Path Through the Playoffs: The 2013 MLS Conference Semi-finals Part 1

As difficult as it may be to believe, there happen to be other games this weekend in addition to the Portland Timbers' clash with the Seattle Sounders this evening. The 2013 MLS Playoffs are now in full swing, so here is your guide to who I think you should be rooting for this weekend.

Sporting Kansas City at New England Revolution

Saturday, 5:00 pm, NBC Sports

Root for: New England

Why? Of all the teams in the Eastern Conference side of the playoffs, New England seems like they are the most capable of getting things done on the road, so even a low scoring win for the Revs here would, probably, do it. If they can knock off SKC in this series then we will be one step closer to the Cup Final being in Portland. Plus, New England feature plenty of young, exciting talent on the pitch that I enjoy watching combine in the attack; just check out the interplay between Lee Nguyen and Juan Agudelo in Agudelo's goal last week.

New York Red Bulls at Houston Dynamo

Sunday, 12:30 pm, NBC

Root for: Houston

Why? The Dynamo may not be my particular cup of tea, but hosting the MLS Cup Final in Portland is, so for that to happen the Red Bulls must lose. Give the recent scorelines of New York games, the Dynamo may need to put up another three goal win, as they did against Montreal on Thursday.

Real Salt Lake at LA Galaxy

Sunday, 6:00 pm, ESPN

Root For: LA

Why? Both of these teams are scary match ups in ways that none of the Eastern Conference playoff teams are. Although the Timbers certainly could beat RSL, the fact of the matter is that they just have not matched up well against them this year, so a match against the Galaxy, against whom the Timbers have played well, just makes more sense.

Disagree with the my picks? Let me know in the comments. Plus, if you are going to be watching the game, feel free to discuss it here.