We conclude our 2011 MLS preview with our picks for the top four teams in the league. We will also make our selection for MLS Cup, Supporter's Shield, US Open Cup and Voyageur's Cup.
The top four are:
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No 4 - Dallas
No team gets less respect than Dallas - a club that knows how to grind out results. That isn't exciting, but it's exactly what wins in MLS (and if we're honest, Dallas is MLS Cup champions right now if the 2010 MLS Cup isn't refereed like it was a rugby game).
Dallas lacks stand out stars -- well, except the league MVP David Ferreira. They are well coached and have likely the best depth in the league. They will need to deal with CONCACAF Champions League this year. So, that depth will be tested.
No 3 - New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls turn around in 2010 should give Toronto fans reason for hope. You can get really good, really fast. Of course Toronto didn't sign Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry. So, there's that.
However, the Red Bulls are more than their two high powered DPs (although it will be very interesting to see what Henry does with a full season -- this is a player with a lot left and who plays a position that has the potential to have a major influence on a game). Hans Backe put together a strong supporting cast that paced the Bulls move up the fixture list before the big names got there.
Even moving Angel could prove to be a addition by subtraction since there is only one ball and 11 starting positions.
No 2 - LA Galaxy
The backline is a bit no-name, but solid. That's about the worst thing you can say about the galaxy's talent. There is no weakness. On paper, the Galaxy are the best team in the league.
Sure, Edson Buddle has left, but you just know that this will be the year that Chad Barrett breaks out. Landon Donovan could be the best MLS player of all-time and they also have a former English international (when he's not attending weddings in London).
Yet...
The intangibles are the question mark. The Galaxy are talented, but can they win when it matters? A playoff bomb and CONCACAF embarrassment "highlighted" the season in 2010.
They'll be good, but it's unclear whether they'll ever be a champion.
No 1 - Salt Lake
They are the most complete team in the league -- build from the back out, solid in the middle and just dangerous enough on the attack. They are ripe with leadership and lack egos. Also, they've won before -- the core of the 2009 championship side is still here.
SLC is next to unbeatable at home. They are proving themselves in CONCACAF (and are favourite to advance to the regional championship later this month).
In short, we like SLC. We like them a lot. Hell, they even have a Canadian to cheer for in Will Johnson (who is also damn good).
SLC is the best team in the league. Our vote actually wasn't that close.
MLS Cup: SLC over New York (the caveat here is that New York could be the host. If they are this is a toss-up)
Supporter's Shield: SLC (they will battle with LA all year)
US Open Cup: Portland Timbers (not wanting to be shown up by two-time winner Seattle, the Timbers will go all out in the cup
Voyageurs Cup: Toronto (An easy touch in the semi-final combined with the war that is bound to be Montreal v Vancouver gives the Reds the upper hand in their quest for a third straight Canadian championship).