accuracy picking result. In parentheses is correct picks in last ten games.

52% (6) COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
48% (4) WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
44% (5) MLSSOCCER ... DRAW
44% (5) WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
40% (4) GOAL.COM ... MONTREAL IMPACT
36% (4) BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
36% (4) HOME TEAM ... MONTREAL IMPACT
28% (5) TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
--% (-) WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)
--% (-) MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)

GAME THOUGHTS
Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch writes in today's paper that it would be "shocking" if the Crew lose this one. Over at WhoScored.com, Graham Ruthven talks about the Crew going through a "mini revival." Home base hype machine MLSsoccer.com doesn't trust Columbus quite yet, somewhat surprisingly has 4 of the 6 on panel going with a draw.

Over at the betting sites we see that the Crew hold slight edge. BET365.com has home and away at 13/8 draw at 23/10. Win Draw Win your vote sections likes the Crew here, 44% of the vote (MTL 20%). Large Stake is on 0-1 Away.

Montreal's home record this year is abysmal, as is there overall, but the Crew Away record doesn't exactly sparkle either (one win in last ten). That said, seems to be little question that the Columbus Crew are favorites tonight.

The only question tonight for the Crew is how the team will approach this match tactically in the back. Even with Giancarlo Gonzalez, head coach Gregg Berhalter holds back a little bit on the road. With two big wins in as many weeks at home one wonders if he will approach this one the same way. There's no reason he shouldn't, but there is some risk there of some 'in form' role players regressing. Especially a few of the less experienced ones, as this match is on the road.

For a full preview on the match head over to Massive Report to check out Pat Murphy's conversation with Sofiane Benzaza of Mount Royal Soccer.

Weather looks agreeable, partly cloudy and in the mid to high 70s.

Predictions: Crew Rd 25, Home v Houston

Big news today as reports have Giancarlo Gonzalez getting transferred away from the Columbus Crew, effective immediately. More on that to come but for now, Houston is in town tonight. Kickoff is 7:30 PM EST.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Gonzalez being out will have impact
CLB: 8 pts, +2 goal diff in last 6 games at home
CLB: Arrieta will probably start up top
HOU: 0 pts, -15 goal diff in last 6 away games
HOU: USMNT star Beasley likely to start tonight
HOU: Home form returning but still not a very good team

GAME PREDICTIONS
Percentage on the left is accuracy picking (WDL) 2014 Columbus Crew matches.

50% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
Adam Jardy writes that "anything less than a win will be a disappointment for the Crew."

50% WHOSCORED.COM ... DRAW
"Houston Dynamo are finally showing some signs of recovery, having won two of their last three MLS games," says Graham Ruthven. See's this one as a 1-1 draw.

42% MLSSOCCER ... COLUMBUS CREW
We've got the Crew in a landslide this week. 5 for a Crew victory, 1 draw.

42% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Largest margin in favor of the Crew thus far this season, 68% going their way. Houston only getting 8%. Wonder if this changes with Giancarlo news.

38% GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
No preview (as per standard for the site now) and only one vote in the readers section, it's for the Crew to win 1-0.

33% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Even 1/1 odds today for the home side (5/2 draw, 13/5 away).

33% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW

25% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW

--% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Stay tuned to MR for the latest in Crew news on Gonzalez.

GAME THOUGHTS
Going to be a calmer, more business as usual feel to the match tonight after the big show last week against the LA Galaxy. Houston never really draws many fans but crowds have been better this season.

No doubt that the Crew should be favored in this one but it's certainly not as much as the predictions above indicate. Houston likes to lurk in the standings and look to be game for a late season push. After going a couple months with pretty much no points, over the last three weeks they have beat DC and beat Philly.

Questions for the match today revolve around Giancarlo (looking like he is in Italy), Ethan Finlay (can he keep up this ridiculous form) and whomever plays up top (need a goal from a forward today).

So this one will be closer but the Crew should still be the ones with 3 points when it ends.

Looks to be on the warm side tonight, possibly damp as well.

Predictions: Crew Rd 21, Revs Away

The Columbus Crew are up in New England today to take on the Revs at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 PM EST. Weather looks pleasant - clear and 70s.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Look to feature similar lineup as last week, Bedell up top
CLB: Parkhurst homecoming of sorts (drafted, played for Revs)
CLB: Haven't won on the road since March 30 (vs Seattle)
NER: Lost last 3 at home after winning previous 4
NER: 7 game losing streak overall
NER: Looking for answers, loaned away DP Jerry Bengtson

PREDICTIONS
Percentage listed is picking Crew games only. Sorted in descending order.

55% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
Beat writer Adam Jardy's lean has gotten seven Crew matches out of the last ten correct. "The Crew has proved that it does not back down from a road challenge," he says this week.

55% WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
0-1 for the Crew is the prediction from Graham Ruthven, "The Crew have a great chance to string together two straight MLS wins against a freefalling Revolution side."

45% GOAL.COM ... NEW ENGLAND
Pick is based off probably about 3 votes on the reader interactive section. It's been this way for a few weeks now. Goal.com has been very light on some of the MLS coverage, not hard to blame, interest is light. Attendance though.

45% MLSSOCCER ... (no picks yet)

45% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew favored. 45% of the Your Votes and Medium Stake on 0-1 away win.

40% BET365 ... NEW ENGLAND REVS
Fairly normal home odds this week 23/20 Revs (12/5 draw, 23/10 Away).

40% HOME TEAM ... NEW ENGLAND REVS

25% TABLE POSITION ... NEW ENGLAND REVS
Despite the horrid losing streak, Revs still atop the Crew in PPG.

--% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Head on over to MR to get the latest from Patrick Murphy and his notes form recent practices / match preview.

MY PREDICTION

New England in is that familiar sports journalism area I like to call THE ZONE OF FUTILITY. I'm thinking about naming all these things because it's hard to explain how incredibly boring most of it is. What is THE ZONE OF FUTILITY? It's when you have a team on a bad run and writers just start talking about when the last time they had a bad run was and crank out a piece. I suppose it's fine, gotta write something, right?

Anyway, that's where the Revs are now and all their fans are now being subject to losing streaks of years past. This one is sort of special though and while long streaks like this do pepper result maps in MLS over recent times, they don't happen much. When they do, they are usually snapped after 6,7,8 games or so.

The Revs will eventually snap the streak and facing a below average Crew at Gillette is perfect opportunity. When I can't convince myself the Crew is a clear favorite alarm bells start going off. The Crew aren't here but if they play disciplined and frustrate the Revs early they will win.

