MLS News & Betting Tips – Columbus Crew v New York Red Bulls

Thierry Henry Heading to New York to join MLS?

MLS Weekly News Round Up
With Manchester United and Tottenham heading off across the pond to face US opposition, and with the United States having been involved in some thrilling games at the 2010 World Cup, it is time to focus on the MLS (Major League Soccer) which is home to an ever developing standard of soccer. The 2010 World Cup final was the most viewed football match in US history, which is something of a surprise, when you think that the US weren’t involved in it themselves. The biggest news out of the MLS, is that former Arsenal star Thierry Henry is heading to the New York Red Bulls. The MLS transfer window is now open, and if reports are to be believed, then Henry could be in line to make his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in a friendly match against the Red Bulls on July 22. There are also rumours that Mexico and Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez will be going with Henry to the Red Bulls. Luring Henry to the MLS is no small thing, but there is a rule in MLS which is the “Designated Player Rule” (aka the Beckham Rule) which allows for two designated player whose full salary won’t count towards the salary cap. So, as it stands, only $335,000 of Thierry Henry’s salary would go against the Salary Cap, and anything over that, the club would have to pay themselves.

The 2010 MLS Season runs from the end of March to November 21, and the format is split into two conferences, the East and the West, with 8 teams in each. A team plays every team (from both conferences) at home and away, accounting for a total of 30 games. Things are not just settled with a straight league win, as the top eight teams then go on through to the MLS Play Offs, which all builds up to the MLS Cup championship Final. The top two teams from each conference automatically qualifies, then the next four teams with the highest points total (from any conference). At this point, it is a tournament bracket, with the automatically qualified teams taking the seeded berths. The Columbus Crew won the Supporters’ Shield, which is the team with the best record over the season, out of all 16 teams in the MLS. That was the second consecutive season the Crew had won it, and they completed the double in 2008 by winning the MLS Cup too. Real Salt Lake beat David Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy in the final of the MLS Cup last season, winning 5-4 on a penalty shoot out. For the start of the 2011 season, two expansion teams will join the league, with Vancouver and Portland Timbers getting in on the mix.

Eastern Conference MLS Standings

Western Conference MLS Standings

Manchester United are taking on Scottish side Celtic first on their tour of the US, followed by taking on Philadelphia, Kansas, the MLS All-Stars and the Chivas Guadalajara down in Mexico. So, as you can see, Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils are not facing the best teams in the MLS by any stretch of the imagination. Tottenham, meanwhile, are squaring off against San Jose and the New York Red Bulls.

MLS Game of the Week

Columbus Crew v New York Red Bulls. Undoubtedly the match of the week will take place on Saturday, July 17th, when the New York Red Bulls travel to the Columbus Crew Stadium to take on Ohio’s best. The MLS took a break for the World Cup, but since getting back into action, Columbus have cemented their position at the top of the Eastern Conference, and a win over the second place Red Bulls would open up a very healthy seven point lead over their nearest Conference Rivals. The two sides met back in May in New York, with the Crew running out comfortable 3-1 winners. For the Crew, Guillermo Barros Schelotto is the main man up front, and is leading Columbus with five goals in the MLS so far this season. It’s not a particularly great total, but Columbus are a great all round team, with goals being chipped in from all over the park. This is in contrast to the New York Red Bulls, whose star striker, former Aston Villa player Juan Pablo Angel, has fired in nine goals, and is second in MLS scoring overall for the 2010 season. The Red Bulls have drawn their previous two outings though, which has really dented their Conference hopes. If they are to welcome Thierry Henry into their ranks, then they will receive a huge boost up front. While his transfer seems to pretty much be a done deal as it gets dragged through the rumour-mill, it’s unlikely he’ll be taking any part in Saturday’s big match. Being at home, the Crew are fairly safe to back, as they have won six and lost just one match on home turf this season. In contrast to that, the Red Bulls have only won three on the road during 2010, but will have had a longer break than Columbus, who play on Wednesday night against Kansas. Having a punt on a bet which ends in a draw would probably serve here, or slightly leaning towards Columbus, as they have a better defence than New York. Look at a Draw No Bet option on the Crew if you want some coverage.

Columbus Crew to win: 10/11 at Sporting Bet
Draw: 12/5 at Bet365
New York Red Bulls: 11/4 at Bet365

MLS 2010 Season Stats Leaders
Leading Goalscorer: Edson Buddle (LA) 10
Most Assists: Landon Donovan (LA) 10
Most Shots: Juan Pablo Angel (NY) 53
Most Shots on Target: Sebastien Le Toux (PHI) 23
Game Winning Goals: Edson Buddle (LA) 5
Game Winning Assists: Landon Donovan (LA) 4