Now less than a week away from the 2008 MLS icebreaker, it's time for us to unveil the first half of our season preview. First, we will tackle the Eastern Conference, which has only offered up a single league champion during the current decade.

We will take a look at who's in, who's out and who's up, as well as giving the supporters a deserved chance to have a say on the prospects for their club this season. At the end of each team's scouting report, ASD staffers will join the fans out on a limb to call 'em as we see 'em - and then, tomorrow, we will come back with a look at the West.

With so much intriguing squad turnover this offseason, let us not stand on ceremony. Who has the right stuff to launch themselves to the top of the East?

CHICAGO FIRE

What happened last year: A roller coaster team in 2007 largely due to injuries, the Men in Red heated up after the midseason acquisition of Mexico lightning rod Cuauhtémoc Blanco. They made the playoffs with a 10-10-10 record, then knocked off Supporters Shield winners DC United before being denied an MLS Cup berth by a Taylor Twellman bicycle kick. The four-time US Open Cup champs did abnormally poor in the 2007 edition, shuffling out in the round of 16 by losing to USL middlers Carolina.

Key Player In: Poland striker Tomasz Frankowski looks a shrewd pick-up, both from a field and fan standpoint, but it says here coach Denis Hamlett is the man to watch. Although technically not new or a player, the boss takes over a team he's spent 10 years with as assistant despite not being the first choice to replace Juan Carlos Osorio... can you say 'something to prove'?

Key Player Out: While Matt Pickens will be missed until either Jon Busch or Dominic Cervi makes the goalie position their own, the team will obviously needs to transition from the Chris Armas era. Fortunately, the retired captain remains a clubhouse influence as assistant coach, but the Fire still need to find install a new traffic director on the field.

Breakout Player: While the choice could certainly end up being likely fan favorite Frankowski or rookie keeper Cervi (assuming he signs), but I'm going to go with a dark horse, midfielder Bakary Soumare. Having testing MLS waters last year, the Mali youngster has the potential and athleticism to give the Fire their own budding Mahamadou Diarra play-alike. He probably won't begin the season as a starter, but look for his pitch time and influence to steadily increase as summer approaches.

The Supporter's View: "I think the expectations this year are to win at all costs, both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup, as well as the US Open Cup. We have brought in some new players up top, and still have cap room to bring in more. We have Cuauhtémoc Blanco on our side and that's worth more on the field than any other player in the league right now. I don't think any defense in the league will be able to handle our offense."

"We were very close last year and have addressed the major concern at forward. We also have a new GM solely dedicated to player and coaching issues. That focus on play will keep the team focused on winning. Now it's just time for the season to begin." - Section 8 chairman Ben Burton

When it's all said and done: With the underappreciated Gonzalo Segares as backline marshal and Blanco stirring the drink in attack, Chicago can win games even while the keeper, defensive midfield and forward situations come into focus. There is enough here to compete for the title, but another semifinal showing is more likely. That being said, look for a much improved Open Cup campaign - perhaps even their fifth crown. (Greg Seltzer)

COLUMBUS CREW

What happened last year: The Crew missed the playoffs for the third straight year. They finished in sixth place in the East with a 9-11-10 record, only managing to finish ahead of expansion side Toronto FC.

Key Player In: As is often the case, much of the concern in Columbus centers around who will score the goals up front. Nicolas Hernández was acquired from Real Salt Lake for Tim Ward and a third round pick in the 2009 MLS Supplemental Draft. The Argentinean forward will play up front with Alejandro Moreno. He should benefit from playing with a boyhood hero in Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

Key Player Out: Chilean Defender Marcos González started 27 games last season for the Crew, then decided to sign with Chilean club Universidad Católica. His departure will require a strong comeback season from Chad Marshall.

Breakout Player: Hernández could be key to Crew playoff hopes, but if Columbus can complete a deal for heralded Nigeria Under-23 midfield stopper Emmanuel Ekpo, he immediately becomes their most intriguing youngster. One thing is for sure: his team back in Africa does not want to let him go, so the Crew may need to ante up more than they anticipated.