Easier said than done however as a young and inexperienced group haven't performed well on the road this year and don't have a win since the opening month of the season.

We shall see. One thing is for certain - the pitch is fake.

Predictions: Crew Rd 15 (DC away)

The Columbus Crew wrap up their busy week with a game in the nation's capital today when they face DC United at RFK FedEx Field. Should be a huge crowd on hand as there is a lead-in international friendly between El Salvador and Spain.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Two major absences - Federico Higuain and Wil Trapp
CLB: Loss puts them firmly in bottom half blender
CLB: Away form is 5 pts from last 6, -3 goal difference
DCU: Only 1 loss at home this year (1st game vs Crew)
DCU: Look to have full accompaniment of regular starters (save Kitchen)
DCU: Only allowed 7 goals in 8 games at RFK this year

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Number on left is percentage accuracy picking 2014 Columbus Crew results only.

57% WHOSCORED.COM ... DC UNITED
Graham Ruthven has been hitting on Crew games with astonishing accuracy. Calls Columbus an erratic side and, at the time of the writing, that's with Higuain playing. 2-1 DC.

50% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DC UNITED
"The losses of Wil Trapp (knee) and Federico Higuain (hamstring) to injuries will exacerbate the situation," says Adam Jardy. Pick up a paper today, Jardy has all the details on the Oduro, Rey trade.

43% MLSSOCCER ... DC UNITED
Overwhelmingly DC today, 5 of 6 and only one Draw. Everybody there is doing better with picks this year, strangely five of them are right on 40% correct. Only Jason Saghini stands above with 44%.

43% WIN DRAW WIN ... DC UNITED
Your Votes section has Crew at lowest percentage of year with 16%. DC walking way with 53%. Medium stake on 2-0 home win.

36% BET365 ... DC UNITED
23/20 DC (fav), 20/10 draw, 12/5 Crew

36% GOAL.COM ... DRAW
No lean to be found in Thomas Floyd's preview today. Does mention host of absences for both sides.

36% HOME TEAM ... DC UNITED

14% TABLE POSITION ... DC UNITED

--% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Head on over to Massive Report or Black and Red United to read Patrick Murphy's excellent take on today's match.

 MY PREDICTION - A CREW WIN! 

I'm kidding. This one is about as a sure thing as you will ever see for a MLS game. Outside of the lead in game there is the fact that DC doesn't have that last day of school feel yet that the Crew have (which was evident with some of the player tweets last night (WHICH IS PERFECTLY OK, WHICH I LIKE, WHICH MAKES THE TEAM MORE FUN, WHICH THEY USE TO DO MORE OFTEN AND IT WAS FINE)).

You also find some evidence of that last day before break with handling of Federico Higuain and Wil Trapp injuries. I reached out to Massive Report's Managing Editor Patrick Guldan and beat writer Patrick Murphy they both believed Higuain would be out but they were not sure on Trapp. In either case, the decision to hold them out is easier when a break is eminent.

This DC team is about as MLS experienced as they get and you need that experience to know how to play during a season so disrupted by the World Cup. This is a first for all the Crew players except Tyson Wahl.

A couple things to watch this evening on the Crew side is if Ethan Finlay can keep things humming (he is in full form, 3 goals and an assist in just 275 mins this year) and see if Ben Speas (two assists in last two appearances) gets a crack at a starting role. Tonight is also a great opportunity for the other midfielders to leave Crew HC Berhalter with a good impression before new arrival Alvaro Rey joins the squad.

Expect Columbus to maintain control of the ball this match with DC looking for daggers on the counter or quick transitions from interceptions and mistakes.

Weather looks perfect over there in my old stomping grounds. Should be a great day for soccer fans out there.

Predictions: Crew Rd 14 v. RSL

Real Salt Lake is in town this evening to take on the Crew. Kickoff is 7:30 PM Eastern.

 GAME NOTES:
CLB: Missing Gonzalez and Francis from back line (World Cup)
CLB: Trapp looks to start, slight knee injury
RSL: Nightmare loss to Seattle past weekend 4-0
RSL: Missing a couple (including Kyle Beckerman) to World Cup

 TEN PREDICTIONS
Number on left is percentage accuracy picking 2014 Columbus Crew results only.

54% WHOSCORED.COM ... DRAW
"Without Kyle Beckerman, Jess Cassar's side lack its midfield spine and this is a chance for the Crew to exploit that," says Graham Ruthven. Ultimatly see's this one as even.

46% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DRAW (RSL lean)
No real prediction from Adam Jardy this week. He does mention that the Crew are "under pressure to earn crucial points before the World Cup break against a formidable team that will be missing some key parts because of injury and call-ups."

46% WIN DRAW WIN ...REAL SALT LAKE
For an away side, very strong for RSL this week in both vote (42%) and medium stake on Away win 0-1.

38% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home side odds tonight 21/20 Crew (12/5 Draw, 5/2 Away).

38% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW

38% MLSSOCCER.COM ... DRAW
This one is straight down the middle. Two Crew, Two RSL, Two Draw.

21% GOAL.COM ... DRAW
No real lean in the summary, Readers like RSL.

15% TABLE POSITION ... REAL SALT LAKE

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Head on over to Massive Report to get the latest on the Crew.

--% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

 MY PREDICTION
Anything is possible tonight with all the missing players, which is probably why we see a lot of "draw" predictions. I think that's fair. In other news: Crew fans could see the playing return of both Cole Grossman and Rich Balchan tonight for RSL.

Might see some more rain tonight, either way the playing surface will be slick. Don't expect many at this one but should be a nice one to watch. Enjoy the match.

Predictions: Crew Rd 13, TFC (away)

The Columbus Crew travel to Toronto today to take on their local pro team at BMO Field. Kickoff is 5:00 PM Eastern (4:00 PM Central, for any Indy Eleven fans scouting their next US Open Cup competition).

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Federico Higuain suspended (Yellow Card accumulation)
CLB: Reports have Daniel Paladini as replacement (Speas also possible)
CLB: World Cup absences; Giancarlo Gonzalez, Waylon Francis
TFC: Michael Bradley, Cesar out on World Cup duty
TFC: Regular captain Steven Caldwell out on suspension
TFC: Still have impressive roster, disjointed though

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Number on left is percentage accuracy picking 2014 Columbus Crew results only.

50% WHOSCORED.COM ... TORONTO FC
Graham Ruthven is doing really well with predictions this year, believes; "Even without Bradley and Cesar, Toronto FC should claim all three points at BMO Field." Predicts a 2-1 home victory.

50% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Stake on Away Crew win (0-1) as well as 45% of the famous "your votes" (29% draw, 24% Toronto).

42% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... TORONTO FC
"Gregg Berhalter likely will be privately pleased to return home with a point," states Adam Jardy in today's match preview. Says it's "impossible to overstate" Higuain's importance. Head out and pick up a paper today, nice piece on Ethan Finlay.

33% BET365 ... TORONTO FC
Evens for the home side (normal). Crew getting 11/4, Draw 23/10.

33% HOME TEAM ... TORONTO FC

33% MLSSOCCER.COM ... TORONTO FC
Surprisingly heavy for the Reds today, 5 of 6. Only other prediction is draw.

25% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)
No predictions

25% GOAL.COM ... TORONTO FC
Rudi Schuller runs thought game points, notably states that TFC "may not have a better opportunity" to put Columbus away without the services of Higuain. Surprisingly, the Crew lead in the "readers predictions" section (where there seems to be a good bit of activity... more than normal anyway).

17% TABLE POSITION ... TORONTO FC

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)

 MY PREDICTION 

Defoe

Mid-season games like this one can sometimes fall a little flat (especially Toronto matches) but the weather looks perfect (60s) and the lineups should be filled with guys that don't usually get to play much. So, opportunity for a spirited clash is there.

Even though Eric Gehrig played extremely well last week, Columbus fans will likely see Michael Parkhurst back in the line up along side Tyson Wahl at center backs. At right back will probably be Josh Williams, on the left Chad Barson.

The absences won't affect Toronto too much today as they still have ample ability to score multiple goals against a Crew back line that is missing two regular starters to the World Cup. What this means is that even if Columbus scores one or two, Toronto still has the ability to make that ground up. Flip that and the Crew don't have that luxury. They will have to play tight and smart to get a result today.

Overriding key to the match today is the absence of Federico Higuain. He's leads the team in all key categories and easily one of the best players on the pitch for either side when he plays (which has been just about every minute, going back through the preseason even).

Anywho... early match means still time for a movie or something afterward. Maybe even during if Toronto puts a couple up on the Crew in the first half. Enjoy the match!

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Site Note: Episode II of Red Cards in Helltown records tomorrow! Look for it Sunday evening for a succinct recap of tonight's match as well as news, notes and commentary on the rest of the league and upcoming World Cup. Check out Episode I if you haven't already.

Crew Rd 12 Predictions, Home vs Chicago

The Columbus Crew host the Chicago Fire tonight at Crew Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM, 6:30 Central. Looks to be perfect weather.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Parkhurst playing or not is critical to result
CLB: Gonzalez, Francis on national team duty for World Cup
CLB: Back line gave up 2 goals to 10 man Portland last week
CHI: Won two straight (NY, SKC) but hasn't been pretty
CHI: Shipp is Rookie of Year candidate, fun to watch
CHI: Not really firing on all cylinders under Yallop

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percentage on left is accuracy picking Crew games only.

55% WHOSCORED.COM ... DRAW
Graham Ruthven doesn't really know how to call this one. Ultimately it becomes... "Will both sides' new-found attacking potency come to the fore? It could be a case of who can concede fewer."

55% WIN DRAW WIN ... CHICAGO FIRE
Your Vote section has Fire 44%, Draw 34% and Crew just 20%. Large stake is on Away Win 1-2.

36% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW*
Put the astrerisk there because Adam Jardy thinks that with Parkhurst being in the lineup "would be the emotional boost needed for the home team to earn its first victory in nearly two months." Pick up the paper when you're out and about this beautiful morning.

27% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home odds for the Crew slipped to lowest in the league for today's slate of matches, but still favored 13/10 (12/5 draw, 2/1 Chicago).

27% GOAL.COM ... CHICAGO FIRE
I'll say the mystery preview writer favors the Fire by going the "two teams in opposite directions" card. Fan vote see's this as even. Mentions some midtable jockeying.

27% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW

27% MLSSOCCER.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew pick up 4 votes from 6 from the table of experts employed at the MLS Home Office if Information and Propaganda. Two other picks are Draw. Wouldn't worry on this too much if I were a Chicago fan.

27% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)

18% TABLE POSITION ... CHICAGO FIRE / DRAW
Chicago is ahead of the Crew on the true table (ppg), but only by a hair.

--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Head over to check out Pat Murphy's preview and find out things like the fact that Harry Shipp trained with Berhalter's Swedish side Hammarby.

 MY PREDICTIONS, HOW IT WILL PLAY 

Harry Shipp

As the season has worn on the Crew have loosened a bit on possession but they are still 2nd in the league in that critical stat. I would expect more of that today as the Fire don't mind letting the other side play.

What that means is this match will look a little like the last couple home matches against Vancouver and NY. If you can remember back to April 5th, even Toronto.

The key for Columbus is (and will always be) finishing chances. Last week they put three past Portland but two came on a 10 man team. While the Fire are giving up a lot of goals, I'm not sure they can replicate that performance (or that Higuain chip on Ricketts) but a couple isn't out of the question.

I see this on as pretty even with Parkhurst out there, edge to Chicago if he is not.

If your in town, go check it out! Should be nice out.

Crew Rd 11 Predictions, Away to Portland

Late start for the Columbus Crew tonight as they are in Portland to take on the Timbers at Providence Park. Kickoff 10:30 PM EST (7:30 PM Pacific).

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: On Int'l Duty: Waylon Francis, Michael Parkhurst
CLB: Winless in last seven
CLB: Goal-less in last three
PDX: Starters Out: Chara, Harrington
PDX: 8 pts in last 6 at home (1 win, 5 draws, 0 loss)
PDX: Important 3 pts if they want to climb back in to season.

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percent correct in picking Columbus Crew matches only. Sorted best to worst.

60% WHOSCORED.COM ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
Graham Ruthven is on a roll. Likes the Timbers in a low scoring 1-0 affair, saying; "Federico Higuain can't carry the team on his own and they look lightweight in attack as a result."

60% WIN DRAW WIN ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
Portland all over this one. 2-1 stake and 55% of the Your Vote.

40% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
"It’s hard to forecast a Crew victory - or even a goal - until it actually earns one," states Crew beat man Adam Jardy.

30% BET365 ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
Getting strong home odds with 17/20 (23/10 Draw, 7/2 Crew).

30% GOAL.COM ... PORTLAND TIMBERS (lean)
No name on today's quick preview. Nothing really of note here. Handful of fans that have voted like Portland.

