2009 MLS Playoff Predictions

The 2009 Playoffs kick-off tomorrow night in Seattle (and they will finish there as well - Seattle is hosting the MLS Cup), so lets take a look into the crystal ball for predictions. This year in the MLS has shown that there was only one dominate factor - parity. First place to eighth place was only a difference of 9 points - 3 victories over the course of 30 games. So after New York's incredible run in last year's playoff and this year standings, the title is anyone's for the taking. Here are my quarter-final predictions:

Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo

- Key Players: Kasey Keller (SEA) & Stuart Holden (HOU)

- Thoughts: Best match-up on paper. Both squads have experienced coaching, deep squads and a lot of exciting, attacking players. Seattle is not your typical expansion club and with knowing the MLS Cup will be in their home stadium, the Sounders will come out striking.

- Prediction: Seattle 3-2 on aggregate.

LA Galaxy vs. Chivas USA

- Key Players: Landon Donovan (LA) & Sacha Kljestan (CHV)

- Thoughts: Both teams play at the Home Depot Center, so the home field advantage is out the window. While David Beckham is the big name, Donovan is the man who will lead this team on Sunday. Chivas has struggled to score in the 2nd half of the season and the Galaxy got the better of the rivalry this season.

- Prediction: Galaxy 3-0 on aggregate

Columbus Crew vs. Real Salt Lake

- Key Players: Guillermo Barros Schletto (COL) & Robbie Findley (RSL)

- Thoughts: Real Salt Lake have been hot and cold all year and look very strong win Robbie Findley is running lose. However, the Crew have the experience, the depth and more over all talent.

- Prediction: Columbus 4-2 on aggregate. 

Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution

- Key Players: Cuauhtemoc Blanco (CHI) & Matt Reis (NEW)

- Thoughts: Both teams are stumbling into the post-season and will be meeting the playoffs for the 7th time in the past 8 years. New England have a long injury report and are the only playoff team with a negative goal differential. The strong attacking Fire squad of Blanco, Wolfe and Nyarko will help Chicago jump out to an early lead at home.

- Prediction: Chicago 2-0 on aggregate.

Lets see how I do this weekend. What are your predictions?