MLS Playoffs set to begin this week

With the Chicago Fire win over the LA Galaxy the MLS playoff field was set yesterday.  Chicago and Kansas City grabbed the last two spots in the MLS playoffs that are set to begin on Thursday as DC United faces the Chicago Fire.

Texas rivals Houston Dynamo face off with FC Dallas in what might be the most interesting of the 4 first round matchups.  Both teams have a definite dislike for the other and the close proximity of the clubs will allow fans to attend both legs of the playoff.   FC Dallas has been in thir typical late season swoon looking very ordinary in their 2-0 loss to Kansas City last weekend.

Chivas USA won the Western Conference and will open against Kansas City in the first round of the MLS playoffs.  Chivas comes in sharp and is practically unbeatable ot home so expect them to advance to their first conference final.

The NY Red Bulls face off against the New England Revolution in a matchup that should be very entertaining.  Young Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel lead the Red Bull attack against Taylor Twellman and the Revolution

The final pairing shows DC United and the Chicago Fire.  DC should have too much firepower with Luciano Emilio for the Fire, but dont count out Blanco and his mates.  Catch the first game of the series on Thursday on the Fox Soccer Channel.

The first rounf of the MLS playoffs are a home and home series with total goals deciding the winner.  If it is tied after both games there will be two 15 minute periods followed by penalty kicks to decide the winner.