The Dynamo Are Ready For The MLS Cup. Are You?

Ok, it's officially time: skip a Sunday in front of the NFL, ignore Terry Bradshaw's fake hillbilly schtick and dozens of former players pretending that they're still relevant, and watch your Houston Dynamo take on the New England Revolution for the MLS Cup. Here's five reasons why the Dynamo game should take precedence over the NFL on Sunday:

1. In case you haven't noticed: Boston sports fans, once the loveable Charlie Brown-esque losers of the sports world, have the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots all at the peak of their games this season, affording the opportunity for a rare hat trick of championships. The Revolution aren't half bad, either; but the Dynamo could bring a much-needed dose of humiliation to the Massholes with a blowout win. It's a helluva lot more likely than the Texans beating the Pats.

2. Think soccer players aren't tough? Think they flop and whine in ways that would make Manu Ginobili blush? Defense exhibit A: Brian Ching. After a calf injury in the semis against Kansas City, Ching was all but written off for the Cup game this week. Well, he's talking about playing. Anybody ready for his possible Kirk Gibson moment?

3. No one will talk about Barry Bonds during the game. Not one. $10 bet says someone on Fox AND on CBS mentions Bonds during NFL coverage.

4. The sports bars that are showing the game won't be a complete nightmare. Just show up at the Firkin Phoenix or the Bull & Bear, enjoy a pint of Smithwick's (if you can pronounce it correctly) with a plate of fish and chips, and watch 90 minutes of poetry.

5. The Orange are the defending champs, and how often do you get to put the words "dominating" and "Houston sports" in the same sentence?

Still not persuaded? The just go find somewhere you can be more accepted, and let us get back to talking about soccer. The Revolution-Dynamo matchup is a reprise of last year's Cup, which the Orange won in a 4-3 shootout. The Revolution have made no secret of their desire to avenge the loss, and will have the geographical advantage since the game is played in DC (instead of Frisco like last year). Apart from the Ching injury, the Dynamo are at full strength heading into the game, and will need all hands on deck to handle the fast-paced Revolution offense. The teams are remarkably evenly matched, and largely intact from last year, so it's fair to predict that it won't be a 1-0 snoozer.

If you are planning on watching the game, and don't want to aggravate the guy in the Donovan McNabb jersey by suggesting that he change the channel away from the Iggles clash with the mighty Dolphins, just go to the Bear & Bull or Firkin Phoenix (or any decent pub) and wear your orange. This is your chance to cheer for a champion. Don't let us down!