As far the refereeing goes, I expect MLS Cup 2004 to be a tightly called game which is a disadvantage to Kansas City. Although the Wizards were the best team in the league defensively for the first 15 minutes of a game (only one goal allowed), when they hit the 20-minute mark, the game will settle down. I believe it will come down to several missed tackles in the midfield and an early yellow card accumulation to Kansas City defenders that will cause them to be too cautious.
With United striker Jaime Moreno dribbling at you, you have to have the freedom to foul him because sometimes that's the only way to stop him. When the game breaks down in the midfield and Moreno has the ball, K.C. defenders Jimmy Conrad and Nick Garcia have a decision to make. Play the ball or stick with the man. When that moment happens, I expect Alecko Eskandarian to do what he does best: get open and either Moreno or Christian Gomez will find him for the first goal.
As long as the game stays 1-0, I don't expect Kansas City to do anything drastic until the second half. The reason this will be a great game is the sense of urgency between the Wizards and United that will pick up five to 10 into second half. That's usually where most mistakes occur. K.C. will need to push to great a goal, they'll have to commit one more body forward and they'll have their chances to get back into this game. The final 20 minutes will be awesome. It's going to be hectic, filled with plenty of hard tackles, possibly even a second yellow, and a final score of 3-1 D.C.
Other goal scorers will include Davy Arnaud, Ryan Nelsen and Gomez ... unless Alecko gets a second. It's going to be cool. Enjoy.
Former U.S. international forward Eric Wynalda scored the first goal in MLS history, and is currently the analyst on RadioShack's Soccer Saturday on ESPN2. He can be reached at takingshots@hotmail.com. He was inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Oct. 11. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
