Sure go ahead.. We followed the teams in Europa and the champions league pretty good. I don't really follow any of the other leagues as much as I should.. Chelsea's double was out of nowhere!!!

I follow some MLS. Like Bob said mostly EPL and CL for us on the board.

After Spain v Italy, it was a bit disappointing to watch the Rapids and Whitecaps last night... what a huge difference in ability and talent.

TheVictors said:

After Spain v Italy, it was a bit disappointing to watch the Rapids and Whitecaps last night... what a huge difference in ability and talent.

Click to expand...

Agreed. The big difference for me is the space on the field. In the MLS you have time to control the ball, look up, dribble/pass/shoot. At the higher talent level, 99% of the time you are playing soccer in a phone booth which requires brilliance and strategy to move up and down the field.

cheeno said:

Agreed. The big difference for me is the space on the field. In the MLS you have time to control the ball, look up, dribble/pass/shoot. At the higher talent level, 99% of the time you are playing soccer in a phone booth which requires brilliance and strategy to move up and down the field.

Click to expand...

I kind of like the space. Especially because its a different kind of game. Having a game in a phone booth as you say, can be exciting but it also can be too repetitiveness and same ole same ole kind of thing.

Mitchrapp said:

I kind of like the space. Especially because its a different kind of game. Having a game in a phone booth as you say, can be exciting but it also can be too repetitiveness and same ole same ole kind of thing.

Click to expand...

Yeah double edged sword. Sure makes for a lot more goals in MLS.

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Chicago Fire vs Los Angeles Galaxy Predictions

East meets West as Chicago and LA collide on July 9.

Chicago Fire Preview

The Fire seems to be on the right track disregarding the draw against Houston last July 3rd. In the Eastern conference, they have a number 4 ranking with eight wins, five losses and four ties tallying a total of 28 points. Being in the top five can prove a lot for any time even if being pitted against a group from the Western counterpart. Their most recent loss came about on June 2 against New England but the preceding matches were in Chicago’s favour as they beat then number 1 New York Bulls.

But defence is a major problem for the Fire. Letting 19 goals from their last 17 games indicate a weak protection for the team. Going up against a team like the Los Angeles Galaxy and taking control of the game requires a lot of good defence especially with the Galaxy’s current record of 26 goals out of the previous 18 matches played so far this season.

Los Angeles Galaxy Preview

The LA Galaxy, as of now are ranked at number 6 in the Western Conference with six wins, ten losses, and two draws raking in a total of 20 points. In the beginning of the season despite some challenges, things seemed pretty much promising for Beckham and the boys. But after two losses in a row, the latest being against Philadelphia with 1-2 on the Fourth of July and before that was with San Jose with 4-3 and was dubbed one of the greatest games of the season, LA is obviously have some trouble and might be headed for a downward spiral. Now, LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was given a one-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount by the Disciplinary Committee for his provocative behaviour following the Galaxy’s 4-3 loss to San Jose on June 30.

Without Beckham, the team needs to get their act together and focus. Mike Magee will probably deputize in the midfield and they need to maintain their power of attack against a strong team such as the Chicago Fire.

Chicago Fire vs Los Angeles Galaxy Predictions: Chicago Fire wins 1-0

Sure, the Galaxy is strong in both areas, defense and attack. But the Fire as an ace up their sleeve in the form of Marco Pappa. If he is able to continue his exceptional form in midfield, the Fire should rebound on Sunday.

Original Source: Chicago Fire vs Los Angeles Galaxy

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union Predictions

Two of the worst cases in the League will clash on the 8th of July 9.

Toronto FC Preview

Currently, Toronto FC is at the basement of the Eastern Conference rankings. The team so far, has a total of 10 points with sixteen games. Out of the sixteen games already played this season, Toronto has only two wins with ten losses and four draws. The good news, they’re going up against Philadelphia Union this Sunday, July 8. Why the good news? Well, the Union is not too far ahead of Toronto in record performance this year meaning they can catch up. Toronto hasn't lost in five straight, enjoying a noticeable upgrade in form under new coach Paul Mariner.

