Rochester -4.5 @ Harrisburg +4.5 over/under 29.5 Fresh off of their first win of the season, the Harrisburg Heat now open their doors to host the Rochester Lancers. Harrisburg looks to keep what they have going and win two in a row, but it won't be easy against a quality team like the Lancers. I am still in shock over the Ambush loss and the fact that St. Louis has lost 4 out of 5 games after picking up Gordy Gurson. I don't think Harrisburg wins 2 in a row, but if they did, it would be amazing. Rochester just has too many weapons to not win this game, like Salles' booming left foot, Hoxie's mustache, and Los Dos Kapinos. I think that the Lancers cover the spread and the game stays under 29.5.
Wichita +2.5 @ Chicago -2.5 over/under 12.5 Chicago played a very strong first half yesterday in Missouri in a very tight low scoring affair. But in the second half the Mustangs were held scoreless as the Comets put another 5 on the board. Wichita has been playing some very good soccer as of late and will definitely put up a good fight in Chicago, but I don't think Chicago will lose two in a row. I know that "The People's Champion" Dave K. thinks differently about this, and if he is right it would make the chase for the playoffs in the Central Division a whole lot more interesting, but Chicago covers 2.5 and the game goes over, and that's the bottom line, because Lavishly said so.
St. Louis +1.5 @ Detroit -1.5 over/under 15.5 Oh St. Louis Ambush, not only did you just slow dance with the ugliest girl at the prom, you just made out with her, and as the principle flipped on the lights at the end of the night, that dark corner in which you thought no one would see you just became illuminated, revealing to the rest of the student body your humiliation. St. Louis you just got caught swapping spit with the unsightly swamp donkey, but don't lament the past and what is now done, but instead feel satisfaction that you just made that homely girls night. Remember, mud ducks need love too. As you make that walk of shame up to the Melvindale Arena, just ignore the snickers and sophomoric jokes coming from the onlookers, those slack jawed yokes don't know the meaning of sacrifice like you do, especially when its your pride on the sacrificial alter. Forget the past and look to the future, but if you can't, might I suggest a lobotomy. This game will be a hard one win, the Ambush look to save face after sucking on the ugliest one, and Detroit looks to get in the win column after losing 7 straight. I think Detroit wins the game, but by one goal, so I will give St. Louis the points and go with the overs.
Saltillo +6.5 @ Dallas -6.5 over/under 14.5 Every time I pick Dallas to blow out the competition they don't, so I will go against my initial impulse and give Saltillo the points, and I will go with the overs. I am interested in seeing what the state of the Sidekicks is, and who is going to be on the field.
Monterrey -1.5 @ Oxford City +1.5 over/under 12.5 This game is very interesting, I would like to see how Oxford matches up to Monterrey at home, and maybe get a glimpse into a future playoff game. I will say that the Flash cover the points, but I think it should be a good close game. I will also go with the overs in this game.
Ontario -2.5 @ Sacramento +2.5 over/under 16.5 Ontario played a good game yesterday against the Express, and now they move on to the Surge. I don't have much to say about this game, except that Ontario will cover the spread and this game stays under.
Seattle +8.5 @ San Diego -8.5 over/under 15.5 With the signing of Evan Mundine to the Sockers' squad, San Diego has a better chance of covering the spread than before. Someone with the skills and ability like him is good for at least a goal. San Diego covers the spread and the game goes over.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Friday, January 30, 2015
Lavishly's Picks Friday MASL Week #15
Chicago +5.5 @ Missouri -5.5 over/under 16.5 What a good game to start SuperBowl weekend out with, and this should be a good match up. Chicago has had virtually 2 weeks off ever since facing the Wave up in Milwaukee. This will be a tough game for the Mustangs as they embark on a difficult final six games of the season. Everyone knows what the Comets bring to the table, and especially in front of a home crowd. Chicago really needs to do a good job of possessing the ball when Missouri dials up the pressure and not give away dumb turnovers and soft goals. I think that Chicago will stay withing 5.5 points of the Comets, but I think that the game will stay under 16.5 in a defensive game.
Ontario +0.5 @ Turlock -0.5 over/under 13.5 The Fury have been beefing up their lineup latley, and I am interested and seeing what the product looks like on the field. The Express gave up their first home loss of the season to the Sockers, but I was impressed in the way that they played their 6th attacker for a majority of the game, I think that will pay off in a crunch. It is hard to go against the Express at home. On a neutral field I would probably take the Fury, but I don't think the Express lose 2 in a row at home. Turlock with the win and the game going over. UPDATE Since Tovar no longer plays for Turlock, Then I change my pick to Ontario winning.
St. Louis -6.5 @ Harrisburg +6.5 over/under 22.5 The Ambush's strength is their defense, and with the addition of Gordy Gurson to a quality offense is the deal breaker for me in this game, plus the fact that St.Louis is coming off of a tough OT loss at home. St. Louis covers the spread, and the game goes over 22.5.
Tacoma +6.5 @ Las Vegas -6.5 over/under 16.5 Las Vegas plays a physical style of indoor soccer and in the close confines of that friggen cursed Las Vegas Sports Park they should be able to defensively put a halt to what ever Tacoma tries to do offensively. On the other hand, a place like LVSP is the type of field that the Stars are used to playing in, so that could work to their favor. I say that Tacoma keeps it close, so I will give them the points, and in the smaller field they will keep the scoring down, so I go with the unders.
Saltillo -0.5 @ Tulsa +0.5 over/under 17.5 I want this game to go well for the Revolution, I hate seeing team teeter totter like Tulsa has done in the past few weeks. I hope Tulsa wins, but this game stays under.
Ontario +0.5 @ Turlock -0.5 over/under 13.5 The Fury have been beefing up their lineup latley, and I am interested and seeing what the product looks like on the field. The Express gave up their first home loss of the season to the Sockers, but I was impressed in the way that they played their 6th attacker for a majority of the game, I think that will pay off in a crunch. It is hard to go against the Express at home. On a neutral field I would probably take the Fury, but I don't think the Express lose 2 in a row at home. Turlock with the win and the game going over. UPDATE Since Tovar no longer plays for Turlock, Then I change my pick to Ontario winning.
St. Louis -6.5 @ Harrisburg +6.5 over/under 22.5 The Ambush's strength is their defense, and with the addition of Gordy Gurson to a quality offense is the deal breaker for me in this game, plus the fact that St.Louis is coming off of a tough OT loss at home. St. Louis covers the spread, and the game goes over 22.5.
Tacoma +6.5 @ Las Vegas -6.5 over/under 16.5 Las Vegas plays a physical style of indoor soccer and in the close confines of that friggen cursed Las Vegas Sports Park they should be able to defensively put a halt to what ever Tacoma tries to do offensively. On the other hand, a place like LVSP is the type of field that the Stars are used to playing in, so that could work to their favor. I say that Tacoma keeps it close, so I will give them the points, and in the smaller field they will keep the scoring down, so I go with the unders.
Saltillo -0.5 @ Tulsa +0.5 over/under 17.5 I want this game to go well for the Revolution, I hate seeing team teeter totter like Tulsa has done in the past few weeks. I hope Tulsa wins, but this game stays under.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
THE INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who took time to read and comment on the last edition INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX. I would also like to welcome the Tacoma Stars back into the MASL.
In the INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX I will, first of all, put the top ten teams in my STABLE. Then I will put the rest of THE HERD out to pasture (in no particular order). Finally, I will drop THE DEUCE, the two teams in the MASL that are stinking up THE OUTHOUSE.
