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-

Bobby Convey is headed to KC. (Getty Images)

You have to like what some clubs are doing right now. This week has been a big week of trades as clubs get ready for the First Stage of the Re-Entry Draft next week. Today another trade came down the pipe – and while others haven’t been as big – this one certainly has the makings of being pretty huge.

Sporting Kansas City has acquired veteran midfielder/defender Bobby Convey from the San Jose Earthquakes for an international roster slot.

Convey was headed to the Re-Entry Draft but teams could make deals up until a certain time today before things got locked down. There had been hints since yesterday afternoon that the club was close to making another trade. The club had already made two deals this offseason, getting Seth Sinovic from Montreal in exchange for Davy Arnaud and also picking up Pablo Nagamura from Chivas USA.

Convey’s price is a tad high but this is a bold move for KC that you have to like. Sporting was very close to making it to their first MLS Cup in a long time and the big issue that came up was their defense. Adding a big piece to the puzzle like Convey will certainly help keep them a favorite in 2012.

To date, Convey has scored 11 goals and added 30 assists in 164 appearances in Major League Soccer.

What do you all make of this deal for KC?

Who will be saved and who will be left unprotected for San Jose? (Getty Images)

I am back on the expansion draft list bandwagon this afternoon. I’ve been working here and there this week on compiling several club’s lists. Currently I am only working on teams that are eliminated from playoff contention – though next week we’ll have plenty more as teams fail to advance in the post season will be up to eight and then up to 12 when the wildcard round ends.

To recap, I’ve already looked at the New England Revolution and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Today, we are headed west to take a look at the San Jose Earthquakes.

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

Protected List:

1. Chris Wondolowski – Their MVP and top scorer, no sense in leaving him open.

2. Simon Dawkins – One of their few internationals (gotta protect a certain amount here!), he’s been solid for them this season.

3. Nana Attakora – He’s Canadian, gotta protect him. Just seems logical.

4. Khari Stephenson – Another international that will get protection.

5. Jon Busch – A solid keeper in this league, pretty underrated really.

6. Stephen Lenhart – A decent goal scorer when healthy. He seems like a guy Montreal’s Jesse Marsch would like coaching.

7. Steven Beitashour – Young, cheap defender. Definitely one to hold on to.

8. Sam Cronin – He’s settled in well in San Jose, can’t see him getting unprotected here.

9. Joey Gjestsen – He was on the Impact’s USL roster a couple years ago and he was protected last season.

10. Rafeal Boca – Another one of those internationals that they have to proect.

11. Jason Hernandez – A veteran that was protected last season over a couple guys. I think he gets protected again.

Home Grown/Generation adidas Players exempt:

• Ike Opara
• David Bingham

Unprotected list:

• Bobby Burling
• Chris Leitch
• Brad Ring
• Scott Sealy
• Ramiro Corrales
• Andrew Weber
• Maxwell Griffin
• Justin Morrow
• Alan Gordon
• Jacob Peterson
• Tim Ward
• Anthony Ampaipitakwong
• Ellis McLoughlin
• Andre Luiz
• Matt Luzunaris
• Bobby Convey

Notes: This was a tricky team due to the number of internationals that they have on the roster. I had a couple guys written down as protected at first like Beitashour and Burling but then realized neither were protected last year over guys like Hernandez. You really could make your case either way for those guys over someone like Hernandez or even over Convey.

A lot could depend on if Frank Yallop and John Doyle are running this show after this season. It seems like neither are leaving at this point – even though they both probably need to go for this club to have a turnaround next year. If they both go then you could easily see other guys like I mentioned get protected here.

EDIT: Just read the report that Convey is leaving after this year or at least saying he won’t be back. So Convey is out, Beitashour in.

In order to get the blessing of the locals, the Quakes agreed to remove the ability for the stadium to host concerts to help reduce noise pollution in the surrounding area. Most MLS venues use concerts to help facilitate more revenue but the Quakes felt they can get by without them.

“Our main focus is soccer and I think we made a big concession here,” shared Keith Wolff with the audience. “This is to try to get a soccer stadium done because we are getting such great fan support in Santa Clara, but there is only so much we can do there. So we really want to get this stadium done. We are willing to forego the concert revenue to make this happen.”

“The neighbors can declare victory given that there will not be concerts hosted at the new stadium,” said Councilman Liccardo, who has been involved in planning and permitting procedures in conjunction with the Earthquakes since the beginning of the process.

From the sound of the report, the locals were very worried about loud noises. Seeing how the stadium will only host 18k, it really shouldn’t be that bad.

The Quakes now have some good momentum in this project and hope in the coming weeks to being building their very own soccer stadium. A positive sign that soccer will be staying in the Bay Area for the long run.

Not to be outdone by other club’s season ticket renewals, the San Jose Earthquakes are doing something that I really hope catches on from other MLS clubs. Renew your season tickets today and you get a free NASL throwback kit.

That my friends is bad ass.

I’ve been hoping for a long time now that several MLS clubs do the old NASL throwback day here soon. Now that we are nearly at 19 clubs and most are in cities with some NASL history associated with them, I really would love to see a NASL throwback day before long. Think about the LA Galaxy rocking a LA Aztecs kit or the Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps or even these San Jose Earthquakes rocking old kits.

