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	<title>North West Sports Beat &#187; Jason Green</title>
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		<title>MLS Gambling? Matchup report: Earthquakes vs. Whitecaps FC handicapping</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/san-jose-vs-vancouver-mls-matchup-preview-21712/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/san-jose-vs-vancouver-mls-matchup-preview-21712/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jul 2012 15:09:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Whitecaps Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2012]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=40081</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider and Whitecaps FC Blogger Jason Green weighs in with his gameday preview for Sunday's matchup between the San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Jason says Vancouver has been legit at home this season and the Earthquakes were a little lucky to escape their last match with a win, after a late penalty miss by Dallas. Darren Mattocks has really started to heat up for Vancouver. It must continue.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Matchup: San Jose vs Vancouver Insight</h2>
<p><a title="Vancouver MLS Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/whitecaps/"><strong>Vancouver</strong></a> is in the 2nd year of their existence and they are in the playoff hunt sitting tied for 3rd in the Western Conference. However, moving up will not be easy since they are facing San Jose, who has the best record in the MLS.</p>
<p><strong>Matchup: Earthquakes vs Whitecaps</strong><br />
<strong> Date: Sunday July 21st 2012</strong><br />
<strong> Time: 4:00 PM PT</strong><br />
<strong> Venue: BC Place</strong><br />
<strong> TV: TSN</strong><br />
<strong> Match Odds: Vancouver Whitecaps 2.37 / San Jose Earthquakes 3.00 / Draw 3.20</strong><br />
<strong> Over/Under: 2.5 goals</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="Bodog Sportsbook" href="http://nwsb.co/bodog">Bet on the Whitecaps here at Bodog!</a> (Bovada for folks in the USA)</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>The Whitecaps have no won their last 4 matches with 2 losses and 2 draws, but at least they are home where they have suffered only 1 loss this season. The Earthquakes have not lost in their last 3 matches and on the road this season they have 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses.</p>
<p>In their first match up this season the Earthquakes beat the Whitecaps 3-1, but a few weeks later Vancouver got revenge at home and beat San Jose 2-1.</p>
<blockquote><p>The recently signed <strong>Kenny Miller</strong> may make his debut for Vancouver in this match.</p></blockquote>
<p>The Whitecaps&#8217; offense may get a boost, as <strong>Atiba Harris</strong>will be returning from knee surgery.</p>
<div id="attachment_34920" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 312px"><img class=" wp-image-34920  " title="June 10, 2012 - MLS - Houston Dynamo at Vancouver Whitecaps FC" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Darren-Mattocks-vs.-Houston-630x419.jpg" alt="Dynamo at Whitecaps" width="302" height="201" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Vancouver Whitecaps 2.37 / San Jose Earthquakes 3.00 / Draw 3.20 (Photo by Bob Frid &#8211; Vancouver Whitecaps)</p></div>
<p>The Whitecaps will have to play good defense in this match, as they will be facing a San Jose squad that leads the league with 43 goals. To do that they will have to shut down the league&#8217;s top goal-scorer in Chris Wondolowski (17 goals).</p>
<p>He and the duo of Alan Gordon and Steven Lenhart have combined for 30 goals this season. Lenhart may miss this match due to a concussion.</p>
<p>Wondolowski has 6 goals in 4 league contests facing Vancouver.</p>
<p>Vancouver G <strong>Joe Cannon</strong> anchors the Whitecaps&#8217; defense and while he has played well this season their defense has given up 6 goals in the last 3 matches.</p>
<p>Vancouver must play well in the midfield and now allow the Earthquakes to dominate the time of possession, as if they do they will have many scoring chances and they will win.</p>
<p><strong>Darren Mattocks</strong> has really started to heat up for Vancouver this season and he has to pressure the San Jose defense that has only allowed 1 goal in their last 2 matches.</p>
<p><strong>Vancouver Last 3 Matches</strong></p>
<p>July 11th Toronto FC 3 Vancouver Whitecaps 2<br />
July 14th Chicago 1 Vancouver Whitecaps 0<br />
July 18th Vancouver Whitecaps 2 Los Angeles 2</p>
<p><strong>San Jose Last 3 Matches</strong></p>
<p>July 7th FC Dallas 0 San Jose 0<br />
July 14th San Jose 5 Real Salt Lake 0<br />
July 18th San Jose 2 FC Dallas 1</p>
<p><strong>Jason&#8217;s Prediction:</strong> Vancouver has been legit at home this season and the Earthquakes were a little lucky to escape their last match with a win, after a late penalty miss by Dallas.</p>
<p>I still think San Jose has too much offense and they will come away with a win tonight in the Great White North.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Bodog Sportsbook" href="http://nwsb.co/bodog">Bet on the Whitecaps here at Bodog!</a> (Bovada for folks in the USA)</strong></p>
<p><a title="Whitecaps FC Clubhouse" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/"><strong>CLICK HERE CHECK OUT OUR WHITECAPS FC BLOG AT THE NWSB!</strong></a></p>
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		<title>N.Y. Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps &#8211; MLS handicapping</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/new-york-red-bulls-vs-vancouver-mls-matchup-preview-20612/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/new-york-red-bulls-vs-vancouver-mls-matchup-preview-20612/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:08:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Vancouver Whitecaps Blog]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=35977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Inside and Whitecaps FC Blogger Jason Green weighs in with his gameday preview for Wednesday's matchup between the New York Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps. At press time, the MLS odds were Vancouver +125 New York +225 Draw +225. New York has a good young goalie in Ryan Mear and Thierry Henry is injured so watch for Kenny Cooper. Sebastien Le Toux and Camilo Sanvezzo have combined for 7 goals.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Matchup: Red Bulls vs Whitecaps FC  Insight</h2>
