26-17-2 +21.72 (staked 156.24, +13.9%)
RBNY vs Columbus
- these teams met in Cbus just 2 months ago under very similar circumstances and match ended in a horrendously boring 0-0 draw. As with today the Red Bulls played that match without Agudelo. Marquez, Ream, Condoul, and Richards and posted a meager 2 SOG. They didn't have De Rosario at the time but he will miss out today as well, due to Gold Cup, so they have a very poor midfield with only Lindpere able to create for Rodgers and Henry. Cbus has given up goal in 6 straight matches after posting 4 straight shutouts so they'll be very conservative. I believe the same goes for NY who have collapsed defensively, allowing goals in 5 straight after allowing just 2 goals in the first 7 matches of the year. While most teams missing their centerback pairing is a defensive issue, for RBNY it's an offensive one as Ream/Marquez get the ball up the field better than any defenders in MLS. Then, without DeRo up the middle and Richards down the flank I can't see a very fast moving team and since Henry and Rodgers are incapable of creating their own chances another boring match is in store. In only one match this season has Cbus scored in first 45' so expecting a 0-0 HT as well.
RBNY/CBUS u2.25 3u -105
Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver
- big movement in odds that I'll oppose. Vancouver are the worst team in MLS and will again have their top player, Hassli, suspended (3rd time this year!) plus playing in altitude for first time in history, 3rd match in a week, and playing the league's best team though a very shorthanded one right now. RSL lost to Seattle at home last week breaking a 29 match home unbeaten run and no better time to get back on track then against an expansion team. They played well vs Seattle for 60' until Olave took a red card but it was their best match since the disappointment of losing the CCL finals. Not everything in rosy for RSL as they are missing a ton of guys to the Gold Cup. Starting striker Saborio is out, as is right mf Alvarez, mf Will Johnson, best player Javi Morales, and backup striker Paulo Jr...plus Olave is suspended. So, 4-5 absolute regulars are out and the midfield and attack taking the biggest hit but this stil has to be a home win. Vancouver must be getting dead tired as they've been the league's busiest club and now play in altitude. This is their 9th match in 30 days including trips to Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and now Salt Lake. Their top scorer, Hassli, is suspended and top two assist-men, Dunfield and Harris, are also out as are important mf Khalfan and df Boxall. This is a shockingly bad lineup and RSL have the depth to still win by 3+ goals if they play anywhere near like they did last week. I believe in a really focused RSL effort and a crushing home win.
RSL -1 5u +100
RBNY vs Columbus
- these teams met in Cbus just 2 months ago under very similar circumstances and match ended in a horrendously boring 0-0 draw. As with today the Red Bulls played that match without Agudelo. Marquez, Ream, Condoul, and Richards and posted a meager 2 SOG. They didn't have De Rosario at the time but he will miss out today as well, due to Gold Cup, so they have a very poor midfield with only Lindpere able to create for Rodgers and Henry. Cbus has given up goal in 6 straight matches after posting 4 straight shutouts so they'll be very conservative. I believe the same goes for NY who have collapsed defensively, allowing goals in 5 straight after allowing just 2 goals in the first 7 matches of the year. While most teams missing their centerback pairing is a defensive issue, for RBNY it's an offensive one as Ream/Marquez get the ball up the field better than any defenders in MLS. Then, without DeRo up the middle and Richards down the flank I can't see a very fast moving team and since Henry and Rodgers are incapable of creating their own chances another boring match is in store. In only one match this season has Cbus scored in first 45' so expecting a 0-0 HT as well.
RBNY/CBUS u2.25 3u -105
Real Salt Lake vs Vancouver
- big movement in odds that I'll oppose. Vancouver are the worst team in MLS and will again have their top player, Hassli, suspended (3rd time this year!) plus playing in altitude for first time in history, 3rd match in a week, and playing the league's best team though a very shorthanded one right now. RSL lost to Seattle at home last week breaking a 29 match home unbeaten run and no better time to get back on track then against an expansion team. They played well vs Seattle for 60' until Olave took a red card but it was their best match since the disappointment of losing the CCL finals. Not everything in rosy for RSL as they are missing a ton of guys to the Gold Cup. Starting striker Saborio is out, as is right mf Alvarez, mf Will Johnson, best player Javi Morales, and backup striker Paulo Jr...plus Olave is suspended. So, 4-5 absolute regulars are out and the midfield and attack taking the biggest hit but this stil has to be a home win. Vancouver must be getting dead tired as they've been the league's busiest club and now play in altitude. This is their 9th match in 30 days including trips to Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and now Salt Lake. Their top scorer, Hassli, is suspended and top two assist-men, Dunfield and Harris, are also out as are important mf Khalfan and df Boxall. This is a shockingly bad lineup and RSL have the depth to still win by 3+ goals if they play anywhere near like they did last week. I believe in a really focused RSL effort and a crushing home win.
RSL -1 5u +100
