MLS 2010- Sides/Totals

longbeachson · 03-25-10, 05:09 PM

good write up to start the season and hope you'll keep it up

Chi_archie · 03-25-10, 05:13 PM

i've not bet an MLS game, I need to follow the Fire better here

Masu485 · 03-25-10, 06:23 PM

im' thinking draw maybe

Karayilan9 · 03-25-10, 08:14 PM

Seattle home win, might not clear the handicap though

ClydeFontaine · 03-26-10, 12:06 AM

2-0 Sounders. It could have been a lot more though in reality and will chalk it up as a wrong-side winner.

A few game notes:

Philly looked in complete disarray for most of the game especially on defense (well the 1st half, the 2nd half was mainly a sparring exhibition).

Union have lots of good young players, but stress they are young and will take a while to develop. They may struggle in the meantime.

Fred should help out Philly and he was suspended tonight but will be back in the next game.

Zakuani looked really good and adds another dimension for a Sounder team that can be scary good with another dimension.

Ljungberg and Montero took knocks, with Ljungberg's being the more serious of the two. Something to keep an eye on for the future.

Seattle was much the better of the side and a comprehensive win by them.

Totals- 1-0 (+1.0)

1 game tomorrow night, which looks like an early pass for me. Then a big slate Saturday which I will inspect closer tomorrow.

ClydeFontaine · 03-26-10, 11:11 AM

From the Denver Post:

Rapids debut with thoughts of ending postseason drought

By John Meyer
The Denver Post
Posted: 03/26/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

Conor Casey could find himself on the U.S. World Cup roster this summer. ( Joe Amon, The Denver Post )

COMMERCE CITY — The Rapids fielded one of the most prolific forward tandems in the MLS last season, yet missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season.
As they begin another campaign with tonight's match in Southern California against Chivas USA, coach Gary Smith is hoping to get even more production out of forwards Conor Casey and Omar Cummings through improved play by their supporting cast.
Despite several absences because of national team obligations, Casey scored 16 goals — one behind league leader Jeff Cunningham of FC Dallas — and was the only player in the league with two hat tricks. Cummings tied for the league lead in assists (12) and contributed eight goals.
They were a dangerous
Colorado Rapids

Visit the Rapids Stats Page for boxscores, team leaders, division standings and more.

duo, with Cummings roaring down the flanks with lethal speed and crossing balls Casey could pound home, or drawing fouls to create set-play opportunities.
"He draws a lot of attention with his speed, and that opens up a lot of space for me," Casey said this week. "It's good for both of us to be able to use that to our advantage."
But the rapport that developed between them did not extend into the midfield, which lacked consistency because of disruptions caused by injury. Rivals figured out they could stop the Rapids if they kept Casey and Cummings in check.
"Unfortunately, the personnel changed too much to take the focus away from Conor and Omar," Smith said. "Teams late (in the season) that were able to stifle those two had a lot of joy, because we were unable to take the play away from them and stretch the game out. We got a little bit predictable."
In the offseason, Smith set out to bolster the midfield, acquiring standout Jeff Larentowicz in a trade with New England. And he believes the continued improvement of speedy Colin Clark, along with more continuity in the lineup, can make it harder for teams to put the clamps on Casey and Cummings.
Smith wants more goals from Cummings and more
Omar Cummings tied for last season's MLS lead in assists. ( Joe Amon, The Denver Post )

assists from Clark. Before Clark's season ended with a knee injury on Aug. 11, he had three goals and five assists. Smith believes Clark ought to be good for six goals and 12 assists.
"If he can get on the scoresheet on half a dozen occasions or more, and he can improve those assists, athletically there's not many players in this league that can achieve what he can — and the amount of ground that he covers," Smith said.
Casey credits last season's success to being fully healthy and getting on a roll early.
"Both in seasons and in games, when you score early, you're going to have confidence," Casey said. "I was able to do that, for the most part, throughout the season and didn't have any really long droughts. I was able to consistently score, and that just kind of breeds more scoring."
His play caught the eye of national team coach Bob Bradley. Denver South graduate Casey played for the U.S. in World Cup qualifiers — scoring his first two goals for the national team in a game against Honduras — and the Confederations Cup. He's a good bet to be on the World Cup roster this summer.
"It would be amazing," Casey said. "Never been part of it, and it's the biggest tournament in the world. That's the goal, and I hope to give myself a chance to be there."
Another goal is finally making it back to the MLS postseason.
"We've got the guys to do it; we've just got to go out and do it," Casey said. "The last couple years we've come up short, and I think everyone is sick of it."
In each of the past three seasons, rival Real Salt Lake beat the Rapids in the final regular-season game to keep them out of the playoffs.
"They're bitterly disappointed that they didn't make the playoffs," Smith said. "They felt as though the quality of the group at least deserved that. The postseason is an absolute minimum for that group."
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com

