Schellas Hyndman has a shot at the Coach of the Year award. (Getty Images)

Its that time of the year again. The final month of the season is here so it means we’ll have to dip into the end of year awards around here. I felt like starting off today with the coach of the year away, one that could be the toughest to gage in recent years.

Typically the coach of the year race usually goes down to a coach that has take his team from a worst-to-first kind of situation. A lot of times the guy who leads his team to a successful season gets over looked in that case. That’s what we’ll have here this year as you could make an argument for at least four or five different coaches.

I’ll break down each coach before giving you my thoughts on who I think is leading the race at this point at the end.

Worst-to-First Guys

Hans Backe (New York Red Bulls) – It goes without saying this category is centered around what Backe has done in New York this season. Going from literally one of the worst teams in league history to one of the top contenders this season shows that New York finally got it right with their coaching selection. I think a special nod also needs to go to Eric Solar for helping put together this team but a lot of the credit will still go to Backe at the end of the day.

Its hard to think that this New York team was that bad last year. This year’s version is completely different as Backe is finally getting the most out of some guys like Dane Richards while proving he, Solar and Richie Williams were geniuses in the SuperDraft by getting Tim Ream in the second round and getting a future star in Toni Tchani.

Oh yeah it doesn’t hurt to have three Designated Players on his roster either. But at the end of the day Backe has been the perfect motivator for this club by getting them to step up in games in places they’ve never done well at.

Schellas Hyndman (FC Dallas) – On the other end of the spectrum in this category is Hyndman. Its been a long road for him in Dallas over the last couple years to get his team where it is today. He made some unpopular moves at the time to bring in some old SMU guys of his like Ugo Ihemelu or Daniel Hernandez but what he’s finally been able to do is get a roster of guys that play his system and play it to perfection.

Dallas has gone from a so-so defensive team to one of the top defensive teams in the league. Getting Kevin Hartman in goal had something to do with that but it also took Hyndman placing the right mix of guys in the back too. Seeing George John go from just another draft pick for depth to a starter shows Hyndman knew was he was doing all along.

Speaking of the draft too, Hyndman like Backe had one of the better drafts this past season with the likes of Zach Loyd, Eric Alexander and Edson Edward on the team. They all weren’t big name rookies but they’ve all picked up things from the veteran squad and looked well beyond their years.

Frank Yallop (San Jose Earthquakes) – Boy was I ever wrong about Yallop and the Quakes this season. Hell I believe everyone was. No one saw their midseason transformation happening at the start of the season when the Quakes were hammered at home by RSL. We all expected more of the last two years out of these Quakes and Yallop but somehow and some way the Quakes responded to Yallop and started winning.

Yallop may be a hard sell for this award but going from last place in the west to one of the contenders this season shows he’s made some solid moves this year to get his club where they need to be. Not only did he finally get the best out of Bobby Convey but he found a star in Chris Wondolowski this season. Again, who saw that coming?

Successful all season long

Jason Kreis (Real Salt Lake) – Kreis and RSL have been near the top of the standings since April. Kreis continues to get more out of lesser known stars than anyone else in this league. Not only has he made the best moves for guys like Alvaro Saborio but he’s been able to get his young rookies like Luis Gil and David Hurst loan deals to get them solid playing time in the lower division here in America.

In all honesty it would be a shame for Kreis to not win this year due to his club’s success in league play and in the CONCACAF Champions League. I think if you ask most fans around the league they feel confident enough in RSL to do well in the CCL knockout rounds next year.

Then there is the home field advantage thing that his club has going for them right now. Even before they moved in to Rio Tinto they were a tough home team but now more than ever its damn near impossible to get three points on Kreis’ club at Rio Tinto.

Bruce Arena (LA Galaxy) – This one may be the hardest sell considering LA hasn’t been nearly as dominate as they were from March-July. Still with four games left the Galaxy have a real shot at winning the regular season crown and a lot has to do with how Arena managed this club this season.

To think they started off so hot with Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan leading the way before the World Cup and then to remain hot once they were in South Africa shows Arena knows how to develop young talent like Tristan Bowen or Michael Stephens. I still find LA a dangerous side as long as they remain healthy.

In other years he would have already wrapped this award up and I think he could get back in the mix if his club goes off and wins four straight before the start of the playoffs. I just think when his club went cold so did his chances for this award.

