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Every game during the season will be predicted by myself, Matt Coyne, Time Dean, Austin Fido, and Red Bull Rant co-hosts Patrick MacDonald, and Truman. We'll be tracking how well we do, awarding points for each prediction. For each game, 1 point will be awarded for correctly predicting a Win, Loss, or Draw; and 2 points for a correct score prediction. Let's take a look at predictions for the first game.
Date: March 8, 2014
Opponent: Vancouver Whitecaps
Stadium: BC Place
TV: MSG 2
Kick Off: 7:30 pm Eastern
Matt Coyne: 1-1 Draw
It's turf, so you know Thierry Henry isn't making the trip and it's likely Jamison Olave won't either. While the Red Bulls have depth, it'll be tough to replace two of their most important players. A win is a big ask, but I think a draw is doable. I'm thinking 1-1. Not a bad way to start the season, really.
Tim Dean: 2-2 Draw
New York will most likely be heading to this match sans Henry, Cahill, Miller and Olave...that's two of our most important attackers and two of our most tested defenders. As such, things don't look all that promising. I think our back line will have a hard time keeping the shots on goal to a minimum and Vancouver will easily hang two on us. Conversely, Lloyd Sam and Bradley Wright-Phillips look like they're eager to make a statement. I think they both come out with a goal while Peguy pulls the strings. The match ends in a 2-2 draw and the Red Bulls return home with a solid point.
Austin Fido: 1-1 Draw
We haven't won the opening road game of the season since 2010. We haven't won the opening game of the season since 2011. We haven't beaten the 'Caps in Vancouver since...ever (Two MLS regular season games isn't much of a sample, but it's all the history we got for this fixture). And the last team to beat RBNY at the Arena in regular season play? Yep, Vancouver. 1-1 is all I need to be happy about this game. Hopefully, the 'Caps revamped squad will be too busy getting to know each other to deliver their best work.
For the predictions of Jason Iapicco, Patrick MacDonald, and Truman, tune into this week's episode of the Red Bull Rant.
