2012 MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

As I correctly predicted, my hometown Dynamo and the Galaxy each successfully advanced on 2-1 wins in the wildcard round to set up these conference semifinal matchups (which are two game aggregate goal series, whoever has higher goal-differential after two legs wins series)

Western Conference
(4) Los Angeles Galaxy vs. (1) San Jose Earthquakes
Leg 1 @ LA: Sunday 8 PM CT ESPN
Leg 2 @ SJ: Wednesday 10 PM CT ESPN2

Defending champs survived a scare from the mediocre Whitecaps, getting a controversial penalty kick call for them and avoiding another penalty that should have been called against them in their win last night. It's a derby series (California Clásico), so anything can happen, but based on San Jose's Supporter Shield winning season and LA's shaky defense at the moment, I have to go with the Chris Wondolowski and the top-seeded 'Quakes.

(3) Seattle Sounders vs. (2) Real Salt Lake
Leg 1 @ SEA: Tonight 9 PM CT NBCSN
Leg 2 @ RSL: Thursday 8:30 PM CT Local Broadcasts

What a match-up this should be, as these two teams met last year in the playoffs and have developed into good rivals of each other. In the end, after years of playoff disappointment, I think Sigi Schmid's Sounders finally break through.

Eastern Conference
(4) Houston Dynamo vs. (1) Sporting Kansas City
Leg 1 @ HOU: Sunday 2:30 PM CT NBC
Leg 2 @ KC: Wednesday 8 PM CT Local Broadcasts

Rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final, with my Dynamo taking on KC. Key in series will be whether the Dynamo can control possession with their 4-4-2 formation, and not lose the ball in a dangerous team which can counter with CJ Sapong, Kei Kamara, and Graham Zusi with the best of them. Also, matchup of two of best goalies in the league in Tally Hall and Jimmy Nielson. Should be great series. If the Dynamo can get a win in first leg (they haven't lost at home all season), I think they can pull it out. 

(3) New York Red Bulls vs. (2) D.C. United
Leg 1 @ DC: Saturday 7 PM CT NBCSN
Leg 2 @ NY: Wednesday 7 PM CT NBCSN

Much was made of the switch in venues because of Hurricane Sandy, forcing higher seeded DC to  go on the road in leg 2, as Red Bull Arena is not ready to host a game this weekend. More firepower from the Red Bulls (Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill) than DC, which has fought on valiantly without Dwayne De Rosario, but is not as dangerous. The venue switch, fair or not, does play a factor, as NY advances.