Interesting quote from LA boss Bruce Arena on the timing of the US Open Cup games after his Galaxy lost last night in the quarterfinals to the Seattle Sounders FC.

“No, to me these games don’t make sense. Essentially it was a reserve game tonight. I think the timing of this competition isn’t right for MLS teams; it’s a difficult time to try and play these games. I think if see both teams, obviously both want to win, the competition is water down due to the fact that each team is juggling players and see who you want to play and who you don’t want to play. For us tonight there were valuable minutes for some players and others not so good.”

Several MLS clubs have said similar things over the years about the timing of the USOC in their schedule. For teams like the Galaxy who have a loaded schedule due to the CONCACAF Champions League, the regular MLS slate, friendlies scheduled in the summer and then this tournament you can see why they complain like this.

Sure these comments wouldn’t come out after a win though but I do agree with the timing of this tournament being a bit off still. They’ve adjusted it in the past to not go as long as it used to but I’d still argue that this needs to be something that should be pushed up earlier in the year.

My wonder too is that do teams even make money on this tournament any more? I know its the oldest tournament that we have for soccer in the States but I’m getting more of a sense that it really needs revamped to make it more meaningful.

I’d normally like to get these predictions out much sooner but with all that has gone on this winter the day before First Kick seems about right really. The rosters became compliant at 5pm ET yesterday and thus will put an end to the preseason in a way for all the clubs.

In the past I’ve done these bold season predictions in various ways. I ended up sticking with the tradition of the predictions and picks and also added some other items like I did a year ago. I know some of the bold predictions are silly and meaningless but they’re fun to do nonetheless.

As always feel free to put in your season predictions below.

Players to watch out for in 2010:

• Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus): Can he guide this club to another stellar season? I think he will but it won’t be easy with the league out to get them.
• Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy): No doubt Donovan will return to his MVP form from a year ago, but the question will he be with the club after the World Cup? Part of me thinks he will and part of me sees him going back to England.
• Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls): Once he is 100% again look for him to do very well this year. Not playing on nasty turf at home will do wonders for him and the Red Bulls.
• Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo): Big, big year in Houston for the Dynamo especially for Cameron. If he can help keep their offense in check and facilitate things like I believe he can then look out.
• Freddy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC): He’s a marked man but if he can break open in space like we’ve seen him do time and time again then he’ll get his goals this year.

Coaches Already Feeling The Heat

Each year I’ve done a Coaching Hot Seat, where I look around the league to see who stands the greatest chance of getting the boot. Last couple year’s I’ve been right on with some picks on here while a few others have been a bit off. Again, its just my opinion on each coach listed and it doesn’t mean it will actually happen. In other words don’t get all bent out of shape if you see your coach on here at any point this year, I can’t tell you how many emails I get over this issue.

But in saying so this year could be a fairly light year for coaching hot seats in general since there have been so many coaching changes.

• Frank Yallop (San Jose Earthquakes): Its year three for the Quakes 2.0 which means Yallop should really feel some heat if he doesn’t get this club winning early on this year. I wasn’t shocked to see him get another season with the club after last year but I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see him be the first gone this year.
• Gary Smith (Colorado Rapids): Another western coach that should feel some heat this year if his club isn’t winning. If they continue to be inconsistent look for lots of calls for his head later this year. Thing is the Rapids owners typically drag these things out. I think he’ll be fine but for now this is more of a caution of possible things to come.
• Hans Backe (New York Red Bulls): I do believe he’ll last longer than most expected him to but I think its more of a formality at this point to always include the New York boss in these lists given the fact that they have a new coach about every year or year and a half.
• Schellas Hyndman (FC Dallas): While I believe he will have this job as long as he wants it I also think that if he has another clunker of a season the pressure for him to go will have to mount. His overall record (15-18-14) isn’t anything to brag about.

Early Award Predictions:

Below are some predictions for each end-of-season award. I left a few off that I really don’t care about, why we vote on things like the Ref of the year is beyond me. I’ll give you my top three for each since that is how we have to vote on it anyways.

Goalkeeper:

1. Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy): He’s a beast…nothing more to say than that.
2. Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders): If Ricketts isn’t 100% all year then this award easily goes to Keller.
3. Will Hesmer (Columbus): I find him to be highly underrated.

Defender:

1. Chad Marshall (Columbus): Hard not to go against the league’s best defender.
2. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (Seattle): He’s the rock in the back for the Sounders.
3. Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy): I see this kid growing into a perennial All-Star.

