Soccer 365’s football journalist Jerrad Peters gives his selections for who will advance to the MLS Conference semifinals.

By Jerrad Peters

Who do you see coming out of the MLS Conference Semifinals?
David, Columbus

Major League Soccer is serving up a trio of attractive playoff ties this weekend, and one can only hope they produce more in the way of entertainment than Thursday’s dour 0-0 draw between Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo at Quest Field. There’s not a lot to choose between the sides in any one of the four matchups currently underway, but I do see a clear winner in each. And sorry, Seattle. The fairy tale season ends here.

The only talking points to come out of the first leg between Seattle and Houston had to do with poor officiating. Having said that, I think the result was fair. I also think the layoff between the first leg and the return match on November 8 will only benefit Houston. They are an older side, but look for their experience to carry the day at Robertson Stadium.

Houston advances

I put New England Revolution in the same category as Houston Dynamo. They have an experienced manager in Steve Nicol and an assortment of seasoned veterans, including Matt Reis, Steve Ralston, Shalrie Joseph and Taylor Twellman. Joseph, in particular, is a big-game, playoff player.

On the other side of the ball, Chicago have three men who can provide a consistent scoring threat. Brian McBride led the team in goals during the regular season; Cuahtemoc Blanco remains a thoroughbred at 36, and Chris Rolfe is hoping to be on a plane to South Africa in June. I like Chicago, but I just can’t see them gutting this one out. This will be the tightest of the ties, and while I’m going out on a limb somewhat, I’m taking the Revolution.

New England advances

They won just three of their final eight matches, but Columbus Crew are the reigning champions for a reason. They have the best player in Major League Soccer, a quality supporting cast and a rookie manager who gets it.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto was always going to be a good player in this league, but I defy anyone to tell me they predicted he would be this good. After being named MLS MVP in 2008, he nearly doubled his scoring output this season and has his side in pole position to repeat. Of course, he doesn’t do it all by himself. Columbia international Alejandro Moreno is always dangerous, and Eddie Gaven is one of the best midfielders in the division. I think they’ll win this tie, and they’ll also get a result at the Rio Tinto.

That’s not to take anything away from Real Salt Lake. I think they might be the most exciting team in Major League Soccer. Robbie Findlay is a deadly finisher, and in addition to having the best name in MLS, Yura Movsisyan tallied eight goals for RSL this term. I’m also a fan of Canadian international midfielder Will Johnson.

Nevertheless, Columbus are simply a cut above. I think they’ll win both matches in what will be the Conference Semifinals most watchable tie.

Columbus advances

He’s taken an extraordinary amount of heat this season, but David Beckham just might go out a winner. At the very least, we have two more opportunities to watch him play in MLS before he departs for Milan, and probably leaves the league for good.

But Beckham won’t win the derby tie with Chivas USA for Galaxy. Landon Donovan will. The only real threat to Schelotto’s MVP crown, the 27-year-old notched 12 goals for Los Angeles during the regular season and is the side’s undisputed leader and creative force. But for the first time since 2005, he had a decent cast of midfielders and defenders behind him.

Todd Dunivant is one of those. The 26-year-old defender is on his second stint in Carson after leaving Galaxy in 2006 for New York Red Bulls. He also played in Toronto before rejoining Los Angeles ahead of this season. Omar Gonzalez—all 6-foot-5 of him—has been another defensive revelation. After being drafted third overall by Galaxy in January, he played in all 30 league matches and helped his side to one of the best defensive records in the Western Conference.

Interestingly, Chivas USA conceded an identical amount of goals. But they limped into the playoffs going winless in their final three matches, and momentum has to be a concern. On the positive side, they won’t have to worry about their dreadful away record in the Conference Semifinals as both matches will be played at Pizza Hut Park.

Galaxy, however, have that little something special that Chivas clearly lack. Beckham will be playing inspired soccer, and there are few better when a championship is on the line. He’s won wherever he’s been. This might not be any different.

Los Angeles advances

Have a question about soccer? Email your query to jerradpeters@gmail.com, or follow him on twitter at Twitter.com/peterssoccer.