Champions League Fate Lies in United's Hand
As we head into the final matchday of the Premier League campaign, Manchester United finds itself on the precipice of grasping the fourth and final Champions League position from the clutches of its noisy neighbors. The tide turned for Manchester United over the course of the past weekend when Juan Mata scored the lone goal in the Red Devils' victory against Norwich City while United's crosstown rivals in blue failed to hold its goal advantage twice against Arsenal thus resulting in two dropped points.
As it stands, Manchester City sits in the coveted fourth position with a single-point lead over Manchester United BUT the fate came to rest in the hands of the Red Devils because they have an extra match to be played while City has only its match at the weekend remaining. To put the situation in the simplest terms possible: if Manchester United wins its remaining matches, then they will be playing in the Champions League next campaign while Pep and Manchester City will be left lamenting the error of making Manuel Pellegrini a lame duck manager halfway through the campaign.
Of course, nothing is as easy as it should be and this race for the final Champions League position is no different. First off, Manchester United must travel to London to face off against seventh-place West Ham United in what will be the Irons' final match at The Boleyn Ground so emotions will be running high for West Ham to close the grounds with a positive result. It should also be noted that (1) Manchester United, only a few weeks ago, went to Upton Park and knocked the Hammers out of The FA Cup quarterfinal round meaning West Ham will be anxious to return the favor and (2) West Ham are in the midst of its own battle to earn a berth in a European competition for its next campaign at its new stadium. With all of this being said, supporters for both sides will be antsy during tomorrow's match while the neutrals should be treated to a spirited (and hopefully, entertaining) affair.
As for the weekend finale, Manchester United will look to secure its place in the Champions League as it hosts AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford. Bournemouth, who currently sit safely in the sixteenth position, will have little more to play for aside being a spoiler to Manchester United's European aspirations but the Red Devils of Louis Van Gaal are not the Red Devils of Sir Alex Ferguson and they are prone to play down to its competition thus leaving itself open to the possibility of being spoiled.
Anyways, the final week of the Premier League season should be an exciting one for Manchester United supporters as we have been gifted with TWO critical matches to watch:
- Tomorrow (5/10), Manchester United are away to West Ham United in the final match at The Boleyn Ground with kickoff scheduled for 14:45 EDT.
- On Sunday (5/15), Manchester United closes the 2015/16 Premier League campaign by hosting Bournemouth in a match that will hopefully lead to the Red Devils claiming a spot in the Champions League next campaign. Kickoff for the match (and all other matches on the final matchday of the season) is at 10:00 EDT.
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Sporting's Struggles Continue, Fall 2:0 in Houston
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), I was unable to watch the match but judging by the score; it was probably for the best. Sporting Kansas City has struggled since opening the season with three wins having earned only five points in their last eight matches. To be honest, I wish I had some idea as to what may be the issue but I have only seen a handful of these matches and even if I had seen all eight matches; it would not make much of difference since I would not have a clue as to what to say. From some, they will say injuries combined with national team call-ups could have affected the first few negative results but Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, and Graham Zusi have been available for the last few matches and wins have still eluded Kansas City. For others, a lack of team chemistry and cohesion could be at the root of the problem and they may have a point. As of now, Peter Vermes looks to be still trying to figure out how to use his best XI players. Hopefully, Vermes will have it figured out soon as the week ahead does not provide Kansas City with any sort of break (playing the Dynamo should have been that) as they travel to Commerce City, Colorado to face off against the surprising Colorado Rapids, who currently sit first in the Supporters Shield table. It will be only about a month since the two sides' last meeting at Children's Mercy Park and in that match, the Rapids defeated Kansas City, 1:2, and the Rapids did it without US men's national team player Jermaine Jones, who had yet to sign or just signed with the club. During this match, Kansas City should expect the German-born American international to play a part in what will be a difficult away fixture.
Following the midweek fixture, Sporting Kansas City returns home to Children's Mercy Park on Sunday to host Orlando City SC (OCSC), the fifth-place side in the Eastern Conference, in another nationally-televised match that will be broadcast on ESPN starting at 15:30 EDT. In OCSC's last five matches, they have earned three points--drawing three times against New England (twice) and New York Red Bulls--but will look to be the next side to create another crack in the facade of Sporting Kansas City's home-field "advantage". So far this campaign, Kansas City has already lost twice in their five matches at Children's Mercy Park and they have not won a match at home since March.
Anyways, Sporting Kansas City will look to get back on track this week as they play two matches (one away and one home):
- Wednesday (5/11), Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 19:00 EDT
- Sunday (5/15), Orlando City at Children's Mercy Park, 15:30 EDT
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My Countdown to Atlanta United Kickoff 2017 "Officially" Begins
On a personal (yet soccer-related) note, I placed my deposit for season tickets to Atlanta United's inaugural season. It was a bit of a struggle financially but my friend Josh and I managed to piece it together and are now only six payments away from being a part of Atlanta soccer history. Our seats will be in the lower bowl behind the goal but not in the supporters section because (1) I am much too old to be standing for the duration of a match and (2) Josh is bringing his son along did not want his view (too) obstructed. Anyways, my account representative, Carlos, was real chill throughout the process and worked with me to ensure that we (1) got good seats and (2) did not stress too hard over making our deposit. It goes without saying that I am incredibly thrilled by this situation and I look forward to supporting Atlanta United against every team except Sporting Kansas City (I know Atlanta is my "hometown" but Kansas City is my first MLS love).
