MLS Week 19

My All Star prediction was right. Who would have guessed?

In a strange turn of events, all five league games played in week seventeen were ties. Phenomenon. (Doo doo doo doo)

I don’t think the return to league games from the All Star break has ever been as swift as it is this year. Eight teams return to action on Sunday, with RSL and Toronto playing on Monday. It’s Monday Night Fútbol!

New York Red Bulls @ San Jose Earthquakes
When I learned that San Jose managed to hold Toronto to a tie last weekend, at home, I was dazed. We’ve seen that San Jose can play well, but playing at BMO Field is not a pleasant experience, so I hear. New York also managed to hold scoring giant LA to a tie, but their tie involved goals. In order to win at San Jose, like I expect them to, they will have to continue that.

LA Galaxy @ FC Dallas
Poor FC Dallas. During the All Star game we heard plenty of talk about European Teams pursuing Kenny Cooper and Juan Toja. Unfortunately, Dallas doesn’t have much else going for them. And as much as I make fun of LA, they have a lot of depth in their goal-scoring positions. Dallas, who started out the season so well, are just not doing well right now. I don’t anticipate anything but a Galaxy victory from this game.

Chicago Fire @ Kansas City Wizards
Kansas City are looking better. They managed to score twice in their match with Columbus (their first goal was an own goal). Very nice, Wizards. Chicago had very many chances again RSL, but Chad Barrett, master of hitting the post, was unable to score. So was Blanco, which makes me happy. I think KC just might be able to win this match.

Columbus Crew @ Colorado Rapids
Poor Colorado. It has been a difficult season for them. Columbus, much like RSL, has kind of shocked everyone by maintaining a fairly high standing on the Eastern rankings. They are currently in second place, and of these two, are the better team. They scored three goals for themselves and one for Kansas last Thursday. I fully expect them to leave the pitch with three points.

Toronto FC @ Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake, while only managing a draw at Chicago, definitely proved that they were the better team. Toronto proved nothing by their scoreless draw against San Jose. Except that they should not have let Brian McBride go to Chicago (assuming my suspicions are correct). Real is on a role. Still undefeated at home, I don’t anticipate that will change from this game. But it’s usually when I’m sure of a Real victory that they lose. Let’s give this one a tie and both teams will walk away with one point. Then, unless everyone else in the west ties or loses, RSL will no longer be in first place.

Half-way

So, the All Star game is usually the half-way mark on the season. This year is not exception. It's sad. There are only five remaining home games for Real Salt Lake. There are no other games this weekend to post predictions on, so here goes...

West Ham @ All Stars
This year the All Stars will be taking on West Ham from the English Premiere League. West Ham is probably all out of shape because it is the off-season for them. I anticipate an All Star Victory. I also anticipate a fight of some sort, and for Blanco to spend at least 10 minutes complaining.

It's going to be a good one. I believe it starts in about...51 minutes.

I am 24.98 years old

Well, it’s been a long time. I’ve actually been busy and completely unwilling to blog. I try to think of something to write about and then give up. I spend my energy elsewhere.

My birthday is coming up. I actually have less than a week remaining before I am twenty-five years old. It was bothering me for about ten minutes, then I got over it.

I think 25 is the last milestone in the age thing, before you hit 65 and suddenly everything is cheaper. At 25 you can rent a car without paying their extra underage fees. That’s something I’m definitely looking forward to.

Pepper has been telling me that if I don’t give her ideas, she is not going to get me anything for my birthday. She is basically complaining that I never tell her what I want or that I buy everything for myself. I have heard this complaint from my mom before too. When it’s Christmas time, I am not allowed to buy anything for myself.

The thing is, I like surprises. When someone asks me what I want for Christmas or my birthday, I kind of get peeved. I know that it’s a standard question, but come on. I don’t like to make a Christmas list. I usually don’t get half the stuff on it, even though I plan it according to the budget I know I have to work with.

I am the type of person who listens intently to what people say. If someone mentions in passing that they want something, I make a mental note for the next holiday. I also strictly observe the types of clothes that person wears, or what they say they do in their free-time. Then I shop accordingly.

So, I rarely ask anyone what they want. It helps that the person I buy gifts for the most is Pepper, and I know pretty much everything Pepper likes. We have a lot of the same tastes. I know Pepper’s size. I know Pepper’s favorite color. I know most of the movies in Pepper’s collection.

And that's the reason I usually don't have anything planned for what I want for the next holiday. I don't remember, but like I do for you, I expect you to remember. But then again, maybe the gifts I buy aren't any good. Then this whole rant sounds so dumb...