The Major League Soccer playoffs begins on Thursday when the New England Revolution take on the Chicago Fire. The game will be shown live on ESPN2 at 7:30 PM EST.

In the first round of the MLS playoffs, each team plays a home game and the winner of the series is decided on an aggregate-goal format. These first round games will take place between October 30th and November 9th.

New England Revolution versus Chicago Fire
While the Chicago Fire are likely a top three team in all of the MLS, the story of this first round matchup is the ugly play of the New England Revolution. The Revolution simply aren’t that good and don’t stand much of a chance against the Fire.
PREDICTION: Chicago Fire wins

New York Red Bulls versus Houston Dynamo
While the New York Red Bulls will give a good fight, the Houston Dynamo are just too tough. The Dynamo have all the right pieces to make it to the finals of the MLS Cup. Houston shouldn’t overlook New York but they definitely should advance.
PREDICTION: Houston Dynamo wins

Real Salt Lake versus Chivas USA
Of all the first round matchups, this is easily the best. Both teams are really good and each has the ability to go a long ways in these playoffs. Although Chivas USA had the better regular season record, Real Salt Lake has played better in recent weeks. Expect RSL to advance.
PREDICTION: Real Salt Lake wins

Kansas City Wizards versus Columbus Crew
Kansas City has a lot of talented players on their side but unluckily for their team they are going up against arguably the best team in the MLS. Columbus is playing at a really high level and they are a definite threat to go all the way in the playoffs. However, they better not overlook the Wizards
PREDICTION: Columbus Crew

Tags: columbus crew, houston dynamo, major league soccer, MLS, mls playoffs, new england revolution, new york red bulls, Soccer
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