What Toronto needs to strengthen their defences and push up on their attack mode. The team has already let in a total of 30 goals from previous opponents in the last sixteen games which is pretty alarming. The Union is better at defense than most teams in the East but have a slightly weaker attack when compared to Toronto.

Philadelphia Union Preview

With a total of 14 points from fifteen games played which has a current record of four wins, nine losses and two draws, the Union is in a way, equal against their up-coming opponents Toronto FC. What the Union has where Toronto is lacking however, is the defense the team possess. Looking at the currents stats of the Eastern Conference teams, Philly has a better defensive record, even against the current top players, DC United.

However, Toronto has no losses from their five previous games while Philadelphia has three losses with only two victories. The opposing team is now able to hold up against higher ranking teams as of late therefor Philadelphia Union needs to improve their attack.

Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union Predictions: 1-1 Draw

Predicting a draw goes to show how closely similar both teams are when it comes to their statistics. Although Toronto seemed to show more promise now than let’s say, five games ago, both teams are still on the equal.

Original Source: Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: New England Revolution vs New York Red Bulls Predictions

A calm and straightforward victory over New York on Sunday night would provide a welcome respite for New England after the late drama over the past two weekends.

New England Revolution Preview

While the Revs will take the two points collected after scoring two 94th minute equalizers in 2-2 draws against Toronto FC and Seattle over the past fortnight, they would like to secure a win in a more simplistic manner against the Red Bulls, according to midfielder Benny Feilhaber.

“We got a goal early in the [Seattle] game,” Feilhaber told MLSsoccer.com. “We just couldn't hold the lead. It's good to see us fight for that long – into the 94th minute for the second game in a row. But I'm hoping we don't have to keep it that late every game.”

Revolution coach Jay Heaps believes the path toward a positive and ultimately mundane result starts by cutting out the defensive errors that have marred the past couple of games. All four goals conceded over the past two matches have occurred in a fairly similar fashion – cross from the left wing, header in the middle – and have left Heaps to lament how those letdowns marred otherwise solid defensive performances.

New York Red Bulls Preview

The Red Bulls will certainly provide a stiff test at the back with its preference to operate through the wide areas and its potent attacking options, but the internal emphasis on cutting out those mistakes at the back must take precedence, according to Heaps.

“For us, we feel that we have to work on ourselves right now,” Heaps said. “We feel like we're giving away games right now. We've won a couple of games in the past, but, since then, we've gotten back into giving away games and giving away points. We have to focus on ourselves. When they get here, we need to do the things that we do well: move the ball quickly, get in behind and make it difficult for them to play.”

Heaps will hope to have Kevin Alston (left hamstring tightness), Jerry Bengston (awaiting visa and ITC clearance after his transfer from Honduran side C.D. Motagua), Shalrie Joseph (left knee strain), Jose Moreno (left ankle sprain) and Kelyn Rowe (concussion) available to help the Revs accomplish those tasks and extend their season-high four-match unbeaten run with a victory.

“It's just important because teams are kind of drawing away from us a little bit in the playoff spots,” Feilhaber said. “We have to stay with the pack. In order to do that, we have to start getting three points, especially at home.”

New England Revolution vs New York Red Bulls Predictions: New York wins 2-1

Home or away the Red Bulls show why they are the better team. New York’s pressure and attack on the defense will continue to be a problem for New England. New England’s injuries will also hinder them from even getting a chance to get the victory over New York.

Original Source: New England Revolution vs New York Red Bulls

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew Predictions

A lot has changed since the Andy Gruenebaum and the Crew shutout the Montreal Impact in Columbus back on March 24, but the team will carry the confidence from that victory into this weekend's match in Montreal.

Montreal Impact Preview

The Impact is coming off three straight losses. In that span, Jesse Marsch's side has been outscored 9-1. Montreal's lone goal of that tough stretch came in Wednesday night's 3-1 loss at Stade Saputo to Sporting KC.

"Hopefully we come out strong. It's something we did well (against RSL on 6/30)," Gaven said. "We'll try to get all over them early and hopefully if we do that, it will kind of kill their spirit a little bit and we'll score a few goals. We're just going to try to build off what we did last game and hopefully do the same thing up there."