2. Baltimore Blast The undefeated Blast picked up some big wins on the road against the Wave and the Waza Flo, and won at home against a good Rochester side. One of the best traits about the Blast is their defense. They one of the best goalies in the league in Vanzela, who has the best goals against average. They have one of the best defenders in Pat Healey, who has the most blocked shots in the league. Those two are a big reason why Baltimore has the least amount of goals scored against them in the league and also have a penalty kill better than 70%.
3. Milwaukee Wave Milwaukee's only losses have come at the hands, or feet I should say, actually thinking back to their loss to Missouri, hands of Chicago, Baltimore, and Missouri. They started out the season playing 7 of their 8 games on the road, which isn't easy, they play in the most difficult division, they have had one of the toughest schedules, but they are still sitting pretty and will most likely win their last 4 games to put them in second place in the division.
4. Monterrey Flash The Flash just lost at home in OT to the Comets, but I still have them ranked highly, only because they have the 5th best power play, the 2nd best penalty kill, the second most goals scored in the league, a 7-0 road record, and on of the best goalies in the league Jose Bontti. The only knock against them is that they have gained a lot of wins against mediocre teams like Saltillo, Brownsville, and Hidalgo, 10 of their 14 to be exact.
5. Chicago Mustangs Chicago has a very tough bunch of games to finish out the season and needs to pick up some wins if they want to make to the postseason. Their next game on the road in Missouri will be especially tough, but important if they want to hold off the B-52's, who have been picking up wins and gaining ground in the division. They have a high powered offense with some very talented players and the 4th best power play in the MASL. These next 6 games are going to be crucial for the Mustangs.
6. San Diego Sockers After their unsuccessful journey into the Central Division the Sockers have won six straight, and will most likely win their seventh this Saturday. They team has been sharpening their talons over these last few games and coming together as a team, learning each others habits and styles, and improving their ranks with the addition of Louis Piffer and Evan Mundine to the squad. The last 4 games of the regular season will be important for the team as they look to the postseason.
7. Wichita B-52's The B-52's have one five of their last six games under the leadership of great players like Matt Clare and Alex Moseley. They have a penalty kill better than 70% and a fighting spirit that has lead them to some amazing finishes. If they can keep up their winning ways they might be able to break into the number three spot in the division and make it to the postseason.
8. Oxford City FC The team that was the laughing stock of the league picked up some outstanding players and now they have won four out of their last five and now hold a spot in the playoffs. I am interested in how they finish out the rest of there season in their games against Monterrey and Dallas to see how they are playing and how they will match up against the teams they will face in the playoffs.
9. Ontario Fury The Fury scare the hell out of me as a Sockers fan. Whether they were the Anaheim Bolts of the Ontario Fury, the Sockers have beat them 11 straight times, and we will play them 2 more times before the end of the season. That is 13 straight losses before we could possibly face them again in the playoffs. It just feels bad. On the field they are a great team with a lot of play makers and a seasoned and crafty coach Bernie Lilavois who knows a thing or two about winning. They too have a difficult end to the season, but that will only make them better going forward.
10. Dallas Sidekicks It has been said that "The best ability is availability" and unfortunately for much of the season the Sidekicks bench has been fighting a battle against injury and other forces that have kept them from suiting up their ideal team. They seem to be getting back some of their pieces and putting together some wins here at the end of the season just in time for the playoffs. It is possible that having such a unusually difficult regular season in terms of player health and availability, which has led to a number of losses is a sign of possible postseason success, given that when they cruise through the regular season they usually are immediately eliminated. I am interested in what their roster looks like as the season comes to an end, and if they can pick up wins against Monterrey at home and Oxford City on the road.
St. Louis Ambush
Syracuse Silver Knights
Las Vegas Legends
Turlock Express
Rochester Lancers
Detroit Waza Flo
Brownsville Barracudas
Sacramento Surge
Tacoma Stars
Saltillo Rancho Seco
2. Harrisburg Heat "Knock Knock" "Who is there?" "Owen" "Owen who?" "0 and 12"
In the INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX I will, first of all, put the top ten teams in my STABLE. Then I will put the rest of THE HERD out to pasture (in no particular order). Finally, I will drop THE DEUCE, the two teams in the MASL that are stinking up THE OUTHOUSE.
THE STABLE
1. Missouri Comets The Comets are still undefeated this season, and their last win, on the road against the Monterrey Flash. was an overtime win that highlighted the Comets' poise and discipline as they came back from being down a couple times against the Flash. They have secured the Central Division Title, they have the best power play percentage, the best penalty kill percentage, the goalie with the most wins, two of the top five points leaders, the most road wins, and they have scored the most goals.2. Baltimore Blast The undefeated Blast picked up some big wins on the road against the Wave and the Waza Flo, and won at home against a good Rochester side. One of the best traits about the Blast is their defense. They one of the best goalies in the league in Vanzela, who has the best goals against average. They have one of the best defenders in Pat Healey, who has the most blocked shots in the league. Those two are a big reason why Baltimore has the least amount of goals scored against them in the league and also have a penalty kill better than 70%.
3. Milwaukee Wave Milwaukee's only losses have come at the hands, or feet I should say, actually thinking back to their loss to Missouri, hands of Chicago, Baltimore, and Missouri. They started out the season playing 7 of their 8 games on the road, which isn't easy, they play in the most difficult division, they have had one of the toughest schedules, but they are still sitting pretty and will most likely win their last 4 games to put them in second place in the division.
4. Monterrey Flash The Flash just lost at home in OT to the Comets, but I still have them ranked highly, only because they have the 5th best power play, the 2nd best penalty kill, the second most goals scored in the league, a 7-0 road record, and on of the best goalies in the league Jose Bontti. The only knock against them is that they have gained a lot of wins against mediocre teams like Saltillo, Brownsville, and Hidalgo, 10 of their 14 to be exact.
5. Chicago Mustangs Chicago has a very tough bunch of games to finish out the season and needs to pick up some wins if they want to make to the postseason. Their next game on the road in Missouri will be especially tough, but important if they want to hold off the B-52's, who have been picking up wins and gaining ground in the division. They have a high powered offense with some very talented players and the 4th best power play in the MASL. These next 6 games are going to be crucial for the Mustangs.
6. San Diego Sockers After their unsuccessful journey into the Central Division the Sockers have won six straight, and will most likely win their seventh this Saturday. They team has been sharpening their talons over these last few games and coming together as a team, learning each others habits and styles, and improving their ranks with the addition of Louis Piffer and Evan Mundine to the squad. The last 4 games of the regular season will be important for the team as they look to the postseason.
7. Wichita B-52's The B-52's have one five of their last six games under the leadership of great players like Matt Clare and Alex Moseley. They have a penalty kill better than 70% and a fighting spirit that has lead them to some amazing finishes. If they can keep up their winning ways they might be able to break into the number three spot in the division and make it to the postseason.
8. Oxford City FC The team that was the laughing stock of the league picked up some outstanding players and now they have won four out of their last five and now hold a spot in the playoffs. I am interested in how they finish out the rest of there season in their games against Monterrey and Dallas to see how they are playing and how they will match up against the teams they will face in the playoffs.
9. Ontario Fury The Fury scare the hell out of me as a Sockers fan. Whether they were the Anaheim Bolts of the Ontario Fury, the Sockers have beat them 11 straight times, and we will play them 2 more times before the end of the season. That is 13 straight losses before we could possibly face them again in the playoffs. It just feels bad. On the field they are a great team with a lot of play makers and a seasoned and crafty coach Bernie Lilavois who knows a thing or two about winning. They too have a difficult end to the season, but that will only make them better going forward.
