D'oh

Actually applies to both of the Union matches.  Simpson (Jay, not Homer) got a rare start and was the unlikely source of two goals in the "upset" win over Sporting KC on Sunday.  The first was a real nice volley off a Bedoya header; such a quality goal has to be this week's YouTubeableMoment.  The result is a bonus two points even as Jim Curtin rested many first teamers in advance of Wednesday's US Open Cup final.  It looked like a win-win.

Which made the 0-3 loss to Houston in that final a real big downer.  They fell behind 0-1 early but then looked fully capable of rallying from the deficit.  Until they surrendered a second goal in the 25th minute.  As Jeff H said, it looked like deer in the headlights from that point on.  They never really tested Houston and went meekly into the night.  A common admonition I get from my Football Manager assistants is that the team seems to think off their recent string of performances, all they have to do is show up.  Yeah, maybe the Union came in a little overconfident, looking at Houston's poor recent form.  More disappointing than the previous losses in the final because this one did seem winnable.

So we will not dwell on that but will return to the implications of the win over SKC and MLS results elsewhere.  NYCFC finally did us a favor and snuck away from Montreal with a draw; that was two points dropped for the Impact.  Updated projections now have the Union 5th at 50 points, DC 6th at 48 points and Montreal on the outside looking in with 46 points in 7th.  One more win (home against Minnesota at home 10/6?) might be enough.


Mostly Forgettable

Sakho only had half the goal to work with

My initial impression that the weekend offered a tepid fixture list was pretty much borne out with the matches I saw.  Certainly the 0-0 draw between Crystal Palace and Newcastle offered little.  Sakho's missed header in the 82nd minute let the Magpies off the hook; still wondering how he missed such a wide open shot.  The picture at left gives you an idea of just how bad it was.  I suppose we should be grateful for the point on the road.  This team is so punchless you wonder where the goals - and points - are going to come from.

Dennis and I started on Liverpool-Southampton but at 2-0 we switched to Leicester-Huddersfield in hopes of something more competitive.  I guess the 3-1 win for the Foxes was a little better but the standout moment for me was the foul throw in which the back foot came up about two feet.  Tottenham weren't great but good enough in the 2-1 win over Brighton.  I know I saw Arsenal - Everton (2-0 to the Gunners) and West Ham - Chelsea (0-0) but have no lingering memories of either.  Honestly, the Fulham - Watford 1-1 draw was the best thing I saw this weekend.  Probably should have watched Wolves take another point from a Manchester club, this time drawing Man United 1-1 at Old Trafford.

In any event, now Liverpool are the only side with a perfect record.


Try Again

Three matches of interest for the MLS East.  The Union travel to Columbus for a 7:30 match on Saturday night.  Not expecting anything here but...should the Union take all three points, they would be on track to finish 4th, which would mean the play-off game would be at Talen Energy.  Just sayin'.  Also on the calendar is DC United-Montreal.  This is a good thing as one (or both!) of the sides chasing us will drop points.  And on Sunday (1 pm ESPN), the Red Bulls host Atlanta in a match up of the two best teams in MLS.  Even with a win, the Red Bulls will be hard-pressed to pass Atlanta but a loss would surely seal their fate.

The EPL fixture list has a real attractive matchup for the featured NBC slot - Chelsea hosting Liverpool.  The visitors are ever so slight favorites according to 538 but a draw may be in the offing here.

Newcastle have a difficult assignment in Leicester (10 Saturday on NBC Gold). Though 538 favors the Magpies, I'm feeling like a draw here would be good result.  The 10 am TV games are Huddersfield-Spurs (CNBC) and Man City - Brighton (NBCSN); I might be more inclined to look in on Wolves-Southampton on NBC Gold.  Okay, I confess to scouting Wolverhampton as my team of choice next year should Newcastle not survive the season. 

Sunday's match up at 11 is Cardiff-Burnley while you can see Bournemouth-Crystal Palace Monday at 3 pm.  Try to hold down your enthusiasm.