A day late, but definitely not a dollar short, our first MLS Western Conference season preview is finally here. We've tackled technical difficulties to bring you a team-by-team swing through the division that has housed seven of the eight MLS Cup champions this 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.

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 West?

CHIVAS USA

What happened last year: Chivas USA had the best season in franchise history, winning the Western Conference regular season title to earn the top seed in the conference playoffs. The Goats were unable to go any further, however, as they were eliminated by Kansas City in the opening round. An injury to Ante Razov forced him out during the playoffs, proving too large an obstacle for the Goats.

Key Player In: It isn't everyday when a player of the pedigree of Raphael Wicky decides to play in MLS. The 30-year old Switzerland national team player has the bite and poise to be a standout player in this league.

Key Player Out: The Goats acquired defender Jason Hernandez as a part of the blockbuster 2006 MLS SuperDraft trade that allowed the Red Bulls to select Marvell Wynne. Now the steady, underrated defender goes to San Jose, where he will push for a starting job on defense.

Breakout Player: A former supplemental draft pick, defender Lawson Vaughn has developed into a full-timer for Chivas USA, starting 22 games in 2007. Playing opposite Jonathan Bornstein, Vaughn has the skills to jump into the attack and should become one of the Goats' best performers in 2008.

The Supporter's View: As of yet, we sadly have not received a response from anyone out of the Goat herd, but will post it here when we do.

When it's all said and done: The Goats may not have the depth of Dallas or the defensive bite of two-time defending champions Houston, but they have the league's top goalkeeper and the league's best forward partnership west of New York, so expect them to contend for the league's best record again. (Jason Endres)

COLORADO RAPIDS

What happened last year: Even though Colorado finished in fourth place in the Western Conference, the Rapids did not qualify for the playoffs. For the first time in MLS history, the fifth place team in the East (Kansas City) qualified instead. The Rapids went cold towards the end of the season, winning just two of their final seven games.

Key Player In: Former MLS MVP Christian Gomez made by far the biggest move within the league this offseason. Gomez gives the Rapids a legitimate playmaker, which may be what Herculez Gomez needs to put the kind of numbers he had when he played for the Galaxy.

Key Player Out: Let's go with Nicolas Hernandez - but when the most significant player lost is a spot starter at forward, it shows the Rapids were able to keep the entire core of their team.

Breakout Player: SMU product Colin Clark had a solid second year, earning the starting job on the left side of the Rapids midfield. Playing alongside Gomez, Clark should find himself able to maneuver and make plays.

The Supporter's View: "The easy answer here is, score goals. The Rapids offense was terrible in 2007. While no significant strikers were signed in the off-season, the Rapids did make a significant upgrade to the offensive side of the midfield by signing playmaker Christian Gomez from DC United. You can debate all day if the Rapids gave up too much for Gomez, but at the end of the day, his performance on the field will dictate if it was a fair price or not. Personally, I can't wait to see Gomez pulling the strings for the Rapids offensively in 2008. I think Gomez's ability to create will greatly benefit young forwards Jacob Peterson, Hercules Gomez and Omar Cummings. I do not expect Jovan Kirovski to be the leading scorer for the Rapids in 2008."

"On the defensive side of things, the Rapids need to pick up where they left off at the end of 2007. They had one of the better defenses in the league, surrendering only 34 goals in 30 games. Only Houston and Chivas USA were better, while DC United were as good. That puts the Rapids in good company. That low goals-against number was largely impart to keeper Bouna Coundoul. At the start of the season, no one knew his name outside of Colorado, but now he's a well known commodity, having made 120 saves. Keep in mind that Pat Onstad and Brad Guzan made 85 and 87 saves, respectively. That shows that the Rapids defense was heavily dependent on Bouna Time. After his showing at the African Cup of Nations, Rapids fans are worried that the defensive linchpin could be sold over the summer transfer window. Should that happen, I don't think the Rapids will have a great shot at MLS Cup... unless backup Justin Hughes can step up the way Bouna did when Joe Cannon left Colorado."