Comeback Player:

1. Taylor Twellman (New England): Its gotta be Twellman right? Anyone else to put here?

(Yes I’m sure there are others but right now Twellman is all I have for this one.)

Newcomer:

1. Joel Lindpere (New York Red Bulls): If NY is going to be half as good as people think/say they are this year it will be because of this guy.
2. Eduardo (San Jose Earthquakes): The Quakes need a goal scorer and he will help do just that.
3. Blaise N’Kufo (Seattle Sounders FC): Yes he is only playing a half season but I agree with a lot of folks out there that think he is the final piece to the puzzle that puts this club over the top.

(Note: this will easily change as newcomers join the league in the summer and after the World Cup)

Coach:

1. Sigi Schmid (Seattle Sounders): He’ll continue to work his magic in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Peter Nowak (Philadelphia Union): I do believe he’ll make them better than most expansion clubs and thus will get high praise for it. A playoff birth would easily help him win this though.
3. Bruce Arena (LA Galaxy): If they end up losing Landon Donovan this summer and they still do well in the west then he may very well beat out Schmid for this honor.

Rookie:

1. Tony Tchani (New York Red Bulls): He’s a beast, believe me.
2. Zach Loyd (FC Dallas): The man that can play just about anywhere for Schellas Hyndman. Once he settles into a role he’ll be golden.
3. Teal Bunbury (Kansas City Wizards): He’s a natural goal scorer, and KC needs goals.

MVP:

1. Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy): Not settling the world on fire with this pick but as long as he is in the league he’s the best player no matter what.
2. Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Columbus Crew): As long as he has a full healthy season he could end up winning this on his production alone.
3. Kyle Beckerman (RSL): If this club is going to repeat it will be because of this man.

Playoff Predictions:

Top two from Eastern Conference: Columbus Crew* and Chicago Fire
Top two from Western Conference: Seattle Sounders FC and LA Galaxy

Wild card winners: Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, D.C. United

I feel as though the first six (auto-bids, RSL, and Houston) are simple picks for me but with parity in this league we really could see any number of teams in those final two spots. I think it will come down between Dallas, D.C., Colorado, Chivas, Toronto, New York and New England for those final two spots. I felt weird taking four western conference wild cards so D.C. gets the nod for me though I’ll be honest I’m not totally set on that pick. Dallas needs to find a partner for Jeff Cunningham or they’ll be in trouble. Still Dallas is a dark-horse for me just as I’ve said all winter long. Had to stay with that pick here.

First round playoff winners: Columbus (over Dallas); Chicago (over D.C.); Seattle (over Houston); and RSL (over LA).

Conference final winners: Columbus and Seattle.

MLS Cup winner: Seattle Sounders FC

(*= Supporter’s Shield winners)

The Rest of the WVH Bold Predictions:

1. A MLS club will win SuperLiga: I still hate this tournament but I’m a homer and root for anyone MLS in it. My guess is Houston will take it hom this year.
2. A MLS club will win the US Open Cup: The league usually does every year and with the whole Division II mess that went on these past few months I like a MLS club’s chance even more. I’m going to go with the Chicago Fire to win this year.
3. MLS will get four clubs in CCL Group stage: We already get two in Columbus and Real Salt Lake. I’ll say LA and Toronto some how manages their way into the group stage this year. Seattle falls short.
4. MLS will win the All-Star game: Yawn.
5. Three clubs will add DPs by the end of summer: New York will add their second while Chicago and D.C. get new ones.
6. More Yanks will return home: Maybe a Benny Feihaber? Who knows? I still see a couple coming back this summer.
7. A couple Yanks transfer out of MLS: This deserves it’s own post (again) but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Donovan go as well as someone like Brek Shea.
8. Dominic Kinnear will once again trade like crazy: He does it each year and it only makes his team better. Why people trade with him I’ll never know. You can bet one at least one trade really working out in the Dynamo’s favor though.
9. Mo Johnston and Preki will butt heads: All seems good now as they continue to dump salaries but at some point they’ll clash over player pickups.
10. Houston and San Jose will see their stadiums go up: They’ll join Kansas City in the movin’ dirt department.
11. D.C. will still be stuck at RFK: Its election year for D.C.’s mayoral race, so I don’t see anything happening to United’s stadium issues anytime soon. Which sucks.
12. Montreal will get their expansion bid: They’ll be in the league in 2012…its all but announced at this point.
13. No other expansion bid will be announced this year: I think the league will carefully plan who their 20th club will be. My money is on them trying to find an owner in New York to bring a second club to that area.
14. A late season run will help…D.C.: We see it every year, last year it was RSL getting lucky at the right time, this year it will be D.C.
15. Juan Pablo Angel will lead the league in goals: No turf at Red Bull Arena will go a long way in getting him back to producing lots of goals.
16. Brad Davis will lead the league in assists: He always quietly gets lots of assists and no one notices.
17. Kasey Keller will lead the league in saves: I still see the Sounders give up a fair amount of shots but Keller will be there to save most of them.
18. The US Men’s National Team will make it to the quarterfinals: Not MLS related but definitely worth predicting at this point. I love the boy’s chances in South Africa, as much as I want to put them in the semi-finals, a quarterfinal exit seems more likely.

