Ching squared off against his old club yesterday. (Photo via Montreal Impact)

As bad as it was back in November, both Brian Ching and the Houston Dynamo are ready to move past the whole expansion draft fiasco.

Ching – now a member of the Montreal Impact – played the Dynamo yesterday in a preseason scrimmage. The mood was not as hostile as one would have imagined it to be a couple months back. In fact, Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear apologized for his actions and comments from the expansion draft.

“I think in the beginning, we were a little bit liberal with what we were saying,” Kinnear said. “I think it was a little bit rude, and I apologize for that, back when Brian first got selected by Montreal in the Expansion Draft. I think it was too easily talked about because of who he is, and I think now just to be very professional, we have to keep it as quiet as possible.”

It will still be hard for Houston fans to see Ching in the Impact blue, but give it time and all things will soon pass on.

One Houston writer is still betting on seeing Ching back in Dynamo orange by March 11. I tend to agree with him.

Let’s turn back to Ching, the all-time leading scorer in franchise history. The Dynamo and Impact have had trade discussions on and off since the start of preseason, so there’s still a chance that Ching will be back with the team for the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium.

I’m willing to bet Ching will be a member of the Dynamo by March 11.

With that said, the Dynamo also have inquired about other veteran forwards within in MLS, in Europe (Kevin Davies of Bolton turned the team down) and South America (Carlo Costly). You also know about Kris Boyd, the Scottish forward who snubbed them to sign with the Portland Timbers.

Yesterday the Dynamo did trade for forward Mac Kandji from the Colorado Rapids. That folks is no Ching replacement but it is a start.

A lot can and will happen between now and March. We’re a month out of First Kick and already this preseason has presented some interesting story lines.

Go ahead and say it. You think this is pretty. Well you aren’t the only one. The orange seats are going in as we speak and the grass will soon be installed. Happy times indeed in Houston.

(Photo via @hapykappy7)

Toronto and Kansas City have faired pretty well so far this winter. (Getty Images)

Many clubs are a few weeks into their pre-seasons and now that the international transfer window has shut, it is a good time to look at how each MLS side has done so far this winter. (Note: the MLS window doesn’t close until April, which means players who failed to land new jobs in Europe can still head to MLS.)

Keep in mind, these grades are based on the offseason to this point, not on how good I think the team will be. I know there will and can be a lot more moves between now and April. I’ll go more into how I think each team will be before the start of the season with various rankings and previews then. The transaction page at MLSSoccer.com was where the majority of the info seen on this post came from.

I’ve also thrown in some thought about what I think each club still needs before the start of the season in terms of depth and areas of concern.

(Side note: I’m not including any Supplemental Draft picks in with any of the teams. Some players have already been let go by their clubs while some are still trying to make the teams. Once they have definitely signed we’ll discuss it more)

Chicago Fire

Players in: G Jay Nolly (12/5: trade from Vancouver); F Kheli Dube (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/New England); M Rafael Robayo (1/9: free/Millonarios); F Federico Puppo (1/11: free/Danubio); D Austin Berry (1/12: SuperDraft); F Lucky Mkosana (1/12: SuperDraft); D Hunter Jumper (1/12: SuperDraft)

Players out: F Christian Nazarit (12/7: option declined); F Gabriel Ferrari (12/7: option declined); G Alec Dufty (12/12: option declined); M Baggio Husidic (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Colorado); G Jon Conway (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/LA Galaxy); F Diego Chaves,(1/15: free/Palestino)

What is still needed: Defensive help and another striker

Thoughts: For some reason the Transaction page lacks the losses of Yamith Cuesta and Josip Mikulic, Those two losses leave their defense in a bit of a pickle. Only Cory Gibbs and Jahil Anibaba have MLS experience. That being said however I did like their SuperDraft with them landing Berry and Jumper. There will be some growing pains in the back for sure to start out with but I think before long they’ll be okay. I’m very interested to see how Puppo works up top with Dominic Oduro, Patrick Nyarko and Pavel Pardo. If it works out that could be a very nice move for the Fire. Losing Diego Chaves is a tough loss even though his output wasn’t a whole lot last season due to injuries (six goals, one assist). Frank Klopas still has some work to do here, that is for sure.

