Jeff Bradley's Look Down the Stretch

(NOTE: As bad as that title may be, the original "Jeff Bradley's Tasty Nuggets," was worse by far.)

Jeff Bradley, whose work usually hides behind a subscription wall, turned in a rare “First XI” column for MLS’s site. Whatever inspired the man (and can I get some of it?), he decorated the piece with delectable talking points. From his faith that the New England Revolution will turn it around (a faith I don’t share), through the big love he passes to former-interim Red Bull New York coach Richie Williams, to the insight into DC United’s long-term strategy he picked up from Ben Olsen, one can find something to turn over and over in all eleven items.

But it was the subtly-voiced prognostications in #2 that most interested me:

"2. Remember the date: October 14."
"It's all set up. The final week of the regular season, every single game will have playoff implications. Book it. New England hosts Columbus, which will need a win to have a chance. New York hosts Kansas City with playoffs riding on the line for both clubs. Houston hosts Colorado, which will be trying to hold on to a spot. Los Angeles will need the full three points in its home match with FC Dallas. Supporters' Shield winners D.C. United will host a mathematically-alive Chicago Fire team. And Chivas USA will host RSL in a win-and-in match for both clubs. OK, maybe I've exaggerated a bit here. But it's shaping up.

Where to begin?

Will the Columbus Crew have a chance? (Personally, I’m pulling against this one; not out of animosity, but a wish to see history made.) The Colorado Rapids “will be trying to hold on to a [playoff] spot?” Predicting anything about Colorado seems as risky a proposition as anything in MLS’s 11th season.

One could find a talking point in each call - and Bradley admits to exaggerating - but the same neck-stretching spirit pervades the column. And that's a good thing.

This is the time of year when people start thinking of the end-game. Bradley's start isn't a bad one. I think he's got some misses - as already mentioned, I see Columbus sitting out the post-season, New England continuing to stagnate, and I worry more about the LA Galaxy shitting all over the regular season than he does - but educated guessing is the name of the game.

In any case, I'd trust Bradley before trusting me...

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