MPF 2005: A Diagnosis

Why are the Metrostars on the verge of missing the playoffs? They simply haven't got the job done against expansion teams, the only team without a win against RSL and Chivas (three draws in three games). The season opener against RSL was understandable, in the monsoon-like conditions. But the second was not. Away to RSL (on July 4), they gave away a 2 goal lead in the second half and settled for a draw. Then, they had the bad timing to be the first team to go up against Chivas with their reinforcements, and were lucky to get a point. Currently, they are 3 points behind KC, with a game in hand. But they need the Wizards to drop points, since they'll lose on the second tiebreaker (goal differential). With away games in Chicago and DC, and playing on Sunday after the Saturday matches, the Metros last game might be meaningless. But if it isn't, they have a chance to either continue the trend or stop it at Chivas on the 16th. Current standings NE-55 DC-50 CHI-48 KC-43 MET-40 Points against expansion teams NE-9 DC-9 CHI-12 KC-10 MET-3 Points against non-expansion teams NE-46 DC-41 CHI-36 KC-33 MET-37