Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Matchweek 18, 7/10/12

Welcome to the top D.C. United!

D.C. United grabs the top spot this week by the slightest of margins over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Biggest move up in this week's rankings? The Philadelphia Union 7 spots to #11 and the New England Revolution up 6 spots to #7.

Biggest drops? The Colorado Rapids drop 7 spots to #18 and the Columbus Crew drop 6 spots to #10.

My Matchweek 18 Power Rankings:

1) D.C. United (East)

2) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

3) Chicago Fire (East)

4) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

5) LA Galaxy (West)

6) Sporting Kansas City (East)

7) New England Revolution (East)

8) New York Red Bulls (East)

9) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

10) Columbus Crew (East)

11) Philadelphia Union (East)

12) Houston Dynamo (East)

13) Real Salt Lake (West)

14) Portland Timbers (West)

15) Chivas USA (West)

16) Montreal Impact (East)

17) Toronto FC (East)

18) Colorado Rapids (West)

19) FC Dallas (West)

Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Match Week 17, July 1, 2012

I haven't posted these since week 12 (May 30th). I have still been tracking, but got a little lazy in posting them.

The San Jose Earthquakes are #1!

My Match Week 17 rankings:

1) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

2) D.C. United (East)

3) Chicago Fire (East)

4) Columbus Crew (East)

5) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

6) New York Red Bulls (East)

7) Sporting Kansas City (East)

8) LA Galaxy (West)

9) Real Salt Lake (West)

10) Houston Dynamo (East)

11) Colorado Rapids (West)

12) Portland Timbers (West)

13) New England Revolution (East)

14) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

15) Chivas USA (West)

16) Montreal Impact (East)

17) Toronto FC (East)

18) Philadelphia Union (East)

19) FC Dallas (West)

Catching Up. My Joey Votto Jersey Fund!

Joey Votto's Sports Illustrated cover from 2010:

I haven't posted updates since June 12th, so here you go:

Thursday, June 14th. Reds beat the Indians 12-5. Joey is 1-3 (a home run) with a run and 3 RBI.

Monday, June 18th. Reds lose to the Indians 10-9. Votto is 2-4 (a double and a home run) with 2 runs and an RBI.

Sunday, June 24th. Reds lose to the Twins. Votto is 1-3 (another home run) with a run and 2 RBI.

$30 more in my Joey Votto Jersey Fund!

Reds Smoke the Indians 7-1!

Johnny Cueto throws a complete game gem. Joey Votto goes 2 for 4 with a run and 3 RBI. $10 more dollars into my Joey Votto jersey fund!

$20 More in My Joey Votto Jersey Fund!

I haven't posted for a few days, so catching up today. The Reds beat the Astros last Saturday 12-9, and Joey Votto was 4 for 4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs.

Last night the Reds beat the Detroit Tigers 6-5 on a bottom of the 10 inning safety squeeze perfectly executed by Wilson Valdez and Miguel Cairo. I was at the game with my wife Tammy, and sat in the Diamond seats at Great American Ball Park, 4th row behind home plate. What a great vantage point to have to witness a game-winning suicide squeeze!

Joey Votto hit a 3-run home run to dead center in the bottom of the 3rd, 1 run and 3 RBI in the game.

Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Week 12, 5/30/12

Since Major League Soccer is on an International break, this will be the last Power Ranking for a couple of weeks.

The New York Red Bulls maintain the top spot this week and the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders make some big moves, although in opposite directions.

Biggest risers? The Columbus Crew rise 10 spots, the Houston Dynamo rise 5.

Biggest drops? The Seattle Sounders drop 8 spots, the Portland Timbers drop 3.

My week 12 rankings:

1) New York Red Bulls (East)

2) Real Salt Lake (West)

3) D.C. United (East)

4) Columbus Crew (East)

5) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

6) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

7) Colorado Rapids (West)

8) Houston Dynamo (East)

9) Sporting Kansas City (East)

10) Chicago Fire (East)

11) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

12) New England Revolution (East)

13) Portland Timbers (West)

14) Montreal Impact (East)

15) Chivas USA (West)

16) FC Dallas (West)

17) LA Galaxy (West)

18) Philadelphia Union (East)

19) Toronto FC (East)

Add $10 More to My Joey Votto Jersey Fund!

I'm a day late due to travel, but Joey Votto had 2 runs and an RBI in the Reds win over the Rockies this past Sunday! $10 more in my jersey fund!

