World Football Challenge logo. (Gabriel de los Rios / MLSsoccer.com)

Don’t act surprised. You knew this was probably coming. The summer of soccer kicks off once again as Major League Soccer will be hosting foreign-based clubs in the World Football Challenge.

So far only two games are listed. The Seattle Sounders FC and EPL’s Chelsea at CenturyLink Field on Wednesday, July 18. Chelsea is also participating in this year’s MLS All Star Game in Philadelphia.

On July 28, Toronto FC will play at the Rogers Centre as they host EPL side Liverpool.

The World Football Challenge was created in 2011 in a joint partnership between MLS and sports and entertainment agency CAA Sports.

Additional clubs and matches are set to be revealed at a later date by event organizers.

Ah, let the madness begin!

Frei leaves the field on crutches, wearing an air cast left leg. Doesn't look good. #MLS

— Luke Wileman (@LukeWileman) March 23, 2012

Folks are saying that the injury happened in a non-contact play in training this morning for Toronto FC. Frei was the starter for the Reds to open the season but at least they do have a decent backup in Milos Kosic.

Frei is still considered to be one of the best young keepers in MLS despite playing most of his career behind an inferior defense. Hearing this news is certainly not what Toronto fans or MLS fans want to hear just before the start of the third weekend of the season.

Hot damn that’s some quality tifo.

(H/T to MLS’s Kick Off for this one.)

Ryan Johnson could have a big season ahead with Toronto FC. (Getty Images)

Each season in Major League Soccer there are a number of players that seemingly come out of nowhere to enjoy a big season. A couple years ago it was Chris Wondolowski to last season with Dominic Oduro finally finding his way in the Windy City with the Fire.

Obviously it is always hard to tell who will breakout like Wondo and Oduro. Some guys have shown talent before like Oduro but haven’t been in the right set up for their skill sets to show it. Others are just waiting for their time really to get solid minutes and show the league what only few have been able to see in training and in reserve league games.

So who will it be this year? Below are a couple guys that could have big seasons for their respective clubs if the chips fall in the right way for them.

Dilly Duka (Columbus Crew) – With names like Robbie Rodgers and Emmanuel Ekpo gone, the midfield for the Crew will look drastically different in 2012. The only thing that won’t change is Duka. I’d expect the 22-year old to come into his own this season and contribute in a big way to get the Crew in the playoffs once again.

Andrew Wiedeman (FC Dallas) – A bit of a hometown pick for me but I think this one could be a good one. Wiedeman has had a strong preseason thus far and is putting himself in the discussion to compete for some serious playing time this season. With guys like David Ferreira returning from injury and newcomers like Blas Perez snatching goals, look for Wiedeman to be that spark for Dallas that was missing in 2011.

Justin Braun (Montreal Impact) – I’ve honestly been waiting for a couple years now for Braun to really burst out on the scene. He has shown moments over the last couple years with Chivas USA that he can be dangerous. I think a new location and coach could really help him out though this year. He’s certainly a player to watch out for.

Bright Dike (Portland Timbers) – He’s finally healthy and if he can get solid minutes this season I think he could really be a difference maker for the Timbers. A lot of attention will be placed on newcomer Kris Boyd and that should free a player like Dike up to bag a few goals this season.

Sammy Ochoa (Seattle Sounders)  - Even with Fredy Montero and now Eddie Johnson, I see Ochoa as a breakout guy. This will be his first full season with the club and now that Mike Fucito is gone (sorry Sounders fans, I know you’re still mourning that one), Ochoa should be able to sneak in and gain plenty of solid minutes this year.

Ryan Johnson (Toronto FC) – Here is another guy that has shown some glimpses in the past. I think a full season with TFC will certainly help push him out even more. With the spotlight being on Danny Koevermans this season, look for Johnson (and Joao Plata for that matter) to get plenty of quality chances on goal. The potential has been there for years folks.

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

Toronto has the building blocks for a strong 2012, who will they leave unprotected though for Montreal to pick from? (Getty Images)

Toronto FC had what you could easily call an up and down year. First year manager Aron Winter came in and cleaned house a bit – which caused for plenty of early season losses. The defense never really got going and the offense struggled at times. But in the middle of the year the transfer window opened and so did the roster again. Trade after trade and signing after signing changed the Reds for the better.

Now the club heads into the winter break hoping to keep the momentum up from their group stage victory over Dallas in the Champions League. The Canadian champions head in to the knockout round of the CCL next spring but first they’ll have to tackle the expansion draft.

