MLS Cup Playoffs 2012: Predicting Winners from Each Semifinal

European soccer leagues and the Champions League may get more respect, but let's not look past the very competitive MLS Cup Playoffs currently in the semifinals stage. We've got some of the league's top stars (Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Thierry Henry) in action. The defending champs, the Los Angeles Galaxy, are on the brink of being eliminated, while there's an epic east coast clash between the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.Two of the four matches are tied after the first leg, while Sporting Kansas City will try to overcome a two-goal deficit at home. There's plenty of drama left to be had, folks, and I'm here to predict exactly how it will play out.To the predictions! San Jose Earthquakes over Los Angeles GalaxyThe Galaxy were a stoppage-time free kick away from making this a very tough second leg to predict. Instead, Victor Bernardez's late goal gave the Earthquakes a 1-0 lead heading back to San Jose, making the likelihood of a repeat championship for the Galaxy that much more unlikely.Already boasting the league's best record and top goal scorer (Chris Wondolowski), the Earthquakes were favorites to begin with. They won't blow their advantage at home. Houston Dynamo over Sporting Kansas CityDon't expect the Dynamo to blow ...

MLS All-Stars vs Chelsea: Eden Hazard and Players to Watch

At your average All-Star Game, the entire roster is full of must-watch players. But when the European champions, Chelsea, are taking on the MLS All-Stars, there are a select few talents who stand above the rest.And most of them play for the Blues.But that doesn't mean the MLS doesn't have a few players of its own that you need to watch carefully on Wednesday evening. Let's take a look a few particularly intriguing players you'll want to watch when the MLS All-Stars clash with Chelsea. Eden Hazard, Forward, ChelseaOne of the top signings this summer, the 21-year-old Belgian is one of the most exciting young players in the game today. The young forward flashes brilliant control of the ball, ability to facilitate opportunities for his teammates and the ability to finish goals for himself.He had an excellent 2011-12 season for Ligue 1 side Lille, scoring 20 goals and dishing 17 assists in 44 appearances this season.Thus far at Chelsea, he's been slotting into the lineup centrally as a second striker, a role he is probably best suited for. With his pace and vision, he is also a possibility on the wing. One way or another, if there is one player you ...

MLS All Star Rosters 2012: Complete Listing and Analysis of First XI

The 2012 MLS All Stars have been announced, and the squad certainly isn't lacking for star power. You'll recognize some of the big names, as David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have all been announced for the squad.And all deserve the honor.But the rest of the fan votes put together a pretty solid team, one that dabbles in a popularity contest but also leaves coach Ben Olsen with a strong foundation when picking his team. Let's take a look at who the fans voted on the team, and provide some analysis on how the team should look moving forward. First XIGoalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)Defenders: Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aurélien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)The rest of the roster will announced July 15th on ESPN. AnalysisIt should be noted that the First XI, as voted on by the fans, isn't guaranteed a spot on the team that will face Chelsea. The full squad of 18 members will be selected by ...

MLS Draft 2012: Sides in Biggest Need of a Drastic Makeover

Sure, the MLS SuperDraft loses some of its luster given teams turning to young foreign talent or filling out their roster by bringing up players from their own academies.That doesn't mean there aren't good, young players to be had through the draft, or teams that could use the help.So let's take a look at a few teams who are in serious need of a team makeover, and the young blood that might help them achieve greater success in 2012. New England RevolutionAfter finishing last in the Eastern Conference last season—and with a multitude of team needs—the team should be focused on selecting the best player left on the board.My guess is they'll add whichever of the two stud forwards that fall to them, UCLA's Chandler Hoffman or Akron's Darren Mattocks, and be quite happy with the selection. Toronto FCWith two picks in the top 12 selections of the first round, Toronto has the opportunity to add some much-needed depth to their squad heading into 2012.UConn center back Andrew Jean-Baptiste will fill a glaring need for the squad with the fourth pick, and with pick No. 12 the team will look to pick the top midfielder on the board, such as Greg Jordan, ...