10. Toronto FC--Sorry guys, I just can't see anything better happening for TFC just yet. I really want to, for their fans' sake, but I just don't see it there. Last year I predicted they would make the playoffs for the first time. I'm not going anywhere NEAR that route. Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen can provide a solid foundation, I think, but they don't have the players. Robert Earnshaw could be a good signing though, and their fortunes might improve if Danny Koevermans can stay healthy.
9. New England Revolution--I'm not sure what New England has really been up to to improve in the offseason either, except for the addition of Juan Toja, which, while solid, isn't a huge "move up the table" move for me. Jerry Bengston and Saer Sene have quality, Sene showed it more, but I think the Revs will need more from these guys. Matt Reis is as solid as they come in goal, but they have to keep him from facing firing squads all season. The other thing this team desperately needs is their own stadium.
8. Philadelphia Union--What do you do with the Union? I put them above New England pretty much because they got Sebastien Le Toux back. He'll do good things, but who else will? Freddy Adu is, what exactly? Gone I guess. Carlos Valdes is out on loan, and come on, there is a reason the Rapids got rid of Conor Casey. I would tab Antoine Hoppenot to up his contribution though.
7. Montreal Impact--The Impact continue to strive to be the first Serie A team from the last decade to be located in North America, but to what end? Does anybody really think Alessandro Nesta is gonna last all year without getting injured? The Impact were pretty decent last year, and they have most of their guys back, but I just don't see it as enough to catch the top 5 in the Eastern Conference. Stranger things have happened though.
6. Chicago Fire--To me. the Fire are the question mark team out east. They were VERY active in the offseason, and I think they made some nice additions. Think Jeff Larentowicz, Joel Lindpere, and Maicon Santos. Sean Johnson is certainly up to the task in goal, and the defense is solid. They could easily be a 3,4, or 5 team, but I've got them just on the outside looking in.
5. Columbus Crew--The Crew were one of the toughest games for opponents late last year, and I think they've just gotten better. If Dominic Oduro finds his form, watch out. The team brings back Federico Higuain and Jairo Arrieta, plus they're always tough score against, especially at Crew Stadium. I think they'll hit the playoffs this year, and they could do some big damage if they get there. Don't sleep on this club.
4. Houston Dynamo--Ok, we get it. Two-time defending Eastern Conference Champs. The quality on this side is undeniable, and I think they'll still have a significant edge at BBVA Compass Stadium. Ching is back as player/coach, so his influence is still there. I don't see why this team couldn't at least follow the same map as they have the last couple of years. Plus, I wouldn't bet against Dom Kinnear, unless they're playing the Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final.
3. Sporting Kansas City--The loss of Espinoza and Kamara are going to hurt this club. The addition of Benny Feilhaber is cringe worthy in my opinion, but I will admit I'm biased because I don't care for his attitude. Their trump cards are Graham Zusi and Jimmy Nielsen. Plus, like Houston, they're one of the few clubs that I feel have an actual home field advantage at Cheatstrong, err, I mean Sporting Park. It's not fair to chide Sporting over that though. They're still one of the top sides out east and should continue to play like it.
2. New York Red Bulls--You'd think this team almost couldn't help but be in the top two just by showing up on the pitch. The addition of Jamison Olave is a MAJOR step toward addressing their defensive concerns, provided he stays healthy and doesn't continue to fall prey to some of those mental lapses that seem to plague him the last year and a half or so at RSL. They also have arguably the best player in the league in Henry. If they can pull it all together, a big "if," they could finally get their hands on some silverware this year.
1. D.C United--I'm a huge fan of what Ben Olsen has done with this team, in fact I see it as being very similar to what Jason Kreis has done with RSL. Sure, it would be nice if DeRo stayed healthy and stopped head-butting people, but Chris Pontius is one of the the most dangerous players in MLS to my mind, and they added Carlos Ruiz not only to score some goals, but help rub some people the wrong way. Hamid is a great talent in goal, and their defense, though not the flashiest or meanest, is more than up to snuff. This could be the year that DC adds another star over their crest.
Eastern Conference--Three Big Questions
1--Can the New York Red Bulls put it all together and make the run people have been predicting since Henry signed on?
My Answer--YES. My big beef with the Red Bulls has been defense, and they've definitely improved. Ultimatey I think DC takes the regular season, but I'd love too see these two squads in the conference final.
2--Who is the "sleeper" team in the conference this year?
My Answer--The Columbus Crew. The middle of the east could be pretty crowded with Houston, Columbus, Chicago, and maybe even Montreal all getting into the mix. If the Crew can get to the playoffs, they could follow the Houston Blueprint very easily.
3--Is this year when the East catches, and eclipses, the West?
My Answer--YES, in a way..... I still see the top couple of teams out west being better than the top couple of teams in the east. However, I really see this as being the year those middle teams in the east might outpace the mid-table teams in the west. That would have a bigger impact, pardon the pun, if we still had a balanced schedule.
So there are my thoughts for the east this year. Starting tomorrow, we'll get to see just how full of BS and hot air I am. Good luck to all of the clubs and their supporters. A couple of you are going to need it.
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