The MLS Cup final might actually be tonight.
The Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo enter the Western Conference final with reputations to protect and every reason to think that whoever gets out of the Home Depot Center can claim the cup next weekend in Seattle.
That's not to overlook Saturday's Eastern Conference finalists, host Chicago and Real Salt Lake, but the regular season finished with the Galaxy and Dynamo locked together on 48 points atop the West. Only Columbus (49 points) collected more in the regular season and we all know that the Crew caved in chaotic fashion against RSL in the opening round.
There is also the little matter of David Beckham continuing to rehab his MLS reputation. He's taken major steps this summer but only bringing a title to the Galaxy will be enough to satisfy some of his critics. Coach Bruce Arena's roster also contains a bunch of players -- Gregg Berhalter, Jovan Kirovski, Chris Klein, Dema Kovalenko, and Eddie Lewis come to mind -- whose ages suggest that the Galaxy championship window may not be wide open all that much longer.
Arena was recognized again this week for what we already knew -- the man can coach, especially at club level. He'll have his team ready to go.
The Dynamo's Dominic Kinnear may be second only to Arena in terms of excellence. While supervising a team in transition, Kinnear has seen important players get the job done. Brian Ching has been a big-time performer, Stuart Holden looks like growing into a consistent national team contributor and somehow ageless Pat Onstad soldiers on.
Saturday night could be the last time Chicago fans see Cuauhtemoc Blanco. He's been a very good investment for MLS and it would not hurt the league to see Blanco attract some Hispanic viewers to the MLS Cup final telecast. Rumors suggest Blanco will return to Mexico next season after both reviving his international career and delivering value for money in his MLS stay.
RSL showed plenty of moxie to get past the Crew and will be aiming to repeat the Red Bulls' unexpected run to the title game a year ago.
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As expected, Preki and Chivas have parted company. What are the odds that Preki moves to Toronto to rejoin his ex-Kansas City teammate Mo Johnston and turns that struggling franchise into a true MLS powerhouse? Or is Preki in fact headed to Chicago to replace the still-winning Denis Hamlett? One thing is sure: The man is in demand.

DAILY READS:
Algerian team bus stoned in Cairo; four players injured (with video)

Refs may sue Ferguson

FIFA to give up on regulating agents


TV:
The UEFA U-21 championships are underway. Home viewers can see these games via OmniSport online live, for a fee. (www.omnisport.tv) FSC/FSE will also repeat certain games on SDD.

TODAY (All times ET, our pix in bold)
Dynamo v LA Galaxy        2300    ESPN2

SATURDAY
WCQ:
New Zealand v Bahrain    0200    FSC
Russia v Slovenia        1100    Setanta
Greece v Ukraine        1300    Setanta
Rep Ireland v France        1500    Setanta P and TV5/DISH
Portugal v Bosnia        1530    Setanta
Costa Rica v Uruguay        2100    No USA TV partner.

FRIENDLIES:
Slovakia v USA        1000    FSC
Wales v Scotland        1000    ESPN360
Brazil v England        1200    FSC/FSE
England v Portugal        1400    FSC/FSE SDD (UEFA U-21 tournament)
Italy v Holland        1445    GolTV
Spain v Argentina        1600    ESPND

CLUBS:
Pachuca v Tigres        1800     Telefutura
Monterrey v Morelia        1800    Telemundo
Jaguares v Atlas        1800    FSE
Puebla v Toluca        1800    Azteca/ESPND
Fire v RSL            2000    FSC
Chivas v Cruz Azul        2000    Telemundo
Queretaro v San Luis        2000    Telefutura
Inter v Once Caldas        2000    GolTV
Atlantes v Tecos        2200    Telemundo

SUNDAY
U17 WC: Colombia v Spain    1000    ESPN360
UNAM Pumas v Indios    1300    Telemundo
America v Millionarios    1500    GolTV
Santos Laguna v America    1700    Univision