You gotta admit, it would be pretty sweet.

But in all seriousness, kudos to the Quakes here for going a little different with their season renewals here. It is a different approach to doing things but definitely one that should resonate well with fans.

(EDIT: looks like this is for new season tickets as well…very nice)

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

Crazy stuff.

Lenhart got a yellow on the play as well but let’s be honest, it probably should have been the other way around just on the fact that Lenhart as a total ass clown for doing what he did.

Oh MLS. Maybe since the league fined Charlie Davies for diving, they’ll do something to Lenhart for being stupid.

San Jose had a 8.8% chance of winning (5th best). I don’t mean to toot my own horn but I said I’d put money on the Quakes winning earlier this afternoon.

Bingham goes into a nice situation with San Jose too. He’ll sit behind Jon Busch as an understudy and will likely see plenty of action in friendlies and SuperLiga (if they do actually have it). No doubt he’s one of the most MLS-ready rookies out there so he’ll get his chances soon.

Keeping Omar Cummings is a big part of the Colorado offseason checklist. (Brian Stevens for WVHooligan.com)

The other day I took a look at each eastern conference side to see what items they needed to do this winter. Today is all about the other side of the MLS world in the western conference. Now I am keeping the two expansion clubs out of this discussion for now. I’ll likely do a piece on each team before the SuperDraft to see where they are at on things.

Chivas USA

Things never really took off for Chivas USA this year. The club lost a couple solid players like Sacha Kljestan and were on course to lose Jonathan Bornstein over the winter. Now the club is searching for a new identity all over the field as well as a new coach to lead them into the new season.

• Find a new coach – Whether it is Juan Carlos Osorio, Jesse Marsch, Eric Wynalda or whoever the club needs to find a new coach by Christmas or they’ll be set back quite a bit going into the SuperDraft next month.
• Re-tool the defense - Biggest area for needed improvement for the AmeriGoats is their defense. Finding a couple center backs plus getting some speed on the outside will go a long way in getting them back in contention.
• Sign a DP – Make the investment and make it a good one. They need to go with either a big time playmaker or someone who can score lots of goals…hell or both. One thing is for sure this club needs to show to their fans that they are willing to spend.
• Invest in a culture – This club needs an overhaul on their identity going into the new year. Find something and stick to it.

Colorado Rapids

It was a big, big year in Colorado for the Rapids. A MLS Cup and a roster full of guys that just seemed to make things happen at the right moment.  But with that new star on their jersey will come more games in the 2011 season which will certainly test the depth of this club.

• Keep Omar - As a MLS fan I don’t want to see Omar Cummings go anywhere. I’m sure Rapids fans know that feeling too. The Rapids need to make Cummings their top priority if they haven’t already this winter. Get him into a long-term deal that will benefit both sides.
• Continue Building Depth – They’ve already started well by keeping Anthony Wallace after the Expansion Draft and then getting Joseph Nane from Toronto. They’ll need more than just that going into next year though. Adding more depth to their wing play in the midfield is vital as well as beefing up their defense even more.
• Capitalize on success – Fans love champions, so market the living crap out of this MLS Cup win. Bank on it with a jersey sponsorship and some new season ticket holders.
• Bring in the youth – Time to expand their youth system and get it going in high gear. They’ll need that extra depth from within due to the extra games in 2011.

FC Dallas

I knew going into 2010 that FC Dallas would have something special. Sure enough the club had a 19-game unbeaten run and were able to reach their first MLS Cup only to fall short in extra time to the Rapids. Building on that won’t be easy as new challenges will come in their way in 2011.

• Give Ferriera a DP tag – The league MVP wants to stay in Dallas and the club has an option on his loan so why not make it permanent and give him a DP tag similar to Fredy Montero’s deal in Seattle.
• Find another striker - I have a gut feeling they’ll get Jeff Cunningham back after today’s Re-Entry draft. I don’t see someone picking him up and that’s good because he wants to stay in Dallas from what I’ve been told. Thing is Cunningham isn’t enough for 2011. They need a proven No. 11 to score at least 10-15 goals in 2011.
• Continue drafting well – Hyndman has a system and it works believe it or not. His scouting in the draft proved to be very good last year in late picks like Eric Alexander and even their first pick of Zac Loyd. Building on that won’t be easy with the 17th pick in next month’s draft but Hyndman can find gems anywhere.
• Bank on the success of 2010 – Early season ticket reports suggest FCD will improve at the gate next year but I do wonder by how much. Going from 10k a game to just 11 or 12k a game won’t make too much difference. Time to market the success of the team better as Dallas loves a winner.

Houston Dynamo

After seeing the Dynamo in the season opener here in Dallas I knew one thing was certain, it would be a long year for the men in Orange. The club clearly needed to be rebuilt but no one there seemed to think it would be needed in 2010. Now moving forward to 2011 it’s clear the Dynamo are in need of a facelift.

