LA Galaxy will win the West. As much as I hate to say this, the two time defending champ still is the team to beat out West. Real can't seem to beat them and Portland, while strong, has been extremely lucky with all their ties and goal tending, and ultimately will be exposed with a Galaxy team clicking on all cylinders.
KC will win the East. Defense wins. KC has only allowed 30 goals all season. A late season surge has them moving in the right direction. With Zusi, Besler, and Nielsen, I don't see even the likes of New York besting them in a 2 games.
Keane and Donovan against KC's defense? I'll take KC's defense and Zusi. KC will hoist their second cup since 2000.
New York as always underperformed and the club has finally won some silverware to go in Red Bull Arena with the 2013 Supporter's Shield Trophy. Personally, I think this trophy has lost significance ever since MLS went away from a balanced schedule, but that's an argument for another day. New York have done well at home and should have enough firepower to go back to the MLS Cup for the first time since 2008. Former Rapids player Mike Petke has had a fantastic debut season as manager for the Red Bulls.
Steve Vockrodt – LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls
This is the year that MLS's wet dream of a L.A.-New York final comes true. L.A. has too many weapons and always steps up their game in the postseason when international call-ups aren't calling. New York rides to the final on the strength of their offense, but will succumb to a stronger L.A. side.
RockyCoors – Sporting KC vs. Portland Timbers
It's simple enough that if Kansas City hosts the MLS Cup, then they will bring the silverware back to Missouri for the second time. Portland does it's best work at home but on the road are average. While both have excellent atmospheres for growing supporters if one of these teams hosts the final then that's who the smart money is going to be bet on.
That ends up being three votes for SKC, two for the Galaxy, and one vote each for the Timbers and Rapids. Just about everyone (Ben!) thinks that either SKC or the Galaxy are going to make it to the final, if not both. It's worth noting that last year, only one of our contributors got their prediction right. Even then, Chris thought that the Galaxy were gonna beat the Red Bulls.
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Matt Pollard 