Notable offseason moves by the Rapids Nov. 25: Rapids defender Jordan Harvey selected by the Philadelphia Union in expansion draft.
Jan. 14: In MLS SuperDraft, Rapids selected forward Andre Akpan (second round, 22nd overall), midfielder Ross LaBauex (second round, 23rd overall), defender Chad Borak (third round, 40th overall) and Chris Cutshaw (fourth round, 56th overall).
Jan. 21: Traded midfielder Jacob Peterson to Toronto for allocation money.
Jan. 22: Acquired rights to midfielders Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson in a trade with the New England Revolution in exchange for goalkeeper Preston Burpo, defender Cory Gibbs, allocation money and a third-round SuperDraft pick; signed Larentowicz to a new contract.
Feb. 10: Traded defender Ty Harden to Toronto in exchange for third round SuperDraft pick.
Feb. 11: Signed defender/midfielder Danny Earls and defender Oscar Murillo.
March 9: Signed goalkeeper Ian Joyce; released forward Facundo Diz; did not offer a contract to defender Chad Borak.
March 23: Waived forward Pat Noonan.
March 25: Traded midfielder Nick LaBrocca and a third-round draft pick in 2011 to Toronto FC for midfielder Marvell Wynne.

ClydeFontaine · 03-26-10, 06:03 PM

No play on CHV/COL game tonight. I have slight leans on Over 2.5 and COL pk +185, but will be passing.

Will use this as a scouting opportunity. I am looking closer at the Rapids as I think they have some offensive firepower and will be much improved this year. Pegging them for a playoff slot as of now.

Salmon Steak · 03-27-10, 12:01 AM

So far 2 unders - 0 overs... trend? maybe

ClydeFontaine · 03-27-10, 05:23 PM

Saturday, March 28- DC United at Kansas City Wizards

DC is a team that was in disarray at the end of last year. Moreno was openly fighting with the coach who was later dismissed. United missed the playoffs which was a disappointment for one of MLS bellweather franchises. Their strength lies in midfield with guys like Pontius and Simms, but the loss of Fred may hurt their offensive firepower. Moreno is getting older up front and DC doesn't have much else proven at striker.

The Wiz have been historically a bottom feeder but have shown improvement in the last few years and should contend for a playoff spot. Jimmy Conrad anchors the defense and the Wiz are usually tough at home. KC picked up Camara from Houston and he should help standouts Lopez, Wolff, and Arnaud putting balls in the net.

Thinking here that DC will take some time to adjust to a new system and they haven't added enough to a team that was aging and fading at the end of last year. KC is adding some proven vets to a decent mix and seems to be on the upswing. Add to that home pitch advantage and the value lies in the Wiz here.

Recommended Play: KC +120 1 unit.

Good luck.

Smogs · 03-27-10, 05:54 PM

Great writeups Clyde, hope it cashes

ClydeFontaine · 03-29-10, 05:22 PM

Quick summary of opening weekend:

SEA 2 PHI 0- Sounders look like Cup contenders, Union still a LONG ways to go.

CHV 0 COL 1- Rapids could be one of the most improved squads this year, huge away win for their confidence.

CLB 2 TOR 0- par for the course here, Crew still top of table contenders, FC Toronto still struggles on away pitches.

DAL 1 HOU 1- Dynamo are in real trouble without Holden, Hoops will be better but by how much?

NYK 1 CHI 0- Nice way to open Red Bull Arena, outside of goal though RB didn't do much. Fire is going to miss Blanco in a big way. Nyarko looks like a keeper though.

KC 4 DC 0- addition of Kamara makes Wiz dangerous. United is in big trouble, as expected.

SJ 0 RSL 3- Real building on cup win, Earthquakes just more of bottomfeeding same.

LA 1 NE 0- Revs are in big trouble without Joseph, did they even pass midfield all game. Galaxy in control all game.

Light schedule coming up this week with just 5 games.

For those keeping score at home:

Sides 1-0 (+1.2 units)
Totals 1-0 (+1.0 units)

ClydeFontaine · 04-01-10, 05:35 AM

Busy all day today and no time for a long write up but I do have one play for Thursday.

4/1/10- Real Salt Lake +0.5/even Houston Dynamo.

Going to continue fading the Dynamo with Holden out and like RSL to continue their momentum from last year's Cup win and their opening week win.

Good luck.

ClydeFontaine · 04-03-10, 06:21 AM

One for Saturday:

DC Utd./New England Under 2&2.5/Even.

Neither team has much firepower and both will want to atone for poor opening day performances.

ClydeFontaine · 04-04-10, 07:41 PM

Didn't get to see much MLS this weekend as I had other priorities.

