MLS Playoffs Begin Thursday Night in Seattle and then RSL Kicks Off Against Columbus Saturday

By: Rocky Cole | October 28th, 2009

Robbie Findley - MLS Player of the Week

Conference Semifinals Begin

Finally, after seven months of play the real contest for Major League Soccer bragging rights begins on Thursday night in Seattle. Who would have thought that Seattle, the newest team in the league, would be playing post-season? Well, maybe Sigi Schmid and the guys that suit up in Sounder-Blue and Rave-Green week after week and walk out in front of insane crowds at Qwest Field in Seattle. And anyone who thinks that Seattle doesn’t have a chance to advance over perennial playoff favorites, the Houston Dynamo, hasn’t been inside Qwest Field during a game. Remember, Seattle already has one piece of hardware this year, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Sounders took the cup from storied DC United at DC’s home field in September. The Seattle Sounders believe! Their fans believe! Drew Carey believes! So, Houston is not a sure thing to gain points up in Seattle, and the Sounders have designs on getting the win at home.

In an effort to keep our readers informed about what is going on with the playoffs and where to see the games, here is the listing for the first round. MLS plans to have one game each week on Thursday, so the playoffs actually begin tomorrow night in Seattle. Some notes on things to look out for follow each team’s schedule.

2009 MLS Playoff Schedule – Conference Semifinals Game One

Thursday 29 October 2009

Houston Dynamo at Seattle Sounders at 10 PM EST (Weather: Chance of rain and around 48 degrees- this could work in favor of Seattle.)

Televised on ESPN2 and Deportes

Game notes: Sounders FC, more than most teams in MLS, has had the Houston Dynamo’s number this year. The conference semifinals match between the two teams should be an intriguing one. The Sounders have gotten the best of the Dynamo thus far in their first MLS season, winning twice and tying once in two MLS regular-season matches and a US Open Cup semifinal. Playing in Seattle is not easy. Attendance at the Sounder’s final home game was 33,108 and set an all-time single match attendance record for MLS league play. The Sounders also set the MLS record for highest average attendance per game at 30,943. The August edition of World Soccer Magazine listed the 50 best-supported clubs in the world – based on 2008-09 average attendances. Guess what? Sounders FC would rank 50th in the world if they had been counted in the survey. (World soccer hasn’t quite caught on that there are games being played in the US, but they will.)

Saturday 31 October 2009

Columbus Crew at Real Salt Lake at 6 PM EST (Weather: Partly cloudy and low to mid 40s – weather could be a factor. I will be at this game and I am bringing a coat and wearing long-underwear – I live in California for a reason.)

Nationally Televised on Direct Kick and Match Center

Game notes: Just like in Seattle, don’t discount the crowd-factor. Real Salt lake has only lost one home game this season and Columbus is banged up. RSL played arguably their best overall game of the season last week to squeek into the playoffs and send Colorado home. RSL may be surging at the right time. The key to this one will be how RSL starts the game and if they can control midfield play as they did against Colorado. Nick Rimando made a brilliant reaction save at the end of the Colorado game to keep a clean sheet and he will be called on to have a great game. Robbie Findley was selected MLS Player of the week for his brace against Colorado and a good game from him would be essential. RSL has a deep roster and this could really help them, but Columbus has the experience and are defending the Cup. Look for a high-energy game.

Sunday 1 November 2009

Chicago Fire at New England Revolution 2 PM EST (Weather: Rain and temps in the 50s – weather will not be that much of a factor because Chicago’s weather is crummy too.)

Nationally Televised on Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Sports en Espanol

Game notes: Brian McBride is back and would like to prove something, and as questionable as Blanco’s falls seem at times, he is crafty and contributes to scoring all the time. There is a reason both Blanco and McBride have been superstars most of their careers – they know how to win in big games. New England has played unevenly all season but have come on well at the end. Defense will be key for The Revolution if they want to win at home. Chicago would probably settle for a draw but will be after a win away. This is one where I have to give the edge to Chicago, even away.

Los Angeles Galaxy at Chivas USA at 5 PM EST (Weather: Clear and in the 70s – weather will be no factor; hey, it’s LA and the weather is gorgeous this time of year.)

Nationally Televised on ESPN2 and Deportes

Game notes: The happiest people on the planet right now are the owners of The Home Depot Center and the management teams for David Beckham and Landon Donovan. Seriously, the SuperClasico on steroids. Money will be made off this series for sure. Home field advantage goes to the LA Galaxy on this one and I have to say that the overall edge belongs to LA the way I see it. Chivas USA started the MLS season in a blaze and then had some trouble. As with Real Salt Lake, the LA Galaxy is surging at the right time and they look strong. The last six games of the season were probably the best games they have played all year, and the team is healthy heading into post-season play. Look for a lot of cards in this game. Whenever these two teams play the games are basically fights on the pitch and this one will be no exception. The wildcard in this match will be the referee and how he controls the game. Will he be carding everything or will he let the players go at it and let them play all out? In either case, I think that LA may have the edge.

Overall, the parity in the league should make for some exciting games. Only nine points separate the teams that made the playoffs. This is the closest post-season race in MLS history and literally anything can happen. Don’t be surprised if several matches in the post-season end up going to extra time or penalty kicks. It really is that close. I for one, can’t wait to get the party started!