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

Part 1: Salt Lake Lineup Decisions; Who should start at forward for the playoff run?

Real Salt Lake has spent this season cycling through 5 different players at the forward position. Each player has had good moments and each player has drifted into obscurity for extended time periods. This article is an attempt to identify the most productive striker pair that Real Salt Lake can deploy heading into the playoffs. 

The Players:

Olmes Garcia - Fast, physical, and a constant nuisance to opposing defenses, Olmes stole the hearts of Salt Lake City fans early in the season with a fantastic finish in Vancouver and a dominating substitute performance against the LA Galaxy. 

Garcia pays tribute to a friend

Garcia has an impressive 5 goals and 4 assists in under 1,000 minutes of league play. He has not found the net, however, since July 13th in a 3 - nil win at Dallas and he is yet to score a goal in a game in which he starts. It seems clear that Garcia helps his team the most as a 2nd half substitute. For now. Expect to see this guy earn a consistent starting role in the next 2 years but he's just not there yet.

Devon Sandoval - Sandoval is another exciting, young striker on the Salt Lake roster and he has scored some clutch goals for the club in his rookie campaign. Sandoval was crucial in the team's Open Cup run and has chipped in 3 league goals. Devon, as oppose to Garcia, has relished the starting role, with all 3 league goals coming in matches where he started.

Bruiser

Sandoval is still learning what Jason Kreis expects from his players and although the work rate is there, Sandoval still has a ways to go before his tactical awareness and participation in build up play are where they need to be. Look for him to be a factor late in games when coming off the bench. The possible exception being if Saborio runs cold but I have a tough time seeing Kreis bench him as long as he is healthy.  

To be continued....