10. Dallas Sidekicks It has been said that "The best ability is availability" and unfortunately for much of the season the Sidekicks bench has been fighting a battle against injury and other forces that have kept them from suiting up their ideal team. They seem to be getting back some of their pieces and putting together some wins here at the end of the season just in time for the playoffs. It is possible that having such a unusually difficult regular season in terms of player health and availability, which has led to a number of losses is a sign of possible postseason success, given that when they cruise through the regular season they usually are immediately eliminated. I am interested in what their roster looks like as the season comes to an end, and if they can pick up wins against Monterrey at home and Oxford City on the road.
THE HERD
St. Louis Ambush
Syracuse Silver Knights
Las Vegas Legends
Turlock Express
Rochester Lancers
Detroit Waza Flo
Brownsville Barracudas
Sacramento Surge
Tacoma Stars
Saltillo Rancho Seco
THE DEUCE
1. Tulsa Revolution Forfeiting to Chicago probably saved Tulsa some unnecessary embarrassment. I watched the Ambush rock them last weekend and it was tough to watch. I could pile some more on the Revolution, but I am already kicking them while they are down and feel bad enough.2. Harrisburg Heat "Knock Knock" "Who is there?" "Owen" "Owen who?" "0 and 12"
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Lavishly's Picks Sunday Week #14
Syracuse -0.5 @ Rochester +0.5 over/under 25.5 Rochester is coming off of a loss to Baltimore in which they played a decent game, but fell short to the powerhouse Blast. The Lancers loss is nothing to hang their heads about, Rochester jumped out to an early lead off a Hoxie goal, Kapinos played a stellar game in goal, and the Lancer's defense did a good job of holding back the Blast attack. Syracuse was actually behind for a while against the Heat, but were able to march back into the lead and win the game with ease with a lot of help from 4 Nelson Santana goals. I think Rochester will pull off the win at home. Salles, who was held to only 2 assists yesterday in Baltimore is due for a few goals today at home. Hoxie, who had 2 goals yesterday, has been on a roll for the Lancers finding the back of the net often as of late. I will go with the overs in this game since 25,5 points is only 12.75 goals.
Wichita +4.5 @ Milwaukee -4.5 over/under 10.5 Wichita will be crashing into Milwaukee riding a wave of momentum. Do you see what I did there? They have won 5 straight games and last night's game was an amazing come from behind win against rival St. Louis which saw the B-52's score 5 goals in the fourth to force overtime before a Moseley goal won the game. Milwaukee is returning home after winning a tight game on the road in Detroit. Detroit and Milwaukee were neck and neck through the whole game until the Wave crashed through the Waza defense in the 4th quarter and put the game away. Did you see what I did there? 10.5 goals is not a lot, so I will go with the overs in this game, and I will go with the points for Wichita. I don't think the B-52's win the game, but the Wave won't break over the 5 point mark. Did you see that? That's three.
Dallas -0.5 @ Brownsville+0.5 over/under 11.5 Dallas wins, overs.
Missouri -2.5 @ Monterrey+2.5 over/under 14.5 This will be an interesting game to watch just because of the two different styles of play that both teams employ. Missouri is a more tactical team who likes to posses the ball and create opportunities, where as Monterrey likes to push the pace of the game and do a little running and gunning on transition and turnovers. Missouri should be able to win the game, but the can they cover the 2.5? I will give the benefit of the doubt to the Flash at home and give them the 2.5 points.
Las Vegas -3.5 @ Tacoma+3.5 over/under 15.5 I haven't seen enough of the Stars, but Vegas plays a physical game that throws their opponents off their game, and I bet they do that in this game. Las Vegas needs to keep winning to secure their spot in the postseason, so I will pick them to win and cover the points, and the game will go over.
San Diego -4.5 @ Sacramento+4.5 over/under 15.5 Sockers cover, overs.
Wichita +4.5 @ Milwaukee -4.5 over/under 10.5 Wichita will be crashing into Milwaukee riding a wave of momentum. Do you see what I did there? They have won 5 straight games and last night's game was an amazing come from behind win against rival St. Louis which saw the B-52's score 5 goals in the fourth to force overtime before a Moseley goal won the game. Milwaukee is returning home after winning a tight game on the road in Detroit. Detroit and Milwaukee were neck and neck through the whole game until the Wave crashed through the Waza defense in the 4th quarter and put the game away. Did you see what I did there? 10.5 goals is not a lot, so I will go with the overs in this game, and I will go with the points for Wichita. I don't think the B-52's win the game, but the Wave won't break over the 5 point mark. Did you see that? That's three.
Dallas -0.5 @ Brownsville
Missouri -2.5 @ Monterrey
Las Vegas -3.5 @ Tacoma
San Diego -4.5 @ Sacramento
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Lavishly's Picks Saturday Week #14
Rochester +11.5 @ Baltimore -11.5 over/under 22.5 The Lancers have been kind of up and down lately on the offensive side of the ball. Guys like Hoxie and Salles have been the offensive mainstays as of late, scoring a lot of goals for Rochester, but at times the Lancers attack has been left wanting. I am hoping that in Baltimore they can produce enough to keep the Lancers in the game and within 11.5 of the Blast, which is really 5 goals and some change, so I will go with the points for Rochester, and I will go with the under, I have a feeling that the Brothers Kapinos will play a strong defensive game and keep Baltimore out of the net.
Syracuse -8.5 @ Harrisburg+8.5 over/under 29.5 The Silver Knights cover against the winless Heat, and I don't think that Harrisburg can score enough to put the game over, so I will go with the unders.
Wichita +0.5 @ St. Louis -0.5 over/under 12.5 Even though the Ambush won the game last night, there were some times where they had scoring opportunities but couldn't finish, keeping the game from going over 14.5 and keeping me from getting my pick right. The B-52's had the Ambush's number last time they met, but at home and after a warm up game against a bad Tulsa team gets them the win and enough goals for the game to go over. Gordy Gurson seems to be fitting into the offensive side of the St. Louis game and is make their squad better as a whole. I think Gurson can score 2 goals by himself in this game. Wichita has been improving with every game they play, and guys like Clare, Alverez, and Moseley will need to be kept in check if the Ambush are going to get the W.
Dallas -5.5 @ Brownsville+5.5 over/under 11.5 The Sidekicks seem to have the Barracudas number so far this season, so I will pick them to cover the 5.5 and I think Dallas could score 11 goals by themselves, so I will go with the overs.
Milwaukee -3.5 @ Detroit+3.5 over/under 12.5 I think Detroit is going to go into Milwaukee today prepared for the Wave and play a good game, they have yet to beat the Wave, and I don't think they will go down easily today. If Detroit is going to pull off the upset they will need to keep LSO quiet, because he seems to be good for 2 goals every time they play each other, and for Detroit the key will be Miki Djerisilo. If Miki can have a productive game and stay out of the box, the Waza Flo should be able to keep they game lose enough to where they are within striking distance of winning. Detroit really needs someone to step up and play a lights out game on the offensive side of the ball and lead them to a victory, but MKE plays such a good defensive game, especially at home, that it will be a very tall order. I expect Detroit to play a solid game and keep it within 3.5, and Both teams should be able to play enough good defense to keep the game under 12.5. UPDATE!!! I am a knucklehead, the whole time I was writeing this I thought that Detroit was on the road, but since they are playing at home I am going to keep my same pick Detroit +3.5 and the game staying under 12.5, but I will go ahead and say that I think the Waza Flo will pick up their first win against MKE and shock the MASL world with an upset win at home.
Chicago -6.5 @ Tulsa+6.5 over/under 14.5 The best thing that Tulsa did yesterday was change out their goalies, but against a faster team like the Mustangs with an explosive offense they will need a lot more. They are playing on a neutral field, but that doesn't matter for the Revolution when you consider that the only average about 500 people a game. Chicago covers, but the game stays under. But I guess this game will not be played, oh well, Tulsa needs some time alone to lick their wounds.