Landon Donovan has seen plenty of success in England, but should he come home now? (Getty Images)

Part of me wants Landon Donovan to stay in England. The other part of me wants him back here in the US with the LA Galaxy. Thing is I cannot for the life of me decide which is the right one to go with.

Its a rough dilemma to be in for Donovan. He wants to stay on with Everton just a little bit longer but we know LA manager Bruce Arena has said no a few times to the press recently.

“It was kind of like in that movie ‘Dumb and Dumber’, where the man says that there is a chance, it’s just one in a million,” said Arena. The Galaxy coach, who has remained in frequent contact with the midfielder throughout his loan, did not appear concerned about the comments.

“There is always a chance, it may be one in a million, but there is always a chance.”

Yeah a chance, a very small one but one nonetheless.

Where to stand on this is a tough thing. Donovan has clearly done well this time around in Europe with Everton. It comes to show that if you place him in the right system he cannot be stopped. He’s done nothing but be pretty freakin’ amazing while playing for Everton these last couple months.

But should we as MLS fans be selfish and want him back so soon? I’m sure LA fans certainly do. Their team won’t be nearly as good without him.

But would keeping him with Everton until June really hurt LA? I kind of doubt it. I’m not saying he should make a permeant move to Europe here just yet but I do think a little more time wouldn’t hurt. I’m sure it would easily help the US Men’s National team this summer if Donovan was playing at a very high level in England (not to say he wouldn’t be at a high level here in MLS).

I think one big thing this loan has proved to the rest of the world is that players from MLS can play and that Donovan most certainly is a force to be reckoned with. I know I’m happy to see Donovan finally do well in Europe. And as much as I want to see him stay in MLS I wouldn’t be at all upset to see him make a full fledge run in the EPL with Everton.

How do you want to see this story play out with Donovan? Do you want him back here in MLS or would you rather see him at least get an extension on his loan with Everton?

Real Salt Lake took home their first hardware. (Getty Images)

I decided not to write a recap last night after the game finished up. Mainly I was exhausted from watching the game that went into penalties. MLS Cup 2009 wasn’t the very best game of the year but it definitely provided plenty of drama. From key injuries to key goals the game was compelling and exciting.

The PKs were kind of expected of this game after things were tied up going into overtime. Both teams were totally gassed on the field and just looked like they’d rather get it to the penalties rather than make something happen in the extra frames.

Injuries played a huge part in this game. Javier Morales’s knee injury really hurt RSL’s momentum in the first half, which the Galaxy did an excellent job of taking advantage of. The Galaxy found great space with Landon Donovan and David Beckham which lead to Mike Magee’s goal late in the half. The first half really was controlled by Bruce Arena’s squad.

But some halftime switches by Jason Kreis really turned things in RSL’s favor. Either it was the right halftime speech or the move to get the sick Will Johnson out that paid off but whatever was said or done by Kreis fueled his club. RSL came out with more energy than before and really caught the Galaxy off guard with Yura Movsisyan and Robbie Findley. Once the attack got going for RSL it was only a matter of time before Findley put away a goal.

The game from there was a bit back and forth. The Galaxy controlled the ball late while RSL took things into their own hands to start the first extra frame. The second overtime was a bit back and forth as well but both teams were clearly exhausted.

The PKs were what we expected, loads of drama. Key guys like Kyle Beckerman and Donovan missed their chances. MLS Cup MVP Nick Rimando continued to be the king of PKs as he stopped a couple big shots.