30% HOME TEAM ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
Portland has been near impossible to be at home but teams have been pulling out draws.

30% MLSSOCCER ... PORTLAND TIMBERS
Four of the six like Portland, the other two a tie. Jason Saghini leading the pack over there with 43% accuracy.

20% WV HOOLIGAN ... n/a
No preview today from Drew Epperley.

10% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
Few more branches to hit on the way down.

0% MASSIVE REPORT ... n/a
Pat Murphy takes a look at Crew player absences due to international duty, give it a read.

 MY PREDICTION, THOUGHTS 
The Crew have everything to gain and not a whole lot to lose tonight. A late game win with a couple of key players out in the backline is sort of a get outta jail free card as far as a result. Speaking of the backline; it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

The Crew are lucky to have been able to keep Gonzalez for one more match, so they have him at CB. You've also got Josh Williams still available but some reports have him shifting to the left. The regular Crew backline is top five in goals against this year, so while a lot of focus has been put on a weak attack, defending and 'keeping is top notch.

Portland is always good for a goal late so even if the Crew get one they will be facing overwhelming pressure on a makeshift backline (that will also be out of shape and playing past bedtime). Hard to say the Crew have a win in them, though a tie would not be surprising.

Enjoy the game!

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For any regular readers out there I'm happy to announce that Helltown will have audio tomorrow (some call it a podcast). Rick Gethin will host with myself and a couple special guests. We are pretty excited about it and have some very cool plans. Red Cards in Helltown is the show name, look for it!

Crew Rd 10 Predictions, Home vs 'Caps

Crew host the Vancouver Whitecaps this evening. Raining now, more is expected. Kickoff at 7:30 PM EST, 4:30 PM PST.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Form 2nd to last in last 6 games (-5 GD, 3 Pts)
CLB: Trapp returning from suspension
CLB: Lineup changes expected, 3rd game in week
VAN: 1.67 Goals per Game, 4th in MLS. Only 3 in 4 Away, however
VAN: Win last week vs. San Jose
VAN: No Kenny Miller

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percentage on left is accuracy picking Columbus Crew matches only. Sorted best to worst.

56% WHOSCORED.COM ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Graham Ruthven speaking truth when he says "The Caps have been presented with an excellent opportunity to make it two successive wins." Likes them by a 0-1 scoreline.

56% WIN DRAW WIN ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 
Seems to be some confidence around an Away victory today. Those wiseguys have stake on 0-1 'Caps and vote them 39% chance to win (Draw 34%, Crew 26%). Pretty tight.

44% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DRAW
Check today's paper for news on how the team looks to approach today's match, also looks at how this winless streak creeping up Crew record books. As far as the result, Adam Jardy believes unfamiliarity breeds draw.

33% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Odds in the favor of the home side today 11/10 (23/10 Draw, 5/2 'Caps).

33% GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Rudi Schuller from Goal Canada bangs out a preview today, in it saying; "Gregg Berhalter's side will be looking to re-assert its home field advantage against a Vancouver side that has historically looked average away from home."

33% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew looking to get back on track at home. Only 5 pts over last 4 games at Crew Stadium and only 4 goals.

33% MLSSOCCER ... COLUMBUS CREW
All aboard the Crew train this week.

22% WV HOOLIGAN ... n/a
Drew Epperley has been tied up the past couple weeks.

0% MASSIVE REPORT ... n/a
Jon Szekerez of Eighty Six Forever and Pat Murphy sit down and drop knowledge on today's matchup, go check it out and be a smart Vancrewcaps person.

0% TABLE POSITION ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
First time this year the Crew weren't higher up than the opposition.

 MY GAME THOUGHTS 

'Caps Coach Robinson

It won't surprise anyone when the Whitecaps play for the draw. They are not a good road team partly because they are an expansion franchise, but also because they have to travel so far.

That said, it's not like they are horrible this year away from BC Place. 3 drawn and only one loss says to me that Carl Robinson is just trying to hold ground away for now before he takes some risks. Risks that I do not think he will be very temped to take today very often.

Vancouver does have a lot of speed (oh, MLS loves the speed) so they probably can catch the Crew pushing numbers forward if so inclined.

It could get very interesting if both Josh Williams and Waylon Francis are rested today. Both of them have the speed to get up and down where likely replacements, whoever they are, do not (and will not be in game shape). Actually, that just might be the key to this game.

Of course a win is important, but a draw or loss here for the Crew isn't the end of the world because of the way the league works in East / West divisions. Meaning; a loss isn't giving a East team three points over the Crew or the Crew is dropping two points in a draw with an East team. With that, I think the Crew should take some risks pushing forward to get some goals and reset some bad confidence and form.

A shootout type 2-2 or 3-2 type match is something this team needs.

Draw most likely for me, 'Caps win least likely.

We see. Man, rainy out there. Take an umbrella if you are heading out the match today. Should be a fun one!

Crew Rd 8 Predictions (at SKC)

The Columbus Crew are in Kansas today to take on Sporting KC. Kickoff is 4 PM EST, 3 PM CST. This afternoon's match will be on NBCSN (the only one for the Crew this year).

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Bernardo Anor back from suspension
CLB: Lineup looks to stay similar
CLB: Still a healthy side, just about all players available
SKC: Aurelien Collin is suspended today
SKC: 2013 MLS Cup ring ceremony pre-match
SKC: Outscored Crew 6-2 in last two in KC

 10 PREDICTIONS 
Percentage accurate, Crew games only. Sorted in descending order.

57% WIN DRAW WIN ... SPORTING KC
Stake on 1-0 Home win with KC heavy in the "Your Vote" section (55%). Draw at 29%, Crew just 14%.

43% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... n/a
Coverage has been light since Adam Jardy has taken some time for the birth of his first child. Longtime writer Tim May has been filling in but not on the prediction. "Staff Reports" thinks this one could go either way.

43% WHOSCORED.COM ... SPORTING KC
"With Sporting KC it's always a question of whether their frontline clicks. If they do the Crew will have a game on their hands," says Graham Ruthven this week. Prediction; 2-1 KC.

29% GOAL.COM ... DRAW (?)
No preview for this match today at Goal.com, which is strange for a NBCSN match. Looks like Sporting has the edge with the three readers that picked in the your vote section.

14% BET365 ... SPORTING KC
Heavy odds for the home team today (heaviest I've seen this year, even). 8/13 KC, 3/1 Draw, 4/1 Crew.

14% HOME TEAM ... SPORTING KC
Crew have played better on the road so far this year.

