MLS Predictions: Nathan vs. The Field

The season is here! And with it the debut of a new MLS predictions series. Each week I’ll take on a new challenger in predicting the weekend’s results.

Ahead of the 2018 season, I wanted to change up the weekly MLS predictions article and find something a bit more streamlined. I had the idea to each week go up against a different writer on the MLS Multiplex team. Turns out an even better version of that has been going on for years at the BBC with Mark Lawrenson (thanks to Chris Mooney for pointing that out).

Thus we arrive at ‘Nathan vs. The Field’. Each week I’ll predict the results and scoreline for every MLS matchup and invite a new guest to join me. Ideally, we will have MLS Multiplex writers, fellow FanSided writers, journalists across the spectrum, as well as hopefully a few players, staff, announcers, and even team owners from the various US-based leagues.

The Setup

Both I and the guest will predict each match and be awarded 10 points for getting the result correct. 40 points if the scoreline is exactly right. Add up the total, and head on the week two with an all-new guest. It’s that simple. Have someone you want me to feature in a future week, just let me know on Twitter @natebynorthwest.

Week 1

This week’s guest is Jordan Jacobsen, MLS Multiplex writer and site expert over the past year, die-hard Real Salt Lake fan, an avid follower of the US soccer lower leagues. First up let’s take a look at the MLS week one schedule, which features 10 matches as the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, and New York Red Bulls are idle.

The Picks

Columbus Crew at Toronto FC

Nathan: Toronto 3-1. The Champs continue to roll at home.
Jordan: Toronto 2-0. While Columbus could have a good year, the TFC buzzsaw is just too good.

Atlanta United at Houston Dynamo

More from MLS Multiplex

Nathan: Atlanta 2-0. Barco’s debut has to wait, but the addition of Nagbe makes Atlanta even more dangerous.
Jordan: Atlanta 3-2. Must watch match of the week from an entertainment standpoint

New England Revolution at Philadelphia Union
- Nathan: 1-1 Draw. Looking for someone to break out of what appears on paper as a lackluster opening tie.
- Jordan: 0-0 Draw. You likely wouldn’t miss anything if you miss this one.
- DC United at Orlando City
  - Nathan: 0-0 Draw. Orlando missing multiple key players halts a strong start to the year.
  - Jordan: 2-1 Orlando City. Two of the most intriguing teams to follow in 2018.
  - Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas
    - Nathan: Real Salt Lake 2-1. Disappointing in the CCL, RSL takes advantage of Dallas’ poor form.
    - Jordan: Real Salt Salt 2-0. A tired Dallas coming off a disappointing CCL, RSL looking to hit the ground running.