<p>The <a title="Whitecaps FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/whitecaps/"><strong>Whitecaps</strong></a> will play their 3rd straight home match when they host the New York Red Bulls.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://stats.nwsportsbeat.com/soccer/soccer-mls-matchups.aspx?page=/data/MLS/matchups/g10_summary_7.html">Matchup</a>:</strong><br />
<strong> NY 8-4-2 (4-4-0 V) vs. Vancouver 7-3-4 (5-1-2 H)</strong><br />
<strong> Match Odds: Vancouver 2.25 New York 3.25 Draw 3.25 </strong><br />
<strong> Moneyline: Vancouver +125 New York +225 Draw +225 </strong><br />
<strong> Over/Under: 2.5 goals</strong><br />
<strong> Odds provided by <a title="Bovada" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada/">Bovada</a></strong></p>
<p>Vancouver has won 2 straight matches and have not lost in their last 3 and with their solid play they now sit in the 3rd position in the Western Conference.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>While the Whitecaps are playing well the same cannot be said about the Red Bulls, who are coming off a loss and have not won in their last 3 matches. </strong></p></blockquote>
<p>However, they are still in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference only 2 games back of Kansas City and 4 points back of DC United.</p>
<p>While New York has a solid offense scoring the 2nd most goals in the MLS their defense has struggled, as they have given up 21 goals including 3 in their last match. On the season the Whitecaps have scored 17 goals and they have given up 15 goals.</p>
<p>This game will be the only one these 2 teams face each other this season.</p>
<p>The Whitecaps have not lost in their last 5 home matches and this season the Red Bulls have 4 wins and 4 losses on the road.</p>
<p><strong>Darren Mattocks </strong>had a red card in his last match and will be out for Vancouver in this non-conference affair. Mattocks scored 2 goals in Vancouver&#8217;s first match in this home stand and his loss will be missed.</p>
<div id="attachment_27842" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 308px"><img class=" wp-image-27842  " title="Camilo" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Camilo.jpg" alt="NY vs. Vancouver Preview" width="298" height="168" /><p class="wp-caption-text">NY Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Gambling Odds &amp; Handicapping</p></div>
<p>The Red Bulls have several players banged up and they are also without their head coach Hans Backe, who is attending to personal matters.</p>
<p>Thierry Henry blew out of the gates to begin the season and he has 9 goals, but he is still out with injury. Kenny Cooper has 11 goals on the season and he will be counted on to pace the New York offense.</p>
<p><strong>Sebastien Le Toux</strong> and <strong>Camilo Sanvezzo</strong> have combined for 7 goals this season and they are keys to the Vancouver offense.</p>
<p>They will be facing a suspect New York defense, but if the Red Bulls can shut these guys down they have a solid chance to win this match.</p>
<p>New York has a good young goalie in Ryan Mear and it will be interesting to see how he bounces back after giving up 3 goals in his last match.</p>
<p><strong>New York Last 3 Matches</strong></p>
<p>May 19th Montreal Impact 1 New York Red Bulls 2 (MLS)<br />
May 23rd New York Red Bulls 1 Chivas 1 (MLS)<br />
Jun 17th Chicago 3 New York Red Bulls 1 (MLS)</p>
<p><strong>Vancouver Last 3 Matches</strong></p>
<p>May 26th Portland Timbers 1 Vancouver Whitecaps 1 (MLS)<br />
Jun 10th Vancouver Whitecaps 3 Houston 1 (MLS)<br />
Jun 16th Vancouver Whitecaps 1 Colorado 0 (MLS)</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Jason&#8217;s Pick:</strong> I have to go with the Whitecaps since they are playing well at home and the Red Bulls have their big gun injured and have a defense that has a lot of issues.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Bet Now: <a title="Bovada" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada/">Click Here</a></strong></p>
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		<title>Seattle Sounders FC vs. Montreal Impact &#8211; MLS handicapping</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/seattle-vs-montreal-impact-mls-matchup-preview-16612/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/seattle-vs-montreal-impact-mls-matchup-preview-16612/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:05:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=35649</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Inside and Sounders FC Blogger Jason Green weighs in with his gameday preview for Saturday’s matchup between the Montreal Impact vs. Seattle Sounders. At press time, the MLS odds were Montreal 2.90 / Seattle 2.40 / Draw 3.25.  Eddie Johnson and Fredy Montero have combined for 7 goals so far this season and while the Seattle offense is not a dynamic one these guys are dangerous.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Matchup: Sounders vs Impact Insight</h2>
<p>The <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> are still in 3rd place in the Western Conference, but they have not won in their last 4 matches with 2 losses and 2 draws.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://stats.nwsportsbeat.com/soccer/soccer-mls-matchups.aspx?page=/data/MLS/matchups/g10_summary_6.html" target="_parent">Matchup</a>:<br />
Seattle 7-3-3 (2-0-3 V) at Montreal 3-7-3 (2-1-2 H)<br />
<strong>Saturday June 17th &#8211; 7:30 PM</strong><br />
<strong>Match Odds: Montreal 2.90 / Seattle 2.40 / Draw 3.25</strong><br />
<strong>Moneyline: Montreal +190 / Seattle +140 / Draw +225</strong><br />
<strong>Over/Under: 2.5 goals</strong></strong><br />
<strong>Odds provided by <a title="Bovada" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada/">Bovada</a></strong></p>
<p>However, they have a good chance to get back in the W column when they head North of the Border to play the expansion Montreal Impact.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>The Impact have 2 losses in their last 3 matches and they have given up the most goals in the Eastern Conference.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>The Impact have given up 5 goals in their last 2 matches and at least they will be facing a Seattle offense that has only scored more than 1 goal in their last 4 matches.</p>