"We can get an idea of how they want to play us and how they play at home from video of the game they played last night," echoed Gruenebaum.

Columbus Crew Preview

The Crew could have up to 26 players available for selection on Sunday as Chad Marshall, Dilly Duka, and Carlos Mendes have all participated in training this week as they hope to return from injuries. In addition, new signing Jairo Arrieta will make his debut in Black & Gold against the Impact.

The added bodies in training have sparked competition amonst the team as players fight for spots in the starting XI.

"(Competition) is always going to make us better. Everybody is fighting for spots, Gaven explained. "We've got some guys coming back from injury. It's going to push everybody harder, which is going to make our team better as a whole."

Added Gruenebaum, "When you breed competition in training, it makes everything better. It makes everybody's decision harder as a coaching staff to pick the starting XI."

The man in charge of choosing that starting XI, head coach Robert Warzycha, says his lineup will depend on what combination he feels will be most effective against this week's opponent, the Montreal Impact.

"We're going to play a little bit (in training) and figure out what's best against Montreal," Warzycha said. "Sometimes, the team that you play against determines who you're going to put on the field. The best matchup is going to be key to the match."

Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew Predictions: 1-1 Draw

If it weren’t for the injuries of Columbus I would have it 2-1 for the Crew. But, with the combination of injuries and the poor play of Montreal this goes down as a tie.

Original Source: Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew

The Impact are getting Nesta. The have been struggling of late but are putting together a good team. I think Montreal gets back to their winning ways against a down Crew team. 1-0 MTL.

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions

The USA Major League Soccer football match between Chicago Fire (8th) and Vancouver Whitecaps (6th) kicks off on 15 July 2012.

Chicago Fire Preview

The Fire has played 9 USA Major League Soccer matches this season on Toyota Park. On home ground Chicago Fire has won 5, drawn 2 and lost 2 matches. This ranks the Fire 11th in home team performance in the USA Major League Soccer. When looking at Chicago Fire home performance in league points, Chicago Fire?s performance is greatest when looking at opponents in the bottom 6 with an average of 3 points per game.

Vancouver Whitecaps Preview

Whitecaps has played 9 USA Major League Soccer matches this season away from home. On away ground Vancouver Whitecaps has won 3, drawn 3 and lost 3 matches. This ranks Vancouver Whitecaps 5th in away team performance in the USA Major League Soccer. The Whitecaps away performance in league points, Vancouver Whitecaps?s performance is greatest when looking at opponents in the bottom 6 with an average of 1.71 points per game. Against opponent such as Chicago Fire who is currently placed in the mid 7 of the USA Major League Soccer Vancouver Whitecaps has managed to collect an average of 1.33 points in 3 matches this season. When looking at matches played away against the mid 7 this season Vancouver Whitecaps has collected 0 points on average in 1 match.

Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps Predictions: Chicago 2-0 over Vancouver

Key stat when Chicago plays at home against the bottom 6 teams(Whitecaps 8th place) they win by 3 goals.I see it that Chicago will dominate Vancouver in this one.

Original Source: Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Columbus Crew vs Sporting KC Predictions

Sporting KC will visit Columbus Stadium July 14. Both teams will go into this one with something to prove. For Columbus if they can bounce back from their disappointing loss to Montreal and for KC if they can maintain 1st place in the MLS standings.

Columbus Crew Preview

The Crew came off of a 2-1 loss to the Impact last Sunday. They have been plagued with some key injuries Crew captain Chad Marshall returned after missing eight games because of a concussion. Columbus won four and lost three without Marshall, who had not played since he was hit on the head by a ball in practice on May 4. The Crew is staggering on offense no doubt about it. "We’re missing a little creativity up front,” defender Josh Williams said. “I don’t know what it is. I’m just trying to do my job and let the coaches and forwards figure that out."

It had better come soon as the Crew begin a run of four straight games against the top two clubs in the Eastern Conference.

