MLS Tournament Group B Preview

Group B

Oscar

Team: Philadelphia

Odds: 6 – 1

Previous Tournament performances: Group-stage

If he was a Star Wars character he would be: That dude in Phantom Menace who Liam Neson played and died against Darth Maul

So Oscar is back another bite of the cherry after an impressive showing last time round which saw him cause trouble in the ‘group of death’. Having been side-tracked by TBK he lost out on progressing to the semi-finals which I think he will do this time. With solid defensive skills that automatically gives him a great chance of winning and I don’t think he will too much problem taking Tez or Batman down, might have a struggle against the confident Bale and will lose to SpursBoy.

Verdict: Quarter-finals

Tez

Team: LA Galaxy

Odds: 20 - 1

Previous tournament performances: Group stage, Group stage

If he was a Star Wars character he would be: One of them droids who just die with one swipe of lightsaber

Well tournament regulars all know about 3 point Tez who has lost every single game he has played in over two tournaments and they weren’t particularly hard either. Many would say LA Galaxy are wasted on him and they are probably right, but you never know he might do something them. His game against Batman could be close and his game against SpursBoy will be interesting just for the comedy value. Anything bar zero points will be an achievement for Tez Marino.

Verdict: Group-stages

Bale

Team: Whitecaps

Odds: 11 – 1

Previous Tournament performances: N/A

If he was a Star Wars character he would be: Anakin’s Mum – not strong enough to mess with the big boys

A newcomer who seems confident in his Fifa abilities, but he hasn’t met Oscar or SpursBoy yet. Confidence is obviously not a bad thing and should see him have a solid debut against Tez and Batman which will give him a good platform for future tournaments.

Verdict: Group-stages

Batman

Team: NY Red Bulls

Odds: 14 – 1

Previous Tournament performances: Group-stages

If he was a Star Wars character he would be: A clone soldier

An average debut last tournament saw Batman give SpursBoy a scare and pick up his first win, can he build on it? Don’t think so. Another tough group will probably sink him and will get another win against Tez and possibly Bale

Verdict: Group-Stages

SpursBoy

Team: SJ Earthquakes

Odds: 1 – 2

Previous Tournament performances: semi-final, winner, winner

If he was a Star Wars character he would be: Luke Skywalker – the hero, the winner

Before I go on let me give you a few facts about SpursBoy: unbeaten over three tournaments in regulation time, is currently on a 12 match winning streak and is the only person to win two tournaments and also two in a row, he is that good.

Can’t see this group giving him much of a problem should sail it, bar Oscar who will challenge him. The last tournament to have a quarter-final stage was the Dutch one where SpursBoy lost in the semi-finals on extra time to Kent, could he fail in this format again? I don’t think so, the winner and three times in a row.

Verdict: winner