<p>This season the Impact are 2-1-2 at home and the Sounders have yet to lose on the road with 3 wins and 2 draws.</p>
<p>The Sounders have the best defense in the MLS and have conceded the fewest goals. In their 5 away matches they have only given up 4 goals. Goalie <strong>Bryan Meredith</strong> posted 275 straight shutout minutes to start his career in the MLS and his goals against average is only 0.92.</p>
<p>The Impact&#8217;s offense is decent led by Bernardo Corradi, who has scored 4 goals.</p>
<p><strong>Eddie Johnson</strong> and <strong>Fredy Montero </strong>have combined for 7 goals so far this season and while the Seattle offense is not a dynamic one these guys are dangerous and will have to play well in Montreal.</p>
<div id="attachment_35662" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 293px"><img class=" wp-image-35662  " title="Eddie Johnson Sounders FC" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Eddie-Johnson-Sounders-FC.jpg" alt="Eddie Johnson" width="283" height="189" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Seattle Sounders vs. Montreal Impact Gambling Odds &amp; Handicapping</p></div>
<p>The Seattle offense has looked solid in their last 2 matches scoring 10 in 2 US Open Cup wins.</p>
<p>The Sounders have not played a MLS match in 3 weeks and they cannot come out rusty facing a Montreal team that does have talent.</p>
<p>The Montreal defense is led by central DF Matteo Ferrari and the former Italy Serie A player will have to play well for Montreal to win.</p>
<p>Goalie Donovan Rickets is error prone, but still a solid keeper that won 2010 MLS goalie of the year.</p>
<p>Montreal midfielder Felipe is a crafty player that is creative and must open up some scoring chances for the Impact on offense and also get back on defense, especially on the counter attack.</p>
<p>The Impact can attack quickly and have good ball movement and they will have to do those things against a great Sounders&#8217; defense.</p>
<p><strong>Montreal Last 5 Matches</strong></p>
<p>Apr 28th Montreal Impact 2 Portland Timbers 0 (MLS)<br />
May 5th Kansas City 0 Montreal Impact 2 (MLS)<br />
May 12th Montreal Impact 1 Los Angeles 1 (MLS)<br />
May 19th Montreal Impact 1 New York Red Bulls 2     (MLS)<br />
May 26th Colorado 3 Montreal Impact 2 (MLS)</p>
<p><strong>Seattle Last 5 Matches</strong></p>
<p>May 19th Vancouver Whitecaps 2 Seattle Sounders 2 (MLS)<br />
May 23rd Seattle Sounders 0 Columbus 2 (MLS)<br />
May 26th Chivas USA 1 Seattle Sounders 1 (MLS)<br />
May 30th Silverbacks 1 Seattle Sounders 5 (US OPEN CUP)<br />
June 5th Cal FC 0 Seattle Sounders 5 (US OPEN CUP)</p>
<p><strong>Jason&#8217;s Prediction:</strong> I think the Sounders will continue their good play on defense, but their offense will also play well facing a suspect Impact defense. Seattle will stay undefeated on the road with a win over Montreal.</p>
<p><strong>Bet Now: <a title="Bovada" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada/">Click Here</a></strong></p>
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		<title>MLS matchup report: Seattle Sounders vs. Chivas USA handicapping</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/chivas-usa-vs-seattle-mls-matchup-preview-25512/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/chivas-usa-vs-seattle-mls-matchup-preview-25512/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 21:50:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=32390</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Inside and Sounders FC Blogger Jason Green weighs in with his gameday preview for Saturday’s matchup between Chivas USA and the Seattle Sounders. At press time, the MLS odds were Chivas USA 2.00 / Seattle Sounders +138 / Draw +225. Freddy Montero and Eddie Johnson had been playing well, but they were blanked in their last match. ]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Matchup: Chivas vs Sounders Insight</h2>
<p>After a solid 5-match winning streak to vault them to atop the standings in the Western Conference the <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> have been struggling recently with 2 losses and 1 draw in their last 3 matches.</p>
<p><strong>Date: MAY 26, 2012 7:30PM PDT</strong><br />
<strong>Venue: The Home Depot Center</strong><br />
<strong>Match Odds: Chivas USA 3.00 / Seattle Sounders 2.37 / Draw 3.25 </strong><br />
<strong>Moneyline: Chivas USA 2.00 / Seattle Sounders +138 / Draw +225</strong><br />
<strong>Over/Under: 2.5 goals</strong></p>
<p>Their shortcomings were highlighted, especially on offense, in their last match, which they lost at home to Columbus 2-0.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Chivas USA is in 6th place in the West and they need to start winning if they are going to make the playoffs.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>In their last 3 matches they have 2 draws and 1 win and while their offense has been struggling their defense has been solid only allowing 2 goals in their last 3 matches.</p>
<p>Seattle is the favorite in this match and they sit in 3rd place in the West 4 points behind San Jose and 3 points behind Real Salt Lake.</p>
<p>Seattle won the time of possession battle in their last match against Columbus (60% to 40%) and they had 16 more shots on goal, but still lost 2-0.</p>
<p>Chivas USA has scored the fewest goals in the Western Conference while the Sounders have given up the fewest goals in the MLS.</p>
<p>However, Seattle has given up 4 goals in their last 2 matches.</p>
<p>This match is the first one between these 2 teams and last season they played to a scoreless draw in Seattle. In the rematch the Sounders won 3-1 playing at the Home Depot Center.</p>
<div id="attachment_22019" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 295px"><img class=" wp-image-22019  " title="Osvaldo Alonso Seattle Sounders" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Osvaldo-Alonso-Seattle-Sounders.jpg" alt="Osvaldo Alonso" width="285" height="206" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Seattle is the favorite in this match and sit in 3rd place in the West. Alonso will be missed though.</p></div>
