Chris Writing Anything

Well, another full weekend of MLS games were played, and I had hyped many of those matches. So, I guess I had, in a very safe manner, made some ‘what to watch’ predictions. How do I feel about my picks?

Let me put it this way.…

At my workplace, I come across many Spanish speaking customers. So, I decided to learn a bit of the language. I practice a few lessons daily, and, at the end of those study sessions, I usually wind up feeling confident…I ace many.

I can hear you say, “What the hell does that have to do with the MLS?”

Hold on, I’m getting to that.

I’ve learned much Spanish, so much so, I decided to take it to another level. And I purchased an easy to read Spanish novel. When reading the first paragraph, I realized that it was about two people. I also realized that they were mountain climbing. And I realized they were taking a selfie atop that mountain.

Yet, I hadn’t realized that they were out of breath, and they had climbed one of the tallest mountains in the world. I did a lot of word searches to figure that out.

So it is with the MLS. Yes, while I get the gist of the league, many of the intricacies are simply enigmas. So, while I knew a bit about what to expect…man, the things I didn’t know make me appear, well, let’s just say I haven’t reached the mountain top.

Let’s start at base camp, and let’s discuss my first folly. The Columbus Crew and DC United definitely came to play. The entire match was high energy….

However…

I had thought DC’s press would yield more opportunities for the Crew…and it could yield chances for DC as well. Instead, it was a very sloppy affair, and both teams struggled to keep possession. Many times, the game was very physical. In the end, each team scored a goal, and both secured a point.

Okay, in other matches, particularly my surprise pick, I’m rethinking how I worded my thoughts on Austin versus San Jose. I had said it might be a sleeper, meaning an underrated match. I realize, however, one could have read that and figured, “Oh, he means boring.”

The truth is, based on what I had seen the week before, I knew that Austin FC would be far from boring. As a matter of fact, this may have been the game of the week. In the final thirty seconds, yes, well into stoppage time, Austin scored its fourth goal, and San Jose, after leading by two goals, blew another lead…losing at the game’s last gasp.

Okay, you’ve probably guessed what was wrong with my LAFC hosting the LA Galaxy prediction. While it was a great game…I was expecting better. I think my disappointment lies in Joseph paintsil’s production. LAFC shut the man down, and, for the first time this year, the Galaxy’s offense looked average. That gave LAFC a 2-1 victory.

Sunday’s game…I honestly didn’t know what to think. After the Galaxy versus SKC game last week, I was expecting SKC’s defense to respond.

Again, through the first half and twenty minutes into the second, Portland was scoreless, and SKC had a three goal advantage, but…guess what, Portland clawed their way back, and they drew even. The final was 3-3. I don’t feel bad about hyping this game, while I didn’t expect a Portland comeback, I certainly felt it was definitely worth watching.

Minnesota United versus Real Salt Lake was another ‘tale of two halfs’ match. Real Salt Lake smothered the Loons in the first half, and the visitors generated a goal.

Yet, in the second half, Minnesota led in possession, and, while piling up scoring chances, they were destined to tie the match.

I felt sheepish while watching this, mainly, when building up this game, I had mentioned Minnesota’s offensive third woes. Yet, In this particular contest, they expertly moved the ball in and around the box, and it earned them the tying goal. That last minute score was definitely worth watching the entire match.

St. Louis had let me down by not scoring a goal, and Vancouver also brought on my self doubt by scoring too many. Eh…I’ll check those games out later.

Cincinnati versus the New York Red Bulls was featured on Apple, and the beginning was fairly exciting. Two goals were scored early. After a fast beginning, both defenses settled in, and only one goal was scored after that.

I really feel, based on the fan’s reactions, that a penalty kick save was Cincinatti’s biggest highlight. Despite that brilliant moment, the Red Bulls prevailed with the only second half score.

Lastly, I had predicted Philadelphia and Nashville might be worth a view. The game was average, and Philadelphia won the match. Because of that, Philadelphia, who has a ton of draws on their record, haven’t lost a game this year.

Okay, after all that action, those entertaining games are well in the past, and another MLS match day draws near. That gives me a chance to, once again, pick my matches of the week. I’ll have that preview posted tomorrow night. I hope, whoever is reading this, that you enjoy reading these posts.

Entertainment is the Goal!!