Western Conference looks to be a toss-up

With the MLS playoffs finally upon us, it's clear that the teams making the most noise entering the postseason come from the Eastern Conference. The New England Revolution and the Chicago Fire have taken turns as the league's hottest team since the All-Star break. And don't forget D.C. United, which despite some struggles still won the Supporters Shield (awarded to the top team in the MLS standings).

But while the Western Conference might lack the same pizzazz, it features some interesting matchups. F.C. Dallas has put together -- quietly at times -- the best regular season in its history, while Houston's starting 11 is a match for any team in the league. Chivas completed a remarkable turnaround this year, finishing third in the West after a nightmarish inaugural season. Colorado remain an enigma -- a talented team that seems less than the sum of its parts and that enters the playoffs with a five-game winless streak. But it is from such ingredients that playoff legends are made.

F.C. Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids

On paper, this would appear to be a mismatch. F.C. Dallas finished 11 points ahead of the Rapids in the standings, and only a 2-2 draw on April 15 prevented Dallas from sweeping the season series. Yet the Hoops' recent uneven form, as well as the playoff history between the two teams, suggests that this matchup will be anything but a cakewalk for the top seed.

Much like D.C. United in the East, F.C. Dallas used a fast start to get some breathing room and ended up coasting to the Western Conference championship, the result being some inconsistent play down the stretch. Dallas' record since the All-Star break is an unimpressive 4-7-1; not exactly the kind of form that coach Colin Clarke would prefer heading into the postseason.

His team's playoff record against the Rapids isn't encouraging, either. The teams have met three times in the postseason, and Colorado has won in each instance, including a pulsating encounter last year that saw the Rapids prevail on penalty kicks.

But unlike last year's Dallas side, the current edition is a more tight-knit group and seems better able to cope with playoff pressure. Tempestuous forward Eddie Johnson is gone, and Carlos Ruiz has undergone a radical attitude adjustment. Last year, when Ruiz would return to Guatemala for international duty, those trips frequently turned into extended vacations. His behavior so tried the patience of head coach Colin Clarke that Ruiz began the playoffs on the bench. Not so this time. Twice this year, Ruiz has returned to the training pitch the day after suiting up for his national team, indicating a deeper level of commitment to his club side.

This development is significant, because Ruiz is among the bigger clutch performers in MLS history, and given the physical play that has become a trademark of the playoffs, a motivated El Pescadito provides a significant edge.

For the Rapids, the only thing consistent about them has been their struggles on the road, where they tied for the fewest points in the league. Colorado also appears to be a team in transition. Big-name players like Jovan Kirovski have been nudged aside in recent weeks for lesser-known performers like Thiago Martins. What part Clint Mathis will play -- and at what level he will perform -- is anybody's guess.

Key Matchup: Dallas forward Carlos Ruiz vs. Colorado defender Pablo Mastroeni

Colorado will be without suspended defender Mike Petke for the second week in a row. That means that Mastroeni will once again slide into the center of the defense alongside defender Aitor Karanka; Mastroeni will be asked to stop Ruiz, the Guatemalan international.

The development presents a danger to the Rapids on two counts. One, the move prevents Mastroeni from imposing his will on the game in midfield. Second, Ruiz is a provocateur extraordinaire, and Mastroeni -- whose physical approach sometimes crosses the line -- will need to keep his cool as he attempts to deal with the Dallas forward.

Ruiz is a threat to score in any number of ways, whether it's with his head or with his feet, on set pieces or in the run of play. And now that he's been paired up top with Abe Thompson, Ruiz has someone to take a larger share of the abuse dished out from opposition defenders, thus freeing him to find that extra bit of space that often translates into goals.

Players to watch: For Colorado, goalkeeper Joe Cannon and midfielders Terry Cooke and Kyle Beckerman; for Dallas, midfielders Ronnie O'Brien and Kenny Cooper and defender Greg Vanney

Cannon is one of those goalkeepers who can win a series on his own, as witnessed by his performance against Dallas last year when he came up big, despite being hobbled by a sports hernia. The absence of Cooke earlier in the year proved to be a big blow for the Rapids, who had been feasting on the Englishman's quality service. Beckerman has enjoyed something of a breakout season this year, and with Mastroeni otherwise occupied, it will be up to Beckerman to help lock down the middle.

The 6-foot-3 Cooper has enjoyed a stellar first year in MLS, scoring 11 goals. And with Thompson now in the lineup, he has been employed out on the wing, where he has been surprisingly effective for a player his size. O'Brien has been one of the steadier performers for Dallas over the years; his ball-striking ability as well his willingness to take players on have been his strengths. Vanney will be called upon to blunt the Rapids' attack, and he is a threat to score from set pieces.

X Factors: Colorado midfielder Jacob Peterson and Dallas midfielder Richard Mulrooney

While New York Red Bulls rookie Jozy Altidore drew plaudits down the stretch with some vital goals, he wasn't the only first-year player who saved his team's season. Peterson scored in Colorado's tie with New York two weeks ago, and it was his late equalizer last week against Houston that clinched a playoff spot. A forward in college with Indiana, Peterson has been lining up on the left wing and has given some balance to the Rapids' attack.

Mulrooney missed last year's series with a knee injury, and given the massive part he played in San Jose's two championship teams, his experience and leadership were missed. His postseason pedigree, not to mention his work ethic and penchant for coming up big in the playoffs, might be just the thing to get Dallas over the hump.