Grade: C-

Columbus Crew

Players In: D Carlos Mendes (12/5: Re-Entry Stage 1/New York); G Matt Lampson (12/15: Home Grown); M Milovan Mirosevic (1/4: free/Universidad Católica); F Olman Vargas(1/6: free/Club Herediano); F Ben Speas (1/11: Home Grown); F Ethan Finlay (1/12: SuperDraft); D Aubrey Perry (1/12: SuperDraft); M Kevan George (1/12: SuperDraft)

Players Out: D Josh Gardner (11/23: expansion draft); M Santiago Prim (11/23: waived); D Dejan Rusmir (11/23: waived); F Andrés Mendoza (12/6: option declined); M Kevin Burns (12/12: option declined); F Jeff Cunningham (12/12: option declined); M Robbie Rogers (1/11: free/Leeds United)

What is still needed: Possibly another striker and some defensive depth

Thoughts: Still no word on what Emmanuel Ekpo will be doing this season. Is he still with the club or not? The club hasn’t talked about it too much this winter but from what I can gather he is a free agent (some MLS side should take note and grab him). Outside of that the club did lose a couple big names in Mendoza and Rogers but Gardner could be one of the tougher losses in the back. On the flip side they did bring in Mendes from New York, which I thought was a smart move and they signed two home grown players. Vargas could be a huge addition for them down the road, as will Mirosevic. The Crew went young once again this winter with their moves and I think it will pay off for them.

Grade: B-

DC United

Players In: D Robbie Russell (11/29: trade from RSL); M Nick DeLeon (1/12: SuperDraft);  F Maicon Santos (1/18: free); M Danny Cruz(1/20: trade from Houston); D Emiliano Dudar(1/25: free/BSC Young Boys)

Players Out: M Santino Quaranta (12/7: retired); DMarc Burch (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Seattle); M Clyde Simms (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/New England); M Brandon Barklage (12/12: option declined); G Steve Cronin (12/12: option declined); F Joseph Ngwenya (12/12: option declined); D Jed Zayner (12/12: option declined); D Devon McTavish (12/22: retired)

What is still needed: Defensive depth and another striker

Thoughts: It looks like they lost more than they gained but really when it comes down to it Ben Olsen has done a solid job this winter. Getting players like Cruz, Russell, Santos were all smart moves while rookie DeLeon was a nice pick last month. The big question will be if Dudar can make an impact with the side or not. I still believe their defense could use a little more work but these moves should help Perry Kitchen move back into his more natural spot in the defensive side of the midfield.

Grade: B-

Houston Dynamo

Players In: M Nathan Sturgis (12/29: trade from Toronto); F Colin Rolfe (1/12: SuperDraft); MWarren Creavalle (1/12: SuperDraft)

Players Out: F Brian Ching (11/23: expansion draft); MFrancisco Navas Cobo (11/23: waived); GEvan Newton (11/23: waived); F Carlo Costly(11/24: option declined); D Hunter Freeman(12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Colorado); F Jason Garey (12/12: option declined); D Eddie Robinson (1/11: retired); M Danny Cruz (1/20: trade to D.C.)

What is still needed: Depth all around but most pressing need is a couple strikers

Thoughts: I’m not exactly sure what the Dynamo are waiting on here this winter. Possibly the Bring Ching situation shook them more than they thought it would. Only three moves this winter and two of them came from the SuperDraft. That isn’t enough at all for a club that will have additional games on their slate this season with the CCL. Even with the new format of that tournament it will still be more games to deal with than what they have had the last couple of seasons. The good news in all of this though is the club has to have plenty of cap space. Nearly all the players they lost this winter took up plenty of caps space, especially Costly, Ching and Freeman. For now this club feels incomplete but I don’t like giving out those kinds of grades.

Grade: D-

Montreal Impact

Players In: D Nelson Rivas (10/3: free/Inter Milan, Italy); G Evan Bush (10/21: NASL Impact); DSinisa Ubiparipovic (11/1: NASL Impact); M Hassoun Camara (11/3: NASL Impact); D Jeb Brovsky (11/23: expansion draft); DBobby Burling (11/23: expansion draft); F Brian Ching (11/23: expansion draft); D Josh Gardner (11/23: expansion draft); M Justin Mapp (11/23: expansion draft); M Sanna Nyassi (11/23: expansion draft); D James Riley (11/23: expansion draft); D Seth Sinovic (11/23: expansion draft); M Collen Warner (11/23: expansion draft); D Zarek Valentin (11/23: expansion draft); F Justin Braun (11/23: trade from Chivas USA); M Gerson Mayen (11/23: trade from Chivas USA); D Tyson Wahl (11/23: trade from Seattle Sounders); M Bryan Arguez (11/25: free/Ft. Lauderdale Strikers);  M Davy Arnaud (11/28: trade from Sporting KC); G Donovan Ricketts(11/28: trade from LA); M Ian Westlake (12/5: NASL Impact); M Miguel Montaño (12/7: free/Seattle); G Greg Sutton (12/9: free/New York); M Patrice Bernier (12/19: free/Lyngby); M Felipe Martins (12/21: free/FC Lugano); D/FAndrew Wenger (1/12: SuperDraft); M Calum Mallace (1/12: SuperDraft); D Geinier García(1/17: trade from Vancouver); D Shavar Thomas (1/20: free)

Players out: D James Riley (11/23: trade to Chivas USA); D Seth Sinovic (11/28: trade to Sporting KC)

What is still needed: That big-named player they’ve been talking about for weeks would be nice.