San Diego -4.5 @ Sacramento+4.5 over/under 15.5 San Diego pulled off the win last night, but Turlock was no easy task, despite the lopsided score, Turlock playing with a sixth attacker for as long as they did against a good team like the Sockers will pay off in the future. I was impressed with what they did, and it will only make them a better team. The Surge are terrible. San Diego covers and the game goes over.
Syracuse -8.5 @ Harrisburg
Wichita +0.5 @ St. Louis -0.5 over/under 12.5 Even though the Ambush won the game last night, there were some times where they had scoring opportunities but couldn't finish, keeping the game from going over 14.5 and keeping me from getting my pick right. The B-52's had the Ambush's number last time they met, but at home and after a warm up game against a bad Tulsa team gets them the win and enough goals for the game to go over. Gordy Gurson seems to be fitting into the offensive side of the St. Louis game and is make their squad better as a whole. I think Gurson can score 2 goals by himself in this game. Wichita has been improving with every game they play, and guys like Clare, Alverez, and Moseley will need to be kept in check if the Ambush are going to get the W.
Dallas -5.5 @ Brownsville
Milwaukee -3.5 @ Detroit
Chicago -6.5 @ Tulsa
San Diego -4.5 @ Sacramento
Friday, January 23, 2015
Lavishly's Picks MASL Weekday #14
Tulsa +6.5 @ St. Louis -6.5 over/under 14.5 Tulsa
seems to be getting worse as the season progresses, and they won't pick
up a win in St. Louis. The question is "can the Ambush win by 7
points?" Tulsa has been losing their games lately by a lot of points,
and the fact that they are playing in St. Louis makes me think that they
can run the score up on the Revolution, so I will go with the Ambush
covering and the score going over.
Missouri -9.5 @ Saltillo +9.5 over/under 20.5 No team has gone into Saltillo and hung more 7 or more points on Rancho Seco. Monterrey didn't do it, Las Vegas didn't do it, and Dallas lost, so I will give the points to Saltillo. Missouri probably isn't as invested in this game as much as they are in the upcoming Monterrey Flash game so I don't think that they will press as much and they should keep their scoring down so I will go with the unders.
San Diego -1.5 @ Turlock +1.5 over/under 12.5 Turlock has not lost at home yet this season, and the Sockers don't exactly play their best ball at Turlock Indoor. Tovar is no stranger to the Sockers and what they bring, and the Sockers usually bring out the best in the opposing teams, so I will give the points to the Express at home and go with the overs.
Missouri -9.5 @ Saltillo +9.5 over/under 20.5 No team has gone into Saltillo and hung more 7 or more points on Rancho Seco. Monterrey didn't do it, Las Vegas didn't do it, and Dallas lost, so I will give the points to Saltillo. Missouri probably isn't as invested in this game as much as they are in the upcoming Monterrey Flash game so I don't think that they will press as much and they should keep their scoring down so I will go with the unders.
San Diego -1.5 @ Turlock +1.5 over/under 12.5 Turlock has not lost at home yet this season, and the Sockers don't exactly play their best ball at Turlock Indoor. Tovar is no stranger to the Sockers and what they bring, and the Sockers usually bring out the best in the opposing teams, so I will give the points to the Express at home and go with the overs.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Lavishly's Picks MASL Week #13
Baltimore -5.5 @ Milwaukee +5.5 over/under 16.5 This is the last game in their six game home stand, and probably their hardest. Milwaukee is no slouch, especially at home, and the games in Milwaukee tend to stay lower in scoring so I will take the unders. The Wave have played enough quality opponents so far that I think they should be able to keep it close with the Blast, maybe even pull off the win, so I will give them the points in this one.
St. Louis +7.5 @ Missouri -7.5 over/under 15.5 7.5 seems like a whole lot of points for a team that has never lost to the Comets by more than 3. The Ambush lost a tough one on the road in Wichita, and they will lose again in Missouri, but not by 7.5. The Ambush are a good team so I will give them the points, and I think I will go with the overs in this one since Waltman is out and Missouri will probably let in a few more than usual.
Rochester +2.5 @ Syracuse -2.5 over/under 24.5 This has been a fun rivalry to watch, very exciting games and passionate players and fans make it even better. Syracuse seems to be pulling away from Rochester, and at home I have to take the Silver Knights covering 2.5 points. 24.5 seems like a lot for an over/under, but when you think about it, 24.5 points is only 12.25 goals, or 8.16 three point shots. Over.
Sacramento +5.5 @ Las Vegas -5.5 over/under 15.5 Sacramento has improved as a team over the past 5 games or so, but not enough to go into Vegas and get the win. Vegas still feels the sting of losing the lead in the last 5 minutes of play against the Turlock Express before ultimately losing the game in overtime. The Legends won't lose two in a row. Las Vegas beat the Surge in Sacramento once already by 6 points, so I will go with the Legends covering 5.5 at home but the game stays under.
San Diego -5.5 @ Tacoma +5.5 over/under 15.5 I am glad the Tacoma Stars are in the MASL, but they will have a blunt "how do you do" as they are thrown into a game against a top team more than half way through the regular season. Sockers cover and the game goes over.
Baltimore -11.5 @ Detroit +11.5 over/under 21.5 It is never easy to go into the Melvindale Arena and face the Detroit Waza Flo, and if you have been following THE INDOOR OUTHOUSE you know the reasons why. I will give Detroit the 11.5 and this game stays under 21.5
Turlock +1.5 @ Ontario -1.5 over/under 13.5 Ontario keeps improving their roster and their on the field play. Both Turlock and Ontario are playing for the second place spot in the Pacific Division, so this game has playoff implications riding on it. All the games played by San Diego, Las Vegas, Ontario, and Turlock for the rest of the the regular season have a lot riding on them, because one of these teams season will end prematurely. The Pacific Division race is very exciting and I can't wait see how it pans out. I think that Ontario covers at home, and the game goes over.
St. Louis +0.5 @ Wichita -0.5 over/under 10.5 I was sitting in my car in the parking lot outside the Sockers game last Saturday watching the St. Louis at Wichita game unfold on my phone. I knew that I wasn't missing much in the Sockers vs Heat game, and that the B-52 game, which was tied up at 5 for the majority of the 4 quarter, was the exciting watch. It delivered, Wichita won the game at the end of an tense and action packed 4th quarter. Afterwards I went into the Sports Arena and the game was 5-0 halfway through the 1st quarter, so I knew I didn't miss much. Beating a team twice is a hard thing to do, so I will pick the Ambush to win, and the game goes over 10.5.
Oxford City +3.5 @ Dallas -3.5 over/under 13.5 The laughingstock of the league over the years has all of a sudden secured a playoff spot and turned the tables on the Southern Division. These lines are all wrong, Oxford is the better team, but I will take advantage. I will give Oxford the points and go with the overs.
Harrisburg +10.5 @ Syracuse -10.5 over/under 27.5 In case some of you don't know, I predicted that the Harrisburg Heat wouldn't win a single game this season back in the beginning of November, and unlike some of the terrible predictions that I saw some people make, and you know who you are, this one seems to be panning out. Syracuse covers and the game goes over.
Las Vegas -0.5 @ Ontario +0.5 over/under 13.5 This is a tough one, these two teams always play each other rough, and the last time they played it was a foul filled hack fest where the refs pulled a total of 12 blue cards and 4 yellow cards. Ontario gave the Legends 5 power play opportunities, while the Fury were on the power play a whopping 9 times. Holy Cow! I am definitely going to watch this rematch it only to see if anyone brings a prison shank on the field, maybe a sharpened tooth brush or a razor hidden in the mouth. I think that Ontario wins this one and it goes over, but I think that the other over unders is where the action is at. I need to come up with an over for the number of punches thrown, the number of flops, the number of blue, yellow, and red cards, the number of times that the coaches are on the field screaming, and the number of cheap shots by certain players. If anyone has any ideas let me know.