14% MLSSOCCER ... SPORTING KC
The gang over here picked KC 4 out of 6. The other two have a Draw.

14% WV HOOLIGAN ... SPORTING KC
League watcher says this one is "Game of the week as far as I am concerned." He likes Sporting to edge it out 1-0.

0% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
Things are still sort of playing out, looks like.

0% MASSIVE REPORT ... n/a
Head on over to Massive Report to check out the latest from a hard working Patrick Murphy.

 MY THOUGHTS 
First thought is that we are a quarter of the way in the season and this match isn't getting the "top of the table clash" billing it might were it another league. MLS is strange this way.

Surprising that odds and pundits are in line today. Sporting being without Collin will open things up for the Crew in KC's back quite a bit. KC can sometimes play really aggressive and have had plenty of success beating up on a visiting Crew (6 GF, 2 GA in last two in KC). So, even though the new Crew style of play keeps opponents from getting a whole lot, I'd be lying if I didn't say KC could put a few past this Crew backline.

I don't have a preference on Jairo Arrieta or Dom Oduro for the Crew today because of that. I think Higuain likes Arrieta more (letting him take the penalty last week), so they should probably go with that.

A win for the Crew today would be huge. We see. Weather looks very warm down there today (80s). Should be a good one.

Crew Rd 7, Home vs NY Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls are in town this evening to take on the Columbus Crew. Weather is going to be on the cool side over off Hudson Street today so another week you've got to bundle up! Kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM EST.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Have saved 3 pts (of 11 total) with goals after 90 mins
CLB: Anor out (RC), Meram likely to start
CLB: Hot start is getting further away
NYR: Beat up on Dynamo midweek 4-0
NYR: Henry might not be making trip
NYR: Cahill could return to lineup

 TEN MATCH PREDICTIONS 
Percent on left is accuracy in predicting result of Columbus Crew games only.

50% WIN DRAW WIN ... DRAW (NY LEAN)
Got our first split of the year from this outlet. Wiseguys like a 2-2 Draw but the "Your Vote" section has NY edging out the Crew (37% to 28%, draw at 34%).

33% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DRAW
Adam Jardy looks at recent results and thinks this one will come out even. Lots of NHL stuff in the paper today, so if that's your thing, head out and pick up a paper!

33% GOAL.COM ... NY RED BULLS
No name listed on the match preview today but whoever it is comes out strong for NY. "Another strong showing would likely be enough to pick up points against a Columbus team that has struggled of late."

33% WHOSCORED.COM ... DRAW (NY LEAN)
Graham Ruthven back on the scene today to tell us NY "should pick up three points at Columbus, but we've been saying that all season." Ultimately, going with a 1-1 draw.

17% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew are favored again here today but the bettors out there seem to be getting off the Columbus train. 23/20 Crew, 12/5 Draw, 23/10 NY.

17% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Columbus' home record not something to be desired.

17% MLSSOCCER ... COLUMBUS CREW
Team over at MLS HQ still all in with the Crew. Five of the six actually going with the home side today. Only one thinking somethings up in Matt Doyle, who picks Draw.

0% TABLE POSITION ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew have the edge on NY still. That could actually change today.

0% WV HOOLIGAN ... DRAW
"Look for this one to be physical as well, but ultimately ending in a draw," says site scribe Drew Epperley.

n/a% MASSIVE REPORT ... no pick
Head on over to Pat Murphy's preview to found out which NY player Michael Parkhurst likes.

 MY THOUGHTS, HOW IT WILL PLAY 

Best player in MLS history

Much more important match for the Crew than it is for the Red Bulls today. A loss for the home side would mean 4 pts in 4 at Crew Stadium to start the year - bad form at home dooms MLS teams to bottom half.

A lot of people picking a draw today and I'm thinking that comes from the feeling we have one team on the rise and another slumping. Humans don't like to change their perceptions of things until they are forced too. Most out there still see the Crew as probably something they are not and on the other side see NY as a team that they are hesitant to call a winner even though they are in form and have, quite possibly, the best MLS player in history playing for them.

If Thierry Henry plays tonight it might be a long one for the Crew. Tim Cahill doesn't really impact the match as much but having both of them out doesn't make things any easier. On Wednesday NY looked scary good and they usually play well in Columbus.

If Berhalter starts Dominic Oduro or Justin Meram in the midfield for suspended Bernardo Anor we will probably see a fast paced open match, which is one that sort of favors NY.

We see. Stay warm out there Crew fans that aren't watching the Blue Jackets and aren't there just for the dollar night specials, and not there for the college discounted tickets, and not there just to get drunk in the supporters' section...

- wait, how many does that leave actually watching the game?

Crew Rd 3 Predictions (SEA Away)

Late one tonight for the Columbus Crew as they travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders - and because MLS cares about honest competition about as much as Sounder fans are self aware (ohhh)... 10 PM EST kickoff.

 GAME NOTES: 
CLB: Still healthy through 3, similar/stable 11 expected
CLB: Only one poor half of play so far (1/4)
CLB: Turf can change / disrupt league leading passing game
SEA: Up and down start to season (2 Wins, 1 Loss)
SEA: Clint Dempsey out (suspension)
SEA: Chad Marshall facing old team

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Going to order my usual ten predictions by pick accuracy this year. Only two rounds in but only two have picked correctly. On the left is % correct.

100% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS (lean)
Man on the beat, Adam Jardy; "This one will be played in front of a hostile crowd against an opponent on the short list of MLS Cup favorites." Pick up today's Dispatch around town if you can. Reading printed materials allows you to enter into a relationship with the written word and not a zillion distractions just a click away. You are also free to make your own opinion instead of having it shaped by the type of person that likes to post comments on sports articles.

100% WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Whoa, surprise pick here for the Crew (50% of "Your Vote"). Seattle only getting 20%. There is also a Large Stake on the Away side 0-1.

50% BET365 .... SEATTLE SOUNDERS
A little bit of a different story at this large betting site. Seattle at better than even (17/20). Crew 10/3, Draw 12/5. No Away favorites this week.

50% GOAL.COM ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS (lean)
Thomas Floyd focuses on Seattle this week and thinks this will be the Crew's "sternest test yet."

50% HOME TEAM ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Over the last three years MLS home sides have won north of 55% of matches. Last two years is been almost 60%. This year is no different.

50% MLSSOCCER ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS (or Draw)
Oddly, the first time I've ever seen a split panel. Three like Seattle, three like a Draw. None like the Crew, however.

