The Year Of The Goat

While David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy got the ink last year, their Home Depot Center cotenants quietly turned into contenders. This year forward Maykel Galindo (left) and an even stronger Chivas USA should clear the final hurdle, downing D.C. United in the MLS Cup final at the HDC on Nov. 23. Here's a team-by-team look at how MLS's 13th season will play out.

EAST

1. D.C. United
With a second DP slot (from Colorado), look for the four-time champs to renew their bid for Argentine star Juan Sebasti�n Ver�n.

2. New England Revolution
Gambian midfielder Kenny Mansally joins the nucleus of Taylor Twellman, Shalrie Joseph and Steve Ralston.

3. Chicago Fire
Well-traveled Polish international Tomasz Frankowski provides a threat up top and a huge draw. Cuauht�moc Blanco must keep his cool.

4. Kansas City Wizards
Crafty Argentine veteran Claudio L�pez fills Eddie Johnson's scoring shoes for last year's surprise semifinalists.

5. Columbus Crew
Can Venezuelan striker Alejandro Moreno and Argentine attacker Guillermo Barros Schelotto snap the playoff drought?

6. New York Red Bulls
New coach Juan Carlos Osorio will turn this hapless club into a winner—just not this year. The D is among MLS's worst.

7. Toronto FC
The fans will again turn out, but this year's model is barely stronger than the '07 debutants, who scored a league-worst 25 goals.

WEST