"The Rapids second big off-season signing may turn out to be Rafael Gomes from Brazil. He has the pedigree to play in Europe, but hasn't reached the promise that had him on the Brazilian youth national team with the likes of Ronaldinho. He is expected to pair in defensive midfield with Pablo Mastroeni, one of the best in the league. If those two do control the midfield providing good service to Christian Gomez and the forwards, I expect more scoring and beautiful play from the Rapids. The wing pair of Colin Clark and Terry Cooke could end up being very productive in 2008. With opposing teams' defensive attention going to the central midfield, look for Clarke to use his speed and creativity to charge down the left flank while Cooke uses his deadly right foot to drop pinpoint crosses into the box. Cookie knows how to get into open space and should be able to reach double digit assists now that he isn't the sole producer on offensive in terms of passing into the box."

"Of course, the team will need to play well and make the playoffs to have a chance at MLS Cup. Once in the playoffs, Fernando Clavijo has shown he can make waves. Now, he just needs to show he can keep the ship sailing straight in the regular season by avoiding 10-game winless streaks, shocking player trades and extended trips to the proverbial doghouse by starting players." - Class VI crazy and BigSoccer stalwart Bonji, whose blog can be found at http://collegetopros.blogspot.com/

When it's all said and done: The additions of Jose Burciaga and Gomez will add some real firepower to a team that at times in 2007 had problems scoring. The key to the Rapids season will be if Gomez can stay healthy and maintain the level of play he has shown over the past couple seasons. An underperformance from Gomez will see Colorado watching the playoffs on TV again this fall. (Jason Endres)

FC DALLAS

What happened last year: 2007 Record: 13-12-5 (3rd in West). FC Dallas was an up and down team in 2007: lead the Western Conference in the early-mid part of the season, grab latest Western Conference playoff spot and lost in the Conference Semifinals against the champions-to-be of Houston Dynamo. The Hoops, with a young team, combined an amazing offense with a poor defense yet. Their DP, Brazilian superstar Denílson, was a big bust: he never lived to his hype.

Key Player In: Club America center back Diulio Davino, the biggest offseason team's acquisition, was introduced to anchor the defensive line. In coach Steve Morrow's plans, the Mexican will be the sweeper in a revamped three-man back line. That only question will be about Davino's ability to adjust his play to a new league.

Key Player Out: Carlos Ruiz was sent to LA, leaving the Hoops without a real top notch striker up front. Kenny Cooper, Abe Thompson, Dominic Oduro and Ricardinho struggled last year, so at this moment, there isn't a sure bet to replace Ruiz's offensive production.

Breakout Player: With Ruiz gone, Juan Carlos Toja will have more offensive responsibilities this season. He will be the team's workhorse, playing ahead of a pair of defensive midfielders and free to find spaces. You thought he was influential last year? Just wait...

The Supporter's View: "With Carlos Ruiz gone, FC Dallas needs to find a quality forward to complement Kenny Cooper. Whether it'll be one of the current forwards stepping up (Arturo Alvarez, Dominic Oduro, Ricardinho, Abe Thompson) or if head coach Steve Morrow will sign another forward during the season, this needs to happen to help take the scoring load off of Cooper. Service to the forwards also needs to improve. Despite leading the team in goals last year, Ruiz only scored seven goals in MLS, his career-low in the league."

"With a switch to a three-man backline for this season, Morrow needs to determine the right mix of midfielders that will provide the support necessary to supplement the Super Hoops attack. In defense, it is yet to be seen if Mexican league veteran Duilio Davino will be the stabilizing force in the back since he's had injury problems this preseason. Fortunately, our goalkeeping is strong - Dario Sala looks to be back in form and has re-gained the starting spot from Ray Burse." - Inferno Supporters Group president Warren Abao

When it's all said and done: Dallas will miss Ruiz, no doubt. The team must continue to develop its talents, starting with Arturo Alvarez. The Hoops appear a year away from being a Western crown contender. (Michele Tossani)

HOUSTON DYNAMO

What happened last year: the same thing that happened the year before, more or less. After strikingly mediocre regular seasons, the Dynamo finished second in the West both times, then won the MLS Cup final against the New England Revolution. Another notable positive from last season was the Dynamo defense, which gave up an MLS record 0.77 goals per game over the course of the season, which included an MLS record 726-minute shutout streak.