<p>The Sounders are 3-0-3 in facing Chivas since the 2009 season.</p>
<p>Chivas is only 1-5-0 at home this season, but they do have some confidence coming into this match playing to a draw in their last match against the New York Red Bulls, who lead the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p>The Seattle defense will be facing a struggling Chivas offense, but they still have to worry about the duo of Juan Pablo Angel and Jose Erick Correa. Angel is 36, but if he is in form he is a dangerous striker. Correa has 2 goals this season and the Columbian has improved as the season has progressed.</p>
<p>Seattle&#8217;s offense will be facing a hot G in Dan Kennedy, who has 3 shutouts already this season with a goal against average of 1.08. <strong>Freddy Montero</strong> and <strong>Eddie Johnson</strong> had been playing well, but they were blanked in their last match.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>These 2 are THE guys that will have to play well on offense.</strong></p></blockquote>
<p>Late suspension news in on Friday afternoon however.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" width="500"><p>Major League Soccer announces it has suspended <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Sounders">#Sounders</a> MF Osvaldo Alonso two games for this tackle: <a href="http://t.co/vdr0RHFt" title="http://bit.ly/KIsGC7">bit.ly/KIsGC7</a></p>
<p>&mdash; John Boyle (@johnpboyle) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnpboyle/status/206135154819866624" data-datetime="2012-05-25T21:30:25+00:00">May 25, 2012</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Yeah, Seattle is struggling, but they have a better club and I think that will show, as they will win a low scoring game this Saturday facing Chivas USA.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Seattle Sounders" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/">CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SOUNDERS CLUBHOUSE AT NWSB!!</a></strong></p>
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		<title>MLS Preview: Tips for the Sounders to beat the Whitecaps</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-vancouver-18512/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-vancouver-18512/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 05:19:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cascadia Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eddie Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddy Montero]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Gspurning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle vs. Vancouver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle vs. Vancouver Preview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC vs. Whitecaps FC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=31240</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider Jason Green brings us his 5 things the Sounders must do to beat the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. The Sounders did lose their last match, but they only gave up 1 goal and this season they have given up the fewest goals in the MLS. The Sounders midfield and forwards must keep Vancouver captain Jay Demerit from controlling the pitch.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Cascadia rivalry time</h2>
<p>The <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> had their 5-match winning streak snapped with their last loss to Real Salt Lake, which was at home no less, and on Saturday they are north of the border to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps.</p>
<blockquote><p>The Sounders have yet to lose on the road this season with 2 wins and 1 draw while the Whitecaps are 3-1-1 at home.</p></blockquote>
<p>Seattle will have to be ready for a well rested squad as Vancouver rested several key players in their last MLS match, which they lost 4-1 at New England.</p>
<p>The Caps&#8217; of course did have a mid-week game this week as well in the Amway Canadian Championships vs. Toronto FC. A hard earned 1-1 draw. An amazing <a href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/whitecaps/vancouver-vs-toronto-fc-game-summary-17512/">injury time volley from Eric Hassli</a> secured the much needed draw.</p>
<p>The Whitecaps are in 4th place in the Western Conference 5-point behind 3rd place Seattle and they also had a their winning streak snapped in their last match.</p>
<p><strong>Here are 5 things the Sounders need to do to beat the Whitecaps.</strong></p>
<h4>1. Continue to play solid defense</h4>
<p><strong></strong>The Sounders did lose their last match, but they only gave up 1 goal and this season they have given up the fewest goals in the MLS. If they play solid defense against a Whitecaps team that has scored the 3rd fewest goals in the Western Conference they should be in good shape.</p>
<h4>2. Contain Eric Hassli up front</h4>
<p><strong></strong><strong>Eric Hassli</strong> is coming into form and the French striker has 2 goals in his last 2 matches. He is a big 6&#8217;4&#8243; physical player that is dangerous in air and on set pieces and he scored last season facing the Sounders.</p>
<p>Seattle must body up on him and keep him off his mark.</p>
<h4>3. Keep up with Sabastien Le Toux</h4>
<p><strong>Sebastian Le Toux</strong> is an ex-Sounders&#8217; player that never slows down and always creates space by his excellent movement off the ball. He has 3 goals on the season and the Sounders&#8217; defense can&#8217;t let up and they have to stay up with him the entire match.</p>
<div id="attachment_31388" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 295px"><img class=" wp-image-31388  " title="Vancouver Whitecaps FC v Seattle Sounders FC" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Sounders-Fan-vs.-Whitecaps-Cascadia-Cup.jpg" alt="Sounders vs. Whitecaps Cascadia Cup" width="285" height="248" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Seattle will have to be ready for a well rested and battle tested squad</p></div>
<h4>4. Keep captain Jay Demerit from controlling the pitch</h4>
<p><strong>Jay Demerit</strong> is the captain of the Whitecaps and at the central area of the park he is the key why the Vancouver defense has been so solid this season.</p>
<h4>5. Slow the pace of the match</h4>