Thoughts: For an expansion team, this club sort of feels like the Seattle Sounders when they came into the league. Smart moves, a couple risky ones and enough MLS guys that could make this club very watchable in year one. They are young for the most part but talented enough that they could surprise some people. If they can get that big DP signing that they have been claiming to have on the radar before the season starts then this grade could end up being higher. But overall I can’t fault them too much for what they have done thus far.

Grade: B+

New England Revolution

Players In: D Danleigh Borman (12/5: Re-Entry Stage 1/Toronto); F Nate Jaqua (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Seattle); M Clyde Simms (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/D.C. United); D John Lozano(1/9: free/América de Cali); M/F Fernando Cárdenas (1/9: free/América de Cali); M Kelyn Rowe (1/12: SuperDraft); D Tyler Polak (1/12: SuperDraft); F Jose Moreno (2/2 loan/Once Caldes)

Players Out: F Alan Koger (11/23: waived); D Otto Loewy (11/23: waived); M Andrew Sousa (11/23: waived); F Milton Caraglio(11/30: option declined); F Monsef Zerka(11/30: option declined); D Ryan Cochrane(12/1: option declined); M Franco Coria (12/1: option declined); M Pat Phelan (12/1: option declined); F Kheli Dube (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Chicago); F Rajko Lekic (1/31: free/Lyngby)

What is still needed: A go-to striker with experience (Moreno may be that guy), and some depth on the wings

Thoughts: Jay Heaps has done a decent job so far this winter are building his roster. He cut a lot of fat and made some interesting calls early on. Re-signing Shalrie Joseph to a DP deal was fairly smart and if his three Colombian players can pan out like others have in this league then he could have a competitive team in 2012. I still have a ton of reservations about this club though for this season. I want to like what they have done this winter but I have a feeling it won’t be nearly enough to be a playoff side. They are too young in some places and we still don’t know how well this offense will actually be.

Grade: D+

New York Red Bulls

Players In: D Connor Lade (12/5: Home Grown); D Jonathan Borrajo (1/5: free/Hamarkameratene); D Markus Holgersson (1/12: free/Helsingborg); F Kenny Cooper (1/12: trade from Portland); G Ryan Meara (1/12: SuperDraft);  G Jeremy Vuolo (1/25: free/AC Oulu); D Wilman Conde (1/30: rights from Chicago)

Players Out: G Alex Horwath (11/23: waived); DMychal Jones (11/23: waived); D Tyler Lassiter (11/23: waived); M Marcos Paullo (11/23: waived); M John Rooney (11/23: waived); D Teddy Schneider (11/23: waived); DCarlos Mendes (Re-Entry Stage 1/Columbus); D Chris Albright (12/12: option declined); GBouna Coundoul (12/12: option declined); DTim Ream (1/26: transfer/Bolton Wanderers)

What is still needed: A goalkeeper with plenty of good experience, defensive cover, depth in the midfield

Thoughts: The Conde-Holgersson combo in the back could be good. Keyword there is could. I do think it is a step in the right direction though for this season. You have to imagine it will still be a high expectation season for Hans Backe and these Red Bulls though. The depth is still an issue but is getting better. It still comes down to their goalkeeper situation for me though, it hasn’t gotten any better and don’t think for a moment that Vuolo is the right answer there. He’s decent but not nearly decent enough if the club goes through some growing pains with this new defense.

Grade: B-

Philadelphia Union

Players In: M Nizar Khalfan (11/23: waiver draft/Vancouver); F Josué Martínez (12/7: transfer, Deportivo Saprissa); M Jimmy McLaughlin (12/12: Home Grown); M Gabriel Gómez (12/21: Indios/Mexico); D PorfirioLópez (12/22: Dalian Haichang/China); FChandler Hoffman (1/12: SuperDraft); M Greg Jordan (1/12: SuperDraft); D Raymon Gaddis(1/12: SuperDraft)