Forgot to Post This Tuesday. Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Matchweek 11

I forgot to post this before last night's Major League Soccer Matches-so pretend they didn't happen...

The New York Red Bulls take over the top spot this week!

1) New York Red Bulls (East)

2) Real Salt Lake (West)

3) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

4) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

5) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

6) D.C. United (East)

7) Sporting Kansas City (East)

8) Chicago Fire (East)

9) Colorado Rapids (West)

10) Portland Timbers (West)

11) New England Revolution (East)

12) Montreal Impact (East)

13) Houston Dynamo (East)

14) Columbus Crew (East)

15) Chivas USA (West)

16) Philadelphia Union (East)

17) LA Galaxy (West)

18) FC Dallas (West)

19) Toronto FC (East)

$10 more in my Joey Votto Jersey Fund, and the Reds beat the dreaded Yankees!

Joey Votto hits a 3-run homer (1 run, 3 RBI today), and the Reds win, the Reeeeeeeeeeeds win!

Sean Marshall almost blew it. Dusty Baker had to pull him in a save situation for the 2nd time this year.

$10 more in my Joey Votto jersey fund!

Joey Votto's 3-Run Homer Against the Yankees!

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 11, Saturday and Sunday Matches

With Portland and Houston playing to a scoreless draw and DC United beating Colorado I am 1 for 2 so far this matchweek.

Here are my predictions for the Saturday and Sunday matches:

Saturday 5/19/12 Matches:

Vancouver will draw Seattle at home
Montreal will draw the New York Red Bulls at home
DC United will beat Toronto FC at home
New England will beat Houston at home
FC Dallas will draw Philadelphia at home
Colorado will draw Sporting Kansas City at home
San Jose will beat Columbus at home
Chivas USA will draw the LA Galaxy at home

Sunday 5/20/12 Match:

Portland will draw Chicago at home

By the way, MLSSoccer.com has a new fantasy pick 'em game-check it out!

http://games.mlssoccer.com/

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 11, Tuesday, Wednesday Matches

So far this year I am 14 for 30 in my match predictions, a success rate of 46.6%.

My predictions for the MLS midweek matches:

Tonight, 5/15/12:

Houston beats Portland at home

Wednesday 5/16/12:

DC United beats Colorado at home

A Deeper Love for the Premier League!

My wife Tammy, son Michael and I visited Paris and London in early April.

We had a chance to see 2 Premier League Matches while we were there, and as it turns out, some teams and individuals who have had historic seasons.

We saw Arsenal beat Manchester City, the eventual Premier League Champions, 1-0 at Emirates Stadium. Classic match, with the hated Mario Balotelli getting sent off for Man City

We also saw Fulham draw Chelsea (playing for the UEFA Champions League title this Saturday) 1-1 at Craven Cottage, with American Clint Dempsey (having arguably the best season ever for an American playing in Europe) getting the goal for Fulham to even up the match.

I have been a fan of the Premier League. I enjoy being able to watch matches live on Winter weekend mornings here in Cincinnati. The battle for the league title, Champions League spots and of course the battle not to be relegated is intriguing.

But the experience of going to actual matches in England was the best!

This Sunday was the final day of the season, with all 10 matches kicking off at the same time, so no team had a tactical advantage.  Chris Ryan, writing on Grantland.com captured the essence of the day in this article posted today:

The Reducer, Week 37: Today Is Gonna Be the Day

Manchester City wins the Premier League title in the most dramatic fashion possible

So with the opportunity to experience matches live, and a great ending to the season this past Sunday, I now have a deeper love for the Premier League.

I just need to decide who to throw my support behind-thinking Fulham.

Can't wait for next season to get started!

The Emirates

Michael, Tammy and Me at The Emirates

Craven Cottage

Me, Tammy and Michael, Craven Cottage

Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Matchweek 10

The Sounders Maintain the Top Spot!

The Sounders maintain the top spot this week, but there was a significant shuffle in the top 5, with Sporting Kansas City and DC United dropping out, and Real Salt Lake and the Chicago Fire moving in.

Who climbed this week? The New England Revolution climbs 5 spots, while Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew each climb 4.

Who dropped? Sporting Kansas City drops 4 spots. DC United and FC Dallas each drop 3.

