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1. REAL SALT LAKE
Star Player: Kyle Beckerman. The captain and the anchor in the middle, Beckerman isn’t flashy but he’s the stabilizing force for the champions.
New Face: Alvaro Saborio. A standout for the Costa Rican national team, Saborio should provide a strong strike partner for goal-scoring ace Robbie Findley.
Outlook: After a dream playoff run produced the club’s first title, RSL must now prove that its talent-laden squad can play well on a consistent basis and be a top contender, rather than a team that backs into the playoffs.
2. HOUSTON DYNAMO
Star Player: Brian Ching. The U.S. national team striker remains the focal point of the Dynamo’s attack and will carry an even greater load after the departures of Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark to Europe.
New Face: Adrian Serioux. The Canadian defender/midfielder provides some versatility and toughness and he will be looking to erase the memories of a disappointing tenure with Toronto FC.
Outlook: With young standout Geoff Cameron ready to go from all-star defender to midfield maestro, Houston just might be able to offset the losses of Holden and Clark. If Ching can stay healthy and Cameron can be as much of an impact midfielder as he was a defender in 2009, the Dynamo will be right back in the title race.
3. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Star Player: Landon Donovan. The U.S. national team star is the most dangerous player in MLS and he should be able to lead the Galaxy back toward the Western Conference final. That is assuming he isn’t sold to a European club this summer.
New Face: Juninho. After relying on Donovan and Beckham for creativity, Bruce Arena has a Brazilian midfielder who could provide even more spark to the attack in Juninho. Whether it’s him or promising rookie Michael Stephens, the Galaxy has some quality new midfield options.
Outlook: When you have a top goalkeeper, a solid defense, and Landon Donovan, you are going to be a title contender. If David Beckham can come back in September, Los Angeles just might have the pieces to get back to the MLS Cup Final.
4. SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Star Player: Freddie Ljungberg. After a slow start in his first MLS season, Ljungberg turned in a stellar second half that showed just what an impact he can make to an offense. He will be 33 in April, but still has enough skill to push the Sounders toward a title push.
New Face: Blaise Nkufo. The Swiss national team star isn’t joining the Sounders until July, but he has the pedigree to be an impact striker on a team that needs a quality finisher.
Outlook: The Sounders had their growing pains in their inaugural 2009 season, but they did still play some of the most beautiful soccer in the league. If Fredy Montero can regain the form he showed early in the 2009 season, they'll be right in the thick of things.
5. COLORADO RAPIDS
Star Player: Conor Casey. The U.S. national team striker was a goal-scoring terror in 2009 and he’ll be the focal point of the Rapids attack once again after signing a new contract in the off-season. A bull in the penalty area, Casey can dominate in the air as well as score good goals with his feet.
New Face: Jeff Larentowicz. The former New England midfielder is one of the league’s most underrated players and his pairing in central midfield with Pablo Mastroeni will make the Rapids that much tougher to deal with.
Outlook: The Rapids fell just short of the playoffs after dropping valuable points late in the season. Injuries really curtailed Colorado’s postseason hopes, but with Colin Clark set to return from knee surgery, the Rapids will be right in the thick of the playoff race.
6. FC DALLAS
Star Player: Jeff Cunningham. The league’s leading scorer in 2009, Cunningham was able to improve his finishing to go with his blazing speed in a dream second half last year.
New Face: Kevin Hartman. Cut loose by Kansas City, the league’s career leader in most major goalkeeping stats is actually coming off a strong year and should provide FC Dallas with an upgrade in net.
Outlook: One of the hottest teams in MLS in the second half of the season, FC Dallas will look to carry over that momentum from its strong 2009 finish. The question is whether the Dallas defense can play well enough to help Dallas qualify out of a tough Western Conference. Kevin Hartman’s arrival should bring Dallas closer.
7. CHIVAS USA
Star Player: Sacha Kljestan. The 2009 season was a disappointing one for Kljestan, who entered it as a European transfer target and candidate for the World Cup. A year later, Kljestan will be looking to re-establish himself as one of the best young midfielders in MLS.
New Face: Osael Romero. A creative midfielder who could help complement Kljestan in the attack, Romero can score on free kicks as well as set up teammates with sharp passes. The El Salvadoran national team star will be key to new coach Martin Vasquez’s plans.
Outlook: Chivas USA rode a dream season from goalkeeper Zach Thornton all the way to a playoff berth in 2009. Repeating that feat in 2010 won’t be easy. They will need Kljestan to return to his 2008 form and Romero to be a quality playmaker if Chivas USA will make it back to the playoffs. It may prove too tough a task in a rugged Western Conference.
8. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Star Player: Joe Cannon. One of the top goalkeepers in MLS, Cannon should help keep the Earthquakes respectable even if the offense lacks the punch necessary to really contend in the west. Cannon’s acrobatic saves and personality make him one of the league’s most entertaining net minders.
New Face: Eduardo. With the club needing more scoring punch, the Earthquakes have turned to a Brazilian striker who they hope can lift the attack.
Outlook: The Earthquakes enjoyed a strong preseason, but questions remain about the club’s offense. Ryan Johnson had a good year, and Cornell Glen has shown flashes, but the midfield still lacks the creativity necessary to be truly dangerous. Barring any marquee signings, the Earthquakes look like they will have to wait another year for a playoff berth.
Ives Galarcep is FoxSoccer.com's newest senior writer who will be covering U.S. Soccer and MLS.
