Eastern Conference semifinals
D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire
Storyline » The marquee match-up of the first round — both games of the series will on ESPN2 — featuring the league’s best team, United, facing off against the league’s hottest team and the one nobody wants to face, Chicago.
Key matchup » Fire F Chad Barrett vs. United D Greg Vanney
Barrett’s play has improved of late, but his finishing has been atrocious. He’s got to score for Chicago to have a chance. Vanney, acquired midseason, is the steady veteran D.C. needed to solidify it’s back line.
Edge » D.C. United
New England vs. New York
Storyline » The Revolution have been consistently good, but not great, all season. New York forward Juan Pablo Angel (19 goals, four assists) has been consistently great, but his team isn’t very good.
Key matchup » Red Bulls MF Dane Richards vs. Revolution D Avery John
Richards (two goals, six assists) has been an increasingly important source of pressure for the New York offense. New England’s three-man back line will be tested by his speed and persistence.
Edge » New England
Western Conference semifinals
Houston vs. FC Dallas
Storyline » Dallas has beaten Houston just once in seven matches in the last two seasons, and they’ve backslid into the playoffs with a 2-6-2 record over their last 10 matches. Houston is not only healthy, but the defending MLS Cup champion.
Key matchup » Dallas MF Juan Toja vs. Dynamo MF Richard Mulrooney
Without suspended Ricardo Clark, Mulrooney is tasked with stopping Toja (six goals, one assist), whose mullet and relentless play have carried the Hoops for most of the season.
Edge » Houston
Chivas USA vs. Kansas City
Storyline » A battle of two franchises who boast the lowest attendances in the league. Chivas won its first-ever Western Conference title, but it’s the most banged-up of the eight teams in the playoffs. With how bad they’ve been since midseason, the Wizards have little to lose.
Key matchup » Chivas MF Sacha Kljestan vs. Wizards MF Kerry Zavagnin
Just 22 years old, Kljestan (four goals, 13 assists) has become a superstar in his second season. Zavagnin is a nine-year veteran and one of the leagues most consistent defensive midfielders.
Edge » Chivas
