MLS Preview, Part 1

I asked our crew of soccer wizards a few key questions leading up to this MLS season.  Look below at the answers to the first bunch.

Supporters Sheild Winner:
The Brit:  LA Galaxy
Roc:  LA Galaxy
Dig:  LA Galaxy- They have mastered the financial aspect of the league and returned the strongest squad in the league. They have one more year until this team will be blown up, expecting big things.
Joe:  Galaxy
Jon:  RSL.  I think that the obvious choice (Galaxy) will be able to get past the injury of Omar Gonzales, but the loss of Beckham (and possibly Landon) to the Olympics, and Keane to the Euros will make it too difficult to capture the supporters sheild.  


League MVP:
The Brit: Robbie Keane
Roc:  Thierry Henry
Dig:  Brad Davis- The assist king. Houston is poised to have a good season with him leading the way.  New stadium, some new strike options for him to link up with, think he'll have a big year. Now only if he could get a national team call up..
Joe:  Henry
Jon:  Freddy Montero.  He will be looking hard to leave the MLS, and his team certainly has enough to focus on that he should get some extra stats.




Golden Boot Winner:
The Brit:  Theirry Henry
Roc:  Robbie Keane or Freddy Montero
Dig:   Thierry Henry. If he can keep the form he showed at Arsenal. Slightly concerned that he may lose the interest and intensity he showed once he is in front of MLS crowds as opposed to the Emirates but...
Joe:  Henry
Jon:  Thierry Henry. Was in the hunt last year and played nowhere near his best.




Best "New" player in the league:
The Brit:  Wilman Conde
Roc:  Kris Boyd
Dig:  Kelyn Rowe- Rookie out of UCLA, looked very strong thus far in preseason for the Revs with 4 goals

and 4 assists in 5 games. Don't expect him to keep that pace, but looks to have big potential.

Joe:  Buddle (hey, he's still new.)
Jon:  Kris Boyd.  Only 28 and scored goals like crazy in Scotland.  Has an exciting future in the league.  




Who will qualify for the playoffs (top five in each conference):
The Brit:  East:  NY, Toronto, NE, Phil, Kansas

               West:  LA, Sea, Col, RSL, Portland

Roc:  West:  LA, Seattle, RSL, Por, Van
         East:  SKC, NYRB, Phil, Chi, Tor
Dig:  East:  SKC, NYRB, Hou, Phi, Chi
       West:  LAG, Sea, RSL, Por, FCD
Joe:  East:  RBNY, SKC, Philly, Hou, Chi
        West:  LA, Sea, RSL, Dal, Van
Jon:  East: KC, NYRB, Houston, Philly, DC
West:  RSL, LAG, Sounders, Dallas, Portland

       .