To recap, I’ve already looked at Chivas USA, the New England Revolution, the San Jose Earthquakes and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

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

Protected List:

1. Tortsen Frings – One of their DPs, it will be interesting to see if he has a no-trade clause or not though.

2. Danny Koevermans – Another DP, vital to their attack for 2012.

3. Ryan Johnson – He’s been a good addition to their attack since coming over from San Jose.

4. Joao Plata – I think had he played a little more this season and scored a couple more goals in league play, he would have been a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.

5. Richard Eckersley – On loan from Burnley, could be back for 2012. Probably have to protect him regardless though because of that loan status.

6. Stefan Frei – When healthy he is one of the best keepers in MLS.

7. Terry Dunfield – A Canadian leader in the midfield, another guy that is good when healthy.

8. Adrain Cann – Again, another Canadian that must be protected.

9. Nick Soolsma – The Dutch attacker has been solid at times this season for the Reds.

10. Eric Avila – Young midfielder that could be key for their attack in 2012.

11. Andy Iro – Settled in decently for the Reds in the back.

Home Grown/Generation adidas players:

• Doneil Henry
• Ashton Morgan
• Nicholas Lindsey
• Oscar Cordon
• Matt Stinson
• Keith Makubuya

Unprotected Players:

• Demistrius Omphroy
•  Julian De Guzman
• Nathan Sturgis
• Elbekay Bouchiba
• Mikael Yourassowsky
• Ty Harden
• Leandre Griffit
• Danleigh Borman
• Matt Gold
• Gianluca Zavarise
• Kyle Davies
• Dicoy Williams
• Javier Martina
• Eddy Viator
• Peri Marosevic
• Milos Kocic

Notes:

The two protected DPs could be the tricky part here. If both end up not having the no-trade clause you could easily see them exposed here to save guys like Marosevic, Yourassowsky, Martina or Borman. De Guzman wasn’t protected last season and I believe it will be like that again this year. This team has plenty of talent that needs protected here, and plenty of Canadians that need protection as well.

They could protect two keepers in the end as well since Kocic played a number of quality minutes for them down the stretch this season.

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.

The game can be watched live http://www.torontofc.ca/node/7776 channel 1.

(Photo via CONCACAF)

How about this photo? The game is currently suspended between Toronto and FC Dallas, due to this obviously.

There are plenty of points left on the table for the Eastern Conference clubs. (Getty Images)

I’ll admit, I wanted to get to this post last week but sometimes time just doesn’t play nice. Anyways, I figure with each club getting into their final eight or nine games that it was a perfect time to dive into the schedules and see what each club has left to take care of this season.

As you know I’ve always been a big believer at looking at the schedules and seeing what they mean more than just a game listed on a calendar. Some teams have lots of home games remaining while others will be searching for points on the road.

I’m splitting things up here for a change and will only do the Eastern Conference today. The Western Conference post on this matter will come later in the day, tomorrow or Friday (just whenever time allows me to finish it).

Below is what each club has left and the possible points I think they could achieve in that time.

Chicago Fire – 9 games remaining (5 home, 4 away) + USOC games + one Friendly

Notes: Yes the Fire are a bad team at the moment, 15 draws on a season with nine games remaining should tell you a thing or two about them. They’re good enough not to get hammered each week but not good enough to win.

Of their five home games remaining they host New England, Chivas, Colorado, Dallas and Columbus. Four of those clubs are in the playoff hunt at the moment. Only the Revs are a team that are on the outside looking in and really have no chance at the playoffs in my mind. When they hit the road they won’t have an easy time in Salt Lake, San Jose, D.C. and in Houston.

I’d expect the draws to continue with this club though. Can they reach 20 draws on the year? I certainly hope not but it isn’t out of the question either. The only way they reach the playoffs, or have a pray to reach the playoffs, is if they win at least six games. Not. Gonna. Happen.

Possible points remaining: 27 points

Likely remaining points: 8 points

Columbus Crew – 9 games remaining (4 home, 5 road)

Notes: The Crew are probably just a win or two away from being “in” the playoffs this season. They should get a couple of those wins with Houston and Toronto coming into town. I know the Dynamo are playing better these days but I like the Crew at home for a game like this. Their road games don’t seem that bad either as they do have to go to Seattle (a club heavily involved in the CCL), New England, and Chicago.

The big games come down to their two in Philadelphia and in Kansas City. Wins or draws in those matches will easily clinch the Eastern Conference crown for them in my mind.

With no friendlies on the horizon and the USOC done for this club, the Crew have a chance to really do some damage late in the year if they continue on their current form.

Possible points remaining: 27 points

Likely remaining points: 13 points

D.C. United – 10 games remaining (5 home, 5 away)

Notes: Alright, United is a fringe playoff team at the moment but a team that could very well sneak into the post season should all the chips fall into the right place. Last week would have been a huge statement week for them had they scored two wins on the road in Chicago and in KC. Instead they only got a point out of that trip.

