Greetings again, USCL Community!
Week 1 saw much action and excitement, and left quite a bit of suspense with regard to what Week 2 would bring. Many underdogs prevailed, including my LA Vibe defeating the St. Louis Archbishops in a close match. This week, the Vibe will be playing the Dallas Destiny, who lost their first match to the San Francisco Mechanics. The Destiny will be looking to make their record 50%, while LA looks to continue its perfect record. Let's cut to the chase and break down the boards and explain why LA will advance to 2-0!
Board 1: GM Melikset Khachiyan vs. GM Alejandro Ramirez: This match features two of my favorite GMs, so it will be challenging to make a prediction here. Both players are extremely strong, with Melik being more tactical, while Alejandro is a positional genius. Both have played each other a few times over the board, with most of the games ending in draws. However, the two recently squared off at the US Open in Irvine, with Alejandro coming out on top with the black pieces. Given that the USCL is not over the board play, and the faster time control suits Melik more so than Alejandro, I predict that this game will end in a draw.
Board 2: NM Tyler Hughes vs. FM Alexandre Kretchetov: This game will be very close, since both players are quite close in rating and strength, though I think Kretchetov is slightly stronger. Hughes has recently had two rough tournaments, and Kretchetov is just coming off a great draw against GM Ben Finegold. Given this, I believe Kretchetov will pull out the win with black.
Board 3: FM Joel Banawa vs. FM Keaton Kiewra: If you can only watch one game, this is the game to watch! Joel has just come off a great win over IM Michael Brooks of St. Louis, and recently tied for first place in the Southern California State Championship. Both players are very tactical and are comfortable with wild positions, so this game could result in fireworks. In the end, the game will sizzle into a draw.
Board 4: NM Nelson Lopez vs. NM Ankit Gupta: This will be another close game. Ankit will be aided with the momentum from his win over Spencer Finegold of St. Louis last week, while Nelson lost a decisive game against FM Andy Lee of San Francisco during his 2010 USCL debut. In addition, Ankit is currently rated about 100 points higher than Nelson, having recently finished fourth in the Southern California State Championship. Given these advantages, Ankit should win this game.
At the end of the night when all games are concluded, LA will emerge victorious by a score of 3-1 and have their second win of the season. I'm looking forward to celebrating a 2-0 record.
To make my blog more interesting, I will make predictions for the other league matches coming up on Wednesday. If my prognostications prove accurate, perhaps I can become the USCL Octopus (2010 World Cup phenomenal blogger)!
Boston Blitz vs. Philadelphia Inventors: Boston 2.5-1.5
Baltimore Kingfishers vs. Manhattan Applesauce: Draw 2-2
Chicago Blaze vs. St. Louis Archbishops: St. Louis 2.5-1.5
Have fun following the games, everyone!! Until next time!!
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