Key Player In: For a record-setting defense that it seemed nobody could score against, it took a lot of gall by the Dynamo front office to make their primary acquisition a former MLS defender of the Year in Bobby Boswell. The big center back fits in perfectly with the Dynamo's already existing scheme, and should pair up well with Eddie Robinson at the core of the Dynamo defense.

Key Player Out: Ryan Cochrane is obviously the big name here, but Houston's acquisition of former Defender of the Year Boswell, plus the return of steadily improving Patrick Ianni make Cochrane's loss somewhat more manageable. Where Houston was really hit hard was in their depth at forward, as Joseph Ngwenya, Nate Jaqua and Paul Dalglish all transferred to overseas clubs. They may not all have been starters or offensive... ahem... dynamos, but those three players worked quality minutes at crucial times, scoring goals that helped make Houston champions twice.

Breakout Player: The quality of Argentine soccer instruction will be put to the test in MLS in the form of 21-year-old Franco Caraccio, who will probably see more on-pitch time in the United States with Houston than he did in his short stint with Argentine club Arsenal, where he had been since he was a youngster. While there is little to go on to suggest that Caraccio will set the league on fire from the get-go, his savvy and skill with the ball offers something very different on the Dynamo front line, compared to the more directly physical games of Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching. He may not explode onto the scene, but Caraccio has a chance to be a key player with his club at a relatively early age.

The Supporter's View: "Team chemistry is very important to this team. One of the biggest reasons for the Houston Dynamo's dominance has been consistency in its line-up. The same core group of players that played in San Jose came to Houston in 2006 and continued where they left off from winning the Supporters Shield in 2005. Kinnear has done a great job of keeping that core intact and adding on players like Ngwenya and Jaqua that didn't appear to be spectacular signings, yet were crucial to the Dynamo's campaign for a MLS Cup repeat in 2007."

"(This season) will be a challenge for the Dynamo, as Kinnear is not going to always have that core group of players available, what with the Olympics, World Cup qualifying and international tournaments that either take away players or cause fixture congestion. The loss of Jaqua and Ngwenya needs to be corrected, and it's too early to tell if Caraccio is the answer. If Kinnear can rotate the bench with good results and keep his players rested enough for crunch time, the Dynamo have a good shot at an MLS-first three-peat." - Texian Army Board of Directors member James Hromadka

When it's all said and done: While the Dynamo haven't really gotten weaker in any particular aspect of their squad, they haven't exactly gotten stronger either. And in a league where more and more teams are striving harder to improve themselves every year with new additions, staying pat is a dangerous course of action that could backfire dramatically. Then again, we all said the same thing about the Dynamo last year, and things seem to have worked out pretty well for them. So what do we know? (Alex Abnos)

LOS ANGELES GALAXY

What Happened Last Year: The Super Club endured a disappointing season that had enough moments to inspire false hope in the team's fans. The MLS playoff structure kept a thoroughly flawed Galaxy team alive until the latter part of the season, but Los Angeles ultimately fell short, finishing with a 9-14-7 record. Despite no recent success, the Galaxy were given entry into the SuperLiga and made a surprising run to the finals, where they lost in a shootout to Pachuca.

Key Player In: Carlos Ruiz returned to his original club via trade on January 15th. Ruiz may be past his prime, but he can still finish. Just plop El Pescadito inside the 18, and with David Beckham and Landon Donovan getting him the ball, he should be good for about 10 goals. Well, that is, unless Ricardo Clark goes cleats up next time.

Key Player Out: Joe Cannon was traded to his former club, the San Jose Earthquakes, on January 10th. Cannon stood on his head countless times last year and single-handedly kept the Galaxy in many games. Without him, things could get ugly. I know Steve Cronin was called into the January US National Team camp, but his preseason form hasn't necessarily suggested that he's ready to start in the MLS.

