Blas Perez will sit out tonight's game due to suspension. (Getty Images)

FC Dallas forward Blas Perez.

Yes, this news came down yesterday afternoon and honestly many here in Dallas were stunned by the news.  Perez was given a one game suspension for  an elbow on Whitecaps defender Jordan Harvey in the first half of Saturday’s game with Vancouver.

Harvey was not injured on the play and even played the full 90 minutes on Saturday, leaving the question out there as to was this a good call? We’ve seen others this season that were pretty iffy and this one goes right there with it.

While I don’t have a ton of issues with suspending a guy for a questionable elbow (others here in town will disagree, and rightfully so), I do have issues with the timing of this suspension and many of the other retroactive suspensions this season.

The suspension of Perez came down about 24 hours before FC Dallas kicks off Week 8 with Real Salt Lake. FCD had already gone through training for the day and was pretty much prepared to go for tonight’s contest with Salt Lake when they found out the news about Perez.

To me it is simple, if the Discipline Committee is going to suspend a guy for a game on a Wednesday, they need to hand it down on Monday afternoon. Simple as that. It gives all parties involved at least one full day to get ready for it. It is just a fair and simple thing to do.

So who will Dallas turn to this evening up top? Ruben Luna? Scott Sealy? Your guess is as good as mine.

One MLS game tonight (yes there is a CCL game with Toronto and Santos too), as the Montreal Impact play at Real Salt Lake for the first time. Jesse Marsch’s club is going through all the usual expansion club pains and going to Salt Lake won’t be an easy thing after coming off a 5-2 beating in New York last weekend.

The short week, along with the travel to some elevation spells trouble for the expansion Impact. They don’t match RSL’s talent, or their overall veteran leadership on the field. If this game were in Montreal it may be a slightly different story on the short week but I like RSL to take care of business in an easy way tonight. Kyle Beckerman was a beast last week against Portland I think he and RSL run all over the Impact tonight.

WVH Prediction: RSL 3, Montreal 0

Portland and Vancouver have done well in preparing for their sophomore seasons. (Getty Images)

Yesterday I took a look at the 10 clubs from the Eastern Conference in how they’ve done so far this winter. Naturally right after the post was put up one of those clubs went out and signed a DP.

Today, we’ll look at the nine clubs from the Western Conference to see how they’ve been doing so far this winter.

Obviously all MLS sides will continue to make moves between now and the end of the MLS transfer window in April but this is merely a discussion and grade for what they’ve done so far. I’ll go back before the end of that window to re-grade these clubs. The transaction page at MLSSoccer.com was where the majority of the info seen on this post came from.

(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)

Chivas USA

Players In:

M Ryan Smith (11/21: trade from Sporting KC); D James Riley (11/23: from Seattle, via trade from Montreal); M Oswaldo Minda (12/21: SD Quito); M Miller Bolaños (1/11: LDU Quito); F Casey Townsend (1/12: SuperDraft); G Tim Melia (1/17: free); D John Valencia (1/24: Atlético Junior); M Marvin Iraheta (1/24: Cosmos Academy)

Players Out: F Justin Braun (11/23: trade to Montreal); M Gerson Mayen (11/23: trade to Montreal); D Zarek Valentin (11/23: expansion draft); MPaulo Nagamura (11/29: trade to Sporting KC); D Andrew Boyens (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/LA Galaxy); F Chukwudi Chujindu (12/12: option declined); M Simon Elliott (12/12: out of contract); G Zach Thornton (12/12: option declined); D Mariano Trujillo (12/12: option declined); D Michael Umaña (1/2: free/Comunicaciones); F Marcos Mondaini (1/4: loan option declined); G Sergio Arias (1/4: loan option declined); F Víctor Estupiñán (1/4: option declined)

What is still needed: A big time goal scorer.

