My Prediction: DC United over FC Dallas These two teams play the highest quality of soccer in the league (Chvas also does), something that is great to see in the MLS the way these teams dictate the game and possess the ball with dynamic passing and movement, it is very exciting to see in our league finally, and these two teams show the most out of it (along with Chivas), DC United with the likes of Emilio, Fred, Gomez, etc. and Dallas with Ruiz, Denilson, Toja, etc.would be a very entertaining high quality attacking game, I think DC United would pull off the win based on finishing ability. This would be the highest quality MLS Cup game ever in my opinion and would probably impress any foreigners who watch it that think little of MLS quality. Teams that were tough to rule out for me: Red Bulls- with the dangerous attack of Angel, and Altidore. I think theire downfall might be their backline. Chivas USA- with the dynamic passing and possession style they have been playing, looking like possibly the best team in the league lately. I believe their downfall may be goal scoring, which is hard to say with Galindo and Razov. Houston/New Enlgand- these teams just flat out win in the playoffs. I think these two teams downfall might be they just don't have the quality of Chivas, DC, and FCD.
Really depends on whether or not DC beats Guadalajara in the round of 16 in Sulamericana. If DC doesn't, and is eliminated from that tournament, I'm going with DC over Chivas or Houston. If DC beats Guadalajara, they will be playing quarterfinal matches in between matches in the MLS playoffs, and I think they will have a hard time advancing. In that case, I am picking Chivas or Houston over the Red Bulls. The reason I'm wavering on Houston/Chivas is because of the injury situation. If Houston can get fully healthy, I'll take Houston out west. If not, Chivas.
I think the playoffs this year could be outstanding. There are some really interesting potential matchups and a number of teams are playing well. Right now, I would agree with those who say DC United and Chivas are playing the best -- they have been a joy to watch in the last month. With those two as the favorites, never underestimate Houston and New England in short two game series. Houston defends that smaller home field exceptionally well and they are gritty. New England is exceptionally well coached and they can grind out playoff results too. I would never bet against either of these teams. FC Dallas is something of an enigma to me. There are days where they seem to easily be the class of the league, but they don't seem well suited to a playoff format and, to me, their performance in Superliga didn't dispel that. It wouldn't surprise me if they won it all, or went out right away. For darkhorses, Chicago is starting to play very well. I'm not sure if they have enough fire power to win it, but they could make the playoffs and advance a round. I wouldn't want to play them.
FC Dallas has played like garbage against the top teams in the league. With the exception of their 2-2 draw against United at home, ChivasUSA hasn't fared much better. As entertaining as a DC vs ChivasUSA final would be, I think we'll see DC vs Houston.
Houston has been in a bit of a slump recently but I'll bet they turn it around in the playoffs and at least make the semis.
While I can see DC not making it to the MLS Cup (especially if it beats Chivas, as outlined before), I can't see DC losing in what would be a packed RFK. That's not a knock on Houston, or anybody else, I just think the home field advantage will be too big.
DC vs Chivas/Houston Im not sure on how chicago will qualify but i would love to see DC vs Chicago...
Which could happen in the Cup if NE loses out and becomes the 4 seed in the West. I know you were talking more about a potential ECF matchup, and the winner would also win the Cup, but c'mon New England is never winning the cup.
I'll remind you of this when we not only eliminate DC ''again'' in the play-offs but also win the cup in your own stadium.
Houston 2-1 DC, screw Chivas. Not really its hard to rule them out but for now Im sticking with houston
I think DC peaked to early. In MLS teams tend to have big runs followed by a sharpe drop in form, its happened over and over again. Especially with Sud coming up. That said they still have as good a shot or better than anyone else. I think Chivas USA will win MLS Cup. Chivas v. NE NE always seems to end up there. They are the Buffalo Bills of MLS.
Based on current form I think you would have to go with a DC/Chivas final. MLS is a month to month league and teams fall out of form as fast as they are in form so things can change as there is a long way to go. I wouldnt count out Houston and New England as they have the pedigree and always seem to do well in the playoffs. Dallas and NY are wildcards. When they have played well this year they have played as well as anyone but both teams have been inconsistent but both have talented sides. As long as NE doesnt make it I'll be happy as every MLS cup they play in is boring as hell.
So basically you believe that 6 of the top 8 teams have a shot. Way to go out on a limb. That said I agree with you and think Colorado and KC also have a shot to win it all. Maybe even Chicago too.
DC 3 Chivas 2 As much as I hate it those damn Chivas have been playing the best soccer in the West so far. I dont see anybody beating them at this point.
I see a repeat of last years cup. Houston vs New England with Houston pulling it off with a 2-1 victory with a last second goal by Ching. If Houston's injured player's get back on schedule they could peak just at the right time.
DC United 4-4 Chivas, DC United wins on penalties after extra time. Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles invade the pitch after the win, Chivas fans burn what's left of the stadium with their smoke bombs and flares, and the mayor is forced to provide DC with a new 25,000-seat home with terraces for standing and a view of the Lincoln Memorial. OK, waking up now...