Sporting KC Preview

The Wiz Sporting went from the lowest point of their season to – so far – the highest.And they did it in the same stadium, against the same team.The difference was in the defense. K.C is sitting pretty in the power rankings with a 9-3-1 record. They have really come into their own and found their groove coming off of a 0-0 against 1st place Houston. The injury list looks pretty similar and simple this week. Bobby Convey is still listed as probable for his calf strain, and Jon Kempin (R ankle fracture), Cyprian Hedrick (L fibula fracture), and Lawrence Olum (L groin strain) are still out. There was some speculation Bobby Convey would return for this game, but if he's available to play, I'd bet we see him as a sub.

Columbus Crew Vs Sporting KC Predictions: Columbus Crew wins 2-0

Good teams have a way of punishing bad teams and in this case Sporting News will be all over Columbus. I see with KC’s stellar defense and offensive pressure will be too much for the Crew.

Original Source: Columbus Crew vs Sporting KC

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Houston Dynamo vs Washington DC United Predictions

As the Houston Dynamo look to kick off their second-half push, the club is looking to strike a long sought-after balance between attack and defense.

Throughout the first half of the season, the Dynamo have been strong in either defense or attack, but have struggled to put together complete performances on a consistent basis. Houston have pitched six shutouts in 2012, but have scored just three goals in those matches. Conversely, in games where Houston have scored two or more goals, the club has a record of 2-2-3, giving up 16 goals in the process. A recent shift in formation has translated into back-to-back clean sheets for the Dynamo, who are on a shutout streak that currently stands at 223 minutes. Now the goal is to build on the offensive side of the ball to complement their renewed defensive form.

?We know we?re not exactly lighting the scoreboard up, but we were unbeaten last week [0-0 tie at Sporting] and that?s a positive,? Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear

Houston Dynamo Preview

As the Houston Dynamo look to kick off their second-half push, the club is looking to strike a long sought-after balance between attack and defense.

Throughout the first half of the season, the Dynamo have been strong in either defense or attack, but have struggled to put together complete performances on a consistent basis. Houston have pitched six shutouts in 2012, but have scored just three goals in those matches. Conversely, in games where Houston have scored two or more goals, the club has a record of 2-2-3, giving up 16 goals in the process. A recent shift in formation has translated into back-to-back clean sheets for the Dynamo, who are on a shutout streak that currently stands at 223 minutes. Now the goal is to build on the offensive side of the ball to complement their renewed defensive form.

?We know we?re not exactly lighting the scoreboard up, but we were unbeaten last week [0-0 tie at Sporting] and that?s a positive,? Houston head coach Dominic Kinnear.

Washington DC United Preview

DC United made a statement beating the Impact in their last game keeping them in 1st place in the Eastern Conference D.C. United put three unanswered goals past the Montreal Impact to open up a sliver of daylight at the Eastern Conference summit. A goal just before the interval from Chris Pontius was joined by second-half strikes from Robbie Russell and Hamdi Salihi.

The win puts D.C. top of the East again with 33 points, after New York's draw against Toronto briefly saw the Red Bulls take pole position by a single point.

Houston Dynamo vs Washington DC United Predictions: 2-1 United over Houston

Even if United come in as the visitors. They will come with their usual aggressive attack. Houston?s defense isn?t strong enough to withstand United?s attack.

Original Source: Houston Dynamo vs Washington DC United

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake Predictions

Earthquakes and RSL will clash on the 14th of July, Buck Shaw Stadium as the two teams vie for Western Domination.

San Jose Earthquakes Preview

San Jose is currently at the top of the Western Conference list with eleven wins, four losses and four draws tallying a total of 37 points, only one point ahead of Western second placers, Real Salt Lake, the team they will be entertaining on the 14th at the Buck Shaw Stadium. They’ve just concluded their two-game road trip playing to a scoreless draw with FC Dallas on Saturday evening in San Francisco.

There are some notable individuals that play for the Quakes, one is Chris Wondolowskiwho once again is leading Major League Soccer in goals scored with a total of 14 points, and then you have the late match miracle man in Alan Gordon. The two mentioned are just some of the few adding to SJ’s firepower.