• Retool the D – The Dynamo defense went from being one of the most feared to one of the weakest in a year’s time. Finding a couple quality center backs to compliment Geoff Cameron in the midfield will be a start.
• Go young – We know what kind of coach Dominic Kinnear is and honestly he is great at finding young gems and turning them into stars. Look at what he’s done with Danny Cruz over the past two years. Finding more young talent with their academy system and this year’s SuperDraft are key in their rebuilding as they have a deep youth system.
• Find the right DP – If you don’t succeed, try again. That should be the moto with the Dynamo in their DP search this time around. I honestly believe they need to go big in landing a top level Mexican or South American as a DP. No more guys like Luis Angel Landin.
• Break ground – Let’s all hope that the Dynamo can finally get to putting shovels in the dirt on their stadium this winter. It could be their biggest offseason move if they do.

LA Galaxy

Don’t call the 2010 Galaxy a disappointment even though they were the Supporter’s Shield winners and failed to reach the MLS Cup finals after getting blown away by FC Dallas at home. The Galaxy were the top dog nearly all season long for a few reasons and going in to the offseason they’ll need to add more depth to improve on that impressive campaign.

• Buddle’s partner - For Buddle to repeat his 17-goal outburst of 2010, he’ll need a big time partner in 2011. If its Landon Donovan great. If not it needs to be someone that can put away those crosses from Donovan and David Beckham when Buddle fails to.
• Keep the Brazilian pipeline going – Their three Brazilian loans this past year were really a stroke of genius by Bruce Arena, especially getting Juninho. Keeping him and getting others like him in skill this winter could improve their chances going forward in 2011.
• Get some speed in the D – One of the biggest areas of concern was their defense, even as great as it was in 2010. They just lack the wheels to stay with some clubs though and adding some youth with speed in the back will keep them in the Supporter’s Shield discussion again in 2011.
• More depth – The limited depth that they do have is good but adding to it has to be done this winter in the SuperDraft and through their youth system. With additional games for the club and a busy summer for guys like Donovan and Buddle with the USMNT the Galaxy have to account for everything.

Real Salt Lake

How do you improve a team that was damn near impossible to beat at times in 2010? Believe it or not there are some areas that Jason Kreis’ club can improve on going into 2011.

• Depth across the board – If they are as serious about winning the CCL this coming spring they need the added depth to make it happen. Keeping Alvaro Saborio was key but adding around him will also go a long way in getting this club to the top of the CONCACAF mountain.
• A second striker – Robbie Findley is gone, but in some ways he was gone after the World Cup for this club. Time to find that perfect partner for Saborio in the Findley replacement. Go with speed like Findley but find someone with a finishing touch that will make folks in Sandy forget Findley’s name.
• Get younger – I know Kreis and company are slowly building their youth system and aren’t taking too many chances with it after getting burned by Freddy Adu a few years back. Time to really move on from that and take the training wheels off the bike and improve the depth of this club with some youngsters from their quality academy system.
• Get hungrier - They want the CCL title which is great to see but they can’t have a drop off in league play. Staying hungry to finish what they started in 2010 will be key in 2011 for this bunch. The band is staying together so they should all be eager to get back to a MLS Cup as well here.

San Jose Earthquakes

The Quakes were one of the big surprises in 2010 by reaching the eastern conference finals after beating New York in Red Bull Arena. Frank Yallop was on the hot seat going into 2010 but he re-worked his defense and found ways to make the most out of his roster.

• Find health – When this bunch was healthy they were a tough nut to crack but holes in the back due to injuries showed their weaknesses at times this season. They must find ways to stay healthy in 2011 if they want to stay in the playoff discussion.
• Add defensive depth – They were constantly tested in the back with their depth in 2010 and for the most part they were okay. But adding to their depth in the back will go a long way in 2011. I see them as a club that drafts defense first in next month’s draft.
• Build around Wondo – If Chris Wondolowski is indeed your man going forward, make it so with giving him help on offense. They gutted part of their offensive roster this winter already by not re-signing Eduardo and Geovanni. Finding guys that compliment how Wondolowski plays will determine whether or not he’s in the Golden Boot race next season and if they are in the playoff race.
• Move dirt – Like Houston they are a club that needs to get shovels in dirt soon enough for their stadium.

Seattle Sounders FC

The sophomore campaign in Seattle had it’s highs and lows but overall the club made some serious strides moving forward in 2010. They showed they are a true contender here and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their main guys a part of this team.

• Improve midfield depth – Staying healthy and getting Brad Evans back full time is one thing but adding to the depth on the wings and in the defensive side of things should be tops on their list.
• Defensive improvement - They were patching up their defense left and right in 2010 due to injuries but they have to find a steady pair of centerbacks in 2011. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado should be back full time and finding a big, physical, speed partner for him in the back will be key.
• Settle on DPs – Outside of Fredy Montero their two DPs of 2010 were Alvaro Fernández and Blaise Nkufo. Both had some mixed results and the club already stated they wouldn’t be going after any other high profile contracts this season. Time to get those two ready for a full season or else!
• I-5 fun – Portland and Vancouver are finally in MLS with Seattle. Time for the Sounders to own the rivalry in the first year to set the tone for things to come with these three in the future. Losing the Cascadia Cup in year one of it’s MLS existence cannot happen for Sounder fans.