Players Out: D Juan Diego González (11/23: waived); G Thorne Holder (11/23: waived); M Justin Mapp (11/23: expansion draft); G Chase Harrison (12/12: option declined); M Stefani Miglioranzi (12/12: option declined); F Levi Houapeu (1/17: option declined); M Morgan Langley (1/17: option declined); M/D Ryan Richter (1/17: option declined); D Joe Tait(1/17: option declined); F Veljko Paunovic (1/18: retired); G Faryd Mondragón (1/30: released); F Sébastien Le Toux (1/30: trade to Vancouver); M Kyle Nakazawa (2/1: trade to LA)

What is still needed: Backup goalkeeper, some depth in the midfield and in defense

Thoughts: What a difference a couple days makes for a club like this. Losing Mondragon and Le Toux in one day was rough. Peter Nowak is committing to the youth movement in a big way and I don’t mind it really. I know fans are attached to players like Le Toux but give it some time and it should all work out. I do like their other moves with Martinez and Gomez coming on board. Lopez should also be an interesting player to watch while Hoffman and Gaddis should be able to contribute in their rookie seasons. Adding some depth behind Zac MacMath has to be done before the start of the season though. That is a huge area of concern.

Grade: C

Sporting Kansas City

Players In: D Seth Sinovic (11/28: trade from Montreal); M Paulo Nagamura (11/29: trade from Chivas USA); M/D Bobby Convey (12/2: trade from San Jose); F Dom Dwyer (1/12: SuperDraft); DCyprian Hedrik (1/12: SuperDraft); M Michael Thomas (1/18); F Jacob Peterson (1/19: free/San Jose Earthquakes)

Players Out: M Davy Arnaud (11/28: trade to Montreal); M Jéferson (11/23: waived); D Scott Lorenz (11/23: waived); M Craig Rocastle(11/23: waived); D Seth Sinovic (11/23: expansion draft) M Milos Stojcev (11/23: waived); F Omar Bravo (12/12: Cruz Azul/Mexico); D Shavar Thomas (12/12: option declined)

What is still needed: More defensive depth and cover

Thoughts: I still have to think that the Eastern Conference will go through KC this season. I’ve really enjoyed the moves that Peter Vermes has made this season. Their defense should be better while their offense will be just as tough, if not tougher in 2012. Convey should be a fun addition to watch. I do still have concerns about their defense going into 2012. I think they need at least one or two more moves in that area to ease my mind a bit. Also, this club will have to get mentally tougher in 2012 as they lost a lot of games late due to lack of maturity. Still, overall, not a bad winter.

Grade: B

Toronto FC

Players In: D Jeremy Hall (11/29: trade from Dallas); M Reggie Lambe (12/7: free/Ipswich Town); M Luis Silva (1/12: SuperDraft); D Aaron Maund(1/12: SuperDraft); D Geovanny Caicedo(1/26: LDU Quito); D Miguel Aceval (1/30: Universidad de Concepción)

Players out: D Kyle Davies (11/23: waived); M Matt Gold (11/23: waived); M Leandre Griffit (11/23: waived); F Javier Martina (11/23: waived); DDemitrius Omphroy (11/23: waived); D Eddy Viator (11/23: waived); M Gianluca Zavarise(11/23: waived); D Danleigh Borman (12/5: Re-Entry Stage 1/New England); M Nathan Sturgis(12/29: Trade to Houston) F Mikael Yourassowsky (1/18: waived); D Andy Iro(1/20: declined extension); F Peri Marosevic(1/20: declined extension)

What is still needed: Some depth up top behind Koevermans

Thoughts: Is this going to be a playoff team in 2012? Time will tell on that one but one thing is clear, this club is much better than before. Smart moves this winter that followed the smart moves that took place late last year. They seem to have brought in some defenders that they are very high on in Aceval and Caicedo. If those two moves pan out, then expect huge things from this side in 2012. Aron Winter is certainly taking this club places and its nice to see the management there give him the time and freedom to do it.

Grade: B

Saw this photo over at Stadium Porn. Good gravy this one looks nice. The inside may not have the bells and whistles that LIVESTRONG Sporting Park or Red Bull Arena have but I do believe this one will go right in line with the rest of the new(ish) stadiums in MLS.

Well done Houston.

LA wins 2011 MLS Cup. (Getty Images)

For five years the suits in the Major League Soccer front office and the guys with the big time pocket books have been waiting for this moment. They came close in 2009 in Seattle. Some expected it to happen last year in Toronto only to see the LA Galaxy upstaged by a better FC Dallas team in the conference finals.

No, it was more magical in a sense that it happened this year and last night. The final year of the David Beckham experiment ends with a MLS Cup.

I’ll let that sink in a bit to those who don’t like the Galaxy, Beckham, or Landon Donovan.

The last three years alone for the Galaxy have been pretty darn good. Two trips to the MLS Cup, one title and two Supporter’s Shields. I won’t get into whether or not I believe this is the best team the league has ever seen, comparing this club to the DC clubs of yesterday is kind of ridiculous in my book.