Breakout Player: Sean Franklin, the fourth pick of the 2007 SuperDraft, will replace Chris Albright at right back for the Galaxy. Franklin impressed at the combine and has been a standout throughout the preseason with his blazing speed and willingness to get forward. Franklin should be the lone star in what looks to be a porous backline.

The Supporter's View: "I do believe Ruud Gullit will make a difference in the upcoming season. He has a different approach to coaching compared to Frank Yallop. With Frank, we struggled to find our fitness all season long, we failed to gel as a team, and in my opinion Frank failed to show any real leadership qualities. Ruud has tackled all three of those. Our team looks more in shape, we pass better, they appear to have some vision out on the pitch, and Ruud has no problem moving people who don't fit into the new LA Galaxy (Babayaro) or letting people go like Albright in a gamble to make the team better."

"We also have some new player signings that have already fit right in, something we really struggled with last season. Barring any serious injuries, I think we can be in the top five teams in the whole league. The trifecta of Becks, Ruiz and Donovan can do some damage, and with Ruiz apparently hungry to redeem himself in his MLS hometown, I think we'll do well. As long as Ruud doesn't become the next Jean Claude Van Damme and focuses on why he was brought in, we will do well." - David Andrzejak, "shirteesdotnet" at BigSoccer

When it's all said and done: Gullit was brought in to continue on with the whole Super Club mentality going on over in Hollywood. However, while Gullit's managerial career has been a mixed bag, I don't know how much he'll be able to do with this ragtag bunch of stars and no-names. Gullit has always been more successful in cup competitions and that may be what this team is built for. With Donovan, Ruiz and Beckham, the Galaxy will be able to outscore their opponents on any night, but without this trio firing on all cylinders, they could lose to anyone just as easily. The central midfield may be the worst in the league, along with a defense that is comprised mainly of has-beens. Donovan and Ruiz will miss games for World Cup qualifying and that will probably kill the club's already slim chances of making the playoffs. An extended US Open Cup run is the most to look for from the 2008 version of the Galaxy. (Ryan O'Hanlon)

REAL SALT LAKE

What happened last year: RSL suffered another poor season in 2007, finishing sixth with a 6-15-9 record. However, they showed some signs of life near the end of last season, playing with attitude and approach.

Key Players In: Drafted third overall, former UCLA standout Tony Beltran arrives from the US Under-20 National Team, and could be a key to the RSL defense. His ability to play up the field could help cover the loss of veteran defender Eddie Pope. He isn't the only new face on the backline, however; Nat Borchers and Ian Joy have returned from Europe, while Jameson Olave arrives from Colombia to improve a very shaky defense.

Key Player Out: Pope's retirement will hurt the club. Real will miss the former US National Team regular's leadership and defensive skills. It will be Borchers' job to step into his shoes.

Breakout Player: Is Kyle Beckerman ready to be "the man"? This season, he should emerge as the team's much-needed playmaking talent to support the forwards.

The Supporter's View: "I expect to have another summer of anguish of RSL. Each year has brought it's own version of hope and disappointment. Last year's declaration of 'playoffs or bust' broke the spirit of many fans. The poor on-field performance, coupled with a nonplused front office, has many fans griping."

"Comments from Coach Kreis make me think that he'll be happy with a handful of wins as long as the team works up to his standard of effort. I'd much rather have wins than effort. I won't mind a few wins through luck, guile or divine intervention. Kreis has mentioned that fans need to have patience and that a slow start doesn't really mean all is lost. I agree with him that points in September count the same as they do in April, but I fear that being out of the playoffs in September will destroy any hopes of home field atmosphere and advantage. RSL doesn't need to be at the top of the table by May, but it can't be in the bottom third!"

"Twenty of the 28 on the roster were not with the club on Opening Day '07. Most fans are hopeful that this year's roster will produce better than any of the past years. Gone are the stars of past years. This roster has no feature players like Mathis, Pope, Adu or Cunningham. Many fans howled in vain for a Designated Player to be signed, but the current leadership decided to split the money up among several players and build depth rather than splash the newspapers with the tease of a recognizable player."

