I can tell by the look on everyone's faces that you're all happy to see more stuff from me this early in the week. Well, what can I say? It's playoff time and I just thought you might like to know what I make of this week's first round matchups.
Richmond-Atlanta
@ Richmond, Sept. 5
@ Atlanta, Sept. 8
The first leg in this series kicks off on Thursday at Richmond as both teams stumble into the playoffs. Richmond have had the lion's share of success against the Silverbacks this season by winning all four of their regular season meetings. If nothing else, one would think that Atlanta was due to win one against the Kickers. Many would argue that Atlanta has the talent to pull this series out but most would say that they don't have the belief in the coach's tactics to actually do it. The offensive skills of players such as Moleka, Iotov, and Piesner seem to be stunted sometimes by the seemingly defensive tactics of Coach Brett Mosen. Due in large part to this I think Richmond will win this series with a 2-0 first leg victory. This won't stop Iggy from scoring his last goal as a simian, though, as Moleka scores to lead Atlanta to a 1-0 victory and a furious fight to the finish in the second leg of this series.
Montreal-Charlotte
@ Charlotte, Sept. 4
@ Montreal, Sept. 8
The Eagles are on a mini-roll after suffering through a nine-game winless skid earlier this year and now they're looking to knock off Montreal and continue a Cinderella run. Herein lies the problem, they have to play a side that has looked disinterested and rather listless this season in matches that they have cared little about. On the other side of the coin, however, they have looked like one of the best teams in the league on occasion. For instance, their overtime win against Rochester that some would argue started the Rhinos slip in form was one of the best games all year. However, the Eagles did the Impact one better by not only beating Rochester but also getting a bonus point by putting three past Pat Onstad in the process. Head to head, Montreal has the advantage 2-0 but I've had lousy luck picking against the Eagles. So, with that in mind, I have to think that somehow, some way, Charlotte will take this series. In the first game at Charlotte I'm looking for the Eagles to win 3-1 but drop the return 2-1 at Montreal in another second match that will feature a furious finish.
Minnesota-El Paso
@ El Paso, Sept. 5
@ Minnesota, Sept. 7
The Thunder is back in the playoffs again and now they're trying to prove that they are a championship contender again. I, for one, am not so sure they are there just yet. Meanwhile, El Paso is out to prove that their division was not full of patsies for Seattle. The intangible key to this series is going to be the reaction to the travel. If Buzz Lagos was able to have his team in El Paso early this week then they should have enough time to get their wits about them and go about winning the first leg. You've got to think Minnesota fans are hoping to mop up in El Paso thereby setting up an almost meaningless second leg. El Paso haven't played very well of late and have a penchant for missing sitters. To keep things interesting in the second leg I'll take the Thunder to win 2-0 at El Paso. In the return I think we'll see Minnesota nail it down to the tune of 4-1 against a quickly tiring Patriots' side.
Portland-Vancouver
@ Portland, Sept. 5
@ Vancouver, Sept. 8
You couldn't ask for a more evenly matched series in the first round than this one. These two teams split the season series 2-2 with neither club able to win at the other's field. This should bode well for Vancouver as they get to host the second leg. However, the Timbers may not care if their strike force of Howes, Adair, Tennyson, and Afash are on target in the first leg. Both Afash and Tennyson have been lighting things up for the Timbers of late and they look a strong bet to keep it up. On the other side of the ball Vancouver seems to be recapturing some of the defensive steel that made them a contender last season. Either way I see Portland scoring three in the first leg with the major question being how many will they give up? I'll call it 3-1 in favor of the Timbers before heading to Vancouver and being shutout. Hold the phone, though, because I also don't see the Whitecaps scoring more than one goal despite nearly constant pressure. I predict some outstanding goalkeeping from Matt Napoleon will keep the Timbers from going out at Vancouver despite the 'Caps winning the second leg 1-0.
So there you have it, my take on the first round of this year's playoffs and if you're holding the smart money then it's probably decidedly against my calls but we'll see. After all, I did get the Charlotte bit right… in a way… sort of. Anyway, it should be a great playoff season so enjoy everybody. This is what we've been waiting on all season long.
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