Sure the three-headed monster of Beckham, Donovan and Robbie Keane had a lot to do with the win last night but it also should be noted that manager Bruce Arena has put together an extremely strong team from top to bottom. Depth is there, the youth is stellar and the silverware is now showing up.

It was impressive all together by the Galaxy last night. The Home Depot Center was rocking to the tune of 30-thousand plus, a new record for the soccer venue. The big game on was ESPN for the entire country and world to see as 116 countries watched Beckham and company lift their first MLS Cup since 2005.

The game’s lone goal was also something to be impressed with. Some on Twitter tabbed it as the most expensive goal in MLS Cup history as it went from Beckham’s head to Keane’s right foot to Donovan’s nifty flick to the far post. Yes, that is a DP-to-DP-to-DP goal for those keeping score at home. Total cost of the goal to the Galaxy brass – priceless.

LA was always far and away the better team on the night. They pressed early and often, exposed an iffy spot or two in the Houston back line and had the bulk of the game’s chances. They just couldn’t put one away until the triple-DP special in the 72 minute.

Give some credit to the Dynamo though for making the game at least remotely interesting. Until the goal, it was all about how the Galaxy couldn’t finish the Dynamo off. Houston wasn’t creating many chances of their own and really looked a bit lost on offense without MVP finalist Brad Davis. Some thing the game would have been completely different with Davis on the field and to an extent they would be right but in my mind this game was always the Galaxy’s to dominate.

We know what a Galaxy loss would have meant last night but looking at what the win should and can do for the league is where we are at now. The Galaxy and MLS may lose Beckham after this year is over but don’t count the Galaxy out of things for the years to come. This club has been built not only for 2011 but for the next few years. Should Beckham leave, expect another big name to come take his place.

This Galaxy team will now carry the league banner even more than it ever has. People overseas already spoke of the Galaxy when talking about MLS and now that they are champions, expect them to talk even more about how good the team was this year and possibly even how good the league is getting.

At the end of it all – this was the season the Galaxy and possibly the league’s front office was hoping for – the Galaxy winning on the biggest stage. I’ll admit, it was kind of nice to see the league’s best club from the regular season pick up the title at the end of the year. No Supporters’ Shield jinx there folks.

LA and Houston battle in the 2011 MLS Cup this weekend. (Getty Images)

Well, here we are, the final game of the 2011 season. MLS Cup 2011 or 2011 MLS Cup…whatever way you look at it we are at the final game of the year.

I’ve been sitting quiet all week on this game, mostly due to the work load I’ve had at my day job but also because there were other items to get through here. Some of them I hope to share down the road, others might come up here soon. But enough about that kind of stuff.

The Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo. The AEG MLS Cup huh? Seeing the Galaxy make it this far isn’t a shocker after the season they’ve had and based on the pre-season expectations most of us had for them. Houston on the other hand is that club that got hot late in the season and rode it into the playoffs. Kudos to both for making it this far and after 90 (or more minutes) on Sunday we’ll know who is the champ.

Here are some key points that I’ll be looking at on Sunday, followed by my Cup prediction.

The Brad Davis Factor

Without Davis in the lineup, the Dynamo will have to rely on others in their midfield to step up. Leaders like Brian Ching, Geoff Cameron and underrated players like Colin Clark or Calen Carr would be guys that need to step up here. The Dynamo got through Kansas City without Davis for the most part and will have to go a full 90 without him on Sunday. Not easy.

In the end it will come down to Adam Moffat on set pieces and setting up the offense for the Dynamo. He’s proven before that he has a decent free kick. If he delivers can LA stop the Dynamo on the free kick? Good question for sure. LA didn’t look great in defense against RSL in the Western Conference final but did make adjustments to combat it.

Who Wins The Defensive Battle?

Two very good defenses in this game along with two quality young keepers. We know speed can kill the Galaxy but the Dynamo haven’t present a ton of that this year. On the flip side, the Dynamo defense can be exposed to quality crosses in the box and slippery strikers like Robbie Keane.

It really comes down to which keeper stands up and has a bigger game in my mind. Tally Hall and Josh Saunders are both poised to take that next leap in the great American keeper debate and this game could do it for them.

Home Field, is there anything to that?

We’ve heard a lot of talk about how good LA is at home. Their last home lost was in the playoffs last year against Dallas in a game that the Red Stripes lit them up for three goals like it was nothing. They’ve worked all year to get to this point but I wouldn’t put a ton of stock into that home field advantage notion. Houston may have only started to win on the road in the last two months but they’ve looked to be getting stronger with each road game.

