Western Conference Preview: Deep FC Dallas is expected to lead way

Putting two expansion teams out West sure made a few Western Conference MLS teams happy.

Even though both Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA have every intention of competing in their first year, there's no disputing that expansion in conjunction with sending Kansas City to the Eastern Conference definitely diluted the Western Conference.

At the same time, all six teams legitimately have a shot at nabbing one of the West's four playoff spots.

FC Dallas' depth in the back and the midfield should help it emerge in front of rebuilding San Jose, the always-underachieving Rapids, two expansion teams and the up-and-down Galaxy.

Here's a look at the spors writer James Edward's predictions for the upcoming season:

1. FC Dallas

2004 RECORD: 10-14-6 (36 points)

CONFERENCE FINISH: Fifth

COACH: Colin Clarke (2nd season)

PROJECTED STARTING 11: Eddie Johnson (F), Carlos Ruiz (F), Ronnie O'Brien (F), Richard Mulrooney (M), Simo Valakari (M), Carey Talley (M), David Wagenfuhr (D), Greg Vanney (D), Clarence Goodson (D), Philip Salyer (D), Jeff Cassar (K).

STRENGTHS: Eddie Johnson, without a doubt. In his past eight games with the U.S. Men's National team, the 20-year-old striker has found the net eight times. He's been so impressive, Portuguese first-division squad Benfica offered MLS a $4 million transfer fee to acquire Johnson, but the league wasn't about to let one of its premiere players head overseas. The team also acquired midfielder Richard Mulrooney in an offseason trade with San Jose and then recently acquired U.S. National Team defender Greg Vanney, who spent the past four seasons in France. On Thursday, Dallas also acquired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz in a trade with Los Angeles.

CONCERNS: Trading away MLS all-team leading scorer Jason Kreis wasn't too difficult with Johnson waiting in the wings, but replacing Kreis' leadership won't be nearly that easy.

2. L.A. Galaxy

2004 RECORD: 11-9-10 (43 points)

CONFERENCE FINISH: Second

COACH: Steve Sampson (1st full season)

PROJECTED STARTING 11: Landon Donovan (F), Jovan Kirovski (F), Cobi Jones (M), Guillermo Ramirez (M), Paulo Nagamura (M), Paul Broome (M), Chris Albright (D), Pablo Chinchilla (D), Michael Umana (D), Tyrone Marshall (D), Kevin Hartman (K).