RSL is now the champions of Major League Soccer. Some called it in the pre-season but not many really expected this outside of Utah. Congrats to RSL and Jason Kreis on a job well done.

Extra Notes:

- With the win RSL becomes the first American sports team in 60 years to win a title with a losing regular season record. No doubt many will put them down as the worst team to win a MLS title ever here. Least deserving based on their record yes but based on the late run they certainly deserved the hardware with the big wins on the road.

- Saying that I still do wish the league would reconsider their playoff format here for the higher seeds. Either do away with the first round being a home-and-away series and make it a single game knockout like the rest of the playoffs. Or give us a 1 v. 8, 2 v. 7, etc. format instead of this east and west thing. Keep the conferences for league play but not the playoffs.

- Back up keeper Josh Saunders came on late for the Galaxy when Donovan Ricketts injured his hand. Saunders proved to be a solid backup and had the Galaxy won you gotta bet there would be a couple clubs around the league calling his name for a starting gig next year. Judging on the brief play last night I wouldn’t be shocked if some teams offer the Galaxy a trade for the young keeper.

- Fun thought on RSL too. Think back to that trade that brought Kyle Beckerman there from Colorado. The two clubs have pretty much gone in opposite directions since that trade.

- Donovan pulled a Roberto Baggio in his PK. Should we be shocked? Yes because he typically hammers these home. Hopefully this won’t affect him too long because we need him to be clutch next summer if a game comes down to PKs in the World Cup.

Qwest Field was an excellent host for MLS Cup. (Getty Images)

- 46k+ saw the game last night at Qwest Field. Great venue but apparently it won’t host the big game for a few years according to the league. Apparently many clubs want to host it now and from the sound of things other cities really have their work cut out for them now after the way Seattle hosted this thing.

- The Field turf really did a number out there last night on the players. No doubt it will be a topic of conversation going into next year.

Will David Beckham and Landon Donovan be celebrating on Sunday? (Getty Images)

This is a game I’ve gone back and forth with all week. Two western conference squads meeting in the league final is going to be interesting. Not many had picked both the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake to make it this far back at the start of the season. I know some had RSL going far in the playoffs but not the Galaxy. Then again I knew some who had an idea that LA could be good this year as well.

But a RSL-LA matchup was not expected yet I do think the league is welcoming it a bit. It’s not quite a David vs. Goliath type of match but its close to some degree. But these two squads weren’t separated by much in the points column this season. Just eight points was the difference between the top seed in the west from the bottom seed in the east (or eighth seed in this year’s case).

I do see this game going either way though here. In one regard LA looks like they should easily win it but you can’t count out Jason Kreis’ club right now with the way they’ve been playing lately. Both are hot going into this game which should yield a good match.

I have a few points in my preview to go over then I will give you all my score prediction for the final time this season. Hard to believe that this season has blown by so quickly here.

Ignore All Previous Matches: Just ignore the two results between these squads from earlier. I know ESPN will probably shove it down our throats to start the broadcast on Sunday night but let’s say a lot has changed since they last met in June when RSL beat LA 2-0 at the Home Depot Center. And things are certainly different since that 2-2 draw back in May at Rio Tinto Stadium.

How to beat LA: The few clubs that have seen success against the Galaxy this year either got lucky that Landon Donovan was not on the roster due to an international callup or because they had the speed to get by LA’s defense. Believe me Robbie Findley, Yura Movsisyan and Fabian Espindola present a big challenge to Gregg Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez. I’d say they will do their best to keep Findley in check as he presents the most problems but don’t sleep on the big man Movsisyan to sneak in and score a goal if they let up on him. Remember when Conor Casey torched the Galaxy for a hat trick earlier in the year, it was because they somehow overlooked him and his speed. Movsisyan could do the same damage if given the right space and time.

Sean Franklin and the Galaxy defense will need to slow down Robbie Findley. (Getty Images)

How to beat RSL: For getting by RSL’s defense a lot of it has to do with going directly at Jamison Olave and Nat Borchers. Both find themselves in foul trouble more than they should and we saw against Columbus that when you really go at Olave you can force him into some bad turnovers that could cost. No doubt Landon Donovan will need to go after Olave around the Galaxy’s offensive third of the field.

Things LA need to do: They obviously need to funnel things through David Beckham and Donovan. Getting both of them involved early and as often as possible will really help go a long way in winning this one. Also getting the pressure up early and out of the gate will certainly help. If they can catch RSL off guard early in the match it could get RSL in an early hole.