50% WHOSCORED.COM ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Graham Ruthven believes that if Seattle's "key players turn up, the Sounders will claim all three points."

0% WV HOOLIGAN ... SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Drew Epperley is high on the Sounders for today's "Sigi Bowl" (his words, not mine). More from Drew, "While I think Columbus is far better in the defense than Montreal is, Seattle still has too much talent up top to stop."

n/a% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no lean)
Go check out Pat Murphy's excellent pre-match piece to find out why after the game there will be hugs.

n/a% TABLE POSITION ...
Still not enough games. I'll wait till five in I reckon.

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 MY THOUGHTS 

yeah, shocker

To a fault, I get hung up on eastern timezone teams playing late out west. I look at it about once a year to see what the advantage is and it nuts. Not only to home sides win at almost 60% of the time in MLS you also have an added factor of a post 9 PM EST degree of difficulty to deal with.

Three teams from the East have late kickoffs tonight. Toronto, New England and the Crew. If it's a TV thing then it is a local agreement because none of these games are on national TV. It's frustrating.

Anyway, on the the game.

Turf can be tricky for a natural surface team. For the Crew, who lead the league in passing accuracy and are near the top in possession, it will be even more so. A lot of their game this year has revolved around being able to keep the ball. The only time they failed at keeping it was the 2nd half of last weeks game against Philly and it looked not all that pretty.

Going to be a tough one for the Crew, especially for players that have never played at CenturyLink Field, but Seattle hasn't done anything this year so far that blows my hair back.

With Berhalter and his staff the Crew are capable of managing the distractions (atmosphere, kickoff time, turf) that come with a late match in Seattle. That said, win tonight would be very impressive.

Predictions: Crew (H) v Revs

New England is in Columbus today to try and extend their season into the MLS Cup Playoffs. Whistle blows at 4:00 PM EST.

GAME NOTES:
CLB: Reports - Gruenebaum likely getting start over Lampson
CLB: Josh Williams might play as well.
CLB: Crew have played well at home as of late after bad start
NER: A win extends season
NER: Have Nguyen back after suspension
NER: 8 pts in last 6 way, -2 GD isn't bad

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PREDICTIONS
------------

1. BET365 ... NEW ENGLAND
I do believe this is the first time the away side has been favored at Crew Stadium this year. Revs getting 6/4 odds. Crew 9/5 (draw 23/10)

2. HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS
Just picking the home team is right most of the time, especially in MLS this year.

3. GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS (?)
No write up from the guys at goal.com this week. The 'reader's predictions' has the Crew at 60% picked. We'll have to go with that.

4. MASSIVE REPORT ... DRAW
Managing Editor Patrick Guldan thinks this going to be a tight 1-1 draw. "The game likely won't be as open as the stakes are lower and will be played on grass."

5. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... NEW ENGLAND
Man in Japan Adam Jardy thinks the Revs are the team to beat today. Playoffs vs Pride basically. "Whether or not [pride] will be enough to end a disappointing season on a high note remains to be seen." Go pick up a Dispatch anywhere around town. Jardy also has a good piece on three player contracts up in the air.

6. WHOSCORED.COM ... NEW ENGLAND
Appears Graham Ruthven has sort of checked up like the folks at goal.com. He likes the Revs 2:1 but notes that the Crew are out of "Western Conference" playoff hunt.

7. TABLE POSITION ... NEW ENGLAND
Ball don't lie.

8. WIN DRAW WIN ... NEW ENGLAND
Looks like the betting masses like a 0-1 Away win. "Your Votes" is going Revs as well with 42% (Crew 25%). Pretty tight though.

9. MLSSOCCER.COM ... NEW ENGLAND
Three of these folks going Revs, one Crew. Last two like the draw. So, mixed feelings on this one here. Bourbon hater ("a children's drink") Matt Doyle is still the lead dog over there with a 49% hit rate. Nick Rosano not far behind at 38%.

10. WV HOOLIGAN ... COLUMBUS
"Too many players there playing for 2014 and for their jobs not to get it done." - Drew Epperley. I'll have more on this right below in the "My Thoughts" section.

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MY THOUGHTS ON THE GAME

Last games can often be frustrating affairs when your team isn't going any further. This year is no different.

Also, last games can be telling affairs though and most of the things I see in regards to this match are frustrating. Here is a list:

1. Starting Andy Gruenebaum. Andy should have gotten his job back as soon as he was able. If he didn't want it then send him home for the rest of the year. Instead, we have this horseshit situation where the Crew are trotting him out for what is likely his last game. He hasn't played in months. Lampson has been lights out at home, an amazing 5 shutouts in 7.

2. "Fighting for Jobs". If one game is going to make a break a player in this sport than the Crew have some serious problems. We hear this sort of sports jargon a lot. In the N.F.L. it sort of makes some since as they play so few games and the likelihood of getting maimed is high. It has no place in soccer. The fact that WV Hooligan mentions it is disappointing but I know a lot of decision makers in MLS do this. Grr.

3. Josh Williams. Josh is another one getting trotted out today. His doesn't quite feel like Gruenebaums in that it is his last game but it does feel a little fishy. There is a high degree of difficulty to this game today. I'm sure Josh is chomping at the bit to face this type of situation but there is a high percentage chance that the Crew lose this one, therefore damaging his leverage at the table to renegotiate contract. And if he makes a mistake on a goal than I have to hear a bunch of people I respect telling me that he should be cut based on what they saw last. Williams is an MLS starter, he still has upside and his soft skills are off the charts.

4. Nobody in place to make personnel decisions. Well, Mark McCullers is there but after the last three off-seasons he has proven to be incompetent at this part of his job. Last season, in particular, was terrible. Notably: They cut Miranda and Mirosevic just decided he wasn't coming back (after the Crew spent loads of time saying otherwise). Carlos Mendes was another one who just sort of drifted off to the NY Cosmos (where he has played very well). In the case of both these players the Crew overspent to replace them.

5. Out of race since Toronto. The Crew have been out of this season since the loss up in Toronto. Change should have been made then and the process of building for 2014 should have started. This impotent chase for the playoffs over the last couple months only shortened the window to prepare for next year. Pre-season starts mid-January and the Crew are going to be, again, short on warm bodies. I remember Eddie Gaven saying last year that he felt they were missing players in the preseason. I expect it again this year.

16 OUT OF 19

This team has fallen down the table each year since 2008. Losing only a little bit at first but now is in complete terminal velocity free fall and I've seen nothing in the way of change to keep me from thinking that the bottom of the table the only way of stopping the Crew from getting worse.

