first of all, lets be clear.... I HATE WATCHING MLS, to me, the skill level just isnt that great. Defenders just kick ball downfield instead of controlling, passes to your opponent happen frequently, and ESPN trumps up our US internationals like they are the best thing since sliced bread. Altidore is the type of player whom NEEDS 6 chances to score a goal. and nobody get me started with Bradley.. we will be typing all night. Great leader, but is terrible in traffic. theres a reason Roma let him go.
Seattle - not entirely impressed with this team. 4th in Western Conf with a strong showing at home. On road they are average. To get here, the beat Dallas whom was 1st overall this season, but it must be noted that Dallas was minus their best player and leading goalscorer whom they lost right at end of season. Next was Colorado whom was quite possible the most boring team in MLS this year, fewest goals and fewest goals allowed. Seattle has played poorly in the Eastern Time zone, but a very opportunistic offense.
Toronto - "star" power. Team spent a ton of money just to get to this spot. with Bradley, Altidore, and Giovinco. for MLS standards, they are exciting to watch and play extremely well in front of their home crowd. Up until the playoffs, theyve been an under-ish team all season long; but their 3 playoff games have seen them score 10 goals.
This team has been on a big-time roll of late; beat Philly, NYC handily, and needed extra time to dispose Montreal.
Two teams drew 1-1 earlier here in the season. I think a BIG factor is going to be the weather. Expected to be in the high 20's come gametime and lord knows how bad the wind is gonna be blowing. A lot of these players arent accustomed to playing in such cold weather.
I think Toronto, because of their frontline, has the advantage. Giovinvco is a threat each time he touches the ball from anywhere on the field. and Toronto has been smart to move him around up front. He gives them a decided edge I feel. Altidore is a beast at this level of play, I cant stand watching him; but I think they both are a little too much for Seattle to handle. Club spent a TON of money this season, time to cash that in.
**Intangibles** With all the drama surrounding the US Natl team; after two matches in the final round of Hex for WC Qualifying we are dead last. Klinsmann got the boot, and rumors circulating about USA needing 'new blood' on the team. Bradley and Altidore because they are the faces of US Soccer (sadly enough) seem to be thrust into the center of everything mentioned. This squad has quite a few Intl's on it. An MLS title should help secure their places on the US Team come spring when action picks up. Look for them both to put forth really inspired efforts.
Toronto to win in regular time @125
For those of us considering the over..... history has not been kind to overs in this match but:
- toronto has the kind of firepower to score goals and as I mentioned above, they are on FIRE since playoffs began.
- Seattle has played 23 road games in ALL competitions in 2016 since February. Theyve scored in 20 of them. Thats a pretty IMPRESSIVE stat.
- on top of that, Seattle has ALSO conceded 2 goals or more in 14 out of those 23 matches.
- these Cup games. at least the American version (lol), when one goal is scored, the 2nd half gets crazy. Not a european style crazy, more of an uncontrolled throw-the-kitchen-sink-forward-and-all-hell-breaks-loose' kinda crazy. :) aside from last year, every MLS cup since 2011 has seen AT LEAST 2 goals in the 2nd half.
BUT ITS SOO D*MN COLD OUT THERE!!!
awww, what the heck. if im gonna watch it, might as well put a little down on the over. MLS really needs an exciting game to promote this sport. SCORE!!!!!!!!
Toronto @-125
Over 2.5 @125
Toronto + over @215