Having struggled to make the playoffs the Red Bulls did not seem to be a team that was destined to advance. The opening round was the safe forecast. So, imagine everyone’s surprise that the NY Red Bulls will face the Columbus Crew for the MLS Cup. The fact that they will represent the West just adds to the irony and the sense of incredibility that this Cup series possesses.

The playoffs were plagued with matches that featured nothing in the way of offence. Forget about ratcheting down the defense, there was nothing to stop. Only three matches were decided by more than one goal and several featured a complete absence of scoring.

This wasn’t a case of the immovable object meeting the impenetrable force. It was a continuation of the inept play that marred the MLS regular season. So, two teams who reside far to the east of Carson, CA; this year’s site of the MLS Cup, will compete for the hardware. By all means, go west young man, but score some goals along the way.

MLS
East

Columbus Crew: The Crew vanquished the Chicago Fire to advance to the Finals. The Fire lacked any incendiary power in the playoffs and was eliminated by a 2-1 score.

Being one of the few teams who appeared to be poised for a playoff run the Crew has to be a big favorite in the Cup match. While they also suffered the malaise that infected the previous rounds, one big effort is all they need to get them over the hump. Having scored a total of five goals throughout the playoffs it is safe to say that the Crew has been either good, or lucky. Personally, I think that luck played a part, so if they can play one good game the State of Ohio can lay claim to some hardware. Lord knows they are due in that department.

West

New York Red Bulls: Yes, it is strange to write West and follow it with this team, but such is the way of MLS. While the MLS site is describing the Red Bulls playoff run as cinematic, I’m thinking more 3 Stooges than Rocky. With six goals on their playoff ledger I guess we could say the Red Bulls are sizzling. They disposed of Houston by virtue of a draw and a win and put RSL to bed in the Conference Finals by a 1-0 score.

Maybe these guys do believe they are playing in glass slippers, instead of futbol boots, but midnight could be approaching. Suspensions for illegal substances have already sidelined two of their charges, including their starting GK, so the Crew should be able to handle this assignment. Still, this league has been so bizarre that an upset is not out of the question. I’m picking the Crew, but nothing that happens on November 23 will surprise me.

EPL

This is turning into a two horse race between Chelsea and Liverpool. They are atop the table with 32 points. However, John Terry, the Blues Captain, has warned his side not to take Arsenal and Man U lightly. In honor of the Chelsea Captain I will refrain from laughing when I write that they could sneak back into the fray. Ha, ha, ha. I’m sorry; I just couldn’t help that outburst.

Chelsea: Beating up on bottom seed WBA over the weekend kept the Blues on pace. This Saturday they host a Newcastle side that is striving to be the worse in the EPL. Terry is correct to attempt to keep his side focused for the business ahead. It would be too easy to sleep on these lesser lights and pay the price via the upset.

Liverpool: While the Blues have been reeling in bottom feeders this side has been dealing with the middle of the pack. A win over Bolton and a visit from Fulham is what Liverpool is dealing with. Again, not underestimating the competition is the order of the day.

Manchester United: The Red Devils are 8 points back of the table leaders. Old Trafford must be rocking like it was hit by an 8.7 on the Richter scale. The irony of signing a marketing agreement with the Yankees and ending up in 3rd cannot be dismissed. Some unions are blessed by heaven and some are made in hell. We’ll let Sir Alex and the Stienbrenner boys decide the origin of this coupling.

Arsenal: If the Gunners are in the hunt with 23 points, then so is Aston Villa. It isn’t fair to discriminate when overstating a sides potential to win hardware.

Aston Villa: If they can claim home field advantage in Saturday’s match against Man U they could become a force in the EPL. Let’s shake things up Aston Villa and make this a memorable season.

Serie A

The Moggi scandal continues to have an impact on the league. Sentencing for the agent and his son is scheduled for tomorrow. The line is calling for a five year sentence, but no one is making book since that is what caused the problem in the Serie A.

FC Internazionanale Milano: Inter Milan is in first place by one point. They took advantage of a Palermo side that gives up more goals than it scores to remain atop the table. However, a stiffer foe is on tap Saturday when Juventus pays a visit.

AC Milan: If Juventus can score the victory, then Milan could jump into first by virtue of a win over Torino.

Juventus FC: Sitting only three points back, this sturdy side is in perfect position to do what they do best, move atop the table in the Serie A.

SSC Napoli: They lost ground when they absorbed a 3-0 beating from Atalanta and may continue to drop when they face a Calcio side that has been surprising.

CONCACAF Champions league

Both the Montreal Impact and the Puerto Rico Islanders of the USL have advanced to the quarterfinals. The Houston Dynamo is still alive, but must win their November 26 match to make the group of eight.

US WNT

In their first two matches with the Korea Republic the US Women have secured a draw and a win.

Alright, in two weeks we can look at the MLS Cup. Until then, practice hooliganism with restraint.