Things RSL need to do: Use the entire field and pressure the hell out of the Galaxy defense. Going after Beckham wouldn’t be a bad idea either as he has a hurt right foot. RSL cannot afford to come out slow either though as the Galaxy are an excellent counter attacking team. Using the width of the field and smart passes through the midfield with Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales to control the game will be key.

RSL will look for the first MLS Cup title. (Getty Images)

Why RSL could win: They have the underdog effect on them and most in Seattle will probably be riding along with them I would imagine. You gotta like Findley and the way he attacks the goal with his speed plus on set pieces I may take Olave and Borchers over the Galaxy defense. Then you have Nick Rimando in goal if things do come down to penalties. He has a big advantage not just on experience but on momentum as well going into this game.

Why LA could win: Its hard to count out a team with the league MVP. Donovan is looking for yet another title to go along with the few he has already won in his career. Throw in the Beckham factor and his desire to get a MLS title while he is here could help as well. Bruce Arena knows how to coach in these big games while we are still figuring out is Kreis can do the same.

RSL X-Factor: Will Johnson. He needs a big game along with Beckerman to slow down Beckham for the Galaxy. If Johnson can get space on the wings like he is known to do it could go a long way for RSL.

LA X-Factor: Edson Buddle. Not many are talking of Buddle in this game but while RSL will be gunning to slow down Beckham and Donovan they may forget about another guy that is known to score a goal or two in Buddle.

Final thought: This one will be tight throughout but I think it will go the Galaxy’s way in the end. Some thing it will go to extra time, some thing RSL will win it in regular time or in PKs but I just see the Galaxy thanks to Donovan and company getting the job done. No doubt RSL will make this a solid match and they could very well shock the Galaxy. I just think experience pays off more in these kinds of games and the Galaxy just have more of it in key places.

WVH Prediction: LA 2, RSL 1

No a real shocker for most folks out there, Major League Soccer has announced the 2009 Coach of the Year is LA Galaxy front man Bruce Arena.

The turnaround in LA this year has been nothing short of remarkable. Arena found a way to get everything on board with stars like Landon Donovan and David Beckham by plugging in solid veterans and excellent young stars like Omar Gonzalez and Sean Franklin.

Remember that 8-13-9 that gave up a league-high 62 goals in a season last year? This year’s Galaxy went a nice 12-6-12, good enough for top dog in the Western Conference.

This was easily one of his best works as head coach of any club he’s been apart of. While I didn’t give him my top vote he was a very close number two for me. I have no problem with Arena getting the honor here as it is certainly well deserved.

Some coaches have lead their clubs from loads of draws early to the top of their conferences, one has lead an expansion club to the playoffs for the second time in league history, while others have just done what they always do.

As mentioned the final week will go a long way in determining this awards’ race as it will with a couple others. Below is the list of guys in the running in no real order. That’s where you all come in, who deserves this award? And who doesn’t?

Sigi Schmid (Seattle): Leading an expansion club to a respectable record is never easy but leading an expansion club to the playoffs rarely happens. Say what you will about Schmid and the team that was built up there in Seattle, I believe they wouldn’t be in the playoffs without him leading the way.

Bruce Arena (LA): The early part of the season the Galaxy weren’t losing but then again they weren’t winning either. But a funny thing happened, the roster that Arena tore apart last winter got a couple other additions that made the Galaxy into what they are today. Now some are saying this is his best work yet. I agree with that.

Dominic Kinnear (Houston): Another season, and another year at the top of the western conference for Kinnear and the Dynamo. While I don’t see Kinnear winning this award this year I do think he does deserve a decent amount of consideration for it.

Robert Warzycha (Columbus): Some won’t want him on this list since he basically took over where Sigi Schmid left off but you can’t deny the job that he has done by keeping things moving forward with this bunch.

Preki (Chivas): Its been an up and down season for Preki and Chivas USA but overall the Goats are a couple games away from a possibly Supporter’s Shield. Should Chivas USA win out this week and Columbus lose we could see Preki gain a bunch of votes for this award. A lot of ifs but it is possible.

Anyone else you think should be in the running? Steve Nicol for his work with New England this year? Schellas Hyndman for his late turn around in Dallas? Anyone else?

In 2009, there has been pieces written on certain web sites and podcasts hosts on shows have said the American player is hurting because coaches within MLS are not up to standard. The big evidence is not one has gone overseas and been successful.

