The MLS playoffs resume on Friday with the Western Conference final, but the playoffs are already over for the four teams eliminated this past weekend. How those teams respond to their first-round exits, and how they deal with very important off-seasons, will determine if they are back in the post-season in 2010.
The 2008 MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew might seem like a team that is destined to return to the playoffs next year, but all it takes is a few decisions to turn any powerhouse into another team in the middle of the pack. Conversely, the expansion Seattle Sounders stand poised to return to the playoffs next year and a second good off-season of player moves could turn the Sounders into a serious title contender.
Here is a closer look at where the four teams eliminated in the MLS playoff first round stand heading into this off season:
COLUMBUS CREW
The Crew boasted some impressive depth, but stand to lose Robbie Rogers this off-season because he is out of contract, and will likely lose one solid player to the MLS expansion draft. There is also the big question of just how much longer Guillermo Barros Schelottoplays for. If he decides to retire, or return to Argentina, then the Crew could suddenly go from league power to back in the middle of the pack. Now, if Schelotto comes back, and the Crew can re-sign Rogers, there's no reason Columbus can't be back in the title race next season.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Stevie Nicol did it with mirrors in 2009, as he overcame the season-long loss of Taylor Twellman and the late-season loss of Steve Ralston to still carry the Revs into the playoffs. The Revs stand to lose Jeff Larentowicz this winter as the tough defensive midfielder is out of contract. His loss would be devastating, but even more important to New England's future success is Twellman's return from a head injury. Without Twellman and Larentowicz, and with Steve Ralston facing a daunting recovery from ACL surgery, Nicol could be faced with his toughest job to date in 2010.
CHIVAS USA
Preki's third season in charge ended the way the previous two did, with the Goats losing in the first round of the playoffs and with the club facing uncertainty about its future. In past years, it has been the impending absence of standouts such as Brad Guzan and Sacha Kljestan that became off-season issues. This winter, the anticipated departure of Preki himself is what has Chivas USA uncertain about the direction its headed. Thrown in Jonathan Bornstein's expected departure and Kljestan's potential departure and you have a club that could undergo some serious upheaval this winter.SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Sigi Schmid's first season in charge was a rousing success and there is little reason to believe the Sounders can't build on that success. Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg aren't getting any younger but both had stellar seasons, while youngsters such as Steve Zakuani and Sanna Nyassi can only improve with experience. The club could use another forward and potentially an upgrade at right back, but Schmid will have a lot to work with heading into 2010.
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What do you think will happen with these four teams? What do they need to do to improve for next season? Which of them do you see returning to the playoffs in 2010?
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