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MLS: Nathan vs. The Field – Week 3 Predictions

By Nathan Reynolds

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- March 10: Carlos Rivas
HARRISON, NEW JERSEY- March 10: Carlos Rivas /
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Week 2 saw a flurry of goals and a big week for ‘The Field’. A look at last week’s results and predicting each of the scorelines for MLS matchday three.

38. Thiry-Eight! That’s how many goals were scored across the nine MLS matches during matchday two. That’s an average of over four goals a match. Trying to correctly pick a scoreline, let alone a result, with that many hitting the back of the net is challenging. Although, as we will see, not an impossible task.

There was a bit of everything in week two. Zardes scored another two as Columbus remains perfect. LAFC rolled past Real Salt Lake 5-1 – at Rio Tinto Stadium. Houston lost at home. Sporting Kansas City and the Chicago Fire waged war in a back-and-forth 4-3 affair. Portland continues to struggle, losing again and by four goals in New York. And the real Atlanta United emerged in front of a massive 72,000+ crowd.

Week 2 Results

It’s a good thing (for me) that guests can only make selections once a season. Sitting 60 points back, Liam Pettit ran away with the week two results, and in doing so took the lead for the field. Correct results earn 10 points while the exact scoreline picks up 40 points.

The big swings came with Liam seeing into his crystal ball that the Houston Dynamo would drop a home match, plus the late DC United goal away at Atlanta United gave Mr. Pettit two perfect scoreline predictions.

  • The Field (Liam): 3 correct result, including 2 exact scoreline = 80 points
  • Nathan: 2 correct results = 20 points.

Season Total

  • The Field: 100 points
  • Nathan: 90 points.

Week 3 Predictions

This week we welcome in Tyler Hanson, Mr. Minnesota United here at MLS Multiplex. You can find him on Twitter @T_hanson1. Tyler starts the week with a 10 point lead (thanks to Liam). Let’s get to the picks.

  • Houston Dynamo at DC United
    • Nathan: Houston 1-0. This game could feel very flat, playing in a one-off location, as DC area fans fail to show up.
    • Tyler: Houston 2-1. Houston continues their early season form as they edge out DC.
  • Columbus Crew at Philadelphia Union
    • Nathan: Columbus 2-1. The Black and Gold have picked up right where they ended 2017 offensively, but the backline still appears to be in preseason mode.
    • Tyler: Columbus 3-0. The Crew win in Philly to extend their surprising early season dominance.
  • Chicago Fire at Minnesota United
    • Nathan: Chicago 3-0. The Fire looks explosive, when they push for it, after that tough defeat to SKC look for a strong response.
    • Tyler: Chicago 2-1. Chicago spoils Minnesota’s home opener, as the Loons struggle without a true #10.
  • Toronto FC at Montreal Impact
    • Nathan: Toronto 2-1. On the back of their historic CCL advancement, TFC picks up all three points against their Canadian rivals.
    • Tyler: 2-2 Draw. In one of the league’s best rivalries, Toronto and Montreal play out an exciting to 2-2 at Olympic Stadium.

Related Story: Atlanta United: 5 Things Learned Against DC United

  • Orlando City at New York City FC
    • Nathan: NYCFC 2-0. Orlando gets Sacha back, but that’s not enough to slow down Vieira’s side which looks ready to challenge again in 2018.
    • Tyler: NYCFC 1-0. Orlando’s season struggles continue at Yankee Stadium, NYCFC edges out a win.
  • Vancouver Whitecaps at Atlanta United
    • Nathan: Atlanta: 3-0. See last week. Repeat. Improve on defense. And all without Barco yet.
    • Tyler: Atlanta 2-0. After finally beating DC United, there’s nothing Atlanta can’t do. They ride that momentum to a convincing win over Vancouver.
  • San Jose Earthquakes at Sporting Kansas City
    • Nathan: 2-2 Draw. Sporting pulled off a great road win in Chicago week two, but don’t sleep on one of the standout teams from week 1.
    • Tyler: SKC 2-1. Sporting’s defense shows up again, leads to a win at Children’s Mercy Park.
  • New York Red Bulls at Real Salt Lake
    • Nathan: NYRBs 2-1. RSL will want to respond after being humiliated at home by LAFC, but even with the CCL action, Red Bulls are red hot (sorry for the pun) and showing they are deep.
    • Tyler: RSL 2-1. Red Bulls rest players for CCL, RSL gets a big home win after last week’s blowout loss.
  • Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
    • Nathan: Seattle 1-0. Both clubs are without key young players (Morris & Acosta), but if the Sounders get Leerdam back in time look for a lockdown defensive performance.
    • Tyler: Seattle 2-1. Short handed Seattle hang on to win, early season struggles continue for FC Dallas.

Next: USSF: Carlos Cordeiro deserves time to create his vision

There are Tyler and my picks for week three MLS action. Send us your thoughts on Twitter @natebynorthwest & @T_hanson1.

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