Thoughts: This continues to be one of the toughest clubs to figure out. They’ve lost a good deal of talent in guys like Justin Braun and Zarek Valentin. Yet they have brought in some intriguing additions in the form of Ryan Smith, Miller Bolanos and John Valencia. If Smith can return to the level of play we saw out of him in Kansas City, then this club has the potential to be a lot more interesting in 2012.

Grade: C

Colorado Rapids

Players In: D Hunter Freeman (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Houston); M Tony Cascio (1/12: SuperDraft); M Jaime Castrillón (1/25: free/Independiente Medellín)

Players Out: M Sanna Nyassi (11/23: expansion draft); D Mike Holody (11/30: option declined); DDanny Earls (11/30: option declined); D Miguel Comminges (11/30: option declined)

What is still needed: Depth in the midfield and up top.

Thoughts: Losing Nyassi is a bigger deal than some still make it out to be. He was a solid player for them and Montreal will love having a player that can do what he does. On the flip side I do like their additions, even if it is really only a couple of them. Freeman will add some quality to the defense while Castrillon will be called to do a lot in the midfield. I think if Oscar Pareja can make a couple more moves to fit his system, then this club will be fine.

Grade: C

FC Dallas

Players In: F Blas Pérez (1/3: free/Indios de Ciudad Juárez); D Hernán Pertúz (1/3: free/Independiente Medellín); D Matt Hedges(1/12: SuperDraft); D Carlos Rodríguez (1/20: Tauro FC)

Players Out: D Edson Edward (11/23: waived); DJeremy Hall (11/29: trade to Toronto); F Maykel Galindo (12/12: option declined); F Maicon Santos (12/12: option declined); M Marvin Chávez (12/16: trade to San Jose); M Jackson(1/18: loan to Cruzeiro)

What is still needed: A starting right-winger, depth up top

Thoughts: Some folks aren’t too high on what Dallas has done this winter but really they’ve put together a solid winter so far. Perez, Pertuz and Rodriguez will all contribute big minutes this season, as will rookie Hedges. Schellas Hyndman trimmed the fat from the poor moves made last year in the form of Hall, Galindo and Santos but also made some risky moves by trading Chavez and loaning Jackson. Fans were too happy about those last two but they should be happy with the fact that the salary cap space is there for them to make a couple solid moves this season.

Grade: B

LA Galaxy

Players In: D Andrew Boyens (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Chivas USA); D Chris Leitch (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/San Jose); F Pat Noonan (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/Seattle); M Marcelo Sarvas(12/13: free/Alajuelense); M Jose Villarreal(12/22: Home Grown); G Nick Noble (12/22: free/Ljungskile SK); D Tommy Meyer (1/12: SuperDraft); M Kenney Walker (1/12: SuperDraft); F Edson Buddle (2/1: free); M Kyle Nakazawa (2/1: trade from Philadelphia)

Players Out: D Gregg Berhalter (12/9: retired);G Donovan Ricketts (11/28: trade to Montreal); M Juninho (1/4: loan expired); G Jon Conway(1/10: retired); M/F Miguel López (1/10: loan expired); M Jovan Kirovski (1/23: retired); DDasan Robinson (1/27: retired); D Chris Leitch(1/31: retired); F Yuri Gorentzvaig (2/1: waived)

What is still needed: Center back depth and defensive midfield help

Thoughts: Losing Juninho is huge, losing Omar Gonzalez to injury is just as big. Both are the two biggest losses to this club but on the flip side they have done very well at addressing depth and shredding some fat. Having Buddle come back is huge but don’t sleep on that Nakazawa trade either, that was a nice quiet move by Bruce Arena that could end up being a big deal down the road.