"I would love to see RSL make a run at the US Open Cup, but it looks like a tough order. It will likely mean beating six MLS teams en route. It will take something like an Open Cup run, coupled with a playoff appearance, to lift the expectations of many of RSL fans." - Loyalists president Glenn Webb

When it's all said and done: At the end, RSL should improve this season, but their offensive woes could likely prevent them again from qualifying for the playoffs, putting Kreis on the hot seat. A new stadium and a new team president (Bill Manning, a former Philadelphia Eagles executive) isn't enough to win games now. (Michele Tossani)

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

What happened last year: Well, besides the entire organization being built from scratch again, not a whole heck of a lot.

Key Player In: While most expansion teams struggle for an identity during their formative years, the Earthquakes will likely have less of a problem with it than most after re-acquiring fan favorite Joe Cannon. The shot-stopper enjoyed a stellar rise from undrafted minor leaguer to MLS Cup champion in San Jose, becoming the foundation of a team that would be successful for years after he left for RC Lens in 2003. The Quakes hope that Cannon will preside over a similar rise once again, both in lifting the team out of expansion mediocrity and lifting himself out of a one-year Los Angeles Galaxy funk.

Key Player Out: While not technically a player, the old Earthquakes had as good a 12th man as any at Spartan Stadium. The cozy confines of the Quakes' former home were a nightmare for opposing teams to play in, due in large part to the field's incredibly small size. The cramped quarters threw off many squads' tactics (especially those that relied on the long ball), and also played right into the hand of San Jose's tightly controlled and fast-paced attacking style. The ground could also be one of the more atmospheric in the league when full to capacity, creating an environment that will be hard to replicate at the retro-fitted Buck Shaw Stadium, where the team will temporarily reside.

Breakout Player: Nobody. No, really. Everyone on the roster that figures to start at this point is either a known quantity (Ronnie O'Brien, Nick Garcia and Cannon), mid-level MLS players that never really showed the potential to move past that level (James Riley and Gavin Glinton) or former "big-time prospects" that don't show any signs of maturing into the players they were once billed to be (Ned Grabavoy and Kei Kamara). An argument could be made for rookie Shea Salinas, but it will be hard enough for the former SMU midfielder just to get minutes, as he'll likely compete for a wide spot with two of the best in the league (O'Brien and Ivan Guererro).

The Supporter's View: "It'll certainly be bittersweet (when Houston visits), knowing both that the Dynamo was once the Earthquakes and that it very well could've been San Jose having won MLS Cups 2006 and 2007, as well as being represented in the CCC's, the SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championships. It's still difficult for me to watch Dynamo highlights whenever they're shown. Adding insult to injury is that San Jose fans have had to endure five formative years (1996-2000) of teams varying from mediocre to suck before finally being fortunate enough to land a championship-caliber coach that eventually built a championship-caliber team, only to have to start all over again. Softening the blow, though, is having gotten that same head coach back, as well as several players who've won MLS Cups before - either here (Joe Cannon, Ramiro Corrales) or elsewhere (Ryan Cochrane), as well as an ownership that finally seems to want to be here."

"Some Quakes fans still consider the Dynamo players as the real Earthquakes, while others (like myself) feel that the Dynamo players are Dynamo players and that the current Earthquakes players are the Earthquakes (i.e. "Always the front of the jersey and only the front of the jersey"). Mind you, I don't feel any extra ill will toward the Dynamo players or fans (their ownership is a different story, though), but to me at least, the Dynamo is simply another opposing team the San Jose Earthquakes must defeat." - Victor Abramoff, Quakes season ticket holder 1996-2005, 2008-present

When it's all said and done: The Quakes' biggest problem that will prevent them from winning games this season can be encapsulated in one question... what will Frank Yallop do if the Quakes are down 2-1 in the 75th, against a defense that's making life difficult for his forwards? What bench-sitting offensive dynamo can he possibly count on in that situation? Jamil Walker? The Quakes have quality in places - namely in central defense and on the wings - and that should be enough to maintain a respectable record for a first-year franchise, but their complete and total lack of depth will prove to be their undoing. (Alex Abnos)