Predicting the MLS Western Conference

With less than two weeks until MLS First Kick, it’s time to get down to business. Here is a look at how the Western Conference shapes up, in order of predicted finish:

1. Los Angeles GalaxyThis will be a good season if: Landon Donovan doesn#146;t go to Everton at midseason and David Beckham and Robbie Keane play as well as they did in 2011.This will be a bad season if: The defense can#146;t overcome the torn ACL suffered by 6-foot-4 center back Omar Gonzalez.Bottom line: On paper this is the best lineup in MLS, and Bruce Arena probably is the best coach in MLS.2. Seattle Sounders FCThis will be a good season if: Newly acquired Eddie Johnson can rediscover his old form and join Fredy Montero to form one of the most dangerous forward tandems in MLS.This will be a bad season if: If Michael Gspurning isn#146;t up to the task of replacing legendary goalkeeper Kasey Keller, now retired. Expectations are as big as the Austrian#146;s 6-5 frame.Bottom line: If the Sounders can stay healthy, a problem last year, they#146;re the best bet to knock off the Galaxy.3. Real Salt LakeThis will be a good season if: Midfielder Javier Morales, 32, can make a successful comeback from last year#146;s gruesome leg injury. It might take a little more time.This will be a bad season if: Goalkeeper Nick Rimando and a back line led by Jamison Olave falter.Bottom line: General manager Garth Lagerwey, an Elmhurst native, and coach Jason Kreis can be counted on to keep RSL near the top of the standings.4. Vancouver Whitecaps FCThis will be a good season if: Sebastien Le Toux, Eric Hassli and Darren Mattocks #8212; with 18-year-old Omar Salgado waiting in the wings #8212; can score in bunches. And don#146;t forget the name Long Tan.This will be a bad season if: The defense can#146;t cut down on the conference-worst 55 goals allowed last season. So far so good in preseason.Bottom line: New coach Martin Rennie looks like a man with a plan.5. FC DallasThis will be a good season if: David Ferreira, 32, can make his way back from a broken ankle to regain his 2010 league MVP form.This will be a bad season if: Rising-star midfielder Brek Shea leaves at midseason for Europe. Defender George John might be gone even sooner.Bottom line: This club has a little age on it, starting with 37-year-old goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, who led the league in wins in 2011.6. Portland TimbersThis will be a good season if: Kris Boyd lives up to expectations. The Scottish striker might be the best foreign import of the off-season.This will be a bad season if: Midfielder Franck Songo#146;o doesn#146;t have a regular season as good as his promising preseason.Bottom line: Coach John Spencer expects to follow a good expansion season with an even better sophomore year for one of the most rabid fan bases in MLS.7. San Jose EarthquakesThis will be a good season if: The new faces in Northern California #8212; Tressor Moreno, Sercan Guvenisik, Victor Bernardez #8212; can give this club a new look.This will be a bad season if: Goalkeeper Jon Busch, 35, just signed to a new contract, can#146;t lead the league in saves again. Or maybe if he has to lead the league in saves again.Bottom line: Coach Frank Yallop has had success in MLS, but this might be his last chance in San Jose.8. Colorado RapidsThis will be a good season if: Newly signed Argentine midfielder Martin Rivero can become a true No. 10.This will be a bad season if: Conor Casey and Omar Cummings can#146;t stay healthy and regain their 2010 form.Bottom line: Colorado is just two seasons removed from an MLS Cup appearance, but new coach Oscar Pareja has a lot of work to do.9. Chivas USAThis will be a good season if: If first-round draft pick Casey Townsend can produce up front. Counting on 36-year-old Juan Pablo Angel might not be a good idea.This will be a bad season if: Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy can#146;t do cartwheels when necessary to keep the ball out of his net.Bottom line: The rebuilding continues for the other L.A. team.ŸFollow Orrin#146;s soccer reports via Twitter @orrinsoccer.