MLS Playoff Preview and Predictions

The best time for American domestic soccer is upon us. The MLS post-season is where the nation's best club soccer is showcased, and where play-makers make the difference, and create the spark that gets their club some silverware at the end of the year. While critics may argue that true soccer is meant to be played with a single table format, and the champions of the league should be whoever has the most points at the end of the year. What they don't realize is that the playoffs is where MLS teams get their biggest draw in attendance, and for fans they get to see the best soccer MLS can offer. So on all fronts the MLS having playoffs determine who is the league champion is a great idea. Here is a review of the Semi-Final series in the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs, and my predictions on who will advance.

Eastern Conference

#1 Seed Columbus Crew (13-7-10) 49 pts. vs. #4 Seed Real Salt Lake (11-12-7) 40 pts.

The Columbus Crew are back-to-back Supporter's Shield Champions for having the league's best regular season record for the second year in the row. The Crew built up a 24 home league unbeaten streak, but lost their last two at home to end the year. Real Salt Lake are in the playoffs by beating their arc-rivals Colorado in the final game for the second year in a row. Like the Crew, Real Salt Lake is dangerous at home, only losing once in Utah. This will be an intriguing series as both teams are strong at home. The Lakers won the first match in April, thoroughly stomping the Crew in Salt Lake 4-1, with Robbie Findley getting a hat-trick for Salt Lake. However Columbus returned the favor at Crew Stadium beat Salt Lake 3-1 after the Crew got off to a 3-0 lead. The key will come down to which team can crack the other's domain, while Salt Lake does get to play in their home first and get a win in Game 1, I still am looking for the Crew to use their superior depth and show why they are the best club in the league.

Prediction: Salt Lake 1-1 Columbus; Columbus 3-1 Salt Lake; Aggregate Columbus 4-2.

#2 Seed Chicago Fire (11-7-12) 45 pts. vs. #3 Seed New England Revolution (11-10-9) 42 pts.

This may sound like a broken record, but once again Chicago will play the New England in the playoffs. For the eighth straight year these two teams will meet in the post-season. The Fire got off to hot start, but struggles at home plagued the team throughout the year. While Chicago has strong roster, the question throughout the year was did this team have the drive to win it this year. As for New England last week's miracle was how the Revs got into the post-season. The Revolution have been struggling with injuries since Day 1, when Taylor Twellman went down, and thins seemed to fall apart in Foxboro. These two teams drew in their two regular season games, however the Fire did beat the Revolution in New England during SuperLiga. The Revolution are a beat-up team who barley made it in, and I still think the Fire have an extra gear they have not reached.

Prediction: New England 1-2 Chicago; Chicago 1-1 New England; Aggregate Chicago 3-2

Western Conference

#1 Seed Los Angeles Galaxy (12-6-12) 48 pts. vs. #4 Seed Chivas USA (13-11-6) 45 pts.

For the first time in league history two teams from the same city (heck, building) will play each other in the playoffs. The Galaxy had a rough opening stretch, but ever since the return of David Beckham, the team has been firing on all cylinders. Los Angeles is the team in form, as their late run got the Galaxy from 5th to 1st in the conference in a little over a month-not bad. As for their city-rivals Chivas is the exact opposite. The Goats only lost twice in their first 13 matches, but since then have fallen off. Still Chivas is a dangerous side, especially when playing their rivals. The SuperClassico was a tight affair as in their three matches only two goals were scored, with the Galaxy winning 1-0 twice. No real home game for either side, but my money says the Galaxy get way more support in the two matches in the Home Depot Center. I like the Galaxy in two very close matches, with lots of bookings.

Prediction: Chivas USA 0-1 Los Angeles; Los Angeles 2-0 Chivas USA; Aggregate LA 3-0

#2 Seed Houston Dynamo (13-8-9) 48 pts. vs. #3 Seed Seattle Sounders (12-7-11) 47 pts.

Kudos to ESPN for picking this series to cover, this is by far the most exciting one to watch. These two clubs have the most support in the league, and are evenly matches. The Dynamo did slip at the end of the year, or otherwise would of been the number one seed in the West. Houston is a strong team, and are looking for revenge after being upset by New York in last year's playoffs, Houston has only lost once at home. Meanwhile the Sounders are the success story of the year. The first year franchise has fanatical support from their fans, and the Sounders play excellent attacking soccer. The Sounders already are US Open Cup Champions, and are looking for their second trophy. The Sounder took the first match of the year 2-1 in Seattle, in Houston the two sides drew at 1-1. The Sounders also beat the Dynamo in route to the US Open Cup 2-1 in Seattle. Both matches are going to be intense, and the series probably go to who ever gets lucky. I see the Dynamo getting an injury time goal to force extra-time, and then pulling it off in the extra 30 minutes.

Prediction: Seattle 2-1 Houston; Houston 1-0 Seattle. Houston 1-0 in extra-time; Aggregate Houston 3-2.

Whatever the results it is sure to be an epic post-season, as a fan I can't wait. Forget single-table format. Bring the on the healthy dose of playoff soccer.