2006 MLS Cup Preview

The Revs are due, much like the Galaxy in 2002. Unlike that team though, the game is pretty much balanced. There isn't a favorite this time around, which Steve Nicol might not be used to. In 2002 the Revs were huge underdogs (despite playing at home), and in 2005 they were huge favorites. Both times they played poorly, so maybe thing will change now. The biggest issue on the field is the loss of Ricardo Clark for the Dynamo. He was just named to the Best XI and won't be easily replaced. Adrian Serioux will take his role in the midfield while Ryan Cochrane is expected to slot into the back four. That's a big deal, because it's a big downgrade in two positions. They really are lacking in depth compared to the Revs. But last year, you could've said the same thing about the Galaxy against NE. I have to go with the Revs to win the game, 2-0. Here's a statistical look at which team might have the advantage. Let's look at the previous ten cups to see how the two finalists have done taking into account several different factors. All categories are for the regular season only, except for playoff stats (where it's up until the cup). Higher Seed Record: 3-5 2006: Tied Higher PPG (shootouts as draws) Record: 4-6 2006: NE Better Offense Record: 4-6 2006: HOU Better Defense Record: 6-4 2006: NE Goal Differential Record: 5-4 (2003 tied) 2006: Tied Better Playoff Record (shootouts as draws) Record: 6-3 2006: Tied Better Playoff Goal Differential Record: 5-5 2006: HOU Better Average Attendance Record: 5-5 2006: HOU More Best XI Selections Record: 3-3 2006: HOU Season Series Record: 2-3 2006: Tied More MVP Finalists Record: 5-2 2006: HOU Highest Individual Goalscorer Record: 5-4 2006: Tied Distance to MLS Cup City Record: 6-4 2006: HOU More Players Used Record: 5-3 2006: NE Most Goalscorers Record: 3-6 2006: HOU