Tulsa +8.5 @ Chicago -8.5 over/under 16.5 Tulsa Stinks. Chicago covers, game game goes over.
Saltillo +2.5 @ Monterrey -2.5 over/under 11.5 Saltillo doesn't stink as bad as the Revolution, but the Flash still cover the the game goes over.
St. Louis +7.5 @ Missouri -7.5 over/under 15.5 7.5 seems like a whole lot of points for a team that has never lost to the Comets by more than 3. The Ambush lost a tough one on the road in Wichita, and they will lose again in Missouri, but not by 7.5. The Ambush are a good team so I will give them the points, and I think I will go with the overs in this one since Waltman is out and Missouri will probably let in a few more than usual.
Rochester +2.5 @ Syracuse -2.5 over/under 24.5 This has been a fun rivalry to watch, very exciting games and passionate players and fans make it even better. Syracuse seems to be pulling away from Rochester, and at home I have to take the Silver Knights covering 2.5 points. 24.5 seems like a lot for an over/under, but when you think about it, 24.5 points is only 12.25 goals, or 8.16 three point shots. Over.
Sacramento +5.5 @ Las Vegas -5.5 over/under 15.5 Sacramento has improved as a team over the past 5 games or so, but not enough to go into Vegas and get the win. Vegas still feels the sting of losing the lead in the last 5 minutes of play against the Turlock Express before ultimately losing the game in overtime. The Legends won't lose two in a row. Las Vegas beat the Surge in Sacramento once already by 6 points, so I will go with the Legends covering 5.5 at home but the game stays under.
San Diego -5.5 @ Tacoma +5.5 over/under 15.5 I am glad the Tacoma Stars are in the MASL, but they will have a blunt "how do you do" as they are thrown into a game against a top team more than half way through the regular season. Sockers cover and the game goes over.
Baltimore -11.5 @ Detroit +11.5 over/under 21.5 It is never easy to go into the Melvindale Arena and face the Detroit Waza Flo, and if you have been following THE INDOOR OUTHOUSE you know the reasons why. I will give Detroit the 11.5 and this game stays under 21.5
Turlock +1.5 @ Ontario -1.5 over/under 13.5 Ontario keeps improving their roster and their on the field play. Both Turlock and Ontario are playing for the second place spot in the Pacific Division, so this game has playoff implications riding on it. All the games played by San Diego, Las Vegas, Ontario, and Turlock for the rest of the the regular season have a lot riding on them, because one of these teams season will end prematurely. The Pacific Division race is very exciting and I can't wait see how it pans out. I think that Ontario covers at home, and the game goes over.
St. Louis +0.5 @ Wichita -0.5 over/under 10.5 I was sitting in my car in the parking lot outside the Sockers game last Saturday watching the St. Louis at Wichita game unfold on my phone. I knew that I wasn't missing much in the Sockers vs Heat game, and that the B-52 game, which was tied up at 5 for the majority of the 4 quarter, was the exciting watch. It delivered, Wichita won the game at the end of an tense and action packed 4th quarter. Afterwards I went into the Sports Arena and the game was 5-0 halfway through the 1st quarter, so I knew I didn't miss much. Beating a team twice is a hard thing to do, so I will pick the Ambush to win, and the game goes over 10.5.
Oxford City +3.5 @ Dallas -3.5 over/under 13.5 The laughingstock of the league over the years has all of a sudden secured a playoff spot and turned the tables on the Southern Division. These lines are all wrong, Oxford is the better team, but I will take advantage. I will give Oxford the points and go with the overs.
Harrisburg +10.5 @ Syracuse -10.5 over/under 27.5 In case some of you don't know, I predicted that the Harrisburg Heat wouldn't win a single game this season back in the beginning of November, and unlike some of the terrible predictions that I saw some people make, and you know who you are, this one seems to be panning out. Syracuse covers and the game goes over.
Las Vegas -0.5 @ Ontario +0.5 over/under 13.5 This is a tough one, these two teams always play each other rough, and the last time they played it was a foul filled hack fest where the refs pulled a total of 12 blue cards and 4 yellow cards. Ontario gave the Legends 5 power play opportunities, while the Fury were on the power play a whopping 9 times. Holy Cow! I am definitely going to watch this rematch it only to see if anyone brings a prison shank on the field, maybe a sharpened tooth brush or a razor hidden in the mouth. I think that Ontario wins this one and it goes over, but I think that the other over unders is where the action is at. I need to come up with an over for the number of punches thrown, the number of flops, the number of blue, yellow, and red cards, the number of times that the coaches are on the field screaming, and the number of cheap shots by certain players. If anyone has any ideas let me know.
Tulsa +8.5 @ Chicago -8.5 over/under 16.5 Tulsa Stinks. Chicago covers, game game goes over.
Saltillo +2.5 @ Monterrey -2.5 over/under 11.5 Saltillo doesn't stink as bad as the Revolution, but the Flash still cover the the game goes over.
Friday, January 9, 2015
Lavishly's Picks MASL Week #12
Dallas -6.5 @ Saltillo +6.5 over/under 15.5 Dallas has struggled with getting a complete Kicks team on the field, and in their last game they struggled to get offensive opportunities, and when they had them they either were blocked by the skillful Juan Gamboa, or they missed their mark. Saltillo hasn't won a game, and their first win wont come in this game, but 6.5 is a lot of points, so I will give them to Saltillo, and lets say the game stays under.
Seattle +2.5 @ Turlock -2,5 over/under 15.5 Seattle dropped two games at home to the visiting B-52's, and now they have to go into Turlock to try and get a win, but winning in Turlock will be a tough challenge because it never comes easy to visitors there. Turlock wins, but I will give the points to Seattle and this game also stays under.
Harrisburg +5.5 @ Ontario -5.5 over/under 25.5 Harrisburg is bad. Ontario covers, but 25.5 is a lot of points so I will pick the unders.
Rochester +1.5 @ Syracuse -1.5 over/under 20.5 The last time Syracuse played Rochester they beat them by 4 goals. Rochester couldn't get anything going offensively, especially in the second half where it looked like they were chasing and watching the ball a lot, Syracuse covers, and the game goes over.
Syracuse +9.5 @ Baltimore -9.5 over/under 25.5 Baltimore should be able to hang 5 goals on the Silver Knights, especially since Syracuse will have played a game the night before. This one goes over.
Chicago +2.5 @ Milwaukee -2.5 over/under 12.5 I don't think that the Wave will lose two games in a row at home, and I think they can cover at home. This game goes over 12.5
Harrisburg +9.5 @ San Diego -9.5 over/under 24.5 Harrisburg is bad. Sockers cover, but 24.5 is a lot of goals, so I will stick with the unders. I think that the Sockers should score 1 goal, and then play defense the whole game. Every time the Sockers steal the ball, dump it into the Harrisburg goalie, switch out a new crew from the bench, and D it up, over and over. The final score would be 1-0, and the Sockers defense would be much improved
Detroit +1.5 @ Rochester -1.5 over/under 14.5 These two teams have played each other twice, close in Detroit, and not close in Rochester. I think the Waza are due to keep it close and give the Lancer a run for their money and maybe even get the W. This one is tough, but I will play it safe, Rochester at home covers, and the game goes over.
