2013 MLS Cup Playoffs - Picks & Predictions

As the MLS Playoffs begin, Portland is embracing their first postseason 

With the Knockout Round Matches today and tomorrow, I wanted to revisit my preseason predictions and prognosticate the journey to the 2013 MLS Cup.

Revisiting the Predictions

I am pleased to report when revisiting A MLS Lifer Looks Forward I picked eight of the ten clubs in the playoff field:

• In the East, I only missed on New England as I had expected Chicago to complete the final five
• In the West, I only missed on Colorado as I had picked San Jose to make the final group

There is quite a bit of talent on the outside looking in as this was an amazing campaign for the fans leading up to the very last match of the season.

Predicting the Post Season

Before the season I had predicted that Los Angeles would win over Kansas City. As I complete my bracket I see a different final:

From the East - New England
Montreal beats Houston and loses to New York as New England surprises Kansas City as well as New York to get to the final

From the West - Portland
Seattle beats Colorado and loses to Portland as the Timbers defeat Salt Lake to take the West.

For the Final - Portland Timbers
My pick is 2-0 Portland at home on December 7th - There's something special about this year's team.  I may be biased as a proud member of the Timbers Army but it's hard to see it anyway else.

Enjoy the matches!

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Listen To Lou

My appreciation for Lou Reed goes back to my freshman year at Bowling Green.  Thanks to the generosity of  Bob who lived across the hall sharing his love for "All Things Lou" by playing his music repeatedly and loudly I have a great appreciation for Lou Reed as a musician, artist and influence to so many.

In an interview with Charlie rose he talked about the importance of ignoring trends and writing things that would still sound good thirty years later - not easily done but he accomplished both things.  So today, as I listen to the music and lyrics to 'New Sensations' ("sometimes I got lost and had to check the map."), I encourage you to Listen to Lou today and Learn Something About The Man.  You'll be glad you did.  

Lou Reed - The Door - Facebook

The Guardian Music Blog - Lou Reed - Six of His Greatest Songs

Paul Lukas - An Appreciation

Thank You and Rest in Peace Lou - #MusicMatters

hat tip: @CharlieRose @GuardianMusic @UniWatch and image from @PopDose 

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Change is Good at #ChangeConnect13

Change is Good

Today I am off to the second Change Connect symposium at Nike World Headquarters.  Last year's event was a great networking opportunity to meet fellow change practitioners and hear first hand about industry trends.  This year's event looks to be great with a lot of interesting breakout sessions and keynote speakers Josh Allen Dykstra today and Joseph Grenny tomorrow.

There's an app for that

If you're attending today make sure to download the app created for the event for Apple, Android, & Windows Mobile and open the Attendees section and Register to share your contact information and a bio with other attendees. Hope to meet you there!

Will be tweeting from @gurnick throughout the day with the hashtag  #ChangeConnect13

Change is Good!

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Saving Face

It appears that I have not been doing this correctly after many years according to the Wall Street Journal.

At this point I am just happy to have a face.  Easy does it going forward...

Hat Tip @WSJ

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