From Deseret News archives:
Houston looks like team to beat in West
A year ago, the distance between first and last was 13 points, but that gap will likely shrink as all six West teams figure to be in the hunt for a playoff spot this year. Exactly who gets in and who watches from home will probably be undecided until the final weekend.
Defending MLS Cup champion Houston is the obvious front runner, however, as it returns every starter from last year's title-winning team. Assuming complacency doesn't set in, Houston should make another playoff run.
With the Major League Soccer season kicking off this weekend, here's a look at sports writer James Edward's predictions for the 2007 season.
1. Houston Dynamo
2006 RECORD: 11-8-13 (46 points)
CONFERENCE FINISH: Second, MLS Cup Champs
COACH: Dominic Kinnear (fourth season)
STRENGTHS: A year ago at this time, many were wondering how the Dynamo would respond after being relocated from San Jose in the offseason. The players responded by finishing second in the Western Conference and ultimately hoisting the MLS Cup. Every starter from that team is back, so there's no reason they can't duplicate the feat. In fact, the players have their eyes on a few other prizes as well this year. Houston should battle for the MLS Supporters Shield for the best regular season record, not to mention that it's already in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals and will participate in the inaugural SuperLiga later this summer.
CONCERNS: The biggest concern is that busy schedule. In addition to the reality that several of its starters will be away with the U.S. National Team because of the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, Houston's depth will get a stern test. Realistically, that might be the only thing that prevents Houston from winning the West.
2. L.A. Galaxy
2006 RECORD: 11-15-6 (39 points)
CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth
COACH: Frank Yallop (first full season)
Comments
- Kids may suffer from exhaust fumes 5:43 p.m.
- School holds PE during lunch 5:42 p.m.
- Bill: Gov. could pick chief justice 5:41 p.m.
- Foundation divvies out upgrades 5:39 p.m.
- Gifts your valentine will heart 5:10 p.m.
- Why do boys have to burn things? 5:05 p.m.
- Look out, my girl's on Facebook 5:04 p.m.
- Blog: Will Democrats counter states'... 5:03 p.m.
- Doing a hot business in old stoves 5:03 p.m.
- Protein smoothie is blast of berries 5:02 p.m.
- Utah Jazz Ironmen
- High school players commit to BYU
- LDS veggie program helps Bolivians
- Teacher merit pay debated
- Utahn's 'Caveman Diet' catching on
- SLC's City Creek moves ahead
- MWC race shaping 'Survivor' style
- Kaman, not Boozer, on All-Star team
- 2nd Layton girl hospitalized from gas
- Cougars hope for fast rebound
- UNLV bombs BYU into loss
185 - Teacher merit pay debated176
- Why do they hate us? Try asking145
- Countering attacks on LDS scholarship140
- Letters: Tea Party hypocrites117
- Rally in opposition to benefit cuts90
- Utah football alters schedule80
- BYU's prime postseason position?77
- Let's talk college hoops76
- High school players commit to BYU75
Visit the Deseret News Facebook page for this sweet Valentine! Ends Friday
At 2-10 in the Summit League and 6-17 overall, Southern Utah not only...
Latest comments
What blows my mind is how bad people dislike Millard. Our boys and our...
Dane Rhoades is a stud!!! he might be the best pg in the state
Beaver is doing well and took 2nd behind Millard in thier region. I think two...
The Ute writers are just soft-peddling the losses to sweet talk the Ute...
Lighten up! Are you serious? I can't even believe the comments. It is funny...
Since 2000, in ten years the population of Utah has increased 15% while Utah...
TO --- @save yourselves 12:04 pm | 7:13 p.m ["Uh...that would be the...
What would the corner have to gain....
Dear nothing new -- your lack of collegiality is overwhelming. Utah State...
Sounds like a great program. Great story. Comments about some comments...
You can be the first to comment on this story.