<p><strong></strong>The Whitecaps play a flowing and face pace of soccer since they have a strong MF and the Sounders have to get in the passing lanes and slow the pace of the game.</p>
<p>The more they win the time of possession battle and not allow Vancouver to make long runs and connect on passes for long stretches on the pitch the better off they&#8217;ll be.</p>
<h4>SOUNDERS FC Injury Report</h4>
<p>OUT &#8211; Josh Ford, Steve Zakuani, Michael Tetteh, Babayele Sodade<br />
DOUBTFUL - <strong>Michael Gspurning</strong>, Patrick Ianni, <strong>Brad Evans</strong><br />
PROBABLE - <strong>Alvaro Fernandez</strong>, Leo Gonzalez</p>
<p>I&#8217;ll be surprised if the Sounders don&#8217;t come away victorious in this first Cascadia cup matchup.</p>
<blockquote><p>Saturday&#8217;s 2 p.m. rivalry game against the Caps at BC Place is the 126th soccer meeting between the cities in their longstanding northwest rivalry dating back to the old NASL days.</p></blockquote>
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		<title>MLS Preview: Tips for the Sounders to beat Real Salt Lake</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-salt-lake-11512/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-salt-lake-11512/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 17:23:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eddie Johnson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freddy Montero]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Gspurning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Salt Lake vs. Sounders FC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salt Lake vs. Seattle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Salt Lake vs. Seattle Preview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=30119</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider Jason Green brings us his 5 things the Sounders must do to beat Real Salt Lake on Saturday. If Freddy Montero and a slightly resurgent Eddie Johnson can play like they are capable of then the Sounders' offense should be fun to watch. Not that the Sounders need a lot of motivation for this big game.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Real vs. Sounders FC</h2>
<p>The <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> are hot winning their last 5 matches and they can take over 1st place in the Western Conference with a win over Real Salt Lake, who they only trail by 1 point.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Here are 5 things the Sounders need to do to beat Real Salt Lake.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h4>1. Continue their stellar defense</h4>
<p>Stellar may be a little bit of an understatement to describe the Seattle defense, as they have given up the fewest goals in the MLS, 3 in 9 matches played, and they have not given up a goal in their last 3 matches.</p>
<p>They are getting solid goaltender play. Plus we all know the key to the win will be their defenders who are playing great and will need that continue to do so facing Real.</p>
<h4>2. Use the revenge factor to get pumped up</h4>
<p><strong></strong>Not that the Sounders need a lot of motivation for this big game, but to get even more they can remember back to last season when Real Salt Lake ousted them from the playoffs.</p>
<p>On top of that when the two teams met in the regular season at Seattle Real Salt Lake won that game as well.</p>
<h4>3. Keep Kyle Beckerman from making plays</h4>
<p><strong></strong>The Real salt Lake captain is in great form and he creates many scoring chances from his midfielder position.</p>
<div id="attachment_30142" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 280px"><img class=" wp-image-30142 " title="Real vs. Sounders May 12 2012" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Real-vs.-Sounders-May-12-2012.jpg" alt="Real vs. Sounders Preview" width="270" height="180" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Stellar may be a little bit of an understatement to describe the Seattle defense</p></div>
<p>The Seattle midfield must keep him in check and not allow him to make plays in the Sounders&#8217; half of the field.</p>
<h4>4. Freddy Montero needs to build on his great last match</h4>
<p><strong></strong><strong>Freddy Montero</strong> came off the bench to score both goals in Seattle&#8217;s last win and his offense will be needed in this match.</p>
<p>If he is in form he is dangerous and he now has three goals and one assist in his last three matches. If he and a slightly resurgent <strong>Eddie Johnson</strong> can play like they are capable of then the Sounders&#8217; offense should be fun to watch.</p>
<h4>5. Contain Alvaro Saborío up front</h4>
<p><strong></strong>Saborío leads Salt Lake with 4 goals on the season and while he can be inconsistent he is in good form. Before playing to a 0-0 draw in their last match they beat New England 2-1 with Saborío scoring both goals.</p>
<p>He can be lethal up front and the Sounders&#8217; defense cannot allow him to have space around the box.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Seattle Sounders" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/">CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SOUNDERS CLUBHOUSE AT NWSB!!</a></strong></p>
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		<title>MLS Preview: Tips for the Sounders to beat the Philadelphia Union</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-philadelphia-5412/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-philadelphia-5412/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 14:37:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brad Evans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david estrada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Gspurning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philadelphia vs. Seattle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Philadelphia vs. Seattle Preview]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Union vs. Sounders FC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=29247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider Jason Green brings us his 5 things the Sounders must do to beat the Philadelphia Union on Saturday. No way does Jason see the Union getting one at Century Link. Seattle has dealt with many injuries so far in the season and some guys are still out and some are questionable for this game. Alvaro Fernandez is doubtful, Patrick Ianni is questionable, and Mauro Rosales is probable.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><strong></strong>Union vs. Sounders FC</h2>