RSL a loser on two penalties and DC/NE gets the half-win with 2 late Rev goals.

Updating the accounting for YTD:

Sides 1-1 (+0.2 units)
Totals 2-0-1 (+1.5 units)

ClydeFontaine · 04-10-10, 06:39 AM

Saturday 4/10/10

Toronto/New England Under 2.5/-130 1 unit

Neither team has a great deal of offensive firepower and both play their cards close to the vest. This screams of a 1-0 Revolution final.

Philadelphia pk & -0.5/+108 dc united. 2 units

DC is terrible and Union will be as sky high as they can be for home opener. I will be fading United until something changes there.

la galaxy +238 Houston 1 unit

No Ching and Holden for Dynamo and an in-form Buddle screams of a road win here. At worst this is 50/50 and I will take the juicy odds all day long at that price.

ClydeFontaine · 04-15-10, 04:22 PM

Updating records.

Sides went 2-0 (+4.54 units) last week.

DC United was hideous and still lost despite Philly giftwrapping (and I mean absolutely giftwrapping) them 2 goals.

Houston struggled as predicted and dropped one at home.

Toronto and Revs turned into a goalfest as TFC is struggling on the back line and the trade of Wynne seems to have really hurt them.

Total play went 0-1 (-1.3 units)

Current record YTD:

Sides 3-1 (+4.74)
Totals 2-1-1 (+0.2)

Will have a side and total play for tonight's game momentarily.

ClydeFontaine · 04-15-10, 04:30 PM

Thursday, April 15, 2010- Philadelphia Union at Toronto FC

Two of the likely bottom-tier MLS teams meet tonight in Toronto. Toronto FC has been thumped on the road to open the season, losing 2-0 at Columbus and 4-1 at New England. Philly sports one win and one loss, losing at Seattle and winning their home opener versus DC.

TFC looks out of sorts and the defense is struggling mightily without Marvell Wynne Jr. who they traded away before the start of the season. Toronto has a a faithful fanbase and will be happy to see the home pitch after two resounding road defeats. Dwayne DeRosario will be the key on offense as Toronto's attack largely goes through him. Philly has looked vulnerable on defense as well and deGuzman and Barrett could potentially find the back of the net.

The Union got the home win debut over DC and completely dominated United. However, Philly is still young and still made two horrific defensive blunders including an all-time by goalie Seitz. Sebastian LeToux is not likely to repeat his hat trick from last week but links up well with Moreno and Fred to give Philly a potent attack.

Neither team has looked comfortable on defense and Philly's win over DC was fool's gold as United is in complete shambles. Look for a Toronto FC win and over 2.5 goals on Thursday night.

Playing:
Toronto +101 1 unit
TOR/PHI OV 2.5/+108 1 unit.

Good luck.

ClydeFontaine · 04-15-10, 04:46 PM

Couple injuries for Philly to pass along as well-

Mwanga- calf
Califf- ankle
Le Toux- ankle

All three are probable to play but something to keep an eye on.

ClydeFontaine · 04-16-10, 03:40 PM

Toronto wins 2-1 despite getting outplayed most of the game by a 10-man Philly squad. Philadelphia goalkeeper Seitz made two horrific plays (again) and cost his team the game singlehandedly. Califf with a nice boner on the red card as well. How long can they keep Seitz in goal for the Union?

DeRosario was the only one really worthwhile for a TFC side that looks pretty poor. Barrett looks to be about 50% for Toronto.

No Mwanga for Union but Roger Torres continues to absolutely shine. The 18-year old Colombian made a beauty of a pass to set up Philly's lone goal. If he continues to play like this he will be leaving MLS for Europe sooner rather than later.

Will look at Saturday's card closer in a bit.

Updated record-

Sides 4-1 +5.75
Totals 3-1-1 +1.28

skrtelfan · 04-16-10, 11:57 PM

I'd been planning on trying MLS this year but Matchbook are super late to put up their markets. They didn't have up a market for the TOR/PHI game the night before the game and they just put up the market for Saturday's sides earlier today, no totals.

ClydeFontaine · 04-17-10, 04:39 AM

Can't really blame MB as there simply isn't a lot of interest in MLS and the product is second (even, third) rate at best. Not many casual fans are going to tune in and most soccer diehards will watch the better products overseas.

Saturday's selections:

kc +0.5/-102 SEA 1 unit.

Wizards playing complete football and are much improved from years past. Think at this point they are still underrated betting-wise.

chivas usa +0.5/-117 HOU 1 unit.

I said last week I will be fading the Dynamo until further notice. Holden and Ching injuries make this a must play.

chi +207 DC 1 unit.

Again, DC is the worst team in the league right now. I would take my nephew's peewee league squad at 2/1 to beat them with their current form.

LA/rsl UN 2.5/-130 1 unit.