Matchweek 10 Rankings:

1) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

2) New York Red Bulls (East)

3) Real Salt Lake (West)

4) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

5) Chicago Fire (East)

6) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

7) Sporting Kansas City (East)

8) D.C. United (East)

9) Colorado Rapids (West)

10) Montreal Impact (East)

11) Houston Dynamo (East)

12) New England Revolution (East)

13) LA Galaxy (West)

14) Columbus Crew (East)

15) Philadelphia Union (East)

16) Chivas USA (West)

17) Portland Timbers (West)

18) FC Dallas (West)

19) Toronto FC (East)

Bad Decisions...Reds Win 9-6

Have I mentioned that Joey Votto is my favorite ball player?

Here's his line from today's ball game against the Washington Nationals:

5 AB's, 4 Runs, 4 Hits, 6 RBI, 3 Home Runs and 1 Double

And of course a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to win it!



I was there...kinda.

I bought Fox Sports Ohio Club Seats for Mother's Day and took my wife Tammy and son Michael to the game. Got a Jay Bruce cereal bowl at the gate!

But it rained, and rained-the game was supposed to start at 1:10, and by 4:00pm it still hadn't started so...(sigh) we decided to go home. The game started at 4:45...we just couldn't hold out any longer.

And I missed one of the best games of the year, and one of Joey Votto's greatest games ever.

At least I get to put $10 more dollars in my Joey Votto jersey fund.

I swear, I will never leave a Reds game early again...

BBVA Compass Stadium, Major League Soccer Continues to Grow!

With the Houston Dynamo opening their new home stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, Major League Soccer takes another step into the realm of relevant, vibrant soccer leagues around the World!

Good article in today's New York Times:

M.L.S. Continues to Bolster Growing Brand With New Stadium in Houston

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 10, Saturday and Sunday Matches

I was 2 for 3 on my Wednesday match predictions. Here are my match predictions for the balance of the week:

Saturday, May 12 Matches:

The Montreal Impact will beat the LA Galaxy at home
The Houston Dynamo will draw DC United at home
The Columbus Crew will beat FC Dallas at home
New England will draw Vancouver at home
Chicago will draw Sporting Kansas City at home
The Seattle Sounders will beat Real Salt Lake at home

Sunday, May 13 Matches:

Philadelphia will draw New York at home
The San Jose Earthquakes will beat Chivas USA at home

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 10, Wednesday 5/9/12 Matches

Three mid-week matches this week.

Wednesday 5/9/12:

The New York Red Bulls will beat the Houston Dynamo at home.
The Chicago Fire will beat Real Salt Lake at home.
The Seattle Sounders will win at FC Dallas.

The Truth Shall Set You Free...or So Cole Hamels Thought

Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies decided to plunk rookie phenom Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals in the back in the first inning of their game Sunday.

When asked about it after the game, he admitted he had done it on purpose. His reward for telling the truth? A 5-game suspension from Major League Baseball.

Maybe he shouldn't have been so honest. Or quite frankly, maybe he shouldn't have hit Bryce Harper in the first place...

Cole Hamels Pleads Guilty!

Congratulations to my Daughter Mallory!

My daughter, Mallory finished the Pittsburgh half marathon today! It's her first half marathon! Congratulations!

My brother Tim with Mallory at the Finish!

Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Matchweek 9

The Seattle Sounders Take over the Top Spot This Week!

The top 5 remain the same in this week's rankings, but with a reordering. The Seattle Sounders take over the top spot, with last week's #1, Sporting Kansas City dropping down to #3. The New York Red Bulls swapped positions with DC United, taking over the 4th spot.

Biggest move up? The Montreal Impact moves up six spots to #9.

Biggest drops? FC Dallas drops 7 spots to #15 and the LA Galaxy drops 3 spots to #12.

This week's rankings:

1) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

2) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

3) Sporting Kansas City (East)

4) New York Red Bulls (East)

5) D.C. United (East)

6) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

7) Real Salt Lake (West)

8) Chicago Fire (East)

9) Montreal Impact (East)

10) Colorado Rapids (West)

11) Houston Dynamo (East)

12) LA Galaxy (West)

13) Philadelphia Union (East)

14) Chivas USA (West)

15) FC Dallas (West)

16) Portland Timbers (West)

17) New England Revolution (East)

18) Columbus Crew (East)

19) Toronto FC (East)

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 9, Saturday and Sunday Matches, 5/5/12

I picked Seattle's victory over the Galaxy and San Jose's victory over DC United correctly, but got the other two matches played this week wrong.

Here are the balance of my picks for this week:

Saturday 5/5 Matches:

Sporting KC will beat Montreal at home

Columbus will draw at Portland

DC United will win at Toronto

Seattle will beat Philadelphia at home

San Jose will draw at Vancouver

New York will draw at the Galaxy

Real Salt Lake will beat New England at home

Sunday 5/6 Match:

FC Dallas will beat Colorado at home

Idiot...

