Top 5 MLS Playoff Horses

Ahhhh good ol' Fairmount Park. And no, I wasn't there back when this photo was snapped - just thought it looked cool. I'll just pretend you didn't think that and move on...

The MLS second season kicks off Thursday when East #2 seed Chicago visit New England, so there's little time to waste making up the NSC handicappers sheet (much of which was already squandered when my interwebs went out last night). Now, I'm all caught up on work and ready to walk that prognostic limb.

Quick note: I axed the horse race odds calculator because my computer didn't seem to care for the program much. Therefore, I will wing this one, but feel confident that I can spread the numbers around accurately enough to look somewhat mathematically legit.

Quick note #2: please scroll down slightly at this link to note who is already hailed at Fairmount Park, not far from the proposed St. Louis-area soccer stadium site. No real relevance.. again, I just found it cool.

Before I begin, a quick mention of the expected also-rans. New England (12-1) could easily have been a top-three choice a couple months back, but are spiraling in form and have suffered perhaps the most damning injury loss in playmaker Steve Ralston. Long shot New York (25-1) has both the least playoff experience and the worst defensive record in the field.

#5 - Chivas USA
Spirit is willing... but is the flesh?

Strengths: Good balance, good movement in attack, good passing; good end of season form.

Weaknesses: Goalie is a major concern, perhaps more so than with any team not named after a caffeine drink; still several key guys banged up (Galindo, Suárez, Thornton) or out (Vaughn, Victorine).

Morning line: 10-1

#4 - Kansas City/Real Salt Lake (tie)
Dark horse duo

KC strengths: López has settled and is stirring the drink; the Wizards are in fighting form, having lost only once in seven; GK Hartman and attack are capable of getting hot.

KC weaknesses: other than Conrad, the defense is very, very playoff green; losing Josh Wolff is a decent-sized blow; could be mentally tired from late playoff push.

RSL strengths: GK Rimando and sturdy defense capable of slamming the door; solid midfield with wide variety of skills; Rio Tinto-based Hollywood storyline potential.

RSL weaknesses: only two teams have won MLS Cup with a regular season record at .500 or below and the Utes were 10-10-10; strike force production comes and goes.

Morning line: both 9-1

#3 - Columbus
Will the top dog bite or bark?

Strengths: incredible team hunger and unity; Schelotto can practically decide any close game through willful guile; several players enjoying career years.

Weaknesses: the last Supporter's Shield winner to bag the real crown was Chicago in 2003; it must be asked: have they peaked too soon?

Morning line: 4-1

#2 - Chicago
Solid all-around choice

Strengths: the best defense in the league; Blanco/McBride combo would be scary in a short series even before factoring in torrid Rolfe form; the bench has a few intriguing weapons.

Weaknesses: sparkplug Thorrington is less than 100%; that darned Revs bugaboo.

Morning line: 3-1

#1 - Houston
To be the champs, you gotta beat the champs

Strengths: Ching/De Ro/Jaqua attack triad suddenly making it seem like old times; very active midfield with bench reinforcements available; the back five know how to get this job done.

Weaknesses: is there one?

Morning line: 5-2

- Greg Seltzer