<p>The <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> sit in 3rd place in the Western Conference 3 points behind 2nd place Real Salt Lake and 6 points back of first place Kansas City.</p>
<p>Seattle is unbeaten in their last 4 matches and have won their last 3 including 2 clean sheets in that span.</p>
<blockquote><p>The Union sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference and they had their 3 match unbeaten streak snapped in their last loss.</p></blockquote>
<p>The Union have beaten the Sounders twice and have 1 draw in the last 3 matches they have faced each other.</p>
<p><strong>Here are 5 things the Sounders need to do to beat the Union.</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Continue their strong defensive play</strong></p>
<p>The Sounders are tied with Kansas City for giving up the fewest goals in the MLS this season (3). Seattle will be facing a Philadelphia offense that has struggled this season and has scored the 2nd fewest goals in the MLS (5).</p>
<p>In an interesting fact the last time the Union scored more than 1 goal in a match was last season in a 2-0 win over Seattle.</p>
<p><strong>2. G Bryan Meredith has to get over the butterflies</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bryan Meredith</strong> will be making his first career start in goal in this game with the injury to <strong>Michael Gspurning</strong>.</p>
<p>There could not be a better match for him to make his debut since it will be at home, the Seattle D has been playing well, and the Union offense is struggling. In another interesting fact this will be the first time in the history of the Sounders that a backup goalie will play due to an injury to the starter.</p>
<div id="attachment_22663" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 284px"><img class=" wp-image-22663  " title="Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Toronto-FC-vs.-Seattle-Sounders-FC.jpg" alt="Toronto vs. Seattle" width="274" height="170" /><p class="wp-caption-text">The only thing scary about the Union is their counterattack on Saturday.</p></div>
<p><strong>3. Get past Union G Zac MacMath</strong></p>
<p>MacMatth has played great this season and had three clean sheets in a row before Philly&#8217;s last loss to San Jose. The Seattle offense has not played great this season, but they have scored two goals in each of their last two matches and a very good sign is that Eddie Johnson has scored a goal in his last 2 matches.</p>
<p><strong>4. The sounders have to gel</strong></p>
<p>Seattle has dealt with many injuries so far in the season and some guys are still out and some are questionable for this game. <strong>Alvaro Fernandez</strong> is doubtful, <strong>Patrick Ianni</strong> is questionable, and <strong>Mauro Rosales</strong> is probable.</p>
<p>The lineup will have to gel no matter who plays and they cannot take the Union for granted despite their record.</p>
<p><strong>5. The Sounders can&#8217;t get frustrated</strong></p>
<p>The Union are a very conservative team that drops back many defenders and the Sounders must have good time of possession in the match and not get frustrated trying to break down the Philadelphia defense.</p>
<blockquote><p>Also, since the Union will drop back on defense the Sounders must be wary of the counter attack.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Prediction</strong>: No way do I see the Union getting one at Century Link. 3-0 Sounders final score.</p>
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		<title>Know Your Enemy: 49ers will love Oregon RB LaMichael James</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/oregon-sports/ducks-football/know-your-enemy-49ers-lamichael-james-2512/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/oregon-sports/ducks-football/know-your-enemy-49ers-lamichael-james-2512/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 20:23:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Oregon Football Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[49ers blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brandon Jacobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Darren Sproles]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Frank Gore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jim Harbaugh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kendall Hunter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Know Your Enemy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LaMichael James]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oregon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oregon Ducks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[oregon ducks football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco 49ers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seahawks Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ted Ginn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[University of Oregon]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=28921</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider and Oregon Ducks blogger Jason Green tells us LaMichael James was projected to go in the late 2nd or the 3rd round so while it was no surprise he was taken where he was it was a little surprising that the 49ers took him. Here is an article detailing 5 reasons the 49ers will love LaMichael James.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Seahawks will have to gameplan for James</h2>
<p>With the 29th pick in the 2nd round (61st pick overall) the 49ers took a chance and drafted the ultra-talented RB <strong>LaMichael James</strong> from <strong><a title="Oregon Football Blogs" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/oregon/football/">Oregon</a></strong>.</p>
<p>James was projected to go in the late 2nd or the 3rd round so while it was no surprise he was taken where he was it was a little surprising that the 49ers took him, which I will touch on.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Five reasons the 49ers will love LaMichael James.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h4>1. You can never have too much of a good thing</h4>
