So, like, I think New England is gonna win.

[Dan Loney]

I think the Revolution are stronger in the midfield, and their offense is better than Houston's defense. Sure, the Dynamo offense is better than New England's defense, too, but Matt Reis is playing lights-out. We're talking electro-magnetic pulse here, baby.

I'm sure you people have your opinions, so why don't you express yourselves as best you can.

Sorry I snapped at you. I was up late.

You know what, I don't need to explain myself to you. You're not my real mom.

[SankaCofie]

That is a very hurtful thing to say Dan Loney. If I were a more modern parent i'd send you to your room.. but instead i'm just going to beat you within an inch of your life.

Much like San Jose is going to beat NE.

[Matrim55]

It'll be interesting to see if Nicol coaches this Cup like the last two - with both hands wrapped around his neck.

[bnjamin]

I gotta go with NE on this one. Looks like this will be the year for them...I just pray that both teams dont sit back and that they actually play and show initiative. Could be a great game...and I think NE will pull it out. I call it 2-1.

BH
www.evenison.com

[jbeall]

I agree with Grant Wahl's (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/grant_wahl/11/10/mls.cup/index.html) assertion that the Revs will probably lose if they play conservatively. The Dynamo have a great offense, but they're probably going to try to spread the field with their wingers, leaving some space in the middle of the park. While it might be a toss-up if Clark was in the game, Serioux will probably be vulnerable to the Revs' attack.

If the Revs take the game to Houston, their odds get much, much better. But again, if they sit back and wait to counterattack, well, that 3-4-3 will be torn apart by the Dynamo.

[tab5g]

As much as I can't stand Dan Loney's insolence toward his family, I must agree with his Copa MLS XI prediction.

This game all comes down the the intriguing yet tough-to-market Franchino/Mullan match-up. Should Joey fail to get a red card, I acutally see him winning that battle and the Revs the Cup.

Look for Jeff Larentowitc -- a guy who (in a clear affront to half-time band Under the Influence of Giants) lists Interpol, the Roots, Talking Heads and Radiohead among his current favorite musical artists -- to get the game-winner on a shot that doesn't actually cross the goal-line.

[JayJay4Pres]

If the Revs weren't the Revs I would be tempted to pick them...but Houston will win on a goal in the 88th minute by Adrian Serioux or some non-scoring option.

[voros]

Pando!!

[nsa]

Typical Rev fashion. 0-0 after 90. Then they'll spot Clashamo a goal before waking up to score two in the non-golden goal OT. :)

[DSM1]

Nah. DeRo runs wild and Houston -- still hurts to say that -- wins 2-1.

[Quakes05]

it's amazing how fast credibility can slip away :rolleyes:

[Honore de Ballsac]

It's a crying shame that Rico Clark can't play in this game. And I don't think much of Yahoo Sirius. That's why I'm expecting him to step up and play huge - like Zach Ibsen did in the 2001 Cup Final, by my admittedly shoddy recollection.

Serioux at d-mid will make the Earthquakes a little less predictable. Usually you have two or three guys hack the shit out of DeRo, draw a card for Robinson, and hope Mullen's touches are falling butter side down. They're a bit less scouted-out with Serioux feeling Stayfree upon return to d-mid - and Dalglish actually a threat to score.

Ryan Cochrane will play well too. (I would rather see Waibel at right back, Cochrane in the middle. I'm wary of Waibel in the middle with Gray at right back.)

Of course if Serioux stays at central D, then something even more fresh will be on the park and again I think that's a good thing for the Quakes on Sunday. If the ref protects DeRo from blatant thuggery only the Almighty Fluke: Lord of All Soccer can save New England the humiliation of a third Cup defeat.

[Honore de Ballsac]

P.S. I'm also hoping Noonan doesn't try one from range and catch Onstad taking one of his rest-home naps or flashing back to Ypres.

[Alan S]

I think the Revolution are stronger ...

And with these words, Dan virtually guarantees a victory for the Dynamo/Earthquakes team. :) I wish he were a stock analyst, so we could all know which stocks to avoid.

[jbeall]

I'm still really uncertain as to who'll win this one. The Dynamo got this far with some great flank play, but it's easy to get your wingers out wide when you've got Rico Clark patrolling the center of the pitch. Will Houston have to pinch in to cover for Serioux, and if so, does that open up the wings for Ralston to cross?

[*EnW*]

I think we all know now!!!!!!!