MLS Predictions: Nathan vs. The Field – Week 1
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.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
- Columbus Crew at Toronto FC
- Atlanta United at Houston Dynamo
- New England Revolution at Philadelphia Union
- DC United at Orlando City
- Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas
- Minnesota United at San Jose Earthquakes
- LAFC at Seattle Sounders
- Montreal Impact at Vancouver Whitecaps
- New York City FC at Sporting KC
- Portland Timbers at LA Galaxy
The Picks
- 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
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Related Story: Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas: 3 Things To Watch For
- Minnesota United at San Jose Earthquakes
- Nathan: San Jose 2-0. The Loons haven’t done enough to address their defense.
- Jordan: San Jose 1-0. Minnesota still waiting on those new additions to arrive.
LAFC at Seattle Sounders
Nathan: Seattle 1-0. Short turnaround from CCL action, but feeling confident after the 4-0 leg two victory.
Jordan: Seattle 2-0. Welcome to the league, LAFC. Let us introduce you to the CenturyLink…
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
- Nathan: Vancouver 1-0. Could be a toss up, but Whitecaps have the edge at home.
- Jordan: Montreal 2-0. How many times will Parker’s trade be mentioned in the broadcast? Over/under starts at -20.5
- Nathan: 1-1 Draw. Is SKC’s defense as strong as the start of 2017? Or can David Villa and company get into high gear from the start.
- Jordan: 1-1 Draw. Lots of new pieces for both teams that will need some time to gel.
- Nathan: LA Galaxy 2-1. My upset of the week sees Sigi open 2018 with a big home victory behind Ola Kamara.
- Jordan: Portland 2-0. Galaxy look a lot better than last year, but Portland does too.
Next: MLS TV Schedule: Week 1 Lineup and How to Watch
There you have it. Picks for week 1. Send us your thoughts on Twitter @natebynorthwest & @USA_SC_Fan.