We had a very exciting Week 3 in the MASL with two games being decided in overtime. Let’s hope Week 4 matches last week’s excitement! My five-year old daughter Hannah is ready to beat her Dad at picking this week’s games, so let’s get picking.

THURSDAY 12/20:

ONTARIO over San Diego: The Pacific Division will be busy this weekend, as the top three teams will all play each other, with Ontario versus Tacoma closing out Week 4. The first game has undefeated San Diego traveling to face an undefeated Ontario Fury team that just disposed of Tacoma by a 6-3 margin. San Diego is coming off of an overtime victory against a Rio Grande Valley team that nearly came back to win this game. The “Toth Factor” will come into play this week, as he faces his old team in the Sockers. I’m going with this as my Upset Of The Week. After watching Sunday’s game, I’m not sure San Diego has completely gelled as a team yet. They’ve added quite a few high profile players, and may need a couple of weeks to come together. The sky is the limit for the Sockers this season, but on Thursday the Fury will be ready to weather that storm. Ontario 6, San Diego 4. HANNAH’S PICK: Hannah is picking the Sockers in this one.

SATURDAY 12/22:

MILWAUKEE over Florida: The Wave travels to the Sunshine State to face a Tropics team that is undefeated at home, most recently disposing of the Harrisburg Heat 7-5. Milwaukee comes off of another victory over division rivals, the Kansas City Comets 10-8. I see this as being close until the end where Milwaukee will salt it away with 6th attacker goals. Wave win this 8-5. HANNAH’S PICK: According to Hannah, Milwaukee is famous. She’s not sure what they are famous for, but the Wave are famous enough to win this game.

ORLANDO over Mississauga: Both teams are coming off losses at home, with the MetroStars losing to the Kansas City Comets 12-6, and the SeaWolves lost to the defending champion Baltimore Blast by a 4-1 score. The SeaWolves are playing this one at home, so the edge goes to Orlando. Talent wise, I see this as a draw, so I’ll take Orlando 7-6 in a close contest. HANNAH’S PICK: Hannah likes the name Werewolves, but is picking the MetroStars to win.

ONTARIO over Turlock: If the Express continue this pace, they will score around 25 goals, which is two less than what Ontario has right now. Ontario rests most of their key players in preparation for their rematch with the Tacoma Stars on Sunday. Ontario 9, Turlock 1. HANNAH’S PICK: Hannah is once again going with her dad and picking Ontario.

KANSAS CITY over St. Louis: In one of the most exciting matches of Week 3, the Ambush came back from four goals down to defeat the Comets in overtime on Sunday. After playing three games in four days, Kansas City comes back home to avenge this loss. I like the blue turf (wonder why…), and the Comets, to beat the Ambush 8-4. HANNAH’S PICK: Going against her Dad once again, she’s picking the “St. Louis Cowbush.”

SAN DIEGO over Tacoma: In the final game on Saturday, the Tacoma Stars travel to face a Sockers team that played the Ontario Fury three days prior. I think San Diego will be warmed up for this game and should get win #2 on the MASL season. San Diego 7, Tacoma 5. HANNAH’S PICK: Hannah doesn’t like my pick, so she’s decided to go with Tacoma and the Stars.

SUNDAY 12/23:

MONTERREY over Rio Grande Valley: Monterrey will play its second game of the season after defeating El Paso 8-3 back on December 2nd, so a 21 day break between games may affect the Flash going into this game with Rio Grande Valley. The Barracudas nearly pulled off a huge upset on Sunday, losing to San Diego 4-3 in overtime. I still see this as a four-goal victory for the Flash 7-3. HANNAH’S PICK: I think Hannah’s second favorite team, besides Utica City, is Rio Grande Valley. She’s sticking with the Barracudas on this one.

ONTARIO over Tacoma: The last game of Week 4 is the rematch between Ontario and Tacoma. Last week, Ontario went up to Kent, Washington, and beat the Stars 6-3. The venue has now switched to Ontario, and the Fury will be looking to go 2-0 against the Stars, which will go far in determining the second seed in the Pacific Division. Ontario will have the best week, going 3-0 after shooting down the Stars 5-2. HANNAH’S PICK: Hannah wants the Stars to win because they’re all superstars.

Last week, both Hannah and I were above .500, with a 7-3 and 9-1 record respectively. What will this week bring for us? Tune in to YouTube and find out!

My fantasy lineup for Week 4 is: GOALKEEPER: Rainer Hauss (Orlando), DEFENDERS: Omar Santillan (Monterrey) and Drew Ruggles (Milwaukee), MIDFIELDERS: Christian Gutierrez (San Diego) and Matt Clare (Tacoma), FORWARD: Adrien Perez (Ontario)

MASL nation, what say you? I want to know why my picks are wrong. Leave a comment! I love talking about this game, and will do it any day of the week.