Grade: B-

Portland Timbers

Players In: F José Adolfo Valencia (12/14: Independiente Santa Fe/Colombia); F Brent Richards (1/4: Home Grown); D Andrew Jean-Baptiste (1/12: SuperDraft); M Brendan King(1/12: SuperDraft); D Hanyer Mosquera (1/17: free); F Kris Boyd (1/30: free); M Charles Renken (1/31: waiver wire)

Players Out: D Kevin Goldthwaite (11/29: retired); F/M Ryan Pore (12/1; option declined); G Adin Brown (12/12: option declined); M Rodrigo López (12/12: option declined); M Peter Lowry (12/12: option declined); F Brian Umony(12/12: option declined); F Kenny Cooper (1/12: trade to New York)

What is still needed: Depth in the defense, additional help on the wings

Thoughts: The last two moves by the Timbers (Boyd, Renken) could end up being the best moves this winter by any club. Boyd is a natural goal scorer and if he can get to 10-15 goals this season, it will be a great addition by the Timbers. As for Renken, if he can get healthy it is a very good pickup for a player that had so much promise early on in his young career. The other DP signed this winter by the Timbers is still a toss up but if Valencia can get healthy and work out, then the Timbers have all the makings of being special in year two.

Grade: B+

Real Salt Lake

Players In: M Enzo Martinez (1/12: SuperDraft); D Diogo de Almeida (1/12: SuperDraft); M Sebastián Velásquez (1/12: SuperDraft);  D Leone Cruz (1/17: trade rights from Seattle)

Players Out: G Tim Melia (11/23: waived); M Collen Warner (11/23: expansion draft); D Robbie Russell (11/29: trade to D.C.); M Jean Alexandre (12/1: trade to San Jose); M Arturo Alvarez (12/5: Re-Entry Stage 1/Chivas USA); MAndy Williams (12/5: retired); D Nelson González (12/12: option declined); D Rauwshan McKenzie (12/12: option declined); M Blake Wagner (12/12: option declined); M Andy Rose(1/17: trade to Seattle)

What is still needed: Depth all over, particularly in the midfield and up top

Thoughts: It seems like they have lose more than they have gained but that is the price you pay when you are one of the deepest teams in MLS. Russell and Warner will end up being the toughest losses on the field. Williams will be the toughest loss in the locker room though. But they did get some youth in the draft and Martinez should be a steal for them, as he’ll get plenty of playing time in his rookie season.

Grade: C

San Jose Earthquakes

Players In: M Shea Salinas (11/30: trade from Vancouver); M Jean Alexandre (12/1: trade from RSL); M Marvin Chávez (12/16: trade from FC Dallas); D Víctor Bernárdez (12/21: free/Anderlecht); F Sam Garza (1/12: SuperDraft); M Jacob Hustedt (1/12: SuperDraft); G Chris Blais (1/12: SuperDraft);  F Sercan Güvenisik (1/26: Preußen Münster); M Tressor Moreno (2/2: free)

Players Out: D Bobby Burling (11/23: expansion draft); M Matt Luzunaris (12/1: waived); M/D Bobby Convey (12/2: trade to Sporting KC); D Chris Leitch (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/LA Galaxy); MAndré Luiz (12/12: option declined); M Jacob Peterson (12/12: option declined); F Scott Sealy (12/12: option declined); G Andrew Weber (12/12: option declined)

What is still needed: Defensive help

Thoughts: A busy offseason for Frank Yallop but not a terrible one. A lot of iffy moves in the draft and in trades that could pan out and be better than I am thinking. If Moreno ends up being the #10 that the Quakes have been looking for then we could be looking at a sleeper team this season. Still a lot of ifs with that defense that worries me. I do think their additions on the wings will help Chris Wondolowski out in a big way. I think the grade will end up being higher, especially if they can work out a deal with Simon Dawkins to return.