Tulsa +13.5 @ Missouri -13.5 over/under 19.5 I didn't watch the Chicago vs Tulsa game, but I saw the highlights, and Tulsa looked pathetic. Chicago picked them apart and scored at will. Credit to Tulsa for not forfeiting half way through game and sticking it out. If Chicago can hang14 on the Revolution, so can the Comets. I am go going to go with the unders, because I don't think Tulsa can score a single goal, especially on Waltman and the Comets' D.
Seattle +0.5 @ Sacramento -0.5 over/under 18.5 Even though both teams are riding losing streaks, Seattle is on a really long losing streak. With every thing going on with Seattle, morale must be at an all time low, so I will go with the Surge, and stick with the unders.
St. Louis +0.5 @ Wichita -0.5 over/under 10.5 This looks like it will be a good came to watch. Wichita just got done beating the Seattle Impact twice in a row, but winning at home against the Ambush will be too difficult for the B-52's to pull off. Dispite the losing record, St. Louis is a very good team in a tough division and should win this game and put the game over.
Brownsville +4.5 @ Oxford City F.C. -4.5 over/under 12.5 These teams will play a double header to make up for a folding Hidalo La Fiera. I don't have a clue about the second game, so I will guess wildly, just like I do on everything else. Oxford is the most improved team in the league, and they should have no trouble winning both games. Oxford covers in both games and the game goes over in both.
Dallas -0.5 @ Monterrey +0.5 over/under 11.5 This is one of the biggest rivalries in the MASL, and I will be watching this game live, but Dallas going into Monterrey and winning seems like to tall an order for the depleted Kicks side. Monterrey wins, and the game goes over.
Las Vegas -1.5 @ Turlock +1.5 over/under 11.5 I will also be watching this game. These two teams always put on a good show when they play each other. Turlock keeps it close in this one, so I will give them the points, and the game goes over.
Seattle +2.5 @ Turlock -2,5 over/under 15.5 Seattle dropped two games at home to the visiting B-52's, and now they have to go into Turlock to try and get a win, but winning in Turlock will be a tough challenge because it never comes easy to visitors there. Turlock wins, but I will give the points to Seattle and this game also stays under.
Harrisburg +5.5 @ Ontario -5.5 over/under 25.5 Harrisburg is bad. Ontario covers, but 25.5 is a lot of points so I will pick the unders.
Rochester +1.5 @ Syracuse -1.5 over/under 20.5 The last time Syracuse played Rochester they beat them by 4 goals. Rochester couldn't get anything going offensively, especially in the second half where it looked like they were chasing and watching the ball a lot, Syracuse covers, and the game goes over.
Syracuse +9.5 @ Baltimore -9.5 over/under 25.5 Baltimore should be able to hang 5 goals on the Silver Knights, especially since Syracuse will have played a game the night before. This one goes over.
Chicago +2.5 @ Milwaukee -2.5 over/under 12.5 I don't think that the Wave will lose two games in a row at home, and I think they can cover at home. This game goes over 12.5
Harrisburg +9.5 @ San Diego -9.5 over/under 24.5 Harrisburg is bad. Sockers cover, but 24.5 is a lot of goals, so I will stick with the unders. I think that the Sockers should score 1 goal, and then play defense the whole game. Every time the Sockers steal the ball, dump it into the Harrisburg goalie, switch out a new crew from the bench, and D it up, over and over. The final score would be 1-0, and the Sockers defense would be much improved
Detroit +1.5 @ Rochester -1.5 over/under 14.5 These two teams have played each other twice, close in Detroit, and not close in Rochester. I think the Waza are due to keep it close and give the Lancer a run for their money and maybe even get the W. This one is tough, but I will play it safe, Rochester at home covers, and the game goes over.
Tulsa +13.5 @ Missouri -13.5 over/under 19.5 I didn't watch the Chicago vs Tulsa game, but I saw the highlights, and Tulsa looked pathetic. Chicago picked them apart and scored at will. Credit to Tulsa for not forfeiting half way through game and sticking it out. If Chicago can hang14 on the Revolution, so can the Comets. I am go going to go with the unders, because I don't think Tulsa can score a single goal, especially on Waltman and the Comets' D.
Seattle +0.5 @ Sacramento -0.5 over/under 18.5 Even though both teams are riding losing streaks, Seattle is on a really long losing streak. With every thing going on with Seattle, morale must be at an all time low, so I will go with the Surge, and stick with the unders.
St. Louis +0.5 @ Wichita -0.5 over/under 10.5 This looks like it will be a good came to watch. Wichita just got done beating the Seattle Impact twice in a row, but winning at home against the Ambush will be too difficult for the B-52's to pull off. Dispite the losing record, St. Louis is a very good team in a tough division and should win this game and put the game over.
Brownsville +4.5 @ Oxford City F.C. -4.5 over/under 12.5 These teams will play a double header to make up for a folding Hidalo La Fiera. I don't have a clue about the second game, so I will guess wildly, just like I do on everything else. Oxford is the most improved team in the league, and they should have no trouble winning both games. Oxford covers in both games and the game goes over in both.
Dallas -0.5 @ Monterrey +0.5 over/under 11.5 This is one of the biggest rivalries in the MASL, and I will be watching this game live, but Dallas going into Monterrey and winning seems like to tall an order for the depleted Kicks side. Monterrey wins, and the game goes over.
Las Vegas -1.5 @ Turlock +1.5 over/under 11.5 I will also be watching this game. These two teams always put on a good show when they play each other. Turlock keeps it close in this one, so I will give them the points, and the game goes over.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
THE INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who read and commented on the last INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX. It has been such a long time since I did one I can't remember who all read and posted, but I thank you. Remember, opinions are like buttholes, everyone has them and they all stink, especially mine here at THE OUTHOUSE, where they stink doubly so, hence the name of the blog.
In the INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX I will, first of all, put the top ten teams in my STABLE. Then I will put the rest of THE HERD out to pasture (in no particular order). Finally, I will drop THE DEUCE, the two teams in the MASL that are stinking up THE OUTHOUSE.
1. Missouri Comets The Comets are still undefeated after 11 games, and the last few games have been difficult to win, with the Comets fighting off the visiting Sockers, going into overtime against the Wave in Milwaukee, and then pulling out the win against a tough St, Louis Ambush. The Comets get the benefit of playing their next two games at home before going on a road trip to Mexico where they will play two game on the road, the second being against the 10-1 Monterrey Flash. Missouri plays smart indoor soccer, they have guys with speed, they pass the ball well, and they play good defense. They are an all around great team, and definitely #1.
2. Baltimore Blast Close behind the Missouri Comets are the Baltimore Blast. The Blast are also undefeated, but have played less games than the Comets, less road games, and they have a less difficult strength of schedule. That aside, I think that they are a top notch team and will be a top contender in the post season. I didn't watch any of the last game against Harrisburg, but the Blast are getting really good of beating the pants off the Heat.
3. Milwaukee Wave The MKE Wave have one of the hardest schedules in the league, and to be 7-5 up to this point is not too shabby. They have two more difficult games left in their 6 game home stand against Chicago and Baltimore before on the road to play the always dangerous Waza Flo in Detroit. The Wave's last loss to the Comets is nothing to be ashamed about, and their win against Rochester was dominate, with the Wave carrying a 7-1 lead into the 4th. The Wave play in the toughest division and will be a handful for any team they face.
4. Chicago Mustangs Five wins in a row have put the Mustangs into second place in the Central Division behind the Comets. Their next game will put them in Milwaukee fighting the Wave for the 2nd place spot in the division. They struggled offensively in their last game against Rochester, missing many opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net, while on the other side of the field Jesus Flores played an awe inspiring game in goal, carrying the Mustangs into overtime with some pure hustle saves.