Who are the unsung heroes?

For LA it has to be Mike Magee. He’s simply got it done this post season for the Galaxy, scoring goals and being in the right spot at the right time. David Beckham seems to love finding him and you got to feel that his confidence is sky high going into this game.

For Houston I look at Moffat. If he can create and hold possession in the midfield like Davis would for the Orange then the Dynamo will be well on their way with him in the attack.

David Beckham’s Last Hurrah? 

This could be the most over-played story of the whole Cup but with all that has been invested in Beckham you have to expect it. We’ve heard Beckham say how he will wait a couple weeks before the does anything to decide where he goes next or if he stays in LA. Winning a MLS Cup has always been a top priority for the Galaxy with him there and even more so this season.

I still believe he’ll re-sign with the Galaxy next month for a one-year deal. He loves it in LA and more importantly he loves having his family in LA. Big factor. If he gets a MLS Cup win on Sunday it will make his decision that much easier I believe.

Final Thoughts

This one should be a good game. Both teams have talent and desire to win it all here. We know what a disaster it would be for LA if they dropped this game at home. But at the same time we know what this title will mean if the Galaxy do win it all – they’d have a chance to go down in league history as one of the best ever – something Bruce Arena downplayed this week.

The Dynamo have to like their position though. They are an underdog by a decent margin but they have every ability to beat the Galaxy. The experience of the Dynamo is still there and they have enough players on this roster that have been there already.

This game will be tight and probably a low scoring affair. The Dynamo defense should carry them throughout this game to make it interesting but I see LA getting one in at some point to make this one a little more open and lively. I think a lot of pressure has to fall on Landon Donovan to lead the Galaxy though – not on Beckham or Robbie Keane. Donovan has to show the game-changer ability that we know he has to help the Galaxy.

In the end, I’m going with the home side in this game. I think Houston could pull off the upset and win it all but without Davis I have a hard time counting on them to do so. LA has all the tools and the power to win this game and will do so.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, Houston 1

Houston won the Eastern Conference this year. (Getty Images)

Only two more teams to go in our look at each MLS club’s potential expansion draft lists. Today I start with the Eastern Conference champions, the Houston Dynamo.

The Dynamo shocked a lot of people this season with their late fall surge in the playoffs. Now they are going for a third MLS Cup. After the Cup is over, they’ll quickly have to hammer out a list like this one.

To recap, I’ve already looked at the Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, the Colorado Rapids, the Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Dallas, the New England Revolution, the New York Red Bulls, the Philadelphia Union, the Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Keep in mind the rules of the expansion draft, to read more about them click here.

Protected List: 

1. Geoff Cameron – One of their most important players.

2. Brad Davis – Finally got some MVP love this season, will be interesting to see if he ends up winning his first MVP award too.

3. Adrain Hainault – Big Canadian defender, have to protect.

4. Tally Hall – Emerged as a quality #1 keeper this season. See him progressing a lot in 2012.

5. Luiz Camargo – Brazilian midfielder, really helped push this club this fall.

6. Calen Carr – Quality second striker.

7. Corey Ashe – He wasn’t protected last year but I think he gets saved this season because he progressed a good bit this year and he’s dirt cheap.

8. Adam Moffat – Scottish forward, quality at times.

9. Colin Clark – When healthy he is very good on the wings for this club.

10. Jermaine Taylor – Jamaican international, quality player as well.

11. Bobby Boswell – Still a quality defender. He and Cameron are a strong pairing in the back for this club.

Home Grown/Generation adidas Players:

• Tyler Deric
• Will Bruin
• Danny Cruz
• Alex Dixon
• Francisco Navas
• Kofi Sarkode
• Josue Soto

Unprotected List:

• Eddie Robinson
• Jason Garey
• Je-Vaughn Watson
• Cam Weaver
• Hunter Freeman
• Evan Newton
• Carlo Costly
• Brian Ching

Notes:

Okay, this team was fairly straight forward. I had to decide between Ching, Boswell, and Ashe in the end. Ching got the short end of the stick mostly because of age and his hefty contract ($412k total). With so many HGP and GAs on the roster that likely won’t graduate this year (though Danny Cruz could be close), this club doesn’t have a lot of arguments over who should be protected and who shouldn’t be here.

LA and Salt Lake should be a fun battle to watch. (Getty Images)

So I went three for four in the semifinals with my picks. Real Salt Lake knocked out Seattle in what was a very entertaining series. The other three were good as well, but the conference finals should be very good to watch.

We’re down to three more games this season – the Conference finals on Sunday – and the MLS Cup on November 20. So much soccer is in the books this year, it is hard to believe that we’ve gotten to this point so quickly. I’ll reflect on the season later on this month when it is all said and done.

