ICS Roundtable: Predicting the USL Cup Final Champion

The upcoming USL Cup Final, which will take place this Sunday, September 23 at 8pm ET, will feature the #1 seed from the East, New York Red Bulls II, and the #4 seed from the West, Swope Park Rangers. Regardless of which team wins, this will be a historic season in that we are guaranteed to have an MLS 2 side as league champions for the first time in the history of the USL. With only a few days left until the big game, the ICS staff make our picks on who will take home the trophy.

Evan Eyster (@IronPonyChef)

As I have stated before, this is New York's title to lose at this point.  Playing a questionable Swope Park defense is exactly the type of team that the baby bulls excel at.  This one will require someone to step up in a big way on the Swope Park defensive end, and with no Nansel Selbol or Tommy Meyer due to card suspension this one will get out of hand.  New York keeps the USL title out in the East with an easy 3-1 win.

George Shiel (@GeorgeMShiel)

Swope Park Rangers. I have a gut feeling that the baby bulls will choke. Rangers have been on a good run against a stronger Western Conference.

Josh Beeman (@josh_beeman)

I am firmly in the Red Bulls II camp right now. Although Swope Park Rangers have done well to get to this point, overcoming red cards in two straight games, the Baby Bulls have had an incredible season. I do not expect the championship game to be a blowout, but I expect the USL Cup to stay in the east with a 2-1 Red Bulls win.

Omar Gonzalez (@omarvelously)

Red Bulls II stormed through the regular season, but have been forced into Extra Time in two of their three playoff games thus far. Meanwhile, Swope Park Rangers have scored 8 goals in their 3 playoff games and conceded just once (with a man down). I'm going with a 2-1 Rangers win.

Ryan Allen (@ILM_Ryan)

For picking the winner of the final, NY wins 3-2 over SPR. The home side captures their first USL title in regulation as the cup stays in the Eastern Conference.

Jeff Shunta (@JTShunta)

With as crazy as the playoffs have been this year I am inclined to go with the heavy underdog SPR. however I honestly believe that RBII will take the title, maybe even going away.

Who do you think will take home the trophy?  Will New York continue to play like the top seeded team in the league?  Will Swope Park continue their late season hot streak?  Let us know your picks and score in the comments below!