<p>It was a little surprising the 49ers used their 2nd round pick on a RB, which was James, since the team already has All Pro RB Frank Gore, talented 2nd year player Kendall Hunter, and they signed the bruising back of Brandon Jacobs.</p>
<p>Still, like the saying goes you can never have too much of a good thing and this is especially the case in the RB position in the NFL since there are so many injuries at the position.</p>
<h4>2. He will be a Darren Sproles type player</h4>
<p><strong></strong>While James will not be the featured back he will get his chances and he will be used like another undersized RB in the stellar Sproles.</p>
<div id="attachment_29012" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 249px"><img class=" wp-image-29012 " title="San Francisco 49ers LaMichael James" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/San-Francisco-49ers-LaMichael-James.jpg" alt=" LaMichael James" width="239" height="273" /><p class="wp-caption-text">James seems to be a good fit for San Fran</p></div>
<p>At Oregon James showed he can catch passes out of the backfield and he is great on screen plays. James is an electrifying player that can take it to the house every time he touches the ball.</p>
<h4>3. He will flourish behind the solid 49ers&#8217; offensive line</h4>
<p><strong></strong>James seems to be a good fit for San Fran, as one of his strengths as a runner is using his blockers and the o-line and the 49ers have one of the best young offensive lines in the league that know how to run block.</p>
<p>This is great for James, who is very patient behind the line waiting for his time to explode.</p>
<h4>4. He will be solid in 3rd and short and goal line situations</h4>
<p>James packs a punch and even though he is a tad undersized he has the speed and moves that will be fantastic on short yardage situations, especially on 3rd and short and near the goal line.</p>
<p>Also, he will be utilized in these areas both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.</p>
<h4>5. Has the tools for the kick return game</h4>
<p>James has all the tools to be a great punt returner and kickoff returner and 49ers head coach <strong>Jim Harbaugh</strong> stated James would be great at doing that, but needs some good &#8220;NFL Special teams coaching&#8221;.</p>
<blockquote><p>With James and other return star <strong>Ted Ginn</strong> teams will have to game plan for two explosive players in the return game.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/oregon/hoops/">CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE OREGON BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSB!</a></strong></p>
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		<title>MLS Preview: Tips for the Sounders to beat the Chicago Fire</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-chicago-27412/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/sounders/5-things-seattle-must-do-to-beat-chicago-27412/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:28:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brad Evans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[david estrada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Gspurning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sounders vs. Chicago Fire preview]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle vs. Chicago preview]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Sounders FC]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Zach Scott]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/?p=28376</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[NWSB Insider Jason Green brings us his 5 things the Sounders must do to beat the Chicago Fire on Saturday night. David Estrada has shouldered the load so far and needs his offense to kick in. Michael Gspurning needs to keep up his solid play and the defense needs to continue its stingy play as the team hits the road for the 2nd time this season.]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Sounders vs. Chicago Fire</h2>
<p>The <a title="Seattle Sounders FC Blog" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/sounders/"><strong>Seattle Sounders</strong></a> are off to a decent start in 5th place in the Western Conference only 6 points behind first place San Jose and Real Salt Lake. They travel East to take on a Chicago Fire squad that is in 4th place n the Eastern Conference and has not lost at home this season. Last season in the Windy City the Fire and Sounders played to a 0-0 draw.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Here are 5 things the Sounders need to do to beat the Fire on Saturday night.</strong></p></blockquote>
<h4>1. Offense would help</h4>
<p>The Sounders&#8217; defense has been solid on the season, but their offense has not looked in sync. Seattle is unbeaten in their last 3 matches with 2 wins and 1 draw, but in the 2 wins they only scored 1 goal. After scoring 5 goals in the first 2 matches of the season they have only scored 2 in the last 3.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<h4>2. David Estrada needs help</h4>
<div id="attachment_28401" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 298px"><img class=" wp-image-28401  " title="DavidEstrada2" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DavidEstrada2.jpg" alt="David Estrada, Seattle Sounders" width="288" height="192" /><p class="wp-caption-text">David Estrada can&#39;t shoulder the load all season</p></div>
<p>I mentioned the offense of Seattle and that offense has been <strong>David Estrada</strong>, who has accounted for 4 of the Sounders 6 goals this season.</p>
<p>If Chicago bottles him up who will step up?</p>
<p><strong>Brad Evans</strong> and<strong> Zach Scott </strong>are the only other Seattle players that have ticked the back of the net this season and these guys, as well as the other strikers, need to start stepping up on offense.</p>
<h4>3. Michael Gspurning needs to keep up his solid play</h4>
<p>Kasey who? <strong>Michael Gspurning</strong> has had a solid first season in a Sounders&#8217; uniform with 3 clean sheets in his first 5 matches for Seattle.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<h4>4. The Defense has to keep playing like it has</h4>
<p>Much like Gspurning the Seattle is defense is playing well and that was a concern coming into the season with Keller retiring and 2 new starting defenders.</p>
