Expect Real Salt Lake to be in control out West
The 2009 Major League Soccer season is just eight days away, with the New York Red Bulls opening at expansion Seattle Sounders FC.
Soccer addicts, relax. You'll get your domestic fix soon.
Meanwhile, here's a look at Western Conference, in order of predicted finish, to tide you over:
1. Real Salt Lake
It will be a good season if: Coach Jason Kreis can complete the club's turnaround from doormat to respectability. Former Woodridge resident Will Johnson repeating his 2008 Goal of the Year a few times wouldn't hurt either.
It will be a bad season if: Javier Morales can't build on his 6-goal, 15-assist season.
Bottom line: This club is on the move, and not just into new Rio Tinto Stadium.
2. Chivas USA
It will be a good season if: Chivas doesn't miss departed goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Are Dan Kennedy or Zach Thornton the answer?
It will be a bad season if: Midfielder Sacha Kljestan goes to Europe in July. Chivas needs his energy and ability.
Bottom line: There's enough here to do well in a weak conference. Someone has to find a way to second place.
3. FC Dallas
It will be a good season if: Kenny Cooper sticks around to repeat 2008's 18-goal campaign.
It will be a bad season if: Dave van den Bergh can't do for the Hoops what he did for New York last year.
Bottom line: Schellas Hyndman gets his first full season as coach, but he may need more time to build his type of roster.
4. Houston
It will be a good season if: Stuart Holden can make Houston fans forget the departed Dwayne De Rosario.
It will be a bad season if: Brian Ching is the only offensive threat, now that De Rosario and Nate Jaqua are gone.
Bottom line: First it lost De Rosario, then defender Eddie Robinson to a knee injury. Things aren't looking good.
5. San Jose Earthquakes
It will be a good season if: Cam Weaver can score during the regular season like he has in the preseason.
It will be a bad season if: Midfielder Bobby Convey can't stay healthy and adjust back to MLS.
Bottom line: The defense was sound in the expansion season, but not the attack. Coach Frank Yallop has had too much success to doubt him. Things will pick up.
6. Colorado Rapids
It will be a good season if: Former Fire keeper Matt Pickens can regain his form and solidify the Rapids' defense.
It will be a bad season if: Defensive midfielder Pablo Mastroeni proves to be past his prime.
Bottom line: This is a club that needs to figure out where it's going. Will coach Gary Smith give it direction?
7. Los Angeles Galaxy
It will be a good season if: It can shore up the worst defense in the league in 2008.
It will be a bad season if: David Beckham returns to L.A. in July from AC Milan and plays like it's his off-season.
Bottom line: The Galaxy needs a good start. If it's near the bottom when Beckham returns, things could get ugly.
8. Seattle Sounders FC
It will be a good season if: Striker Freddie Ljungberg comes back from injury strong and ready to show he won't be a Beckham-like bust.
It will be a bad season if: The Sounders act like a typical expansion team, rather than like the 1998 Fire.
Bottom line: Coach Sigi Schmid knows how to get things done in this league, but even with an established team in Columbus it took a couple of seasons to win.
• Next week: The Eastern Conference preview.
<p class="BriefHead">MLS predictions</p> <p class="News"><b>League MVP:</b> Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC</p> <p class="News"><b>Coach of the Year:</b> Jason Kreis, Real Salt Lake</p> <p class="News"><b>Goalkeeper of the Year:</b> Jon Busch, Chicago Fire</p> <p class="News"><b>Rookie of the Year: </b>Omar Gonzalez, Los Angeles Galaxy</p> <p class="News"><b>Bust of the Year:</b> David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy</p>