DC has to take advantage of those five home games, something they’ve struggled with a bit this season. With Portland, Chivas, KC, RSL and Chicago coming into town, United have to get at least 12 of those 15 points. At least. From there they have to get some on the road when they head to Seattle, Chivas, Philly, Columbus and Vancouver. Out of those five road games you have to figure they can get somewhere in the neighborhood of five to six points. Getting 47-48 points has to put DC into the playoffs.

Possible points remaining: 30 points

Likely remaining points: 15 points

Houston Dynamo – 8 games remaining (3 home, five away) + one Friendly

Note: At some point the Dynamo have to win a road game. That much we know. With only three home games remaining on the schedule (against San Jose, Chicago and LA), the Dynamo absolutely have to come up with a way to get more than a draw on the road.

Just looking at where the Dynamo have to go it should come sooner rather than later. A trip to Vancouver is up next, a very winnable game. After that the Dynamo go off to KC, Dallas, Columbus, and Portland. Hard to find any easy road games left in that mix. Their best hope is in Dallas with their North Texas rivals who are in the middle of a tough CCL run.

Houston sits in the mix right now but it all comes down to those road games. They need at least 10 points to feel good about their chances I would think.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 9 points

New England Revolution  - 8 games remaining (4 home, 4 away)

Notes: The Revs are one of the harder teams to figure out here but the one thing we know at this point is they have to really go on a ridiculous run to reach the playoffs. For now, they look like a true spoiler of a club for those actually in contention.

Their schedule is fairly tough down the stretch too but they do have three home games in a row at one point in October. If they can finish strong with those games and pick up points in September, people may feel better about their 2012 chances.

They host Dallas, Seattle, San Jose and Columbus. There has to be some points there with Seattle and Dallas traveling so much with the CCL.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 7 points

New York Red Bulls – 8 games remaining (5 home, 3 away)

Notes: In a way, the Red Bulls really have no excuse with their remaining schedule. Five home games should help get them out of this funk right? Who knows. The Red Bulls need at least 13 points to get to 45 on the season to feel comfortable here.

So how easy will it be to get those 13 points? Well they host LA, not an easy out at all. After that they host Vancouver, Salt Lake, Portland and Philadelphia. Somewhere in that mix has to be at least six points, if not nine.

The road won’t be too horrible for them either. Trips to Dallas, Toronto and KC are all that is left for them this season. Again, no excuse.

Possible points remaining: 24 points

Likely remaining points: 11 points

Philadelphia Union – 10 games remaining (5 home, 5 away)

Notes: The Union still have a lot to prove with their remaining schedule. Five home, five away, very balanced and doable as far as getting the points they need to reach the post season. Ten point should get them in but they really need to get at least 14 to feel really safe.

September is a big month for them, out of the five games in that month, three are at PPL Park. They host Portland, Columbus, and DC in that span. Their other two home games are definitely winnable as they bring in New England and Toronto. Somewhere in that five games has to be at least nine points, if not 12 or 15. Those five home games are all winnable in my book.

Getting points on the road is a plus really and should they want to get the Eastern Conference crown, they’ll need them. It won’t be easy with games at Chivas, RSL, KC, NY and Seattle. In other words they have to take care of business at home.

Possible points remaining: 30 points

Likely remaining points: 18 points

Sporting Kansas City – 9 games remaining (6 home, 3 away) + one friendly

Notes: The Eastern Conference crown is really their’s for the taking. Six home games in their final ten really set them up nicely for a strong run into the post season. In this time they host Dallas, LA, Houston, Philly, Columbus, and New York. Not exactly an easy task but very doable as far as getting the points they need to reach the post season.

I’d say ten points is really all they need here but 12 wouldn’t hurt. They get two clubs in Dallas and LA up next at home. Both are in the middle of a big CCL run, both could be gassed for this match with Sporting. Houston struggled on the road and who knows where this Red Bull club will be by October.

They do have three road games left which seems weird considering how many they had at the beginning of the year. Trips to RSL, San Jose and DC are left. Two of those are definitely winnable.

Possible points remaining: 27 points

Likely remaining points: 17 points

Toronto FC – 7 games remaining (4 home, 3 away) + 5 CCL matches

Notes: Lots of soccer left for the Reds. For me, this club is a spoiler club at this point in the year. They’ll need to basically get all 21 possible remaining points (go 7-0-0) to have a shot at the playoffs. And that isn’t even a sure bet these days.

With five (or four after tonight) CCL games left, I’d look for this Toronto team to focus more on the CCL than on the regular season. Good reasons to really.

But here is what they do have left in the league. Home matches with San Jose, Colorado, New York and New England. Road matches at Columbus, Chivas and Philadelphia.

Possible points remaining: 21 points

Likely remaining points: 8 points