Galaxy back line playing as a strong unit. RSL will be a bit more conservative on the road and settle for a draw if necessary.

Good luck.

ClydeFontaine · 04-18-10, 09:31 AM

Sounders with late goal ruins Wiz. DC again gets destroyed, at home no loss.

Saturday tally-

Sides 1-2 +0.07
Totals 0-1 -1.3

YTD-
Sides 5-3 +5.82
Totals 3-2-1 -0.02

Play for Sunday upcoming.

ClydeFontaine · 04-18-10, 09:35 AM

Sunday, April 18- Toronto FC at Colorado Rapids.

Toronto has struggled mightily to start the season and even in their lone win, Thursday at home versus Philly, they were handily outplayed. Now TFC turns around on two days notice to travel cross-country to face a well-rested Rapids side.
Colorado has been average so far but their scoring punch of Cummings and Casey should give Toronto's struggling back line all sorts of trouble. Coupled with the quick turnaround for the visiting Canadians and the Rapids should run circles around their opposition at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

The D boys for Toronto, DeRosario an deGuzman could keep them in the match but their lack of a cohesive defense and early season fatigue should be their undoing here.

Playing:
Colorado Rapids -130 2 units.

ClydeFontaine · 04-19-10, 03:12 PM

Another pathetic effort by Toronto FC. They must be thanking their lucky stars that Philly and DC United are around this year.

Updated record after weekend-

Sides 6-3 +7.82
Totals 3-2-1 -0.02

ClydeFontaine · 04-22-10, 03:36 PM

Thursday, April 22, 2010- Seattle Sounders at Dallas

This game may be at Dallas and nationally televised but give me the better quality side at generous odds every time. Outside of Jeff Cunningham, the Hoops have no one who is better at their position than Seattle. It is as simple as that for me. I tend to believe this is a draw at worst for Seattle, thus the bets.

Playing-

Seattle pk/+150 Dallas 1 unit
Seattle +255 1 unit.

Good luck.

Supamanu · 04-22-10, 04:19 PM

What are your thoughts on the score, over looks like it might be a good play?

ClydeFontaine · 04-22-10, 09:54 PM

Hope you hit the over. 2 penalties certainly help.

LOL at the last penalty. I think that ref does Man United games. Hideous decision there.

Sa-da-te.

Smogs · 04-22-10, 10:53 PM

Originally posted by ClydeFontaine

Thursday, April 22, 2010- Seattle Sounders at Dallas

This game may be at Dallas and nationally televised but give me the better quality side at generous odds every time. Outside of Jeff Cunningham, the Hoops have no one who is better at their position than Seattle. It is as simple as that for me. I tend to believe this is a draw at worst for Seattle, thus the bets.

Playing-

Seattle pk/+150 Dallas 1 unit
Seattle +255 1 unit.

Good luck.

minet123 · 04-22-10, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Supamanu

What are your thoughts on the score, over looks like it might be a good play?

Nice call on the over

rfr3sh · 04-22-10, 11:12 PM

nice job with mls guys

Smogs · 04-23-10, 06:45 AM

Jeez, i didn't realise Dallas screwed you clyde in the last minute, livescore.com had it down as a 2-1 win for about 5 minutes after the result

ClydeFontaine · 04-23-10, 12:54 PM

Wasn't so much Dallas as it was the referee awarding a penalty with a ridiculously bad call with about 30 seconds left. Just a horrific call.

Seattle far the better side and the right play but these things happen.

One thing to note is that Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller injured himself and had to be subbed out at the half. Something to keep an eye on as the backup is completely unproven (he didn't have much to do in the 2nd half really and had no chance on the penalty) for the future.

Will look at the slate for Saturday and update the record later.

ClydeFontaine · 04-24-10, 03:57 AM

Saturday, April 24, 2010-

Rushing out the door for a ridiculously early meeting on a Saturday morning so I will be brief. The bad news is DC United is off this week, so no babies will be getting candy taken from them.

NY Red Bulls -124 Philly Union 1 unit

New Stadium + J.P. Angel - Philly defense * Seitz = Home win

KC/LA Draw +230 1 unit

Wizards have been playing well and Galaxy have been near-perfect. Wiz will try and slow down scorching Buddle and their narrow pitch may help out.

NE/Col Over 2.5/-110. 1 unit

Revs defense not quite up to old standards and Rapids have two of the best in putting it in the back of the net in Casey and Cummings.

Good luck.

ClydeFontaine · 04-25-10, 04:38 AM

Nice Saturday sweep including the draw. Should have been a perfect weekend, if not for that dubious penalty call in the waning moments on Thursday.

Passing on today's Toronto-Seattle game. Tough travel spot for Sounders and I certainly can't back TFC at this point either.

Will update record later.