2013 MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals

As I correctly predicted, my hometown Dynamo and the Sounders each successfully advanced in the knockout 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) Seattle Sounders vs. (1) Portland Timbers
Leg 1 @ SEA: Tonight 9 PM CT NBCSN
Leg 2 @ POR: Thursday 10 PM CT NBCSN

Seattle got by Colorado despite losing goalkeeper Michael Gspurning to a red card to set up the latest chapter in this Cascadia Cup rivalry with a berth in the Western Conference Championship on the line. Although Seattle is more experienced and the big names in Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson, give the edge to Diego Valeri and the top-seeded Timbers in their first ever playoff series.

(3) Los Angeles Galaxy vs. (2) Real Salt Lake
Leg 1 @ LA: Sunday 8 PM CT ESPN
Leg 2 @ RSL: Thursday 8 PM CT ESPN2

What a match-up this should be, as these two teams have been among the most consistent in the league (combined to win three of the last four MLS Cups). In a matchup of styles (RSL's possession based attack vs. LA's counterattacking), I think Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane find that playoff magic again, to advance.

Eastern Conference
(4) Houston Dynamo vs. (1) New York Red Bulls
Leg 1 @ HOU: Sunday 2:30 PM CT NBC
Leg 2 @ NY: Wednesday 7 PM CT Local Broadcasts

My Dynamo dismantled 8-man Montreal to advance to take on the Supporters-Shield winning New York Red Bulls. Will Bruin got a brace and the Dynamo finished all their chances, and if they continue to do that in this series, my Dynamo have a shot. Unfortunately, I don't think this is a good matchup, as Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill will be too much to handle for a Houston backline that conceded 10 goals in three games against NY in the regular season this year.

(3) New England Revolution vs. (2) Sporting Kansas City
Leg 1 @ NE: Tonight 7 PM CT NBCSN
Leg 2 @ KC: Wednesday 8 PM CT Local Broadcasts

New England returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2009, behind a good attack with Saer Sene, Diego Fagundez, and the red-hot Juan Agudelo. However, Sporting Kansas City was the best defense in MLS this year, and have a 501-minute scoreless streak against New England, dating back to 2011. I think KC's experience and defense will be too much for the young Revs.