Eastern Conference Finals – Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo:

This should be a fun first game on Sunday. Two clubs that no one expected to be here six months ago are now 90 minutes away from a MLS Cup berth. Amazing. Kudos to both managers for getting their clubs there as well. Dominic Kinnear and Peter Vermes have dealt with a lot of different things this season and each have gotten their clubs further than most had anticipated this season.

KC hosting this game certainly helps their cause here too. At home they are a completely different animal to face. Their speed and pace on the wings and up front is tough to handle. The main concern for me is still with their defense – though so far this post season they’ve done well at keeping others off the board. As long as tempers don’t flare in the back and they don’t expose themselves to a counter attack, they should be able to pack a lot of pressure on the Dynamo.

On the flip side, the Dynamo are coming into this match as one of the hottest clubs in the league. Their “we can’t win on the road” mentality is completely gone at this point as they’ve been able to win in tough places like Philadelphia and Dallas in the past two months. Their fire and desire to win is there right now and their veteran core is really leading the charge.

This match really boils down to Houston’s experience against Sporting’s youth and speed.

The Houston defense will have their work cut out for them as their last loss came in this same building against this KC squad. Teal Bunbury is playing extremely well at this point in the year and others are stepping up when needed as well.

When it is all said and done with this game, I still like Sporting KC to move on from this game and advance to MLS Cup. Their home field advantage will be tough to overcome at this point. The Dynamo will make this a quality game and I do see them pushing Sporting to the limit. This one feels like it could go to extra time but Sporting wins it late.

WVH Prediction: Sporting KC 2, Houston 1

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Western Conference Finals – LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake

This one is a biggie. A rematch of the 2009 MLS Cup. We know what the  Galaxy bring to the table with their stars and all that they’ve put into this season. Real Salt Lake on the other hand presents a steep challenge for LA. They’ve got the experience and the determination to get back to MLS Cup.

Salt Lake has to come out firing in this game from the start. Getting Javier Morales, Kyle Beckerman, and Alvaro Saborio involved early and often is key. Pressure LA like the Red Bulls did to start the game last night and good things will happen. A high tempo against LA is what the Galaxy struggle at defending. Also, getting Nat Borchers and Jamison Olave back will be huge for them if they are both good to go for Sunday’s contest.

For LA it is simple, play your style of game and the rest should take care of itself. They have the home field factor – a place they haven’t lost in all season – and they’re going to get Juninho back in the midfield now that his suspension is over.

I know a lot of people would have rather have seen LA and Seattle in this match but let’s not get too down about it. Salt Lake is still a quality club, even though they’ve only one once in the last month and a half or so.

I think in the end the home field factor is going to be a big part of this game for LA. They’re home, they are comfortable there and Salt Lake will be coming down from Seattle just happy to still be alive in this competition. It will be a good Conference finals but if Salt Lake doesn’t start fast, this game could get out of reach for them as it goes on. Galaxy get by but just barely as this one will get frantic towards the end.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, Salt Lake 1

Houston and Columbus look to end their current bad spells tonight. (Getty Images)

Boy today sort of got away from me. I wanted to spend more time on the CCL games and a couple other items going on but just never got to it. Thus, my picks for tonight’s MLS game will be kept extremely short.

Houston Dynamo at Columbus Crew: Both team are on terrible form these days but the Dynamo have it rough considering they are still searching for that first road win of the year. This one certainly favors the Crew in that sense but they have to put a plug on their defense, which has given up 10 goals in the last two games. Ouch. I want to go with the Crew but this one feels like a draw. Basically I have no confidence in either club right now.

WVH Prediction: Columbus 1, Houston 1

Real Salt Lake could be a wild card team this post season. (Getty Images)

It seems as each season goes in Major League Soccer, the wild card positions in the playoffs seem to be the ones with the most to gain and the least to lose.

Just taking a gander at the teams who have won a MLS Cup over the last couple of seasons and it was easy to figure out why the wildcard spots are so valuable these days. Long gone are the days in MLS where a eight of the ten clubs make the playoffs, now days it is ten of 18. Big difference in quality and quantity.

Even with the odd structure of the new playoff system this season it still seems that a wild card stands to gain the most, even with a tougher schedule. We’ve talked a lot this season about how good the Western Conference is and how dicy the Eastern Conference can be.

At this point the playoffs look fairly even with five teams from each conference sitting in the playoff zone. Sadly though, the top five clubs in the standings are Western Conference teams, which means the Eastern side will possibly see another non-EC champion this year in the playoffs.