Real Salt Lake Preview

Although one rank below San Jose, RSL are just as equally dominating. Even when in times of uncertainty RSL always seem find their way through like when they recently broke out of their four-game winless run in emphatic fashion, achieving a 3-0 win against the Portland Timbers last Saturday at the Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake currently sits in second place in the Western Conference with 36 points from 20 games. Like the Earthquakes, they are one of the few teams in the league to display consistency throughout a full season.

However, there is a reason why RSL are almost always one step behind SJ in rankings, that reason lie within the power of attack. San Jose is absolutely the biggest scoring team in both conferences.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake Predictions: San Jose Earthquakes 4-1

San Jose is simply the most dominant offensive team in Major League Soccer.Their 36 goals in 19 matches equals out to 1.89 per match which is the best in the league. Another factor is that in over fifty percent of their matches, they have scored multiple goals and only twice this season have they been held without scoring a goal, and perhaps the most impressive thing is their +16 goal differential over the last 30 minutes of matches where they have scored 22 goals and allowed just 6.

Original Source: Check out SBOBET football betting

Major League Soccer 2012 Preview: Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas Predictions

Two old Western rivals meet in Colorado at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on July 14 as each team look to turn their own luck around.

Colorado Rapids Preview

The Colorado Rapids lost for the second time in as many matches, dropping a 2-1 decision to Seattle Sounders FC last Saturday evening. The Rapids are in sixth place in the Western Conference with 22 points from 18 games precisely with seven wins, ten losses and one draw. But compared to FC Dallas however, the Rapids seem to be faring somewhat better being three places higher up the rank ladder with six more points at a total of 22 points. During their last five matches, Colorado has achieved only one victory. That is a very alarming pattern, needless to say.

The Colorado Rapids do have their hopes up and it’s in the form of newcomer, Tyson Wahl, a naturally left footed defender who stands at a height of 6 foot 2. Recently Acquired from Montreal for a 2014 international roster spot, Wahl has won the faith of Rapid’s technical director, Paul Bravo.

“We’re excited to be able to add such an experienced player without compromising our roster flexibility as we move into the second half of the season.”, stated Bravo on Tyson Wahl’s migration to the team.

FC Dallas Preview

The boys from FC Dallas are on a desperate position therefor they are looking to reverse there current struggles. Dallas stands at the very bottom in the Western Conference. There have been victories for Dallas during the last five matches. Out of the nineteen games played, Dallas has acquired only three wins and seven draws.

But the trade for midfielder Julian de Guzman can help increase FC Dallas’ scoring opportunitieswith his offensive tactics. There defensive strengh has shown a steady progress to fine tuning but attack mode is what they are lacking on at the moment considering Dallas’ leading scorer is out at the moment.

FC Dallas saw their long winless streak continue, but played to a third consecutive draw, this time a scoreless result with the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening in Frisco. FCD is in ninth place in the Western Conference with 16 points from 19 matches.

Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas Predictions: Colorado Rapids win 1-0

This prediction is in all its essence, very tentative. Looking at the circumstances from different angles, both teams have shown an equal build-up in strength. What else should bottom teams do? They can’t stay where they currently are and expect to move forward, for one, Dallas is trying hard to avoid its first five game losing streak. But Dallas has demonstrated an improvement in its defences and putting de Guzman in the roster might add to their power of attack. But records all point to the Rapids as the favourite and it’s really hard to avoid numbers and follow one’s personal observation. Numbers have shown that Colorado has maintained their consistency better than Dallas.

Original Source: Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas

UEFA Champions League 2012 Preview: Sheriff Tiraspol vs Ulisses Yerevan Predictions

Moldovan Sheriff Tiraspol will meetArmenian Ulisses for the first time on the 17th of July in the first leg of the Second Qualifying Rounds.

Ulisses Yerevan Preview

The Armenian team based in Yerevan and formally named Dinamothis season has, when compared to Tiraspol, been on a downtrend. The last six games provided three wins, one draw and two losses. FC Ulysses is currently in the Premier League table placed at number 6. The team scored in the current Premier League Season an average of 1.3 goals per game to date which Is much lower than upcoming opponents, Tiraspol with a score average of 2.5.

