MLS - Standings Look at Midway Point of Season

We have learned several things from the first half of the 2008 MLS season.  Most notably is that the Eastern Conference is far superior to the Western Conference.  Never was this more apparent that last weekend when midtable East side DC United blasted West leaders LA Galaxy 4-1.  New England is once again a favorite to reach the MLS Cup, but can they survive the playoffs with quality East sides such as Columbus, DC United, Chicago, Toronto and New York?

The Western Conference is nothing more than a jumble of mediocre squads.  The LA Galaxy sit atop the standings based mostly on a potent offense that scores goals in droves.  The only problem is that they also lead the league in goals allowed.  This fact might be enough to win a soft West, but defense wins in the playoffs.  Meanwhile, the Houston Dynamo have recovered from a dreadful start, but still don't look the top side of years past.  FC Dallas once again wallows in the Texas heat and San Jose sits last, but little more was expected from the expansion side.

Meanwhile, the US Open Cup has been whittled down to the quarterfinal round and five MLS sides remain.  New York Red Bull rested their starters and paid the price as they were knocked out by Crystal Palace USA 2-0.  Houston Dynamo lost a penalty kick shootout to the Charleston Battery while Seatlle took out Chivas USA.  New Englamd, FC Dallas, Chicago, Kansas City, and DC united all remain in the competition.