The problem with the Galaxy is that they need Luis Hernandez and Cobi Jones to produce consistently, which neither is doing. Hernandez has been a disappointment up to the present. He has not produced as expected. I believe his heart is not in it, as he has expressed a desire to go to Europe. A number of European clubs are interested in him including Rayo Vallecano of Spain and Hertha Berlin of Germany. The loss of Pena does not help. They will also need a healthy Hartman in goal to survive.
Tampa Bay are averaging less than 10,000 fans per game which does not help their morale. Their central duo of Diallo and Valderamma are a potent combination. I question the team's change to a three-man defensive unit, which leaves a heavy burden on on Addo and Trittschuh. However, they can't be ruled out to reach the Final.
The Metrostars are a team to be reckoned with. They were unbeaten in nine games going into the All Star game. However, Lothar Matthaeus has proved a big disappointment. The knee injury to Daniel Hernandez has hurt the defense. Vaslencia and Clint Mathis are one of the most formidable attacking combinations in the league. The Metrostars are capable of going all the way.
Kansas City have allowed 17 goals in 23 games. However, their five goals in ten games leaves much to be desired. They desperately need to improve their attacking unit if they intend to improve. I believe Preki is their key man.
The Chicago Fire is another team to watch. If Stoitchkov remains healthy they must be reckoned with. They are solid in defense and have an oppurtunistic attack lead by Peter Nowak. They are capable of going all the way.
The three teams I believe that have the best chance of coming through are: The Metrostars, Chicago Fire and Tampa Bay.