The Year Of The Goat

1. Houston Dynamo
Dwayne De Rosario will pick up the scoring slack from his deep striker position; Brian Ching remains effective up top.

2. Chivas USA
With a heavy slate of summer games, the Goats brought in much-needed reinforcements. But will keeper Brad Guzan bolt for Europe?

3. FC Dallas
Hard-nosed Mexican newcomer Duilio Davino will shore up the defense, helping to unleash an attack with seven scoring threats.

4. Los Angeles Galaxy
The all-star trio of Beckham, Landon Donovan and Carlos Ruiz should be enough for a playoff berth—but it'll be close.

5. Colorado Rapids
Christian G�mez, one of MLS's best-ever attackers, will find this supporting cast nowhere near as good as the one in D.C.

6. Real Salt Lake
With a collection of scrappy Argentines and young, hungry norte�os, things are looking up in the Wasatch.

7. San Jose Earthquakes
The Quakes won't play like an expansion club: Their rock-solid veteran D is smart and savvy. Scoring is another matter.