This analogy is completely wrong and I will speak out in Defense of American Coaches.

It took a long time for an American player to play in a top league in Europe and eventually Paul Caligiuri became the first to earn a contract in the Bundesliga in the 1980’s with Hamburg firstly, then Meppen and later Hansa Rostock and finally Freiburg before leaving to help kick start MLS in 1996. It was a milestone for American soccer and so were that generation of players. Now to compare that with American managers it is a completely different kettle of fish in that there are much more player opportunities then head coaching ones. The one similarity is that it’s a major stepping stone once the first coach can do it.

The next big argument that’s been vented against this subject is with the National Team in that some folks think that the USSF should hire a foreign coach instead of an American one. Why? They won’t know the system unless they’ve been in this country a number of years. Steve Nicol would be a perfect example of a foreign coach to take the National Team job because he’s been in the country since 1999 and clearly by looking back at his draft pick choices down the years he understands the American player. However, looking at current American coaches that could take the job there is plenty out there and once Bob Bradley’s reign comes to an end for one reason or another when it does, the top two choices are simple: Dominic Kinnear and Sigi Schmid.

Kinnear has demonstrated why he is arguably the top American coach around at the moment. His club is challenging for honors on a consistent basis, he has a system that is tried and trusted and has created a winning culture at the Houston Dynamo. Part of me wonders if Kinnear was the brains behind the San Jose Earthquakes two titles in 2001 and 2003 when he was the assistant to Frank Yallop? The Dynamo never seems to lack depth and for a club that competes on multiple fronts as they have done the last three or four years you need good depth where players know their roles. Kinnear also knows what type of player he wants in his team. Unlike some clubs in MLS who think signing a Designated Player will push them over the top, Kinnear just needs to add a piece to the puzzle and has publicly stated they don’t want to just sign a DP for the hell of it, only if he can help the Dynamo win.

As for Sigi Schmid, I think it’s fair to say the Galaxy haven’t been the same since he left although Steve Sampson did win the MLS Cup in 2005, but with Schmid’s team. Schmid getting fired when his club was top of the Western Conference is another topic for a another day. Schmid has been a winner wherever he’s been whether it’s at the college level with the UCLA Bruins or at the professional level at the Galaxy, Columbus Crew and now Seattle Sounders. He has also coached the U-20’s in between his stints at the Galaxy and Crew.

Both coaches know the system here in this country from the very depth’s of youth football to the very top level.

Other top American managers? Bob Bradley I will defend all day and all night and am happy the critics have gone into hiding for now. Bruce Arena is another one I am happy to defend because he’s accomplished so much and very quietly, at least until recently, has steadied the Galaxy ship by building from the back and adding steal to the spine of the team. All of a sudden, it seems Bruce hasn’t “lost it” since 2006 as critics have suggested.

Preki has seemed to make the transition from player to assistant to manager very well and has a good eye for players has he has proven this year with the additions of Mariano Trujillo, Bojan Stepanovic and Eduardo Lillingston. Curt Onalfo also seems a very good young up and coming manager who has done well in Kansas City. Lets also not forget Jason Kreis who is learning the ropes of club management in Salt Lake City pretty well and has Real Salt Lake competing every game which the same couldn’t be said under John Ellinger.

I also haven’t mentioned any managers in the USL which is a great exam for all young managers to learn the trade. If MLS has shown us anything as a league, it’s shown us what separate’s the good managers from the one’s who are less talented. It’s always easier as a manager when you have a massive load of money to spend, but with a salary cap involved, it takes a more creative mind to put your team over the top. This just shows a lot of American managers are better then a good number of their European counterparts. The scouting system needs to improve without a doubt and it is with some of the Latin players that have been signed in the last few years.

Eventually an American manager will manage in a top European division. It might be somewhere like the SPL first, and that’s fine. My money right now is on Kinnear.

Freddie Ljungberg and Seattle are inching their way to the top. (Photo via Prost Amerika Soccer/Point Taken Photos)

Ah it was good to have a full day of soccer on Saturday (and parts of Sunday). Plenty of items to discuss today with the All-Star roster being anounced this afternoon. Until then it is time to wade through the week that was week 17 in Major League Soccer.