On the flip side for those Eastern Conference teams, four of those teams in the top five have busy schedules to close out the season, which means by the time the playoffs hit, they could be a bit gassed to make  deep run to MLS Cup. So let’s look at each club in the wildcard zone to see what their chances look like for the remainder of the year and into the playoffs should they make it.

I’m going to start in the West and work my way back East here.

Real Salt Lake (currently 4th in Western Conference)

RSL is the one team in the West that stands to possibly move up into the automatic bids if they can work their remaining schedule right. They had struggled for a few games but they did look better against Philadelphia and Chivas in their last two. Right now they are only four points back of Dallas for that third spot and you can tell this is a club that does not want to have to deal with an extra wild card game this season. Still, should they find themselves in the wildcard zone I view them as one of the most dangerous teams in that group. They’ll likely be the top one and end up in the Eastern Conference bracket. That’s a scary idea for teams like Columbus, Kansas City or Philadelphia.

Colorado Rapids (currently 5th in Western conference)

The Rapids are one of the four Western sides with CCL dates to deal with in the remaining part of the schedule. It seemed as I was saying they were dead in the water back in June or July is when they really hit their stride as a club. I still worry about their depth going late into the season with all the CCL games but it seems that Gary Smith has found a way to balance the two out. As long as the Rapids don’ slide too far down into the wild card area here, they stand to have a good shot at things.

Portland Timbers (currently 6th in Western Conference)

The Timbers sit just a point away from being in the wildcard mix. They’re currently tied with the New York Red Bulls but with only a few home games left on the season they have to find a way to win on the road. This Timbers squad certainly has some talent to cause issues in the playoffs. You also have to believe the league front office is hoping and praying to get them into the playoffs, especially if they can host a home game in the wildcard round. At the end of the day this club still seems like a long shot at best with their remaining schedule.

Chivas USA (currently 7th in Western Conference)

This is just one of those clubs you wonder about. They’re certainly good enough to reach the post season but their consistency remains a big issue here this season. If Robin Fraser can even get a tenth of the Juan Pablo Angel that we used to see in New York then the Goats could be fine here. This club does appear to be one of the ones that could end up getting on a roll real late in the season if everything lines up. Dan Kennedy has proven to be a top class keeper this season and he could help guide them in the playoffs.

Houston Dynamo (currently 3rd in Eastern Conference)

The Dynamo are listed here solely on the reason that they still have yet to win away from home this season. As long as they take care of business at home to finish out the season and pick up a win somewhere away from Robertson Stadium, this club will certainly make the post season. It comes down to whether or not it will be an automatic birth or a wildcard birth. This club is certainly talented to make a deep run if they can find success away from home.

Philadelphia Union (currently 4th in Eastern Conference)

The Union have taken a nose dive in recent weeks with their play and are starting to look like a team that is in their second year. The remaining schedule is pretty tough for this club as well. Freddy Adu, Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Mwanga and the rest of the team have to get on the same page here and the defense has to step up. What was a strong part of their club early on this season is starting to be very leaky. I really felt a couple months ago that this was a club that could make a deep run but now I’m not so sure. Getting a few games in a row where they look good will help get my feelings back on the good side with this club but they’ve looked a long way out from that recently.

New York Red Bulls (currently 5th in Eastern Conference)

Ah the Red Bulls. The one club that everyone is keeping an eye on right now. I will say one thing about them though, should they make the playoffs as a wild card team, they will be very tough to deal with. Why? All that talent has to eventually do something positive and for a short five-game span they could easily do it in the post season. This long layoff for the club will go a very long way in determining whether or not this Red Bull side reaches the post season or crashes out. I see them getting there but those last two or three games going into the post season will be key to show if this club is going to be a Cup contender like we all expected them to be or a club that crashes out in the first round again.

DC United (currently 6th in the Eastern Conference)

So much young talent with this club but really I feel they are a year away at this point. They could still sneak into the playoffs considering all the games-in-hand they have at the moment. Hard to believe it but they’ve actually played fewer games than RSL this season. I have reservations about whether or not this is a club that can pull off multiple wins in a row late in the year too.

Chicago Fire (currently 7th in the Eastern Conference)

Yes, a couple wins in a row and the Fire now sit just a few points shy of a playoff spot. Very weird how that works out but hey, give them credit for getting there. The last two months are always about momentum going into the playoffs and if the Fire keep this up they will certainly be a tough team to deal with. Their defense is coming together nicely and their offense is starting to take some serious shape. We know they draw a lot of games which means they are always in the game. What a story it would be if they made a run at things here too. Also, keep an eye on them in the US Open Cup final in Seattle next month. A win in that would mean huge things for this club going forward.