MLS Cup Playoffs, Quick Picks 11/3/2013

Houston vs New York

• Both teams are entering this one on a high so hopefully we see some positive soccer today
• I'm expecting Houston to come out swinging, look for them to push numbers early to try and score quickly
• Red Bulls will match the intensity and earn a result on the road, Houston 2 - New York 2
• The Red Bulls will protect their lead at home and win on aggregate, Houston 3 - New York 4

RSL vs LA Galaxy

• These familiar foes should provide the best soccer in this round of the playoffs
• RSL is still searching for their most consistent front line and has been shuffling their outside back in recent weeks
• The dangerous Galaxy attack, spearheaded by Robbie Keane, will find a way to break the disciplined RSL and win the game 3 - 1
• RSL will rebound at home to take a two goal lead but the Galaxy will find a way to take on back, winning on aggregate LA Galaxy 4 - RSL 3

MLS Cup Playoff Predictions, 11/2/2013

Sporting Kansas City vs New England Revolution

• Two teams with strong defenses open the Eastern Conference semifinals this afternoon
• Both teams finished the season strong, look for continued solid play from each team
• New England's youth goes head to head with a more seasoned KC team
• Look for the attacking talent of the Revolution to earn the result for the home side before Kansas City wins the series at Sporting Park. Today's result: Revolution 2 - KC 1, Aggregate Result: Kansas City 3 - Revolution 2

Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders

• This one should be wild as the teams from the northwest look to reach the western conference finals and the fans of each team brag about how they are the coolest, most authentic supporters in the history of soccer
• Good attacking players, turf, football lines, and a huge crowd should turn this one into a prime-time spectacle
• Bad blood between the two sides could produce some audacious challenges and plenty of cards finding their way out of the referee's pockets
• Caleb Porter and the Portland Timbers should find a way to grind out a result tonight in Seattle, Timbers 2 - Sounders 2. Look for Portland to frustrate Seattle in their home leg and win the game 1 - 0 to take the series.