Grade: C+

Seattle Sounders FC

Players In: G Michael Gspurning (12/7: free/Skoda Xanthi); D Marc Burch (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/D.C. United); D Adam Johansson (12/29: free/Göteborg); M Christian Sivebaek (1/11: free/Midtjylland); D Andrew Duran (1/12: SuperDraft); F Babayele Sodade (1/12: SuperDraft); M Andy Rose (1/17: trade from Real Salt Lake); FCordell Cato (1/18: free/Defence Force FC);

Players Out: G Kasey Keller (11/2: retired); D James Riley (11/23: to Chivas USA, via expansion draft); D Tyson Wahl (11/23: trade to Montreal); GK Terry Boss (12/2: retired); D Taylor Graham(12/2, retired); F Nate Jaqua (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/New England); F Pat Noonan (12/12: Re-Entry Stage 2/LA Galaxy); M Erik Friberg(12/12: transfer/Malmö)

What is still needed: Defensive depth, a healthy Steve Zakuani

Thoughts: It looked like this club was going to take a serious hit back at the end of 2011 but they have quietly and diligently made some good moves to help their cause out for what will be a busy 2012. I like the additions of Johansson, Siveback and Cato. And re-signing Mauro Rosales was absolutely huge. Still the biggest loss will certainly be Kasey Keller and his leadership. If Gspurning can be half of what Keller was to this club they will be fine.

Grade: B

Vancouver Whitecaps

Players In: M Bryce Alderson (11/17: Home Grown), D Lee Young-Pyo (12/7: free); M/F Lee Nguyen(12/15: weighted lottery); M Matt Watson(12/16: free/Carolina); D Martín Bonjour (1/6: free: Rampla Juniors); F Darren Mattocks(1/12: SuperDraft); D Chris Estridge (1/12: SuperDraft); G Brad Knighton (1/17: Carolina);  M Jun Marques Davidson (1/19: free); F Sébastien Le Toux (1/30: trade from Philadelphia)

Players Out: D Jeb Brovsky (11/23: expansion draft); D Bilal Duckett (11/23: waived); M Nizar Khalfan (11/23: waived); M Alexandre Morfaw(11/23: waived); M Shea Salinas (11/30: trade to San Jose); D Greg Janicki (11/30: option declined); M Pete Vagenas (11/30: option declined); D Jonathan Leathers (11/30: option declined); G Jay Nolly (12/5: trade to Chicago); D Geinier García (1/17: trade to Montreal); FMustapha Jarju (1/21: contract terminated); MPhilippe Davies (1/21: option declined)

What is still needed: Defensive depth

Thoughts: Martin Rennie has brought in a fair amount of talent from his Carolina roster and will likely continue to do so. But you have to really like where this club is going offensively with Le Toux and the re-signing of Camilio. If Young-Pyo can turn into the game-changer in the back for the Caps, this could easily be a playoff team in 2012. There will certainly be some growing pains with this club, giving all the changes but you have to really like where they are going here.

Grade A-

RSL is done for 2011, now Jason Kreis faces the tough task of protecting 11 players. (Getty Images)

Expectations were high going into 2011 for Real Salt Lake. The club was closing in on a historic CONCACAF Champions League win and everyone in the league was supporting their efforts. But injuries, suspensions and the gutting loss in the CCL final to Monterrey changed the course of the season for RSL.

But they got back on the horse – so to speak – and got into the playoffs where they upset Seattle and then gave LA a run for their money last night.

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, the San Jose Earthquakes, the Seattle Sounders FC, 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. Nick Rimnado – Still one of the best keepers in MLS.

2. Kyle Beckerman – Had a MVP-type season in 2011, absolutely no sense in exposing him.

3. Jamison Olave – One of the best defenders in MLS.

4. Nat Borchers – See the note on Olave.

5. Javier Morales – When healthy he is super dangerous. Really a shame that he was hurt all year long.

6. Will Johnson – One of those massively underrated players in this league.

7. Tony Beltran – He continues to grow each season and he’d be one of those guys I’d love to have on my back line if I was starting a new club.

8. Chris Schuler – Cheap, young and super talented.

9. Alvaro Saborio – Their lone DP, but he’s being protected not for that reason but for the reason that when he is on his game he is a total beast.