Alright, that's what I've got for now. If I can't unleash for the last game then when can I? It's a very grumpy post but I lean heavily on the side of performance (over just enjoying a day at the stadium). With that I get all worked up when a team tells me it's sunny when it's raining outside.

Predictions: Crew (A) v Toronto

The Columbus Crew travel to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC today. Afternoon kickoff at 2:00 PM EST. 11:00 AM out west.

GAME NOTES
CLB: Columbus won at BMO earlier this year 1:0
CLB: Lineup changes, different from previous 2 games
CLB: Only 1 win last 6 on road (Loss last 3)
TFC: No wins at BMO in over a year.
TFC: 3 Draws last 6 at home (Draw last 2)
TFC: Koevermans, Earnshaw Questionable

PREDICTIONS
In no particular order. For order of most accurate check HERE.

1. MLSSOCCER.COM ... TFC
Somewhat surprisingly the panel at the league base site likes Toronto today. 4 of the 6 have them down in the WIN column and the other two? Draw.

2. WIN DRAW WIN ... CREW
The 'Your Votes' has Columbus with 45% of the vote and lists a Medium Stake on a 0:1 Away side win.

3. WVHOOLIGAN.COM ... DRAW
"Isn’t this a rivalry game? Sure why not." Drew Epperley stated last week the Crew season was effectively over. He likes this one to end on even terms, however. 1:1 at BMO.

4. BET365 ... TFC
Toronto at 29/20, Draw 21/10 and Crew 2/1. We are on the back half of the season now so we should start seeing bad home sides drifting away from even.

5. GOAL.COM ... CREW
Kieth Hickey got the call today to do the one line summary, "With TFC struggling yet again this year, Columbus looks to seal yet another Trillium Cup victory." Few votes on the predictor but what is there has this one even.

6. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... LEAN CREW
Columbus beat writer Adam Jardy calls this one "a tricky challenge for the Crew." Jardy isn't shying away from approaching things honestly at this point in the season by saying the team's playoff hopes are 'flickering' and in the headline today, describing the team as 'sputtering'.

7. CURRENT TABLE ... CREW

8. HOME TEAM ... TFC

MY THOUGHTS
The last few teams to go to BMO Field have gone there 'not to lose'. Nobody wants to lose there as Toronto have been terrible. It sucks for TFC fans, really.

I think the Crew are looking for a Draw as well. Head Coach Robert Warzycha said as much yesterday in an interview ("...draw not worst result"). I think that comes from some fear of being THAT team that lost to TFC. The Crew can't worry about that though.

Columbus / Toronto games are often dull affairs. This one being in the early afternoon doesn't help things (those matinee games are often boring, no matter who is playing).

I wouldn't expect this one to be any different but there is always hope for the spectacular. Even when you have a third to last place team playing second to last.

Looks like great soccer weather up there today. Cool in the low 70s with a slight chance of ran. Perfect for the players. Enjoy the match.

Predictions: Crew (H) v Fire

Good Morning,

The Chicago Fire are in Columbus today to take on the Crew. Game start is 8:00 PM Eastern. 7:00 PM Central.

GAME NOTES
-CLB: Crew coming off 2:0 win over Montreal.
-CLB: Big crowd tonight for Fireworks postgame.
-CLB: Viana close to back, possible last start for LB Wahl.
-CLB: Williams and Marshall should be CBs, tough to beat.
-CHI: Unbeaten in last four (2 wins).
-CHI: Magee helping to salvage season, 3rd in MLS goals.
-CHI: Beaten CLB twice this year already.
-CHI: Busy schedule. US Open Cup match Wed.
-CHI: Only 2 goals on road this year (6 games)

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PREDICTIONS

Starting off with MLSsoccer.com this week. The 'pick 'em' team over there is thinking Draw (4 votes). Another two pick the Crew. Lean goes to Home side.

Next up is Mr. Drew Epperley of WV Hooligan and SB Nation's Big D Soccer. Epperley believes this to be a Draw saying, "they have to show they can keep the momentum going for a second weekend in a row."

Goal.com still looking for votes on their page but even right now. Keith Hickey's comment; "The Fire have surged under Mike Magee, and a trip to Columbus is a potential six-pointer in the playoff scrap."

BET365.com is giving fairly normal odds for a game like this. 11/10 to home side (Crew), 23/10 Draw and 5/2 Fire.

Over at WinDrawWin.com the indicators suggest the Columbus Crew will run away with this one. The "Your Votes" section is heavy on the Crew side with 69% win. Draw 23% and only 7% for Chicago (that is a notably low number, interesting). Large stake is on 1:0 Crew win.

Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch asks a question this week: "Was it a one-night mirage or the start of a turnaround? This game will help provide the answers." Look for your Dispatch where you normally find papers for sale around Columbus.

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MY THOUGHTS

11th is an achievable goal.

Even though we've got one team on the rise here (Chicago) and another sort of stagnating (Columbus) I don't think the rising club can overrun the Crew. Mike Magee has really been finding his way to goal but overall the Fire have been poor on the road. Tonight would be their first win on the road, actually.

Something else complicating the game for the Fire tonight is the US Open Cup match the have against Orlando City this week. Chicago is taking that tournament very seriously. Mathematically, it is probably the right thing to do given their current place on the Eastern Conference table.

In order for them to have a chance a pulling within striking distance of the final spot they will need a win today. It's not a stretch to think they can overtake the Crew through the 2nd half of the year but they will still need to over take Philly and New England.

Don't expect this game to look like the Montreal game in terms of possession. This one will likely be more 'start stop' type MLS action and evenly matched.

Predictions: Crew (H) v Impact

Good Morning,

A well rested Montreal Impact team is in Columbus today to take on the Crew. Game start is around 7:30 PM EST.

GAME NOTES

-MTL: Looking for 4th Win in a row.
-MTL: 10 goals scored in last 3 Wins.
-CLB: 2 starters out for year Glauber, Gaven.
-MTL: Nesta will be serving suspension tonight.
-CLB: Defenders J Williams, C Marshall questionable.
-CLB: 1 Win from 6 at home.
-MTL: 3 Wins from 6 away.

PREDICTIONS

1. DREW EPPERLEY, WV Hooligan, writes; "Quick turnaround plus facing one of the league’s best clubs won’t help matters out for a struggling Columbus side." Epperley keeps a pretty good eye on the league and has been thinking the Crew would turn the corner. He has this one going 2:1 to Montreal.