This was certainly a moving week for a lot of clubs. The eastern conference got just a little tighter with Chicago and Toronto inching up to the top while DC United was off this past week. Columbus isn’t too far behind either making the four team race a very interesting thing to watch as we move on towards the ladder part of the summer. Can we already say that it will be these four clubs from the east in the playoffs? I know KC and New England would love to have something to say about that but it is starting to look more and more like those two will be on the outside looking in this time around.

Out west things are even tighter with Seattle’s win over top dog Hosuton on Saturday and with LA’s win over HDC rival Chivas USA. Right now we are seeing as many as five clubs in the race out west with clubs like RSL starting to come around a little more here. Thing is I am wondering if RSL has enough to get back into the mix with the way LA has been playing recently.

Western Powers Spark Interesting Match

One thing can be said about the Houston-Seattle game, it didn’t lack any drama. Sure the Fredy Montero goal was a very questionable call but the game looked to have gone Seattle’s way a little more anyways on Saturday. I think even had that goal been not counted by the center official, the Sounders would have found another way past Pat Onstad and company.

Now Seattle moves within striking distance of Houston at the top of the table. One thing can be said about Sigi Schmid’s group, they don’t back down at all. I still believe they need to do a little better on the road before I starting to mark them as a true MLS Cup contender here in the second half of the season. Remember Houston put up a good fight without two of their best defenders and three other key starters that generate their offense.

I know Brian Ching tweeted his anger after the game on Saturday because of the goal but I still see the Dynamo as the best side in the league right now but Seattle isn’t far off I can certainly say that.

Battle of Los Angeles

The second go around at the HDC between Chivas USA and LA Galaxy was just as physical as the first one. However this time one team came away with points, the Galaxy. Chivas has cooled off big time here in the past month as injuries and lack of depth is starting to creep it’s ugly head in.

The Galaxy needed this win more than Chivas though and they got it. Edson Buddle’s strike was more than enough as the Galaxy do what they do best, get an early goal and sit on the lead with a slightly bunkered style of defense. It works for Bruce Arena’s bunch but now the task gets tougher from here out because of David Beckham.

Yes, Beckham will return this week as we all know and if LA is going to be successful they have to find a way to continue to play the style that has gotten them where they are at this point. Some folks may forget that LA has only lost three so far this season. That isn’t bad for missing guys like Landon Donovan for a few games.

Eastern Sides Stay Level

I will be perfectly honest with you all here, I didn’t see nearly any of both the Revs-Wizards game or the Crew-Fire game to give you a real honest take on either. The scorelines were both level at 0-0 and from the looks of things neither game really had much to it. I will say that I thought Chicago would get three points this weekend but their home record is bordering on pathetic here for as good as this club is. It’s sad when New York has more home wins than Chicago here (the Fire at 1-2-4 at home, NY is 2-3-3).

Toronto Scores Big In San Jose

Again, another result that didn’t shock me in the least bit. I think I predicted 2-1 and the end result was 3-1. The third and final goal wouldn’t have been a goal if Aaron Pitchkolen hadn’t come up lame with an apparent groin injury in running with Chad Barrett down the middle of the pitch. Pitchkolen came up hurt and Barrett danced around Joe Cannon for a very easy goal.

This game was mostly Toronto controlled. The Reds knew they needed points on the road and this was an excellent time to cash in on getting those points. Not only were the three road points big but it also moved them to a tie with Chicago for top spot in the east.

Toronto is making me believe they are hungry enough here for a playoff spot again. After a little slide a month or so ago the club has a lot of life in them, mainly due to their Canadian Cup win. Sure the wins lately have come against two of the worst clubs in the league (San Jose and New York) but getting points when you can get them is always a big thing.

Still one thing that worries me is their defense. They are the one club currently in the top eight of the league standings with a negative goal differential. I know the Nick Garcia trade has helped but one has to wonder if they are considering other players than Julian de Guzman to help their club out in the stretch run of the season.

Rapids Bounce Back

After a month or so of me hyping this club up the Colorado Rapids finally pulled one together and got three points over FC Dallas. One thing I will say is that this club has to start taking better care of their home field like this if they want to stay in playoff contention. Two clubs below them, LA and RSL, would love nothing more than to overtake them in the standings.

For the most part this game was rather dull with little to comment on. I thought Dallas had some chances that they could have put away but really never got on the end of a good shot like they needed to. Defensively they once again were let down by mental errors late in the game. They frustated the Rapids endlessly throughout the game but went home empty handed. Time to make some moves Schellas if you even want to consider having your club in playoff contention this season.