5. St. Louis Ambush They may be 3 and 6, but they play in the toughest division and have only lost to teams that were ranked higher than them, and they have beaten Chicago, Detroit, and San Diego. They play good soccer under the direction of Daryl Doran, and have some really talented players on their roster. They seem to be a team that is always in the game and never really getting blown out.
6. Monterrey Flash When you look at the 11 wins that the Flash have racked up, 6 of them have come against Brownsville and Saltillo, who have a combined 2 wins, and two of them came against a now defunct team. What looked even worse was when the Las Vegas Legends, who had traveled down to Saltillo and played a game the night before, came into Arena Monterrey and beat a rested Flash team. Now they host long time division rivals in an game that could have a lot of meaning in the fight for advantage in the postseason,
7. San Diego Sockers The Sockers dropped 2 of their last 3, but are fighting to make up for it before playing a difficult final four games of their season. San Diego has been playing better soccer as a team, but are still a long way off from playing at their full potential.
8. Dallas Sidekicks The Kicks lost a bad game at home to an Oxford City F.C. team that has improved drastically since the begging of the season, but other than that, they have won 8 games with a team that has struggled to keep a complete and healthy squad on the field. This next game in Monterrey will be important for the Sidekicks, who want to put themselves in the best position possible for the playoffs.
9. Las Vegas Legends After starting the season out slowly, the Legends have quickly racked up 5 wins in a row, including a difficult win in Monterrey against the Flash, and a win in Ontario against the Fury. Las Vegas is in the hunt in the Pacific Division, which has 4 teams battling it out for the top spot, and really needs to play their best soccer in Turlock next week, where they have yet to find a win this season.
10. Oxford City F.C. The addition of Tayou, de Sousa, Gamboa, and Farias, have made a team with good players like Totti, Malloy, and Parente even better. With their win last week against the Sidekicks, and with Dallas' trip down South of the Border coming up, Oxford City has the potential to wrestle the second place spot in the division out of the hands of the Kicks.
Wichita B-52's
Detroit Waza Flo
Tulsa Revolution
Brownsville Barracudas
Seattle Impact
Turlock Express
Rochester Lancers
Sacramento Surge
Ontario Fury
Harrisburg Heat and Saltillo Rancho Seco Ed Dravecky predicted it, and has seen it coming for a long time. Both teams are a combined 0 and 16. (insert poop joke here)
In the INDOOR OUTHOUSE POWER INDEX I will, first of all, put the top ten teams in my STABLE. Then I will put the rest of THE HERD out to pasture (in no particular order). Finally, I will drop THE DEUCE, the two teams in the MASL that are stinking up THE OUTHOUSE.
THE STABLE
1. Missouri Comets The Comets are still undefeated after 11 games, and the last few games have been difficult to win, with the Comets fighting off the visiting Sockers, going into overtime against the Wave in Milwaukee, and then pulling out the win against a tough St, Louis Ambush. The Comets get the benefit of playing their next two games at home before going on a road trip to Mexico where they will play two game on the road, the second being against the 10-1 Monterrey Flash. Missouri plays smart indoor soccer, they have guys with speed, they pass the ball well, and they play good defense. They are an all around great team, and definitely #1.
2. Baltimore Blast Close behind the Missouri Comets are the Baltimore Blast. The Blast are also undefeated, but have played less games than the Comets, less road games, and they have a less difficult strength of schedule. That aside, I think that they are a top notch team and will be a top contender in the post season. I didn't watch any of the last game against Harrisburg, but the Blast are getting really good of beating the pants off the Heat.
3. Milwaukee Wave The MKE Wave have one of the hardest schedules in the league, and to be 7-5 up to this point is not too shabby. They have two more difficult games left in their 6 game home stand against Chicago and Baltimore before on the road to play the always dangerous Waza Flo in Detroit. The Wave's last loss to the Comets is nothing to be ashamed about, and their win against Rochester was dominate, with the Wave carrying a 7-1 lead into the 4th. The Wave play in the toughest division and will be a handful for any team they face.
4. Chicago Mustangs Five wins in a row have put the Mustangs into second place in the Central Division behind the Comets. Their next game will put them in Milwaukee fighting the Wave for the 2nd place spot in the division. They struggled offensively in their last game against Rochester, missing many opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net, while on the other side of the field Jesus Flores played an awe inspiring game in goal, carrying the Mustangs into overtime with some pure hustle saves.
5. St. Louis Ambush They may be 3 and 6, but they play in the toughest division and have only lost to teams that were ranked higher than them, and they have beaten Chicago, Detroit, and San Diego. They play good soccer under the direction of Daryl Doran, and have some really talented players on their roster. They seem to be a team that is always in the game and never really getting blown out.
6. Monterrey Flash When you look at the 11 wins that the Flash have racked up, 6 of them have come against Brownsville and Saltillo, who have a combined 2 wins, and two of them came against a now defunct team. What looked even worse was when the Las Vegas Legends, who had traveled down to Saltillo and played a game the night before, came into Arena Monterrey and beat a rested Flash team. Now they host long time division rivals in an game that could have a lot of meaning in the fight for advantage in the postseason,
7. San Diego Sockers The Sockers dropped 2 of their last 3, but are fighting to make up for it before playing a difficult final four games of their season. San Diego has been playing better soccer as a team, but are still a long way off from playing at their full potential.
8. Dallas Sidekicks The Kicks lost a bad game at home to an Oxford City F.C. team that has improved drastically since the begging of the season, but other than that, they have won 8 games with a team that has struggled to keep a complete and healthy squad on the field. This next game in Monterrey will be important for the Sidekicks, who want to put themselves in the best position possible for the playoffs.
9. Las Vegas Legends After starting the season out slowly, the Legends have quickly racked up 5 wins in a row, including a difficult win in Monterrey against the Flash, and a win in Ontario against the Fury. Las Vegas is in the hunt in the Pacific Division, which has 4 teams battling it out for the top spot, and really needs to play their best soccer in Turlock next week, where they have yet to find a win this season.
10. Oxford City F.C. The addition of Tayou, de Sousa, Gamboa, and Farias, have made a team with good players like Totti, Malloy, and Parente even better. With their win last week against the Sidekicks, and with Dallas' trip down South of the Border coming up, Oxford City has the potential to wrestle the second place spot in the division out of the hands of the Kicks.
THE HERD
Syracuse Silver KnightsWichita B-52's
Detroit Waza Flo
Tulsa Revolution
Brownsville Barracudas
Seattle Impact
Turlock Express
Rochester Lancers
Sacramento Surge
Ontario Fury
THE DEUCE
Harrisburg Heat and Saltillo Rancho Seco Ed Dravecky predicted it, and has seen it coming for a long time. Both teams are a combined 0 and 16. (insert poop joke here)
Friday, January 2, 2015
Lavishly's Weekend Picks MASL Week #11
Saltillo +0.5 @ Brownsville -0.5 over/under 16.5 The 0-7 Rancho Seco travel into Brownsville to take on the 1-9 Barracuda in a match to determine who will hold the bottom spot in the Southern Division. What a stinker. Both teams average giving up 10 goals a game, so I will go with the overs, especially since both teams are outdoor arena teams. Who will win the match is another story. The last time that Saltillo played in Brownsville they lost to the Barracudas by a point, 12-11. This is one of those game you stay away from, but since I have to pick, what the hell, Saltillo picks up their first win of the season on the road.
