Yanks Soccer

Tonight is the US Open Cup quarterfinals and if you were lucky enough to make it this far, you don’t want to lose.  For the first time ever, a Champions League spot is on the line, so for the MLS teams, it’s a big prize, for the USL teams, It would be an unbelievable prize.  The T.V. revenue associated with playing in the Champions League is more than any USL team could dream for.  So we’re going to look at the match-ups and pick a winner.

Chicago (MLS) vs. DC United (MLS)

Two teams going in opposite directions to say the least.  DC can’t lose and Chicago can’t win.  The Fire are however 15-3-1 in Open Cup play against MLS teams.  The last time these two played in the Cup was the 2006 semi-finals and Chicago easily dispatched DC 3-0.  Are we looking at a repeat of 2006?  Probably not, DC really wants a spot in next years Champions League and they will be ready to claim it tonight.  I’m predicting a 2-1 victory in favor of DC.

Crystal Palace Baltimore  (USL-2) vs. New England (MLS)

Crystal Palace Baltimore, my home team.  CPB is the only USL-2 side left in the tournament and they thoroughly deserve it.  They easily dispatched New York last week and will want to do the same to New England this week.  The thing that makes me love this match-up is CPB’s fight.  Against New York, CPB out hustled them to every ball ran New York out of the stadium.  Now, to put things in perspective, New England is far better than New York, but can you really ever count out a team that wants it so bad.  These teams have never met, so I can bet with my heart here and say that CPB will win on penalties, the full time score will be 1-1.

Charleston Battery (USL-1) vs. FC Dallas (MLS)

If you are an MLS team, you didn’t want to be drawn against Charleston.  The Battery is the hottest team in USL-1 and have put themselves 5 points clear of everybody else.  Dallas, on the other hand, is struggling to turn a once promising season around.  Dallas needed two stoppage time goals to beat Miami FC in the previous round of US Open Cup play and Charleston will be a more stringent test.  I’m going to say that Charleston will win handily, 2-0.

Kansas City Wizards (MLS) vs. Seattle Sounders (USL-1)

Kansas City as had a revival in their past two MLS games, and they are looking to continue it through their match versus Seattle tonight.  Kansas City will not play a full strength squad which could leave them vulnerable to a strong Seattle team.  The two teams have met once in Open Cup play and Kansas City came out the victors 4-0.  This Sounders team however, is one of the best teams in USL-1 and has a chance to play in the Champions League in their first season of MLS next year.  I’m going to say that Seattle will win 2-1.

What are your predictions for tonight’s US Open games?  Are any of you going to attend the games?  Let your voice be heard below.