With the regular 2010 MLS season over, the focus is now on the MLS Cup Playoffs. Online betting experts will keep a close eye on the playoffs.

The New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes are one of the eight teams that will compete for this year’s cup. The two teams will face each other in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, which is actually the first round of the playoffs. This round will consist of two matches, or legs. The first leg match will be held at Buck Shaw Stadium in California, on Saturday October 30.

It seems awkward that San Jose is playing in the Eastern Conference playoffs section. This is because of the seeding format of the 2010 MLS playoffs that is based on total league table points earned, and this allows for “crossing” of conferences during the playoffs. The New York Red Bulls finished first in the Eastern Conference, while the Earthquakes finished sixth in the Western Conference. In fact, Columbus Crew is the only other Eastern Conference team that made it to the playoffs.

In the regular season, the Red Bulls defeated the Earthquakes twice. In fact, the Red Bulls did not concede a single goal in both victories. It’s hard to ignore these facts, which indicate that New York is the heavy favorite in this first round playoff series. Additionally, the Earthquakes do not have as much experience in the MLS playoffs while the Red Bulls reached the Cup final back in 2008.

For Saturday’s match, the Red Bull lineup will be without star striker Thierry Henry. Additionally, Lindpere and Ibrahim have been bothered by injuries and their role in Saturday’s match may be decided at the last minute. Coach Backe will have to adjust the New York lineup, and carefully plan tactics around Angel’s game. On the San Jose side, coach Yallop will have to hope that his team can feed off the home crowd and exploit the absence of New York’s Henry.

As the LA Galaxy will take on New York Red Bulls, Friday September 24 will feature one of the most notable matches of the 2010 MLS Season. It is a clash between the most exciting teams of the western conference and the eastern conference. Kickoff is scheduled at a sold out Home Depot Center, at 8:00 PM (11:00 PM Eastern Time). For the online sportsbook betting odds, this clash has a lot to offer.

Both teams are playing for prestige and momentum heading into the playoff season, with only five league matches remaining. NY Red Bulls hope to claim the Eastern Conference position, while LA Galaxy is looking to keep its position at the top of the MLS league table.

With MLS and international all-stars, Friday’s game will be packed. Finally, David Beckham made a return to the pitch and Landon Donovan in the midfield will support him. Rafael Marquez and Juan Pablo Angel represent the team’s all star status, on the New York squad. Unfortunately, striker Thierry Henry, who is suffering from a minor knee injury, will not be available for New York Red Bulls. to miss out on debut in Los Angeles, the French international superstar said he is disappointed.

In Friday’s highly anticipated battle, it is tough to predict the winner. But of course, to look at back at history, it is important. LA Galaxy defeated NY Red Bulls 1-0, with an early goal by Eddie Buddle, in the previous meeting in August. It’s also worth mentioning that Henry was on the pitch, while Beckham sat on the bench in that game. For now, in the MLS, this is developing into one of the most interesting rivalries.

For fans, the game on Saturday August 14 between Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls is going to be full of excitement because of a few big names. The game will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel and Kickoff will be at 6:00 p.m.

By signing Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez, New York has made some major headlines across the MLS and the entire global soccer world, in the last several weeks. To bring these two players from Barcelona F.C. to an American club, it was an interesting move.

Marquez is the star of the Mexican national team, while Henry is one of the greatest French strikers of all time. To fill up the new Red Bull Arena almost to capacity is what these two international stars promise. Henry’s and Marquez’s second home game appearances, it is expected that more than 20,000 fans will show up at Red Bull Arena. Red Bulls true star, Juan Pablo Angel has been overshadowed by all of this talk about the new arrivals. In fact, in this season once again by scoring more than 10 goals in less than 20 games so far, Angel has proved his striking abilities.

The clash of New York and Los Angeles will be a fight between the league’s best teams. While the Red Bulls are the second best in the Eastern conference, so far the Galaxy comes in with the best MLS record. To lead Los Angeles to a victory against New York, there are plenty of expectations on Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle. Can the Galaxy handle the pressure of facing some of the biggest names in MLS, the question remains?

On Thursday, August 5th, Columbus will travel to Union Field to face Philadelphia in MLS action. With one game each left to play before this pivotal match, Columbus sits first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-3-4 while Philadelphia is 6th in the East with a less than impressive record of 4-8-2.

For Columbus,Will Hesmer, their goalkeeper, is of utmost importance. While that should go without saying, Hesmer is a huge part of Columbus’ success. In 17 games started this season, he has made 45 saves. On the other hand, Chris Seitz, Philadelphia’s goalkeeper, is having a fairly mediocre year. In 14 games started, he has only made 23 saves.

Offensively, Columbus is very balanced. Guillermo Barros Schelotto has 5 goals on the season, Emilio Renteria has 4, and several other players have goals as well. Philadelphia is almost a polar opposite. Their offense mainly relies on two players: Sébastien Le Toux, who has 7 goals on the season, and Danny Mwanga, who has 5. The problem with this is that when Le Toux and Mwanga have a bad game, Philadelphia typically loses.

Despite the large gap in their records, this is still a pivotal match in the MLS Eastern conference. Columbus is looking to stay at the top, and Philadelphia is trying to claw their way back into contention. This match should provide plenty of action, and if Philadelphia can get everyone on the same page, they could certainly give Columbus a run for their money.

The Galaxy’s home field, the Home Depot Center in Carson, Thursday July 22, the San Jose Earthquakes will take on the Los Angeles Galaxy. With 39 points and a 12-2 record, the Galaxy leads the entire MLS and the MLS Western Conference.

With a pedestrian record of 6-4, the San Jose Earthquakes come into their meeting versus the Galaxy. With their other forwards, they will have trouble finding the back of the net, aside from Chris Wondolowski, who has six goals. San Jose’s last two matches were a 2-1 victory over Philadelphia and a 0-0 tie with Tottenheim.

United States World Cup star, midfielder Landon Donovan is back on United States soil for the Los Angeles Galaxy, along with striker and leading scorer for the Los Angeles Galaxy, Edson Buddle. With 11 goals, out of which five are game winners, Buddle leads the MLS and with 10 assists, Landon Donovan leads the MLS. David Beckham, high paid celebrity player for the Galaxy is still not available but they do not look like they are missing him.

In this match against San Jose, the Los Angeles Galaxy should be hitting full stride. The Galaxy should be able to mow down the remaining competition, with the best midfielder in the MLS, Landon Donovan and leading striker back in the fold for his second match, Edson Buddle, as they head for the MLS title game. San Jose can’t contain the Galaxy’s high octane offense, although they do have a good defense.