MLS preview: Western Conference teams

Not only is it a fun rhyme to say “West is best,” but in MLS it's once again far too accurate. The Western Conference is loaded from top to bottom (well, almost).

The MLS Cup winner probably will come from this conference, just as Colorado did last year and Real Salt Lake the year before.

Here are the West's teams in order of predicted finish, but don't bet your full tank of premium unleaded on this. FC Dallas and Colorado were predicted here to finish seventh and eighth, respectively, last year.

Ouch.

1. FC Dallas

This will be a good season if: David Ferreira has another MVP-caliber season. Veteran Daniel Hernandez and youngster Brek Shea also are players to watch.

This will be a bad season if: At age 36 goalkeeper Kevin Hartman doesn't repeat 2010's stellar play and backup Chris Seitz can't do better than he did in Philly last year.

Bottom line: Schellas Hyndman has this team on the rise. The former Eastern Illinois University player could repeat as Coach of the Year.

2. Los Angeles Galaxy

This will be a good season if: Juan Pablo Angel, 35, meshes with Landon Donovan and David Beckham, 35, to produce goals in bunches like Edson Buddle did last year. What kind of sophomore season will Naperville native Michael Stephens have?

This will be a bad season if: Central defender Omar Gonzalez falls off national team coach Bob Bradley's radar. That would be a bad sign for Gonzalez and the Galaxy both.

Bottom line: Winning the Supporters Shield isn't good enough anymore. Time is running out on the Beckham Experiment.

3. San Jose Earthquakes

This will be a good season if: Chris Wondolowski can lead the league in scoring again. This year, however, teams know who he is.

This will be a bad season if: Goalkeeper Jon Busch falters.

Bottom line: Frank Yallop is too good a coach for this club to languish near the bottom for long.

4. Real Salt Lake

This will be a good season if: Kyle Beckerman can stay healthy. He's the engine that makes this team go, though Woodridge native Will Johnson is a strong second.

This will be a bad season if: Jamison Olave's game falls far off 2010's MLS Defender of the Year level, and at age 31 Nick Rimando is losing some of his amazing athleticism.

Bottom line: If RSL can stay healthy, it will be dangerous.

5. Colorado Rapids

This will be a good season if: Omar Cummings and Conor Casey score in bunches again. Cummings nearly transferred to Aston Villa in the off-season and could leave at midseason.

This will be a bad season if: Pablo Mastroeni can't stay on the field and be productive at age 34.

Bottom line: Few expected Colorado to win MLS Cup last year. Only a few more believe this year.

6. Portland Timbers

This will be a good season if: Forwards Kenny Cooper and top-pick Darlington Nagbe are as dangerous as expected.

This will be a bad season if: Goalkeeper Troy Perkins can't rebound from last year's disastrous season at D.C. United.

Bottom line: This doesn't look like your average expansion team, especially if it can find a strong defense.

7. Seattle Sounders

This will be a good season if: Defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado bounces back from injury and returns to his 2009 form. His loss hurt Seattle badly last year.

This will be a bad season if: Blaise Nkufo, Steve Zakuani and Fredy Montero don't keep Seattle fans on their feet.

Bottom line: How can this club be picked to finish so low? Only in the West.

8. Chivas USA

This will be a good season if: Zach Thornton is still a Beast in goal.

This will be a bad season if: Nobody from a group that includes Tristan Bowen, Justin Braun, Alan Gordon, Jorge Flores, Victor Estupiñan and possibly Stern John can score consistently.

Bottom line: It will be interesting to see how Chivas makes the transition from Martin Vasquez to new coach Robin Fraser. Sound familiar? Check last year's preview.

9. Vancouver Whitecaps

This will be a good season if: Director of Soccer Operations Tom Soehn, an Arlington Heights native, has a few more roster cards up his sleeve. Can anyone here score?

This will be a bad season if: Central defender Jay DeMerit, goalkeeper Joe Cannon and midfielder John Thorrington succumb to injury.

Bottom line: This is one expansion team that will play like an expansion team.

Next week: Why the East is least.

oschwarz@dailyherald.com