MLS Cup Playoffs 2013: Conference Finals Schedule and Predictions

After Real Salt Lake's upset over the two-time defending champion LA Galaxy, the MLS Cup Conference Finals are set, paving the way for the final matchup next month. The Portland Timbers knocked off their hated rivals, the Seattle Sounders, to win their first-ever MLS Cup Playoff series. In the Eastern Conference, the Houston Dynamo knocked off the New York Red Bulls, while Sporting KC advanced on aggregate over the New England Revolution. It's been a wild playoffs so far, with the Supporters' Shield winner—the Red Bulls—knocked out and the class of the league for so long—the Galaxy—heading home to play golf. There are upstarts in the Conference Finals, and it's made for some really exciting play. Below is a schedule for the rest of the playoffs, and then, we will get into predicting what teams will advance to the MLS Cup.   Eastern Conference Kansas City had a fine regular season, finishing second in the conference and just one point behind the Red Bulls for the Supporters' Shield. It scored 47 goals and allowed a league-low 30 goals. Keeper Jimmy Nielsen, at age 36, has been fantastic. On offense, its led by Claudio Bieler, who has scored 11 goals and notched four assists.  The Dynamo shocked the world with their ...

MLS Cup Playoffs: Breaking Down the Final Four

The MLS Cup Playoffs are now down to the final four. The D.C. United will take on the Houston Dynamo in the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Seattle Sounders will take on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the West.What can we expect from these two matchups? Read on to find out. D.C. United vs. Houston DynamoThe United are coming off an improbable victory against the Red Bulls, while Houston went past Kansas City to get to this game.Houston has issues with speedy players, but lucky for the Dynamo, the United don't have too many of those. Oscar Boniek Garcia is a creative midfielder and Will Bruin is the leading scorer in the playoffs.For the United, they feature a lot of talent, led by midfielder Nick DeLeon, who scored the series winner against the Red Bulls. They are down to their backup goalie, Joe Willis, but he has played admirably.The United will need Dwayne De Rosario to come back from a leg injury to have a chance, but he's in a race against the clock. If he can come back and be effective, the United will have a good shot. If not, Houston will take this easily.Look for Houston to advance to ...