The Supporter's View: "The Crew are pinning their hopes on Eddie Gaven and Robbie Roger's increased familiarity with Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who arrived in midseason last year and who often seemed to be playing a different game than his teammates. All of them are going to have to be on the same page from day one for the Crew to have a shot at the playoffs. With Moreno and (probably) Hernández up front, and Rogers and Gaven on the flanks, Schelotto will have lots of options with the ball."

"The defense seems solid enough even with the loss of arguably their best defender over the last couple of years. Danny O'Rourke will be brought back into the central defense, where his toughness will either shut down the middle of the box or cough up a big pile of penalty kicks. Sigi has seemed pleased with first round pick Andy Iro, but he's not one to put rookies out there in key spots. Will Hesmer is underrated, but very solid in the goal."

"But it all comes down to scoring, something the Crew has had a bunch of difficulty doing for the last few seasons. If the guys up front are hitting on all cylinders, the back side will hold up their end of the bargain and the Crew will easily slide into a playoff spot. If they can't, the Crew will be once again on the outside looking in and Sigi Schmid will be looking for work. It's that simple." - BigSoccer blogger and legendary anti-hero Bill Archer, who is not a member of any supporter's group, but admits to being partial to Local 103 of the Crew Union

When it's all said and done: The additions of Brian Carroll and Hernández will certainly help the Crew. The González departure may hurt them in defense, unless Marshall finds a new form level or draft pick Andy Iro matures quickly. The Crew will either make or miss the playoffs by a small margin. (David Berger)

DC UNITED

What happened last year: During the regular season, DC United was the best team in MLS. They finished with a 16-7-7 record en route to winning the Supporter Shield. Unfortunately, as any United fan will tell you, the Supporter Shield, although it brings a Champions Cup spot, isn't really worth all that much. The fans and players were expecting a championship and they didn't get one. Instead, DC exited the playoffs in round one at the hands of fourth-seeded Chicago.

Key Player In: Out goes Christian Gomez and in comes another Argentinean #10. Marcelo Gallardo is DC's first ever Designated Player and the highest paid player in club history. It is evident that Gallardo will be one of the most skilled players in the league, but is he physical enough to be consistently effective in MLS? The first two games in the Champions Cup have raised questions over Gallardo's speed in getting out of pressure.

Key Player Out: Gomez left DC on February 8th, opting to sign with the Colorado Rapids. For more than three years, he was the straw that stirred the drink in the nation's capital. The Argentinean won an MLS Cup in 2004, the MVP award in 2006 and was named to the league's Best XI in his final three seasons. Although Gomez is 33, it's a big risk to get rid of one of the league's most proven commodities.

Breakout Player: Marc Burch may have had a breakout year last year, but he is going to have another one this season. Can you have two breakout years in a row? Honestly, I don't care. Burch emerged as one of the best left backs in the league last season and he should continue from where he left off. Given the dearth of top notch left backs in the American system, Burch will warrant a call from Bob Bradley at some point this year if he hasn't already.

The Supporter's View: "I think Gallardo's acquisition will be enough not to only get us back to MLS Cup, but to see some success in international play. However, much like Christian's first season here, there will be an adjustment period necessary. Once Gallardo gets the feel for the speed of the league and figures out the different MLS defenses, he'll be a force. Also, he'll have arguably the best defense behind him that United's ever fielded. Gomez didn't have that luxury." - Barra Brava vice president Javier Solares

When it's all said and done: Last season was a disappointment for DC and coach Tom Soehn realizes that. Soehn took a couple of huge offseason risks because he knew that they weren't quite good enough. It's refreshing to see an MLS coach, especially one from a successful team, make some risky decisions (cough cough, Steve Nicol, cough cough). Gallardo will need to be better than Gomez to justify that decision and I think he will be. It will take a couple games for Gallardo to adjust to the style of play, but once he settles in, he could be even better than Blanco.

