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| (Photo: sbnation.com) |
The first legs of the semi-finals are in the books and it appears that MLS final will be a rematch of last years. With the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo both taking commanding leads in their respective legs. LA manhandled the Sounders and took a 3-0 lead on them as they move to Seattle. The Dynamo had a 3-0 lead on DC United but DC were able to pull one back but still are sitting in a tough spot.
LA Galaxy v Seattle Sounders: LA did not want a repeat of their last home game and decided to go out and flex their muscles. LA looked like a fine oiled machine playing total football. It is rare that a team comes together and played this well. All the stars showed up and Seattle could not do anything about it. Robbie Keane continued his goal scoring tear and netted 2 goals. Landon Donovan became the engine; he made it work by dropping back in the midfield and creating opportunities.
Next Time Out: The Galaxy are playing their best ball of the season. Sounders will return home in front of the craziest crowd in MLS. Seattle will need to see production from all their players and need to limit LA’s chances. Most importantly the Sounders need a few mistakes, something like an early PK or red card will go a long way. LA are going to play defensive and conservative trying to avoid injuries. The Sounders will come out swinging they will have to be over attacking making themselves vulnerable to a speedy counter attack. It will be entertaining as Seattle will be desperate.
Prediction: Seattle 1-LA 0. Seattle wins the battle but LA wins the war.
DC United v Houston Dynamo: Houston dominated DC and should have a larger goal differential. This game started out even and DC even grabbed a lead from super rookie Nick De Leon. But once Dynamo got rolling it was over. Houston proved to be dangerous on set pieces scoring a late goal off a corner. Houston looked strong DC had some bright spots but could not capitalize. United showed some weaknesses in Houston but defensively United looked lackluster.
Next Time Out: United will be at home with a 2 goal deficit but will be rejoined by starting goal keeper Bill Hamid. If Hamid played last game United may have been only down a goal. So with a boost between the sticks United will focus on an attack minded game. 2 goals is not the end of the world it is a doable feat but the longer the game remains scoreless the more desperate United will get. Should be an entertaining affair.
Prediction: United 1-Houston 0.
Video highlight of LA playing some beautiful soccer
© 2012 mlssoccer.com
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