<p>The Seattle defense has really gelled quickly this season and while the Fire are not a high scoring team, with only 6 goals in 5 matches, they need to continue to play well, especially on the road.<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<h4>5. Find substitute for home cooking</h4>
<p>Seattle has THE best fan base in the MLS and they need to find a way to still get motivated and win on the road. The Sounders have only played 1 road match this season and in that match they played to a 0-0 draw facing DC United.</p>
<blockquote><p>In that match they played well and won the time of possession battle 52% to 48%, but they only had 2 legit shots on goal.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Next Up</strong> &#8211; After the Chicago game the Sounders can really gain some ground since they are at home and face L.A. and Philadelphia and neither of these clubs are currently over .500 on the young season.</p>
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		<title>Trail Blazers vs. Jazz Betting Odds &amp; Handicapping Preview April 26</title>
		<link>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/trailblazers/portland-vs-utasan-antonio-gambling-handicapping-odds-26412/</link>
		<comments>http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/trailblazers/portland-vs-utasan-antonio-gambling-handicapping-odds-26412/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:28:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason Green</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Portland Trail Blazers Blog]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Portland Trailblazers vs Utah Jazz]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Trail Blazers Preview]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Jason Green weighs in with his Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz Thursday NBA basketball Preview and a free nba prediction to boot. Tonight the spread favors the Spurs by -5.5. The over/under is set at 197. This season the Blazers are 31-33-1 ATS with an O/U record of 35-30. Wesley Mathews and J.J. Hickson have played well in the last few games ]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>NBA Matchup Insight</h2>
<p>The <a title="Portland Trail Blazers" href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/category/trailblazers/"><strong>Portland TrailBlazers</strong></a> season is finally coming to an end and it cannot come too soon since they have sputtered after the All Star break, lost their best player for the year, and they have dropped 6 in a row.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/trailblazers/"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE BLAZERS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE TODAY AT NWSB!</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>Portland Blazers (28-37) at Utah Jazz (35-30) </strong><br />
<strong>When: 8 PM ET, Thursday, April 26, 2012</strong><br />
<strong>Where: EnergySolutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT</strong><br />
<strong>Broadcast: ROOT SPORTS</strong><br />
<strong>Blazers vs. Jazz Betting Lines from <a title="Blazers vs Jazz betting lines" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada/">Bovada</a></strong><br />
<strong>Spread: Jazz -5.5</strong><br />
<strong>Moneyline: OFF</strong><br />
<strong>Over/Under: 197</strong><br />
*<strong><a title="Blazers vs Jazz ATS Matchup Report" href="http://stats.nwsportsbeat.com/basketball/nba-matchups.aspx?page=/data/NBA/matchups/g5_summary_18.html">NBA ATS Matchup Report</a></strong>*</p>
<blockquote><p>The Blazers are only 8-24 on the road this season and they have lost 17 of their last 21 games facing the Jazz in Utah.</p></blockquote>
<p>The Blazers have a very thin frontcourt and that is the big concern in this game facing the Jazz studs of C Al Jefferson and PF Paul Millsap. If the Blazers cannot keep these 2 from dominating the paint both scoring and on the boards they are in for a long game.</p>
<p><strong>Wesley Mathews</strong> has played well in the last few games and is averaging 28 ppg in his last 2 games against the Jazz. He, <strong>J.J. Hickson</strong>, and <strong>Jamal Crawford</strong> will need help on offense from some of the young guys that are getting PT for Portland since they are out of the playoff picture.</p>
<p>The Jazz are in the playoffs and will face the Spurs in the first round, so they may rest some key players tonight and the Blazers will be happy to see that.</p>
<div id="attachment_15966" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 268px"><img class=" wp-image-15966 " title="TrailBlazers vs. Jazz Preview &amp; Gambling Odds" src="http://www.nwsportsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Trail-Blazers-vs.-Jazz-Preview-Gambling-Odds-e1327942884695.jpg" alt="Trail Blazers vs. Jazz" width="258" height="216" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Portland Trailblazers vs. Utah Jazz Betting Lines &amp; Handicapping</p></div>
<p>The Jazz will look to sweep the season series with a win over the Blazers tonight. When these 2 teams met last on April 18th the Jazz laid a 112-91 beat-down on the Blazers.</p>
<p>Portland&#8217;s defense has been playing terrible and in 4 of their 5 games has given up more than 100 points and in 2 of those games gave up at least 124 points. That does not bode well for them since the Utah offense is playing well and has averaged 110 ppg in their last 5 games.</p>
<p>The Jazz are riding a 4-game winning streak.</p>
<h4><strong>Blazers vs. Jazz Handicapping Preview</strong></h4>
<p>This season the Blazers are 31-33-1 ATS with an O/U record of 35-30 and the Jazz are 34-30-1 ATS with an O/U record of 32-31-2.</p>
<p>The Blazers are 7-18 ATS in their last 25 road games vs. a team with a winning home record and they have an Over record of 7-2 in their last 9 road games.</p>
<p>The Jazz are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall, 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, and they have an Over record of 4-1 in their last 5 games.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Pick:</strong> Going to be an optimist here and take the Blazers to cover since the Jazz will rest some key players tonight.</p></blockquote>
<p>Bet Now At <a title="Bovada" href="http://nwsb.co/bovada"><strong>Bovada.lv (Bodog If Your In Canada</strong>)</a></p>
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