10. Fabian Espindola – Such a hard-worker. You may not like the guy but his work-rate is out of this world.

11. Paulo Jr. – Another young guy that they have to hold on to here.

Home Grown/Generation adidas Players:

• Luis Gil
• Donny Toia
• Nico Muniz

Unprotected List:

• Tim Melia
• Robbie Russell
• Arturo Alvarez
• Jean Alexandre
• Chris Agorsor
• Yordany Alvarez
• Chris Wingert
• Blake Wagner
• Ned Grabavoy
• Nelson Gonzalez
• Kyle Reynish
• Collen Warner
• Cody Arnoux
• Rauwshan McKenzie
• Andy Williams

Notes:

I think for the most part RSL is fairly straight forward in who they have to protect. Out of the unprotected guys like Warner, Wingert, Arnoux and Grabavoy could merit some discussion for protection. For me though, this group is simple, protect the main core and a couple young players. They’ll probably lose someone no matter what so you have to make sure it isn’t someone you desperately need for 2012. Wingert and Grabavoy will likely be fine due to age and their contracts.

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

Beckerman, who was enjoying a very strong MVP-like season until his head butt on Paladini last night. The foul itself was clearly some emotions that could have been handled better by the official for a foul that apparently wasn’t called on Paladini.

Thankfully for Beckerman he didn’t severely injure Paladini. But given the league’s history this season with suspensions for rough fouls on players like Steve Zakuani and Javier Morales, I’d expect something to come down to Beckerman that will affect how RSL does for the rest of the season and possibly into the playoffs.

The play itself is pretty shocking. You may or may not like Beckerman but for RSL to lose him could be killer to their Supporter’s Shield hopes and even to their MLS Cup hopes. Losing a team captain like Beckerman is never easy to deal with, even if the club is as deep as RSL is.

Now the question comes out, how long will Beckerman be out? With four regular season games left and potentially anywhere between four and five playoff games, could the league punish Beckerman for more than four games? I kind of think he has to get at least two or three games here, if not maybe more.

What do you think?

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.

Philadelphia and RSL battle this weekend at Rio Tinto Stadium. (Getty Images)

This was suppose to be an off weekend in Major League Soccer. One of those rare weekends that the league decided to take off so players could be with their countries for important FIFA-related games or friendlies. But it also meant that having a weekend open in the schedule would allow clubs to have postponed games be reschedule for this weekend.

Case and point to this weekend’s two games. Yes, two games. Both should be good however as they each present unique playoff-like match ups.

I decided to skip my usual “What To Watch For” post yesterday because of the lighter weekend slate, but I’ll try to make up for it a little bit here in my picks.

Saturday

Philadelphia Union at Real Salt Lake: This one was rescheduled from earlier in the season when RSL was in the middle of their important CCL run. Philly was nice enough to reschedule this one but sadly it comes at a bit of a cost for the home side. With so many friendlies and World Cup qualifiers going on this weekend, a club like RSL has seen their typical tough lineup get shredded down a bit with call ups.

RSL will be without Nat Borchers, who is suspended for this one. Also, Arturo Alvarez, Will Johnson and Alvaro Saborio will be out due to WC qualifiers and friendlies. At least Jason Kreis has Kyle Beckerman and Jamison Olave to lean on in this one. That’s a positive, especially at home.

Philadelphia got a weekend off last week due to Hurricane Irene and hopefully they used that time wisely to get Freddy Adu used to his new teammates. The Union are on a five-game winless run and need a point in a bad way to stay in the playoff race here. They need a big game from Adu and Sebastien Le Toux.

I think RSL has the talent in place to win this one regardless of all the call ups that have taken over their roster. This one feels like a draw though given the time off that Philly has had here.

