As contemplated how I would begin my ReAL Salt Lake blog questions arose. Did I want to explore the switch back to the 4-4-2? Analyze Freddie? Research and give an in depth look at one of ReAL's finest? Talk about Beckham (hell no)?None of those seemed right. So how better could I begin my personal soccer page? How about a way too early look at how I believe the season will pan out? Sounds good to me.
With RSL being in the West I thought I would add to the tension and begin with the Eastern Conference. Feeling anxious? Yeah, me neither.
Eastern Conference Outlook
1st place - DC Untited.
I wanted to rebel against the masses and choose maybe NE or a suprise RBNY to take the cake in the east, but it just isn't going to happen. DC really seems to have it all together. The were the most dominate team throughout the regular season last year and seem destined to repeat. Though I would put an asterisk there. Destined to repeat if Troy Perkins starts a large majority of their games. If he is out for any substantial length of time Jay Nolly will make sure they don't continue in dominance.
In fact (solely based on a few preseason games) I believe DC is better than they were last year thanks to this guy...Luciano Emilio. DC has looked good in their wins vs Olimpia and Emilio looked great. I expect that to continue in regular season play.
2nd place - New England Revolution
Is New England talented? Yes. Are they going to win some good games? Yes they will. Are they going to win either the Supporter's Shield or the MLS Cup? Absolutely not. I know NE made it to the finals against LAG 2 years ago, but when comparing teams East to West I think of NE Revs and FC Dallas. Talented teams that just aren't going to go all the way. Why? Because they just don't. Watch for Twellman to have another great year though.
3rd, 4th, 5th place - Kansas City Wizards, Red Bull New York, Chicago Fire
This is where it already gets hard. KC, RBNY, and Chicago can all make a case for this spot. So they all get it. Though I would probably rank them similarly to how I listed them above.
Seems like Kansas City finally has to accomplish something with Eddie Johnson and Jimmy Conrad on the same field...don't they?
The team of the east I hate most RBNY (only because I can't stand they are named after an energy drink) now became a bit harder for me to dislike due to the aquisition of Claudio Renya. A healthy Renya should help stabalize their midfield a bit and a loss of Guevara should help stabalize their locker room. Watch for them to improve from last season, but not all that much.
Chicago just isn't an easy team to get excited for. As of late they seem to take second place to AEG's true love in LAG. Armas is good, but getting old. Barrett and Rolfe aren't exactly a deadly combo and Thiago seemed to slump last season. I like the Fire and wish them well, but it may be a tough season.
6th place - Columbus Crew
The Crew are lucky TFC has never played a game otherwise you would be the bottom dweller...again.
7th place (by default) - Toronto FC
I don't think it would be right to rank a team that has yet to see the pitch in a regular season MLS match up any higher than the last place position, though they should finish higher than the Crew. Toronto is excited, but sold seats don't necessarily translate to games won. I don't get too excited about their roster or coach either.
And so it begins. A look at the East.
