2013 MLS Cup Playoffs: Conference Championships

Went 2-2 in my semifinal predictions, which I'll definitely take, since my Dynamo once again shocked the world, upsetting the Supporters' Shield winning New York Red Bulls 4-3 on aggregate, setting up a mouth-watering rematch in the Eastern Conference Championship between Houston and Sporting KC, who have matched up two years in a row in the playoffs. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake upended the defending champion Galaxy, while Portland dismantled their arch-rival Sounders with 5 goals in the two legs. 

By the way, MLS, this is an absolutely ridiculous schedule, where there is two weeks between the two legs. I know you want to respect the international window, but that time period is way too long between matches.
Eastern Conference
(4) Houston Dynamo vs. (2) Sporting KC
Leg 1 @ HOU: Today 1:30 PM CT NBC
Leg 2 @ KC: Nov 23 6:30 PM CT NBCSN
Here we go again. KC was eliminated by the Dynamo last year in the East semis, after falling to them in 2011 in the East Final. Although both sides have talented midfielders in Graham Zusi and Benny Felhaiber for KC, and Brad Davis and Oscar Boniek Garcia, the series will likely be a physical, low-scoring brawl, as both teams have outstanding keepers and big bruising centerbacks.
In the end, although Sporting is the better team on paper, I can't pick against my Dynamo in the playoffs against KC. #DreamScreamBelieve

Western Conference
(2) Real Salt Lake vs. (1) Portland Timbers
Leg 1 @ RSL: Sunday 8 PM CT ESPN
Leg 2 @ POR: Nov 24 8 PM CT ESPN

Should be an explosive series in the Western Conference Championship, with the two highest scoring teams in the league going at it. In three regular season matchups this year, the teams combined to score 15 goals. With the red hot Darlington Nagbe, Diego Valeri, Will Johnson on one side and the experience of Javier Morales, Robbie Findley, and Alvaro Saborio on the other, expect that trend to continue.
In the end, although Portland is red hot, I'll go with the superior goalkeeping of Nick Rimando and the playoff experience of RSL to advance to the Cup.