2. BET365 has a fairly normal MLS line today, though it should be mentioned that things are changing now that we are approaching midseason. Edge to the Home side 11/8 but Away getting 2/1 (draw 9/4).

3. PICK 'EM team over at MLSsoccer.com has Montreal clean across the board. As a group the hover around low to mid 40% accuracy. That's above random but still around where they would be if they just picked the home team every week.

4. GOAL.COM's Keith Hickey usually writes a one sentence summary for each match. Today? "Montreal could solidify its grip on first place in the East with a win over a struggling Crew side." There is the word 'struggling' again.

5. WIN DRAW WIN tells us the wiseguys are with Montreal today (betting against the line). Large stake is on a 0:1 Away win and the 'Your Vote' prediction section is leaning Montreal as well (44% MTL Win, 20% CLB).

6. ADAM JARDY on the Crew beat for the Columbus Dispatch believes a win today for the Crew will be "a tall order". Of Note: My paper today looked great, as far as color registration goes. Best it's been all year.

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MY THOUGHTS

In order for the Crew to change their season fortunes wins have to start at home. Today's opponent is as hard as it gets and the Crew haven't beat anyone above them in the table in almost a full calendar year.

At this point in the season it is safe to say that Montreal is the real deal and not the beneficiary of luck or light scheduling. They are fully capable of winning on the road and doing so with loads of goals.

Even with deteriorating results over the past three years the Crew haven't really ever entered the depths of despair over any 5 or 10 game span. In fact the Crew have only dipped below averaging 1.00 PPG once over a 10 game span in the past year and a half.

Not entering the depths of despair isn't necessarily a silver lining but does point some degree of resiliency.

There maybe a glimmer of hope in there for the Crew if they can catch a rusty Montreal team that hasn't played in a couple weeks.

Enjoy the game, weather looks fantastic.

Predictions: Columbus Crew v. NY Red Bulls

Good Morning,

The Columbus Crew are in Harrison, New Jersey, on the waterfront across the Passaic River from Newark this evening to take on the Red Bulls. Kick Off is at 5 PM EST.

GAME NOTES
-Regular starters Chad Marshall, Glauber, Jairo Arrieta and Agustin Viana out for Crew
-NY is on unbeaten run of 6 games (5 wins)
-NY hasn't lost to Crew in past 5 meetings
-13 pts in last 5 for NY, 6 pts for Crew
-I like Jonny Steele
-NY just beat the Crew in Columbus a couple weeks ago 1:0

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PREDICTIONS
Going to start off with Bet365 this morning. They like NY with better than even odds (4/6) to win. 11/4 Draw and 4/1 Crew victory.

Win Draw Win's stars align this week. Medium Stake on NY 1:0 win and the 'your vote' section is heavy on NY as well (55%). Crew getting 14% of votes to win.

The EXPERTS at MLSSOCCER.com are all NY this week. Nary a win nor draw for the Crew. All six of them going with NY. Looking over yesterday's results, they called all but the RSL / CHI game correctly (as a group). I expect, as the season carries on, for them to have more weeks like this due to the unbalanced schedule.

Same teams playing each other this many times in short time frame makes things predictable.

Got some votes over at Goal.com this morning. 57.9% of the vote going to NYRB, 26.3 to the Crew.

Drew Epperley at WV Hooligan likes NY 2:0. "A healthy Red Bulls defense is a dangerous thing," he says.

Dispatch beat writer Adam Jardy doesn't lean towards Crew. Thinks today would be a signature win, if it did happen.

----------
MY THOUGHTS
Very rare, but across the board it is: Red Bull New York to win this sucker. I wish there were some insider secret that had me thinking otherwise, but there is not.

Crew will be playing their first game of the year without both normally starting CBs and have to continue forging forward with Tyson Wahl at left back. This will likely pull Danny O'Rourke (who has been injured) back to CB to pair with reserve team captain Eric Gehrig.

New York, on the other hand is on fire. Only thing that might trip them up is them. They've played a lot of games this year already and still have this one plus a US Open Cup match and a league game against Vancouver before their 20+ day rest. I'd say they might start taking a vacation early... maybe. If the Crew are lucky.

NY is better than the Crew. Not just fake better, as in better players. But real better, as in better team.

I don't see how the Crew can pull this one off. To do so, a player would have to have an extraordinary day. Is Higuain due? Maybe Eddie Gaven? Come'on normal distribution of data. Work your magic.

Predictions: Crew v. Impact

Columbus is in snowy Montreal for a match to be played this weekend. Originally scheduled for 2 PM, Saturday April 13th but has been moved to Sunday April 14th, noon kickoff.

GAME NOTES
- Adding an extra day to travel can mean 'bad travel'.
- Some reports have Higuain as 'questionable', he did travel.
- Montreal beat the Crew in a preseason tournament championship 1:0 and looked good doing it.
- Justin Meram, Eric Gehrig did not travel.
- Impact head coach Marco Schallibaum is serving the last game of his suspension.

PREDICTIONS
Starting off with MLS soccer dot com because they got the Crew game very wrong last week.

Editor, Andrew Wiebe is at 31% accurate right now (basically as good as random selection). Further note; Matt Doyle, Armchair Analyst is at 51% accurate. A comment under the predictions calls out Mr. Doyle's affinity for Home teams. Nothing wrong with picking them. As discussed here last year after going over best predictors. Picking Home team to win gets you over half right. Picking Draw when top half club visits bottom takes you over the rainbow.

Anyhow. This MLS group favors Montreal by a vote of 4 for win and 2 pick draw.

WV Hooligan, Drew Epperley, likes Montreal here: "...the game will have one goal and the home side will end up with it."

Bet365 is leaning heavily towards Montreal, almost evens at 21/20 for them to win. Draw at 9/4, Crew 11/4. Lines could change due to postponement of match. Moving the time back also allows more information about injuries to leak out.

Win Draw Win's reliable 'fan vote' gives slight edge to Montreal, 37% to win, 34% draw. Actually, very close there and only a small stake on 1:0 Impact win.

Goal.com fan predictor is very heavy Montreal, 75% picked to win.

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MY THOUGHTS
The thing everyone thought would happen, is happening. Friction about lineup changes. Remarkably, the Crew have only had 12 different players start but the decision to sit Jairo Arrieta last match has caused some problems within the club (read more Warzycha's bizarre explanation at Massive Report).

Along with the fresh new crack within the club you have bad travel because of the game's postponement AND opening match outside for the Impact. This can wreak havoc on a club that has cracks. Not just between players/coaches but player groups/cliques.

A Crew win, even a draw, will take monumental effort and concentration.