Outcome: Colorado has achieved playoff upsets before, but that seems unlikely to happen here. The Rapids' defense has been sieve-like this season, and given the weapons that Dallas has at its disposal, the Hoops seem primed to exploit that weakness. Cannon will need to stand on his head -- again -- for the Rapids to have any hope. Dallas should prevail 3-1.

Houston vs. Chivas USA

Playoff series involving the second and third seeds are usually affairs that can go either way, and this pairing is no different. These teams split their season series and were involved in some testy encounters during the campaign.

But entering the playoffs, the paths of Houston and Chivas USA diverge on one important point: health. Chivas has been limping along for the last month, with many of its best attacking players hobbled by a variety of nagging ailments. Ante Razov and Juan Pablo Garcia have been nursing adductor strains, while Paco Palencia has been sidelined with a knee injury. As a result, head coach Bob Bradley has been keeping things together with duct tape and super glue over the last few weeks, resting his stars in a desperate attempt to get them healthy.

And for the most part he has succeeded. Razov and Garcia are expected to be ready for Sunday's opener, as is defender Claudio Suarez. And Palencia, once thought to be out for the season, is expected to play at some point during the series. While having those players on the field will provide an invaluable boost, their ability to regain an attacking rhythm is an open question, especially given the physical nature of the Houston defense.

But Chivas' injury concerns haven't gone away completely. Midfield linchpin Jesse Marsch sustained a concussion in his team's season-ending tie with Real Salt Lake and is listed as questionable for the opening playoff match. Given the importance that his defensive presence provides, his availability could loom large in determining the outcome of the series.

While Houston's physical condition is miles better, they'll need to overcome some mental hurdles. When the Dynamo step onto the Home Depot turf come Sunday, they'll be returning to the scene of last year's playoff demise. On that occasion, the team then known as the San Jose Earthquakes dropped a 3-1 decision to the Los Angeles Galaxy, throwing away a season's worth of work with some dreadful defensive errors. The team ultimately fell 4-2 on aggregate, and while a change of scenery has helped those memories fade, they'll come flooding back in Los Angeles.

But one thing that is forgotten about that result is how dinged up the Quakes were heading into the playoffs. Midfielder Brad Davis was out, while forward Alejandro Moreno was hobbled with a badly sprained ankle. And while Moreno and Brian Mullan are carrying some knocks into this series, Houston, with the likes of Paul Dalglish, Adrian Serioux, and Stuart Holden, seems better equipped to handle any absences.

Key Matchup: Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario vs. Chivas midfielder Jesse Marsch

If Marsch is able to go, it will be up to the Princeton grad to shut down De Rosario, who is perhaps the most dynamic attacking player in MLS. De Rosario has not only a gift for the unexpected but also a prodigious work ethic that makes him a nightmare to cover. If Marsh is unable to play, he'll likely be replaced by either Francisco Mendoza or Johnny Garcia. Both candidates are more attack-minded players, meaning the defensive burden will fall to rookie Sacha Kljestan. If that is indeed what happens, advantage Houston.

Players to watch: For Houston, forward Brian Ching, midfielder Ricardo Clark, and defender Eddie Robinson; for Chivas, forwards Ante Razov and Juan Pablo Garcia, and defender Jonathan Bornstein

Ching is vital to Houston's success in more ways than one. The Hawaiian a consistent scorer, and his holdup play allows the likes of De Rosario and Mullan to get forward. De Rosario 's play has been well-documented, but less well-known is the contribution of Clark. His ability to cover acres of space allows De Rosario to take risks he might otherwise pass up. Robinson will be called upon to anchor the Houston defense and will need to make sure his notoriously physical play doesn't stray into red-card territory.

Razov has enjoyed a rebirth under coach Bob Bradley, but the questions about his health remain. Chivas will need its striker to be at his predatory best in order to move on to the conference finals. The same could be said for Garcia, who has forged a near telepathic partnership with Razov. Rookie of the Year candidate Bornstein is one of the wild cards for Chivas. He has lined up in defense, midfield and up top, yet has contributed to the attack wherever he has been positioned.

X Factors: Houston midfielder Brad Davis and Chivas midfielder Paco Palencia

Sunday will be Davis' first-ever playoff game, so you can bet that the St. Louis University product will be chomping at the bit. Set-piece goals are often how playoff games are decided, and the quality of service that Davis provides, whether he goes for goal or tries to find teammates, could tilt the series in Houston's favor.

Palencia's return to action is unexpected but would provide Chivas with a welcome jolt, as the L.A.-based team has struggled offensively since the All-Star break. A place in the starting XI seems unlikely, but a super sub role could provide the Goats with just the spark they need.

Outlook: This one will go down to the wire. Houston's depth should carry the day, but only if its can keep 11 players on the field. The Dynamo led the league with seven red cards this season, and a similar lack of discipline in the playoffs could prove fatal.

Houston's defense isn't the fleetest of foot, meaning the likes of Bornstein and Mendoza will need to be heavily involved in the attack if Chivas is to prevail. A healthy Marsch will be necessary, as well; otherwise, the Houston midfield will come out on top. I predict the Dynamo to take it 3-2.

Jeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U.S. national team for ESPNsoccernet. He can be reached at eljefe1@yahoo.com.