The two new center backs, Gonzalo Martinez and Gonzalo Peralta, are lesser known commodities than Bobby Boswell and Gregg Vanney, but they should prove to be huge upgrades. Troy Perkins is gone as well, but Zach Wells, and even Jose Carvallo, are upgrades from the overrated former netminder. The rest of the team is intact from last year, and if Jaime Moreno is healthy for the playoffs (although Franco Niell has been dangerous in preseason), look for DC to be playing in MLS Cup for the sixth time. (Ryan O'Hanlon)

KANSAS CITY WIZARDS

What happened last year: The same thing that happened the two years before... almost. Just as in 2005 and 2006, the Kansas City Wizards started off strong, but struggled mightily after the All-Star break. However, whereas in '05 and '06 their poor form eliminated the team from playoff contention on the last day of the season, 2007 saw the Wizards break the curse and qualify for the playoffs on the last day of the season - how novel. The Wizards then surprised Supporters Shield runners-up Chivas USA in the first round of the playoffs, before falling to the eventual champions in Houston in the semifinal.

Key Player In: Though Chance Myers and Columbian striker Ivan Trujillo will both figure to be important additions to the Wizards squad, none of them have the high profile or expectations that come along with the club's first Designated Player, Claudio Lopez. The Argentinean striker will bring a wealth of experience to the starting line-up, after spells with clubs in his native Argentina, Spain, Italy and Mexico, as well as 58 caps and two World Cups with the Argentina national team. Along with Trujillo and countryman Carlos Marinelli, Lopez will be part of what looks to be a lethal Spanish-speaking attack force - which seems even more impressive when you consider that Scott Sealy, the Wizards most consistent goal scorer the last three years, looks to be the odd man out.

Key Player Out: Yes, everyone and their llama knows that Eddie Johnson and his 15-goal, six-assist numbers left for Fulham over the winter. But the biggest and probably most surprising loss for the Wizards this off-season was defender Nick Garcia, who had helped the team win a Supporters Shield, an MLS Cup and a US Open Cup since being drafted in 2000. Garcia was traded to San Jose for the #1 overall pick in the draft, which the Wizards used to acquire speedy UCLA midfielder/defender Myers. While not the most glamorous or well-known of MLS defenders, Garcia is still one of the best pure man-markers in the league and the Wizards will miss his tenacity and energy... if not his goal output (one in 224 MLS games).

Breakout Player: There's a lot to choose from in a squad with so many question marks, but the player that will probably gain most from this season's new additions will be Marinelli. Acquired last year on a free transfer, he dazzled Wizards fans with his dribbling skills and ability to beat defenders, while also disappointing them with his ineffectiveness at... y'know... having all those skills actually lead to something on the scoreboard. With fellow South Americans Lopez and Trujillo starting up top and a full preseason to get fit an in tune with the squad, Marinelli could be poised to become one of the leagues best playmakers.

The Supporter's View: "We are all looking forward to the restocked attacking forwards making their mark early and often. With the new blood up front, we are looking forward to again having one of the most attack-minded teams in MLS. With all of those changes, the only real potential problem I envision is getting everyone on the same page and acclimated with each others playing styles."

"Add to that, our move from Arrowhead stadium to Community America Ballpark (while waiting for our permanent stadium to be completed) should make for a much for more intimate surroundings for the games and make the Cauldron end of the field a place opposing teams will dread visiting." - Cauldron president Robert Houghton

When it's all said and done: Who knows? With the changes being made in the offseason, there are big question marks over nearly every section of the Wizards squad. However, despite head coach Curt Onalfo's forward-thinking tactics, this season could very well come down to how well the defense plays.

