Let's get ready to ruuuumble!!!

We are about 90 minutes away from MLS Cup kickoff, so I may as well re-prove my foolishness by making a prediction. Before I go there, however, let's take a quick look a last look at some match-up notes.

2008 Head-to-Head: New York 2-1

All-Time Head-to-Head: New York 21-20-5

Leading scorers: Ángel 14 (NYRB), Moreno 9 (CLB)

• The Crew have surrendered the first goal 18 times this year, but rallied to win or tie 11 of those times.

• A Columbus victory would make them the first Supporter's Shield to win the silver since the 2002 Los Angeles Galaxy - also coached by Sigi Schmid.
  

• For the first time since the league's debut season, a pair of MLS Cup newcomers will play for the prize. The victor will become the seventh club to hoist the trophy. They will also become only the second to win coming out of the East (after four-time champs D.C. United).
  

• Crew top gun Alejandro Moreno will be the only starter to have won an MLS Cup. He has lifted the trophy with Los Angeles and Houston. Teammate Ezra Hendrickson is the only other Sunday participant to have won - and he also has two rings.
  

So what's my call? I expect the underdogs to do some counter damage on the flanks, but Columbus has a pair of highly capable wingbacks ready for a challenge. The real difference-maker, however, is league MVP Schelotto. Because of his influence, let's go with a familiar Crew plot: New York scores first, but Columbus rallies to win 2-1.

And now that I've had my say, let's allow USMNT coach Bob Bradley to have his...




And finally, if your team is one of those jealously watching the Bulls and the Crew clash today, maybe the new episode of Extra Time will take your mind to next season. Greg and Shep meet up again to discuss the competition changes announced by commish Don Garber on Friday.




- Greg Seltzer

[Photo: FightPhotos]