Last week saw several unexpected things, including our first draw of the season. It also saw my picks go 3-2-1, moving my record to 10-5-1 on the season.
This is the last time I’ll view this season as young. After Round 4, we’ll be a quarter of the way into the season. The preseason feeling has been shaken. This weekend will not tell us who will lift the Shield in June, but it will make clear who these teams are.
With that said, here’s my picks for Round 4.
Legion @ Gold
I don’t believe the Legion will run the table. I do believe the Gold are the second-best team in the East. With all that said, the Legion are playing at a different level than any other team. Joe Pieterson looks like he’ll be rostered, which adds an insane influx of talent. How is it that the best team in the MLR has been this good without one of the top guys in the league? Just can’t pick against San Diego right now, but I don’t expect a blowout.
Winner: Legion
Old Glory @ Gilgronis
Old Glory is 2-1. The Gilgronis are 0-2-1. I have serious questions about both teams. Austin is trending up, but what’s their ceiling? DC is winning, but their scrum is bad at best. I’ll give the nod to the home team, but this might be the toughest game to call this week.
Winner: Gilgronis
Warriors @ Raptors
The Warriors pulled out a draw in Austin. Colorado remains winless. Neither of those facts instill confidence, yet this feels like an important matchup. The one-win Warriors are number two in the West. A win could provide them some separation exiting the first quarter of the season. The Raptors have some talent, but I don’t see a high ceiling. This won’t be a runaway, but Utah has more upside. It should show on a short road trip.
Winner: Warriors
Free Jacks @ Seawolves
The Free Jacks have came back to earth after their Round 1 shocker. Seattle can’t seem to get on track, but they’ve played the two best teams and a decent team on the road. The Seawolves have injuries littered through their roster. I think this team could have a late run in them, but they need to hang around and not dig too deep of a hole. I think they will have a big crowd at Starfire and begin to come together against an expansion team that has yet to have a home game.
Winner: Seawolves
Arrows @ Rugby ATL
Atlanta took their first loss last week, then have to turn around and host the class of the conference. I like the Atlanta defense. I love Toronto. This is a nearly complete roster. They could use a physical back, but they won’t need one to get past Atlanta.
Winner: Arrows
RUNY @ SaberCats
A matchup between two teams I picked for the playoffs, yet neither has really looked the part quite yet. I still have faith in the beaten up RUNY side, but Sam Windsor is one of the top backs in the league. Aviva Stadium should see a win, but this one is still a contest the last ten minutes, things could get wild. I’m expecting a lot of kicking.
Winner: SaberCats
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