KC needs Kevin Hartman to be fit and back in top form, Jimmy Conrad to be "the man" as the only experienced vet on the backline and one of Jack Jewsbury, Aaron Hohlbein, Tyson Wahl or any of the myriad of defenders KC drafted this year to forget their inexperience and step up to the plate like Garcia did eight years ago. If they all work out positively and the offense clicks like it's supposed to, KC becomes as good as any other in MLS. If not, they may regress from last season. (Alex Abnos)

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

What happened last year: Yep, 2007 was a bittersweet year for the Revolution. On the one hand, they finally found a trophy for their empty case with a 3-2 win over FC Dallas in the US Open Cup final. However, the sweetness of that victory was soon washed away when the Revolution blew a second half lead in a 2-1 MLS Cup final loss to the Houston Dynamo. This marked the third year in a row, and the fourth time in the past six, that the Revs were bridesmaids.

Key Player In: Chris Albright was acquired by New England from Los Angeles in January. The US international gives the Revolution some much-needed versatility as he can play as a center back in a three-back system, a wingback in a back four or as an outside midfielder. The real motive behind bringing Albright in, though, had to have been the hope that, through some sort of osmosis, the other Revolution players would magically learn how to actually win an MLS Cup.

Key Player Out: Pat Noonan left the cold climate of Massachusetts in favor of the arctic climate of Norway when he signed for Aalesund FK of the Norwegian top flight. Noonan was the MVP of the 2007 Open Cup and had notched 42 goals since he joined New England in 2003. It remains to be seen how productive Taylor Twellman will be without the Indiana University product.

Breakout Player: Look for Kenny Mansally, not Adam Cristman, to eventually take Noonan's spot in the New England lineup. Mansally impressed with Gambia in the Under-20 World Cup and has continued to impress in the preseason with four goals. Steve Nicol has called Mansally 'the perfect foil' for Twellman.

The Supporter's View: "I don't currently believe the Revs have done enough to make up for the losses they've suffered the last couple of years, which not only includes Noonan and Dorman, but Dempsey and potentially Avery John. We're currently three players (I believe) under on the senior roster, which is a scary thought considering how many games there might be this year for the team. We're very excited about the season, but this is nerve racking at this point." - Midnight Riders president Monty Rodrigues

When it's all said and done: While it remains to be seen how some of the signings pan out for New England, it doesn't appear as if the Revolution have improved much, if at all, from last year. The loss of Noonan will hurt and who knows how Twellman comes back from a tumultuous offseason that saw him go through a divorce and endure a failed move to Preston North End of the Championship in England? Steve Ralston isn't getting any younger, and I'm not sold on Wells Thompson and the frustratingly inconsistent Khano Smith on the wings. Michael Parkurst is the best defender in the league, but he can only score so many 60-yard goals. Look for the Revolution to make the playoffs, but bow out before the final this time. (Ryan O'Hanlon)

NEW YORK RED BULLS

What happened last year: The Red Bulls had a very typical season last year. They finished third in the East and lost in the first round of the playoffs to New England. They did not qualify for the Open Cup after losing to Los Angeles in qualifying. Red Bull fans were disappointed with head coach Bruce Arena all year and he was fired at the end of the season. On the bright side, young gun Jozy Altidore and Colombian striker Juan Pablo Ángel did give the Red Bulls hope of better days.

Key Player In: Drafted 32nd overall in the 2008 SuperDraft, Luke Sassano has had a good preseason for the Red Bulls. Sassano may be starting on the wing due to Dane Richard's preseason injury, but he has the ability to play anywhere in the midfield. That said, Osorio may still bring in another impact player within the next month.

Key Player Out: Clint Mathis was traded to Los Angeles, then signed by Greek side Ergotelis. Mathis played in 29 games last year, including 20 starts. The fan favorite was the team's attacking midfielder last year, scoring six goals. Mathis was a playmaker that New York will miss, considering the current leading candidate to take his place is the inconsistent and injury-prone Mike Magee.

