MLS completed its 10th regular season this past weekend so now come the playoffs for the MLS Cup. The first round the conference semi-finals are two legged affairs to see who advances to the Conference Final. The Conference final victors meet for the MLS Cup this year to be played at the Theatre of Slices home of FC Dallas, otherwise known as Pizza Hut Park.

Eastern Conference
The Number 1 seed New England Revolution will play the number 4 seed MetroStars. The Revs have the 2005 Golden Boot winner Taylor Twellman and have been solid all season. Revs coach Steve Nicol will have the Revs prepared and ready as they should easily handle MetroStars.

The other Eastern Conference semi-final pits number 2 seed and Cup holders DC United against Chicago Fire. As Cup holders United have had to deal with extra international matches this season. I believe the extra experience will come out good for United.

Western Conference
Number 1 seed San Jose Earthquakes playoff against number 4 seed Los Angeles Galaxy. Right now Earthquakes are the form team and won the Supporters Shield for garnering the most point in the regular season. Quakes striker Dewayne DeRosario also scored a stunner of a goal against LA Galaxy in the final regular season match at Home Depot Center against the Galaxy. The Galaxy have already won the US Open Cup and that will probably be the extent of any additions to their trophy room.

The other matchup is number 2 seed FC Dallas against number 3 seed Colorado Rapids. FC Dallas started out very strong and have been slowly recovering their early season form. Rapids seem to just sneak on everyone. This may well be the most entertaining matchup out of all of them. I'll only go for FC Dallas as they have extra incentive to try and reach the final in their home park.

Full time results from the first legs of the Conference Semis...

MetroStars 1-0 New England Revolution
I watched this one and it was a wonderful goal by MetroStars Amado Guevara from about 30 yards out that gave MetroStars the victory in the first leg. The match played at Giants Stadium in a driving rainstorm was clearly one in which MetroStars had more imagination and determination in getting the results. I was dissapointed in New England, I thought they would have given a better showing but MetroStars defensively kept New England away with almost ease for the entire match.

Chicago Fire 0-0 DC United
Of course the big talking point in this one was the suspension of Freddy Adu by United coach Peter Nowak. He suspended young Freddy for mouthing off about playing time. Rumour has it that he also sent Young Freddy to bed without his supper. Anyways, Freddy will return for the home leg for United and I wouldn't put it past him to make an impact. I think Chicago Fire missed an opportunity here, although I was quite amused with the fans, looks like they were lighting flares in the stands, almost made me think I was watching the French league.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Landy-Cakes scored a double to lead LA Galaxy past the best team in the regular season. Somehow I get the feeling that the Galaxy were playing a bit of 'possom in the regualr season once it became apparent that Earthquakes were going to get the top spot.

Colorado Rapids 0-0 FC Dallas
A very uninspired match played in the cold of Denver. Although it was entertaining to see second half substitute Guatamalan striker Carlos Ruiz deal with frigidness, he did look quite out of sorts.

So there you have it, second legs on the weekend then on to the Conference Finals.

"Theater of Slices"


Chicago v. NE - Chicago was dominant in the second leg and may have enough momentum to trip up the Rev.

Colorado v. LA - Colorado were a bit lucky and LA advanced without playing very well in either leg. I expect that LA will prove too much.

My money is on a New England/LA final.

I must say that, try as I might, it is difficult to develop a passion for our domestic league as a whole.

The Conference Finals are set for this weekend. First up on Saturday is the West. Colorado Rapids host LA Galaxy in the first matchup. Colorado advanced after eliminating FC Dallas. The match ended tied after extra time so it was through the penalty shoot out that Colorado advanced. The Galaxy advanced even though their game with San Jose ended in a draw. The Galaxy had built up a 3-1 advantage in the first leg and the 1-1 draw saw them through. I watched this one and as much as I criticize Landy-Cakes he came up with an absolutely brilliant one touch pass that led to the LA goal.

Sunday is the Eastern Final as New England Revolution host Chicago Fire. The Revs advanced even though MetroStars took the early one goal lead. A 3 goal comeback effort saw Steve Nicol's Revolution safely through. The Chicago Fire destroyed DC United, it was not pretty and very unexpected as the defending champions went crashing out 4-0.

My picks.....
I'll take LA Galaxy in the west even though they are on the road, Landy-Cakes will show he is the class of MLS. New England will do it in the East, that comeback was worked for too hard to let it go wasted.

I hear ya RY, as far as the passion goes but I must admit I have watched MLS more in the last 2 seasons.

The Los Angeles Galaxy have been crowned MLS Champions after defeating New England Revolution 1-0 after extra time in MLS Cup 2005.

I would like to be able to paint a very nice poetic picture of how well both teams competed. I would like to tell what a brilliant display of talent, passion and desire where on display at The Theatre of Slices in Frisco, Texas.

But, alas, the match was dreadful. Slow and plodding come to mind to try and describe the "action" on the field. Steve Nicol the Revolution coach seemed determined not to change any tactics that may have given the Revs at least a sniff at scoring. The Galaxy were the brighter side and in the end Pando Ramirez scored in extra time to see the Galaxy through.

So the Galaxy, the lowest seeded team in the playoffs win the title and prove how truly meaningless the MLS season is. Also, the TV coverage was horrid and that is a compliment.

Lol, thanks for that Cabe, reminds me of my old Gran who was an advocate of the "nothing wrong with a smacked arse" school of child welfare herself!

COME ON THE REVOLUTION!!!