The Bent Musket’s 2020 MLS Cup picks

The day that all MLS fans wait for has arrived. The finals of the MLS Cup Finals take place on Saturday night with the Columbus Crew taking on the Seattle Sounders.

If one or two plays went a different way, New England Revolution fans could have been watching their team play on Saturday, but that wasn’t in the cards. Bruce Arena’s squad came up short and will be watching from home.

Columbus is vying for their second MLS Cup after winning in 2008 and will be making their first appearance in the final since 2015 when they were defeated by the Portland Timbers.

The Crew is led by Gyasi Zardes who has a knack for finding the back of the net but will be shorthanded due to positive COVID-19 cases. Columbus has also been without key players such as goalkeeper Eloy Room who they will be hoping can make his return for the final.

Also on the attack is Lucas Zelarayán who has made an impact right away since being acquired by Columbus from Liga MX. The Argentine was able to take home the 2020 Newcomer of the Year award.

The Seattle Sounders on the other hand are used to being in this position. They are the reigning champs and will be searching for their third MLS Cup.

Seattle has a scary attack led by Jordan Morris, Nicolas Lodeiro, and Raul Ruidiaz. The key for them will be limiting the Crew’s attack with a lot of pressure being put on the backline including Yeimar.

So who will The Bent Musket be rooting for? See our picks down below.

Sam: Seattle Sounders

Here in New England, we know a thing or two about dynasties. Seattle is getting rather close to that and I think they will come out on top on Saturday night. With Columbus having so many COVID-19 cases it will take quite the effort to overpower the Sounders. I’m expecting a big game from Lodeiro and for the Sounders to lift some hardware in back to back seasons. Still it won’t be a blowout and I expect this matchup to come down to the wire.

Seth: Columbus Crew

Given all the weapons they have, it seems inevitable that the Seattle Sounders will lift another MLS Cup. That’s not what I want to see though, especially since it’s the 25th season of MLS. I’d rather see a MLS original, who came close to relocating, celebrate while confetti falls from the sky. It’s going to be a tough task, especially since the Crew are dealing with multiple Covid cases but I think it can happen, especially with Caleb Porter roaming the sidelines.

Jake C: Columbus Crew

Okay, look. I know these guys just beat the Revs but there’s a lot going on here for the Crew. They’re at home, in the last game at MAPFRE Stadium, home of #DosACero and former home to the other great ‘96 MLS logo, the Hard Hat Guys. Who should be brought back but that’s a topic for a different day.

The Crew deserve this moment, their fans deserve this moment, and that stadium deserves this moment. This team went through a lot to still be in Columbus and a chance to send the first SSS out a champion would be amazing. I hope they set the scoreboard on fire to celebrate

Plus there’s is no way I’m rooting for another MLS Cup in an NFL stadium on turf that isn’t New England. Nope, not happening, Go Crew!