Goal.com MLS Rankings: Conf. Finals Edition

The first round of the MLS playoffs has come and gone, Goal.com's Kyle McCarthy ranks the survivors ahead of the conference finals

Nov 10, 2008 8:18:56 AM

More On :  Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake

Goal.com MLS Rankings

1. Columbus – Professional performance – boosted by an early Brad Evans goal – saw off Kansas City without much trouble. History favors the home team in these encounters, but the Crew always seem to find a way to screw up in the playoffs. (1).

2. Real Salt Lake – Destiny gave RSL a boost heading into next Saturday's Western Conference final at Rio Tinto. Can RSL convert their luck into one of the most implausible MLS Cup berths in league history? (6)

Don't Miss

3. Chicago – Rampant attacking display against New England cleared a mentally significant hurdle. Do they have enough left in the mental tank to oust the Crew? (4)

4. New York – Underdogs again heading to Real Salt Lake, though now Osorio and company have proven the Bulls are always in with a chance to win. Getting the wingers to exploit the sometimes overeager RSL fullbacks would be a nice start. (8)

Home for the Holidays: Houston, Chivas USA, New England, Kansas City, Colorado, D.C. United, Toronto, San Jose, FC Dallas, Los Angeles

-- Kyle McCarthy, Goal.com

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  2. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  3. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  4. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.

  5. McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date

    The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.