By this factor, Ulisses Yerevan needs to push their attack form in order to gain control early on in the game. If this is not put into effect , the Armenian team will most likely lose the first and second leg to the Moldovan Tiraspol.

Sheriff Tiraspol Preview

The uniquely named Sheriff Tiraspol is based in Moldova specifically the city of Tiraspol and DiviziaNaţionala the top division in Moldovan football and are currently placed at number 2. FC Sheriff are currently considered to be in an uptrend. The last six games the Moldovan team has won two, drew two and loss two games, not much of a promising record at first view.

However, in the DivizaNationala, the team has an average of 2.5 goals per game and on games home, the team scored an average of 5 goals. This indicates that Sheriff Tiraspol’s strength lies in their offensive and this can be a deciding factor during their match against Ulisses this coming July 17.

Sheriff Tiraspol vs Ulisses Yerevan Predictions: Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0

The numbers say it all, Sheriff Tiraspol has a much higher average when it comes to scoring goals. The defensive side for both teams is not too impressive but an advantage goes to the Moldovans when it comes to attack. The downtrend for FC Ulisses Yerevan is another clear indicator.

Original Source: Sheriff Tiraspol vs Ulisses Yerevan

UEFA Champions League 2012 Preview: Flora Tallin vs FC Basel Predictions

FC Basel starts next Champions League campaign in Estonia against Flora Tallinn on July 17.

FC Basel Preview

Basel, the football club from Switzerland and one of the best performers of the last season in the Champions League will begin their journey early, in the second preliminary round against FC Flora Tallin from Estonia, and they are clearly the favorites to advance in the next round of the competition.

Basel managed to get 4 points out of 2 games against Manchester United in the Group C of Champions League last season and they are in a good position to qualify this year as well for the group stage. They will have to go through two preliminary rounds and then through the play-off to enter the grop stage, but they proved they are a stong team and they could qualify.

Flora Tallin Preview

An Estonian football club founded in 1990 are a multiple winner of the Meistriliiga title and the Estonian Cup. They have for years been raising the most number of players for the national team. Flora Tallinn clinched the Estonian Meistriliiga title on Saturday with a 3-0 win at home to JK N?mmeKalju. Flora now have a four-point lead over second-placed FC Levadia Tallinn, who have only one game to go. This type of explosive attack driven play will definitely be effective against a team like the Swiss Basel.

Flora Tallin vs FC Basel Predictions: Flora Tallin wins 2-1

Regardless of how impressive of a record that FC Basel may hold, Flora Tallinn, with their power of attack will most likely prevail on the 17th of July. At home the Estonian team holds a very impressive record and have been blessed with a number of today’s top players. Last season seemed positive for FC Basel but this season will most likely hold a different story.

Original Source: Flora Tallin vs FC Basel

UEFA Champions League 2012 Preview: Slovan-Liberec vs FC Shakhter Karagandy Predictions

Slovan Liberec faces FC Shakther Karagandy on July 18 in the first leg of the Second Qualifying Rounds.

Slovan-Liberec Preview

Liberec based on its performance on previous years, may not be the strongest team of the Czech Republic. It can be argued that for the last season, they only capitalized on a failed Sparta Praha?s performance (the team with the most championships) and Victoria Plzen?s distraction while targeting the EU cups. They won the Czech championship for only the third time in club?s history.

Slovan Liberec though did not lose in their last six matches, managing to only draw in two of them. Their scoring average was 2.17 for the 6 games.

FC Shakhter Karagandy Preview

FC Shakhter Karagandy was a member of the Kazakhstan Premier League since its founding in 1995. Before winning their first championship in 2011 (the reason while they are in UEFA Champions today), they have only reached third place two times (1995 and 2007).

Shakhter Karagandy lost two of their last six matches. Their scoring average was 2.33 for the 6 games.

Slovan-Liberec vs FC Shakhter Karagandy Predictions: Slovan Liberec wins 2-1

The recent performance will tell us ? Slovan Liberec will take this game, but it will be a close one. Shakhter Karagandy may have had a higher average score, but these were due to extreme values on wins they had.

Original Source: Slovan-Liberec vs FC Shakhter Karagandy