Well it's time for me to put my head on the block and make some predictions. Much is said about the MLS teams not having enough match experience at this point, but most of the other teams in the quarterfinals are just restarting their local championships. Ok, here we go:
Portmore United vs. América: Portmore United coach Paul Young is right - this is definitely a match between David and Goliath. The Jamaican champions do have some experience at the international level, and América will try not to be distracted by Sunday's superclásico against Chivas. Even if América doesn't play well in the Houston leg, I expect them to overwhelm the Jamaican side in the return.
Prediction: América to advance.
Toluca vs. Olimpia: Toluca has lost three straight games in the local championship, and Olimpia is coming off a derby loss to Motagua. This match strikes me as very even - I expect two tight matches.
Prediction: Olimpia to advance.
Alajuelense vs. New England Revolution: Will the Revs get any advantage from playing in Bermuda? In contrast to the Galaxy, New England have played well during their warm-up matches, and Dempsey, Twellman, and Noonan have stood out during the recent series of national team matches. As that trio goes, so will the Revs. On the other side of the ball, Alajuelense should look to Ruíz and Fonseca up front and López and Hernández in the middle. Steve Nicol has played in high-pressure situations at club and national level; he will have to impart that knowledge to give his team a chance at advancing.
Prediction: Alajuelense New England to advance. (I changed my mind after thinking about it overnight.)
Saprissa vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: Saprissa's coach has put a priority on winning the continental club championship again. He'll be at a disadvantage in the first leg, as Rónald Gómez is suspended and Rándall Azofeifa and Reynaldo Parks have been given rest. Despite this he will go for a positive result (and a draw will be as good as a win for Saprissa). As for the Galaxy, the MLS Cup champions haven't had any positive results in their preseason matches so far. They will have some of the national team players on their side, but at the end it will come down to experience. If that's true it will be difficult for the Galaxy.
Prediction: Saprissa to advance.
To answer a question you asked a while back, reports are that about 50 Revs fans made the trip to Bermuda for the match. Look out LDA!
The press photos from the Revs v. Bermuda game last Saturday show that the stands were fairly empty in the 8,000 seat stadium. I would expect even fewer for this match unfortunately.
It will be sad for MLS if neither team advances.
Posted by: mosler | February 22, 2006 at 10:12 AM
I think that New England has a better chance of advancing than Los Angeles. As a matter of fact, I changed my mind on the prediction.
Posted by: Howard Hamilton | February 22, 2006 at 10:38 AM