MLS Soccer Predictions – SATURDAY JULY 17, 2010 – New York Red Bulls vs Columbus Crew
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The MLS began its 15th season this year and we’ve finally decided it’s time to give this league some handicapping love and provide some free SOCCER gambling analysis every week.
Onto the week’s MLS preview and prediction for the week.
MSG, ONN – 7:30 pm EST – MLS Betting Odds – New York Red Bulls (8-5-2) at Columbus Crew (8-3-4):
Columbus -120
New York +300
Draw: +240
The New York Red Bulls attempt to chase down the Columbus Crew as the two clubs battle for the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference on Saturday June 17 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Ohio.
After the side’s recent scoreless draw with DC United was coined as “boring” by New York head coach Hans Backe, fans and players will welcome the excitement of newly acquired transfer –French striker, Theirry Henry. No one will be more excited than Bulls leading scorer Juan Pablo Angel, who will most likely benefit from having the former Arsenal and Barcelona player on his flank.
The 32-year-old Henry is expected to make his Red Bulls’ debut on July 22 in an exhibition against Premier League club Tottenham.
With that said, the New York defense will once again be called upon as the team looks to extend its unbeaten streak to six and take back the lead in the conference. They backline of Albright, Mendes, Ream, and Borman have been solid as well as the play of goalkeeper Bouna Coundou, who has five clean sheets thus far in the season. 
The midfield has done an excellent job stifling the opposition’s attack, but continue to struggle connecting the defensive with the forward line. With Seth Stammler playing more and more as a dedicated defensive midfielder, Joel Lindpere will need to find more ways to create offense while still maintaining his defensive responsibilities.
Up top the forward line can finish when they are provided good service with Salou Ibrahim and Angel leading the charge. Ubiparipovic could add to the attack if necessary, and may be asked to do so to take advantage of a struggling Columbus defense.
The Crew’s offense has been terribly inconsistent, but even worse is their backfield play.
The usually confident Crew backline has been looking rather shaky as of late, and it was no different on Wednesday when the side was dismantled by the Kansas City Wizards in a 1-0 loss. The entire defense was caught off guard including Gino Padula, who nearly scored an own goal if not for some alert goalkeeping from William Hesmer.
The loss at home was the first in four games and was not reflective in any way of the strong midfield play that has landed the team at the top of the East.
Salt Lake vs Columbus Free Pick:
This should be a tasty match, as New York will be gunning for a wounded Columbus that handed the Red Bulls a 3-1 home loss at the beginning of May. I expect a 1-1 draw in this one.
We will continue to provide free weekly MLS gambling predictions due to the responses we’ve gotten on ourSoccer handicapping forums, and survey responses we’ve conducted on our soccer betting blog.
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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.
