MLS Cup First Round Picks

Hello all! I'm a big MLS fan and a Columbus Crew SC season ticket holder. I watch a good amount of MLS and I love talking about it. The MLS Cup starts on Friday and I'm very, very excited. Here are my picks for each matchup:

1. New England Revs vs. Montreal Impact
   Bruce Arena is a coach who knows how to win when he needs to, and the Impact looked very fragile throughout the year. Should be a comfortable win for the Revs.

2. Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF
   This one is a tossup. Honestly, I see it going to penalties. If it does, Luis Robles in goal for Miami will be a huge difference.

3. Orlando City SC vs. NYCFC
   Tough to call this one, but I think the injuries (and weird loan situation for Mitrita) will mean Orlando take it. Nani takes the lions on his back and does it in a close game.

4. Columbus Crew SC vs. New York Red Bulls
   Homer pick, I know. But the Crew undoubtedly had times this season when they were the best team in the league. NYRB have a cohesive system, but their squad is middling at best.

5. Sporting Kansas City vs. San Jose Earthquakes
   This may be the most fun game of the round. Expect many goals, but SKC will definitely take it. San Jose's defense is far too poor to keep them out.

6. Minnesota United vs. Colorado Rapids
   The Rapids are the darkhorse pick from the West, to be sure. Minnesota would be smart to park the bus. Minnesota will also be missing a LOT of players due to international duty and COVID restrictions. Colorado should win comfortably.

7. Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas
   Dallas have some excellent players but Portland is more tried and tested and has had a very nice year. Experience gets them the win, though Dallas wont make it easy.

8. Seattle Sounders FC vs. Los Angeles FC
   I would love so much for LAFC to come out and beat the pants off of Seattle. But Seattle have had a better season and just get it done in the MLS Cup. Every time. Carlos Vela may be back though, which would make the game more fun.

That's all for now! I'll post further predictions after the first two games happen. Thank you for reading!