We're all experts so make your predictions! 2-1 DC on a Freddy Adu stoppage time goal (That'll give the papers something to write about)
Remember, this is a 'neutral venue'... But you know DC will absolutely have the fan advantage... Additionally, just looking at the gameguide... Nowak has the coaching edge, because he has the advantage of options. It seems to me, all else being roughly equal, the 3-5-2 should always dictate to the 4-4-2. Not necessarily win, but dictate the game. On to matchups... If Petke and Carroll/Namoff can push the KC attack out wide, or if Stewart and Kovalenko can keep Jewsbury and Stephenson out of the offensive end, DC should control this match. I'd be very surprised if DC didn't own the wings. KC will try to force it through the middle, and over the top, because they will have no hope in the midfield, and very little true attacking possession... It just seems KC's entire offensive scheme is dependent upon Josh Wolff getting to a long ball or hitting Arnaud on a diagonal run... I have a great deal of respect for KC, and I'm not a DC fan obviously, but I don't see Zavagnin/Gutierrez/Stephenson doing much more than breaking up attacks from Olsen/Stewart/Kovalenko... And I have a feeling that Gomez and/or Adu will have an impact sooner or later... I'm looking forward to Olsen vs. Zavagnin... That should be a good one. Zotinca better have a great game, and he better not lose track of Kovalenko, because Garcia can't handle Dema and Eski at the same time... All that being said, I pick KC 2-0... ...JK... DC-3 [Kovalenko 26' (Moreno), Gomez 53' (Stewart), Olsen 84' (Adu)] KC-2 [Wolff 42' (Zavagnin), OG 65' ] The real drama will be how many minutes Freddy Adu gets... (28, but I'd love to see him get the start, or at least the full 2nd half...)
I got KC winning 2-1 in a physical game. DC's thug will be back in this game, he'll hack off a couple of KC limbs. An Arnaud and Wolff goal for KC and Moreno for DC (just to further stick it to MLS proving why he should have been MVP).
I disagree that a 3-5-2 automatically dictates to a 4-4-2, but that said, DC will probably dictate in this match, since KC likes it when the other team does so.
I think I could write an entire thread all by myself on the formational expectation debate... But I still think DC will win...
3-1 DC. KC doesn't show up just like the first leg in San Jose. Except this time there isn't any second game to make it up.
Though I do think DC will dictate play. Think DC's back line is vulnerable to KC's speed on counterattack. KC will need strong GK'ing or could fall too far behind early. Is everyone healthy that's been playing during the playoffs?
I'm a KC fan so I obviously hope they will win, but my sincere prediction is DC 3 KC 1. DC will have almost all the attacking possession in this game, KC will (as usual) rely on the counter and bypass the midfield. KC just doesnt get much possession, and while this gameplan worked well for KC all season, they havent faced an ooponent nearly as creative as DC has been down the stretch. I'm afraid DC has the weapons and the teamwork to actually do something with their possession advantage and turn the possession into goals. Moreno, Esky, Adu for DC Jewsbury for KC
KC will win. I don't know what the score will be, probably 1-0 or 2-0, but the better defensive side always wins one off games (and really...do we want a 15 year old kid to get big headed already?!?...can't we have him wait til he hits Landon Donavon age )
Prediction DC 3 - 2 KC - another exciting match for today. Weather out here is good for now, hope it keeps that way for the entire game.