Rochester +4.5 @ Milwaukee -4.5 over/under 14.5 After their shoot out loss at home, I doubt that the Milwaukee Wave loss again at home. This is the first time that the two teams have played each other this year, so it is hard to predict what will happen. 4.5 seems like a lot, but after watching the Lancers lose to the Silver Knights at home, and especially after their inept 3 period, I don't think that Rochester has the offensive skills, like ball possession and shot selection, to match up with the MKE Wave's defense. The combined total of points has only gone over 14.5 once in Milwaukee this season, and that was last game, I think that the Wave's offense should be able to put the score in the overs.
Oxford City +3.5 @ Dallas -3.5 over/under 11.5 Things seem to have come together for the Sidekicks as of late with players getting healthy and the team coming off a big win against Oxford City F.C. Dallas covers 3.5 and this game goes over 11.5.
Baltimore -16.5 @ Harrisburg +16.5 over/under 27.5 Harrisburg goes for loss #8 this season against the Blast. I don't even want to think about this game. I will give Harrisburg the points and take the unders. Whatever. No wait, friggen MPS, I'll take the overs.
Tulsa +7.5 @ Chicago -7.5 over/under 16.5 The Revolution are playing game four of their 7 game road trip in Chicago against the Mustangs, who are riding a three game win streak. Chicago has the ability to run the score up on Tulsa with their offensive skill and speed, but Tulsa doesn't score that many points, so I don't know whether to take the overs or unders. I guess I will say that Chicago covers and the game goes over.
Sacramento +6.5 @ San Diego -6.5 over/under 14.5 Sacramento has been sneaky good latley, winning two in a row, and then keeping it close with Ontario. This game goes over 14.5, but 6.5 points seems like a lot to give to the Surge, especially when you consider "The Old Sockers Let Up." "The Old Sockers Let Up" is when San Diego is beating a team with the greatest of ease, and then they give up a bunch of points in the 4 quarter to let them back into the game. It has been happening since 2009. Like this season, when the Sockers were beating Seattle 17-5 and we gave up 5 straight goals at the end of the game. Or like last season when we were beating Ontario 7-2 and we gave up 4 at the end of the game. And the season before that when we were beating Phoenix 9-1 and coughed up 4. And the season before that when we played Tijuana and were beating them 14-3 before dropping 7 in the last 20 mins. I could go back and dig up even more games further back, but I am trying to get this done so I can watch some College Foosball. If you don't believe me, look it up yourself. I will give the Surge the 6.5 points.
Las Vegas +0.5 @ Ontario -0.5 over/under 13.5 Ontario seems to be coming together as a team and are on their way to the postseason, but Vegas has battled their way out of the bottom of the Pacific Division with a four game win streak, and a win in Ontario will put them back into second place in the division. Ontario wins this game, and it goes over 13.5. Ontario will score points, Vegas needs to make sure they take advantage of their opportunities to score if they want to hang in the game.
Wichita -2.5 @ Seattle +2.5 over/under 14.5 These two teams haven't played each other yet, and I haven't seen as much of the B-52's as I have the Impact this season. It seems as though Seattle has improved with every game that they have played, but have fallen victim to their own costly mistakes. I think they will play a good game at home and possibly get the W. Give the points to Seattle and go with the overs.
Missouri -6.5 @ St. Louis +6.5 over/under 16.5 No team has beaten the Comets this season, but 6.5 seems like a whole lot of points. St. Louis is riding the wave of a big win over the Sockers and seem to be playing their best soccer of the season. I think I will give the Ambush the points in this one and stay with the unders.
Rochester +1.5 @ Chicago -1.5 over/under 16.5 After playing a game Thursday at home, Saturday in Milwaukee, and then Sunday in Chicago the Lancers will be spent. It will be very difficult to run with the Mustangs at home after all that playing and traveling. Chicago covers 1.5, but this game stays under 16.5
Wichita -2.5 @ Seattle +2.5 over/under 16.5 I will wait until after they play each other the first time before picking this game.
Rochester +4.5 @ Milwaukee -4.5 over/under 14.5 After their shoot out loss at home, I doubt that the Milwaukee Wave loss again at home. This is the first time that the two teams have played each other this year, so it is hard to predict what will happen. 4.5 seems like a lot, but after watching the Lancers lose to the Silver Knights at home, and especially after their inept 3 period, I don't think that Rochester has the offensive skills, like ball possession and shot selection, to match up with the MKE Wave's defense. The combined total of points has only gone over 14.5 once in Milwaukee this season, and that was last game, I think that the Wave's offense should be able to put the score in the overs.
Oxford City +3.5 @ Dallas -3.5 over/under 11.5 Things seem to have come together for the Sidekicks as of late with players getting healthy and the team coming off a big win against Oxford City F.C. Dallas covers 3.5 and this game goes over 11.5.
Baltimore -16.5 @ Harrisburg +16.5 over/under 27.5 Harrisburg goes for loss #8 this season against the Blast. I don't even want to think about this game. I will give Harrisburg the points and take the unders. Whatever. No wait, friggen MPS, I'll take the overs.
Tulsa +7.5 @ Chicago -7.5 over/under 16.5 The Revolution are playing game four of their 7 game road trip in Chicago against the Mustangs, who are riding a three game win streak. Chicago has the ability to run the score up on Tulsa with their offensive skill and speed, but Tulsa doesn't score that many points, so I don't know whether to take the overs or unders. I guess I will say that Chicago covers and the game goes over.
Sacramento +6.5 @ San Diego -6.5 over/under 14.5 Sacramento has been sneaky good latley, winning two in a row, and then keeping it close with Ontario. This game goes over 14.5, but 6.5 points seems like a lot to give to the Surge, especially when you consider "The Old Sockers Let Up." "The Old Sockers Let Up" is when San Diego is beating a team with the greatest of ease, and then they give up a bunch of points in the 4 quarter to let them back into the game. It has been happening since 2009. Like this season, when the Sockers were beating Seattle 17-5 and we gave up 5 straight goals at the end of the game. Or like last season when we were beating Ontario 7-2 and we gave up 4 at the end of the game. And the season before that when we were beating Phoenix 9-1 and coughed up 4. And the season before that when we played Tijuana and were beating them 14-3 before dropping 7 in the last 20 mins. I could go back and dig up even more games further back, but I am trying to get this done so I can watch some College Foosball. If you don't believe me, look it up yourself. I will give the Surge the 6.5 points.
Las Vegas +0.5 @ Ontario -0.5 over/under 13.5 Ontario seems to be coming together as a team and are on their way to the postseason, but Vegas has battled their way out of the bottom of the Pacific Division with a four game win streak, and a win in Ontario will put them back into second place in the division. Ontario wins this game, and it goes over 13.5. Ontario will score points, Vegas needs to make sure they take advantage of their opportunities to score if they want to hang in the game.
Wichita -2.5 @ Seattle +2.5 over/under 14.5 These two teams haven't played each other yet, and I haven't seen as much of the B-52's as I have the Impact this season. It seems as though Seattle has improved with every game that they have played, but have fallen victim to their own costly mistakes. I think they will play a good game at home and possibly get the W. Give the points to Seattle and go with the overs.
Missouri -6.5 @ St. Louis +6.5 over/under 16.5 No team has beaten the Comets this season, but 6.5 seems like a whole lot of points. St. Louis is riding the wave of a big win over the Sockers and seem to be playing their best soccer of the season. I think I will give the Ambush the points in this one and stay with the unders.
Rochester +1.5 @ Chicago -1.5 over/under 16.5 After playing a game Thursday at home, Saturday in Milwaukee, and then Sunday in Chicago the Lancers will be spent. It will be very difficult to run with the Mustangs at home after all that playing and traveling. Chicago covers 1.5, but this game stays under 16.5
Wichita -2.5 @ Seattle +2.5 over/under 16.5 I will wait until after they play each other the first time before picking this game.
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