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Soccer Goals: The MLS playoffs are here. Excitement are in the cards for the the MLS and marketing geniuses, who hoped for these Western Conference matchups, Galaxy vs Chivas USA and Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders. Boasting a full strength squad of David Beckham and Landon Donovan set to face their inner city rivals in El Super Clasico, while new franchise darlings, Seattle Sounders face the steady and clock-work orange Dynamo, the Westerern Conference playoffs will truly embody "Must see Tv".

 

Soccer Videos: MLS Week 32 and MLS Playoff Predictions

 

 

 

On the Eastern Conference front, the less-than-savory matchups suggest a more anticlimatic outcome with Columbus Crew tabbed as the favorites to reach the MLS Cup finals. New England and Chicago limped into the playoffs, while RSL has demonstrated its road woes all season.

 

Boasting marquee names such as Beckham, Blanco, Donovan, Barros Schelotto, and Ljungberg can only draw further domestic and international attention. To coin a phrase from Boxer Floyd Money Mayweather, "step your game up, son" -- I ask the same question -- which DP will step their game up?

 

Every team that boasts a high profile DP position made the playoffs with the exception of NYRB's Juan Pablo Angel and Toronto FC, who landed midfielder Julian De Guzman for the final four regular season games. If a MLS team acquires the right Designated player, the DP should bring the experience to at least earn a playoff berth. With that being said, MLS General Managers must consider this as a future option both from a performance aspect but also as marketing and exposure tool as well. Let's not forget that there have been several DP busts, so buyer beware.

 

Well, let me jump off my soap box, so I can examine the MLS playoff's first round.

 

Eastern Conference

Columbus Crew vs Real Salt Lake

After securing the Supporters Shield and avancement to knock-out phases of the CCL, the Columbus Crew coasted into the playoffs while on auto pilot: will they be able to turn up their playoff intensity? Without defender Chad Marshall in the starting Xl for the first game, will the Crew neutralize the speedy attack of Robbie Findley and Yura Movsisyan?

 

Even though RSL should play better than a typical eighth seed, their sporadic play will lead to their demise. RSL will struggle to contain the attack of GBS, Rogers, Gaven, and Moreno. The motivated Crew will open their  account early on the road, as they win the aggregate 4-2.

 

Chicago FIre vs New England Revs

As poor as both teams have finished this season, I just don't see either team as a legitimate contender to hoist the MLS Cup. Since the Cuauhtemoc Blanco and McBride bunch have struggled for long stretches of the season, I just don't see them winning out in a scrappy series. Appearing fatigued and disinterested, the Fire have not resembled the championship team that many predicted to win in their sleep. This team's offense struggles to find a flow and chemistry, coupled with numerous injuries on the defensive side, signals an early exit.

 

Despite missing their key figure, Steve Ralston, the Revs still boast a solid defense and experienced keeper. MVP candidate, Shalrie Joseph, should dictate and dominate the midfield play. The Fire will have to play with a goal deficit, ushering the end of the Blanco era. Taking ugly soccer to the next level (the anti-soccer most despised by Coach Hugo Sanchez), the overachieving Revs will grind out the victory, advancing with a  2-1 aggregate.

 

 

Western Conference

La Galaxy vs Chivas USA

Conjuring up the ultimate SUM (Soccer United Marketing) scenario, El Classico features Kljestan, Donovan, and that other guy -- Oh yeah -- David Beckham. Guaranteed to sell out the Home Depot Center and garner attention from the David Beckham supporters, this rival will feature the most heated and competitve battle.

 

Chivas USA, L.A.'s red-haired stepchild, will feature a team willing to grind out the victory. However, success will only bear fruit if Sacha Kljestan maintains his sensational form, performances that landed the Chivas star on the 2008 USMNT radar. Finishing should make the top of Preki's list, as the Chivas' forwards have yet to impress with consistent offensive showings. Galindo, Santos, Lillingston have been more up and down than the Southern California real estate market, but trending more on the down side.

 

When it is all said and done, it won't be what the Chivas do, but rather how the Galaxy administer their three-pronged attack of David Beckham, Edson Buddle, and David Beckham. Let's not forget that the LA defense has improved tremendously and their goalkeeper Ricketts makes more spectacular plays than an And1 mixtape. Combine this offense and defensive superiority, and Donovan and Beckham will prevail over a pesky Chivas side, winning with a 3-2 aggregrate.

 

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo

Although the Sounders suffered a middle of the season rut, the green and blue embrace the qualities that can grow MLS' credibility, offering passionate supporters, offensive and open play, and record attendance. Considering that they stifled the hottest attack in the league (FC Dallas) while winning their last three season games, the Sounders ride the Tsunami waves of momentum into the playoffs.

 

On the other hand, the Dynamo have played poorly since before the All Star Break. Although their defense has proven solid, their offensive has sputtered since Luis Landin entered the mix and while Ching has struggled to find the goal in the last several weeks. The battle will be won in the midfield where Osvaldo Alonso will face Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden will organize the attack against Brad Evans. Let's not forget that Freddie Ljungberg receives free roam and will facilitate ball possession in the midfield.

 

In the end, Seattle Sounder's form and team speed will ultimately supplant the Dynamo's defensive prowess. Dominic Kinnear's side will not be able to flip the switch, while Sounders will benefit from their strong home presence to take the early lead. Sounders advance with a 4-2 aggregate.

 

What do you think of the playoff predictions? Which teams will make the MLS Cup final? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss  Soccer Goals and soccer videos: The 2009 MLS Playoff Predictions

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