WVH Prediction: RSL 1, Philadelphia 1

Monday

LA Galaxy at Sporting Kansas City: One of those rare Labor Day matches in MLS. Not sure how this one got rescheduled for this day but here it is. LA comes into this one with 51 points and will want to extend their Supporter’s Shield lead over Seattle and Dallas in this one with those two teams closing in on them.

Sporting is coming off a disappointing home loss to Dallas last weekend where they gave up three goals in the final 20 minutes of the match and two of those being in the last three minutes of the match. They talked all week about how they’d be mentally tougher in this one but it won’t get easy with a team like LA coming into town. Defensively they have to show up for 90 minutes, something they haven’t really been able to do all season long.

LA will have Landon Donovan for this one as he will be released from the USMNT after the Costa Rica game. That’s a huge plus for the Galaxy considering they won’t have Robbie Keane for this one.

This one feels like a draw all the way but I wouldn’t be shocked to see LA come out of this with three points.

WVH Prediction: SKC 1, LA 1

The LA Galaxy control their own destiny at the moment. (Getty Images)

Wednesday we looked at where each Eastern Conference club stands at reaching the post season. Today, we head out to the Western Conference.

So I won’t waste any more time here with introductions. Here is what each Western Conference team has left and how many points I think each has left in them.

Chivas USA – 8 games remaining (5 home, 3 away) 

Notes: I nearly put an asterisk on the away side, they do have a “road” game against the Galaxy coming up. Still, Chivas has a lot of home games left on the table and plenty of time to get themselves into the playoff mix. Last night they didn’t do themselves any favors by losing at Portland but the road they have left shouldn’t seem too terrible for Chivas fans out there.

Their other two road games left are at Chicago and DC. Not bad really considering the game with the Fire is likely a draw and they can probably squeeze the same at RFK Stadium.

Their home schedule remaining isn’t that bad either. They host RSL, DC, Philadelphia, Seattle and Toronto. You have to figure they should be able to at least get seven to nine points out of their home games. As long as they get draws on the road that will push them to right around 42-44 points. In some cases that should get them in, though just barely.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 10 points

Colorado Rapids – 7 games remaining (4 home, 3 away) + 4 CCL games

Notes: The Rapids have a fairly comfortable position right now, but it all comes down to whether or not they take a leap forward into one of the three automatic births from the West (stealing it from Seattle or Dallas) or if they just remain content to the top wildcard spot.

Still with three on the road plus the CCL games I’d expect the Rapids to just get enough points to clinch and be happy here. I’ve said for a few months that I don’t see them repeating as MLS Cup champions this year but I do think they’ll make it interesting.

They host San Jose, LA, Dallas and Salt Lake –  three of those are going to be big final home games in the regular season to deal with. I do think they’ll get points out of those three games but they have to get ones on the road here if they expect to get one of the three auto-bids. They have to go to Vancouver, Toronto and Chicago – three very winnable games for the Rapids.

Possible points remaining: 21 points

Likely remaining points: 16 points

FC Dallas – 8 games remaining (3 home, 5 away) + 4 CCL games + USOC game(s) + 1 friendly

Notes: Boy there certainly is a lot left on the table for Dallas. As rough as this month has been for them with all the travel at least September gets a little more favorable. Out of the seven matches next month for the Hoops, five of them are at Pizza Hut Park. With a nice lead that they’ve already built in the CCL, I’d expect that Schellas Hyndman will do his part to get his team into the knockout round but also conserve some players for the stretch run.

Of those three league games at home they host New York, Vancouver and Houston. All winnable when you look at things at the moment. Of their road trips left they go to KC, San Jose, Chicago, New England and Colorado. As long as the club doesn’t pick up too many more injuries and David Ferreira is able to come back form his injury, Dallas should have no problem getting one of the three automatic bids out of the West.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 15 points

LA Galaxy – 8 games remaining (4 home, 4 away) + 5 CCL games

Notes: The Supporter’s Shield is LA’s to lose yet again this season. At 51 points, they are currently six clear of the next club in line (Seattle). The four home games should help counter the travel that LA has to do in the CCL (three of their last four are on the road). More than likely the Galaxy will go young on those trips and save some of their big guns for the league games.

