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BASN's MLS Playoff Preview -- The Western Conference
andrew.dixon@blackathlete.com •
View all articles by Andrew Dixon, III
POSTED: Oct 27, 2007
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MIAMI
-- After the ongoing saga that was the David Beckham to LA Galaxy
transfer, then the David Beckham Ankle Watch, then the David Beckham
Sprained Knee Chronicles…the Galaxy didn't make the playoffs for a
second year running.
Now the spotlight will shine on the four West Side representers who still have a shot at lifting MLS Cup in RFK on November 18.
Chivas USA (1)
No more step child treatement for LA's Other Team.
The
former expanshion side that two years ago established the worst record
in MLS history came back with a vengeance, losing just once at home and
pushing DC united for the Supporter's Shield to the last week.
Former MLS and US National team stand out, Preki, should capture the club second straight coach of the year award.
He
quickly realized that Amado Guevara had not place on his team and
instituted a slick, quick passing side that ripped opposing defenses to
shreds.
 |
| Maykel Galindo: Cuban hitman (chivas. mls.net) |
Chivas USA is full of confidence and if they can overcome the loss of Razov, they'll make a deep post season run.
Kansas City
Wizards(4)
Once again, KC waitied until the last weekend of the season to post their playoff ticket. First year coach, Curt Onalfo had KC of
to a fast start but they stumbled down the stretch, capturing only 11 out of the last possible 36 points up for grabs.
 |
| Eddie Johnson: Time to bring it. (univision) |
Scott Sealy has continued to show his ability to score big goals for the club and Jose burciaga, Fr.
has become a reliable midfielder and Kerry Zavagnin is one of the better defensive midfielders in the league.
Jimmy
Conrad continues to anchor the defense and is able supported in the
back by GK Kevin Hartman. Their job has obviously been made easier with
the absence of Razov.
The midfield is where this match up will be one or lost. If KC can slow Chivas USA down they've got a shot at the upset.
Houston Dynamo (2)
Overlooked
by most of the news coming out of LA, the defending champions will
looking tobe the first team to repeat as MLS Cup champions since DC did
it 10 years ago.
Nipped
at the wire by Chivas USA for top spot in the west, they will look to
continue where they left off in last year's playoffs with their
organized play through midfield.
However,
they will have to overcome the void left by Ricardo Clark's league
record 9 game suspension after he viciously kicked Carlos Ruiz while
the latter was on the ground.
Midfielder Brian Mullan who was named the team's co-MVP along with Onstead will have to step his game up even
further.
 |
| Joseph Ngwenya: big time contributor ( lagalaxy.mlsnet.com) |
However,
the Dynamo's defense has really been the story, with Pat Onstead
continuing to cement his claim as one MLS' best all time keepers. His GAA average of .83 was tops in the league and he was second in shutouts.
Craig Waibel and Wade Barrett among MLS' toughest and most experienced centerbacks.
Houston is feeling the Indianapolis Colts' pain; they are the defending champions that no one is talking about.
Something tells me they'll be ready to go when the playoffs start.
FC Dallas (3):
Like KC, FC Dallas was another team that was dragged kicking and screaming into playoffs, capturing only 8 out of a possible 30 points to close out the season.
They reached the final of the US Open Cup only to lose to Revolution in a highly entertaining
affair. Their confidence has to be fragile as they open the playoffs against their Texas rivals.
 |
| Carlos Ruiz: You know you love me (mls.net) |
Arturo
Alvarez has emerged this season as a dynamic player capable of scoring
some superb goals and Ghanaian Dominic Oduro has been a significant
contributor.
Chris
Gbandi continues to be a top defender on a backline that features up
and coming Drew Moor and will have its hands full with its actual and
potential attacking opposition.
Ray
Burse, Jr. had a solid rookie season when called upon in goal but
veteran and fan favorite Dario Sala will most likely get the nod
between the posts.
This is a better side than it's record indicates and this will probably be the most competitive of the opening round series.
The Western Conference playoffs get under with the first legs in Dallas and Kansas City on Saturday at 8pm. The return legs will be in Houston, next Friday night and LA on Saturday Night.
MLS Playoffs: Once again, it's on.
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