Breakout Player: Designated Player Claudio Reyna underachieved last year. Despite the fact that supporters are calling for his head, Reyna has had a good preseason and may fare much better under Osorio. Should Reyna continue with mediocrity, rookies Eric Brunner and Sassano could be the breakout players.

The Supporter's View: "I think Osorio has a chance to do well this year because of the talent we have on the field. With Ángel up top, Jozy now a year older, and hopefully a more solid defense, we should be able to compete in every game we play. What you have to like about Osorio is that he is committed to our success and he takes the team's play very seriously at all times. I'm looking forward to a good year." - Empire Supporters Club president Corey Jamison

When it's all said and done: The Red Bulls may struggle in the beginning of the season due to the manager change. Osorio is looking to implement a 3-4-1-2 formation and the team may need time to adjust. The coach is probably going to try to bring in more players, with speedy winger Dane Richards out until June or later after being injured in the preseason and Dave van den Bergh missing much of camp due to personal reasons. Reyna will have to step up or the weakened midfield may encounter problems.

The starting defenders will be Jeff Parke, Carlos Mendes and Kevin Goldthwaite. Seth Stammler and Reyna will open as holding midfielders, with Hunter Freeman and Sassano on the wings. When Altidore missed games due to the Olympics, expect new blood Oscar Echeverry to step in for him. In the end, the Red Bulls won't have much of an improvement from last season unless Osorio adds more talent to the squad. (David Berger)

TORONTO FC

What happened last year: Toronto finished with the worst record in the league at 6-17-7. On the upside they went 5-7-3 at home, but only managed a single win on the road. The expansion side was the worst in the league in terms of goals scored and goals given up. They managed to do alright at BMO Field where they had a -1 goal differential, as opposed to on the road, where they had a -23 differential.

Key Player In: Toronto has not brought in any impact players, despite being linked to several players during the offseason. TFC did acquire Canada midfielder Kevin Harmse from the Los Angeles Galaxy for a fourth round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, but he gets bumped from this designation if Honduras midfielder Amado Guevara signs.

Key Player Out: Irish midfielder Ronnie O'Brien was traded to San Jose for a first round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft and an undisclosed amount of money. The former Juventus prospect was limited by injuries last season, but he was named to the MLS Best XI in 2004 and 2005 while with Dallas. TFC struggled mightily in his absence in 2007, and must now find a new difference maker in attack.

Breakout Players: First round draft picks Julius James and Pat Phelan may quickly become regulars. James plays in defense and was in contention to win the Hermann Trophy, given to college soccer's top player, in 2007. James may not be ready for the opener due to a separated shoulder, giving the versatile Phelan a early chance to fight for time at the center back position.

The Supporter's View: "In theory, John Carver should be a better coach tactically, given that he's studied under a legend like Bobby Robson. Unfortunately, what we've seen from the pre-season suggests that Carver is still trying to figure out the North American style of play, and there are some growing pains in that process. Hopefully for TFC fans, he can figure out the league and its style rather quickly, because with the season fast approaching a lot of supporters are getting anxious with what appears to be more of the same." - U-Sector officer Rudi Schuller

When it's all said and done: Toronto has not done enough to fix a team that finished with the worst record in the league last year. O'Brien gave the team some life when he was healthy, and his departure also leaves a hole on the right side of midfield. The midfield is weak overall and needs to be improved, especially considering the fact that Toronto will likely run some sort of 4-5-1 formation.

Marvell Wynne, Todd Dunivant, Tyrone Marshall and Jim Brennan may be starting in defense. Carl Robinson would play in defensive midfield while Edu and a future signing (Guevara?) would be the attacking midfielders. Jeff Cunningham, Danny Dichio, Jarrod Smith and Collin Samuel are the options at forward. Dichio would be the lone striker with Cunningham and Samuel or Smith on the wings. None of these forwards can consistently do well beating defenders, though, and TFC will finish at the bottom again if new manager John Carver can't bring in some talent - even with a boost, I would be shocked if they made the playoffs. (David Berger)