What possesses a guy to write this kind of stuff? Phil Mushnick of the New York Post is an idiot. Check out what he wrote about Jay-Z and the Brooklyn Nets:

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/double_standard_TFPqqilUHif01I9BKkQSkN/1

By the way, I think their logo is pretty cool!

Reds Win!

Beat the Cubs in extra innings. My boy Joey Votto was 2 for 3 with a run, so no contribution to my Joey Votto Jersey fund today. I might need to change my self-imposed rules...

Reds Lose, No Contribution to my Joey Votto Jersey Fund Tonight.

Cubs beat the Reds. Joey scored a run, but no RBI.

Joey sad...

Bummer...

Rainout. No Reds game tonight...I hate when that happens.

Major League Soccer Match Predictions, Matchweek 9, 5/1/12

Last week I only picked winners. I was 5 for 7, not a bad start for my prediction season.

I'm going to pick all the results for this week, putting my rankings to the test (Note, I will pick the weekend matches that involve teams playing midweek after those matches are completed.):

Wednesday 5/2 Matches:
Colorado will draw at New England
Seattle will beat the Galaxy at home
San Jose will beat DC United at home

Friday 5/4 Match:
Chicago will draw at Chivas USA

Saturday 5/5 Matches:
Sporting KC will beat Montreal at home
Columbus will draw at Portland
DC United at Toronto
Philadelphia at Seattle
San Jose at Vancouver
New York at the Galaxy
New England at Real Salt Lake

Sunday 5/6 Match:
Colorado at FC Dallas

Joey Votto's OPS is now .939. Just Sayin'. Joey Votto Jersey Fund!

I have never bought a player's jersey in any sport. It's time to buy Joey's. Gonna start a savings fund. $10 every time Joey is responsible for 3 or more runs (runs+RBI) in a ball game. Today's win against the Astros primes the pump with $10! 1 run, 4 RBI!

Major League Soccer Power Rankings, Matchweek 8

They Were Idle. Why Should They Lose the Top Spot?

Biggest climbers? Vancouver Whitecaps, Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas Biggest drops? Houston Dynamo and Chivas USA 1) Sporting Kansas City (East)

2) San Jose Earthquakes (West)

3) Seattle Sounders FC (West)

4) D.C. United (East)

5) New York Red Bulls (East)

6) Real Salt Lake (West)

7) Vancouver Whitecaps (West)

8) FC Dallas (West)

9) LA Galaxy (West)

10) Chicago Fire (East)

11) Colorado Rapids (West)

12) Houston Dynamo (East)

13) Philadelphia Union (East)

14) Chivas USA (West)

15) Montreal Impact (East)

16) New England Revolution (East)

17) Columbus Crew (East)

18) Portland Timbers (West)

19) Toronto FC (East)

Major League Soccer Match Winner Predictions, Matchweek 8, 4/28/12

Time to pick a few winners based on this week's Major League Soccer Power Rankings.

Just winners. Note I also take into account the Major League soccer historical advantage to home teams in making these picks:

Montreal wins at home against Portland
New York wins at home against New England
San Jose wins at Philadelphia
Columbus wins at home against Vancouver
D.C. United wins at home against Houston
Real Salt Lake wins at home against Toronto
The LA Galaxy wins against FC Dallas at home

Major League Soccer Power Rankings-Matchweek 7

Sporting Kansas City is #1 in My First Major League Soccer Power Ranking This Year!

With every Major League Soccer team having played 5 matches at this point in the season, I'm ready to publish my first Power Ranking of the 2012 season.

Last year I published my philosophy in producing these rankings. It might need a little tweaking this year due to the unbalanced schedule, but for now I'll stick with last year's formula.

Here are my inaugural 2012 rankings:

1) Sporting Kansas City
2) San Jose Earthquakes
3) Real Salt Lake
4) Seattle Sounders
5) D.C. United
6) Houston Dynamo
7) New York Red Bulls
8) Chicago Fire
9) LA Galaxy
10) Chivas USA
11) FC Dallas
12) Vancouver Whitecaps
13) Philadelphia Union
14) Columbus Crew
15) New England Revolution
16) Colorado Rapids
17) Montreal Impact
18) Portland Timbers
19) Toronto FC

A Big Milestone for the Reds!

Woot!