What you are about to read is not a typo. Nor is it intentional, nor sustainable.
Week 9: Martin 6, AMT 5, Chest 4, Readers 3.
Overall: AMT 39, Chest 36, Readers 32, Martin 31
Even having the best week of the season can't bring me out of last place. But its nice to be in a respectable fourth again, instead of an embarrassing fourth. Let's see if I can keep it up with my next round of predictions, in a week with a smaller slate of games, and without our noble heroes D.C. United.
Saturday May 21, 8:00 PM: Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire, Galavision
Martin: Tie. Chest: Phi. AMT: Phi.
The Union have scored six goals this season. That's an average of 0.66 goals per game. D.C.'s record-breakingly terrible 2010 team finished the year scoring an average of 0.7 goals per game. Congratulations Piotr!
Saturday May 21, 8:30 PM: Houston Dynamo vs. New York Red Bulls
Martin: NY. Chest: Hou. AMT: NY.
It pains me to say it, but the Red Bulls are too good not to come out on fire against the Dynamo. These guys are old enough that the full week of rest - and no friendlies against future MLS teams in Francophone Canada - will make a huge difference for the Jerseyites. (AMT)
Martin: LA. Chest: LA. AMT: LA.
Lots of buzz for Robin Fraser as an early favorite for MLS Coach of the Year, and he certainly has Chivas USA playing better than they have in a long while. Also playing better than they have in a while: everybody on the Galaxy, with the exception of two forgettable moments by Omar Gonzalez, who assisted on Philly's equalizer and netted an own-goal last week. Yikes. (AMT)
Saturday May 21, 10:00 PM: Seattle Sounders vs. Sporting Kansas City
Martin: Sea. Chest: Sea. AMT: Sea.
Want to know how to beat the Sporks once they move into Livestrong Sporting Park? Just convince them that it's actually just another road game. By this point, they've probably forgotten what home looks like and will just take your word for it. (Chest)
Saturday May 21, 10:30 PM: San Jose Earthquakes vs. New England Revolution
Martin: SJ. Chest: Tie. AMT: Tie.
Last week's match at Buck Shaw Stadium featured two surprising teams who were finally playing the way we thought they'd play before the year began. As expected, Chris Wondolowski and Stephen Lenhart each scored for the 'Quakes and Jon Busch kept a clean sheet. And as expected, the Crew made some stupid roster decisions, starting Robbie Rogers at forward and leaving Andres Mendoza on the bench until the 86th minute. (Martin)
Saturday May 21, 11:00 PM: Portland Timbers vs. Columbus Crew
Martin: Por. Chest: Por. AMT: Por.
AMT has a rule that he's been telling us for weeks now. He never picks against Portland at home. My rule is that I never pick against AMT. I think this strategy will probably result in a second place finish for me by the end of the year. (Martin)
Sunday May 22, 7:00 PM: FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake
Martin: Dal. Chest: Tie. AMT: Dal.
Both teams will go out to a bar after the game and reminisce over losing their respective MVP candidates. (Chest)
Sunday May 22, 7:00 PM: Colorado Rapids vs. Toronto FC
Martin: Clr. Chest: Clr. AMT: Clr.
I really really hope there's a play where Joao Plata is marking Conor Casey, or vice versa. Actually, can we start some "Peter Crouch to TFC" rumors just so we can make jokes about a Canadian soccer remake of Twins? (AMT)