LA should see points from their four home games against Chivas, RSL, Vancouver and Colorado. As far as their road trips they have New York this weekend, then Columbus, Houston and KC.

Again, the Shield is their’s to lose.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 16 points

Portland Timbers – 8 games remaining (3 home, 5 away)

Notes: They did themselves a huge favor last night by scoring three big points in a home win against Chivas. With only three home games left, they absolutely have to cash in all of those nine points, plus some road points to get into the playoffs.

It won’t be that easy though. They host Houston, New England and San Jose. Three games they should get points in anyways. But having to travel to New York, Philadelphia, DC and Vancouver won’t be as easy. I think they can pick up some points on the road though, but will it be enough? I see two of those road games as doable but some others, not so much.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 11 points

Real Salt Lake – 11 games remaining (4 home, 7 away)

Notes: Seeing how RSL has lost four of their last five and those came on the road, this remaining schedule looks brutal. They should still make the playoffs but at some point they have to step it up on the road and cash in these games-in-hand that they have on everyone else.

Taking a look at those four home games, you have to figure they’ll get the points there. They host Philly, KC, Chicago and Portland. Not exactly easy games but considering teams rarely play well at Rio Tinto it should be at least 10 points there. That would be them at 46 points, probably enough to get them into the playoffs.

Out of their remaining road games, they do have chances for points. They go to Chivas, Seattle, NY, DC, LA, Vancouver and Colorado. Three tough places to go but four others that they should get at least a draw at. But nothing is certain right now with this club so it will be a battle for them to get into one of the three automatic bids from the West at this point.

Possible points remaining: 33 points

Likely remaining points: 16 points

San Jose Earthquakes – 9 games remaining (3 home, 6 away)

Notes: Ouch, the Quakes have no luck right now with their remaining schedule. Only three games left at Buck Shaw Stadium and they come against tough teams like Dallas and KC. They do get Chicago in town for a meeting but two of those three aren’t gimmes at all.

Those six road games will easily make or break the Quakes here for their slim playoff chances. Frank Yallop’s side has to go to Toronto, Houston, Portland, Colorado, New England and Seattle. Very tough go of things to end the season if you ask me.

Possible points remaining: 27 points

Likely remaining points: 6 points

Seattle Sounders FC – 8 games remaining (5 home, 3 away) + 4 CCL games + USOC game(s)

Notes: If any club is going to pressure the Galaxy for the Supporter’s Shield it has to be this Sounder club. They may have a thick schedule with the CCL and USOC but we know they are hunting for trophies this season. With plenty of home games left, the Sounders are in a great spot at the moment.

They host Columbus, RSL, DC, Philly and San Jose. I’d say at least three of those are winnable games if not all five of them. They could have a couple draws in there. Still, very doable.

On the road Sigi Schmid’s club has to go to Chivas, New England and Vancouver. Not exactly a murder’s row of away games. The only tricky part will be with the CCL. At one point they go from Vancouver to Guatemala to New England.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 18 points

Vancouver Whitecaps – 9 games remaining (6 home, 3 away)

Notes: It sounds nice and it certainly will get better with BC Place opening up in October but we really can go ahead and call the Caps a spoiler club and not a contender here. Say they max out on their remaining points, it would bring their total to 45 on the season, which should be enough to get in. But what are the chances that Vancouver goes 9-0-0 to finish the year?

But let’s see who they have left. They host Houston, Seattle, RSL, Portland, DC, and Colorado. All clubs competing for a playoff spot at the moment. Those last four are at BC Place by the way.

Of their three road games they go to LA, NY and Dallas. Nothing easy about that either.

Possible points remaining: 27 points

Likely remaining points: 6 points