About JP

Plenty of unanswered questions in a competitive Eastern Conference

The MetroStars have a bunch of unanswered questions as the 2005 season approaches, but so do the other five teams in the Eastern Conference. It?s too early for me to make predictions, but you certainly have to like the defending champs, DC United, the Columbus Crew, and new conference members Kansas City.

Let?s take a quick look at the teams in the East:

DC UNITED

Last years champs are in very good shape. Alecko Eskandarian returns after a great second season in MLS, partnering in the attack with Jaime Moreno who had a tremendous comeback season. Jaime led MLS in assists with 14. Young Freddy Adu returns, a year wiser, looking to improve on a five-goal rookie season.

For me, the big improvement could lie in the fact that they will have Christian Gomez for the entire season. Last year, DC picked him up late, but the attacking midfielder managed four goals in nine regular season games. The team was better in all facets when Gomez suited up.

A big improvement for DC United will be having Gomez (right) for the entire season. (AP)

COLUMBUS

The Crew should be better this season, for a couple of reasons. Ante Razov if healthy is an upgrade over Jeff Cunningham - who now plays for Colorado. Razov, the long time Chicago Fire attacker, brings goal scoring ability and a competitive edge to his new team. He should make a great partner up top with Edson Buddle. Kyle Martino should continue his improvement, and young Danny Szetela should really blossom here.

On defense, Jon Busch is coming off a career season in goal, getting help from MLS Defender of the Year Robin Fraser, and rising young American defender Chad Marshall - who is on the USA National Team radar.

KANSAS CITY

The team with the best record last year in MLS returns with the core of players who helped them reach last years MLS Cup final.

Chris Klein?s return from injury has to help, along with the improvement of young striker Davy Arnaud. Kerry Zavagnin, as a defensive midfielder, is the key to the Wizards defense. How much help will the ageless Preki bring after coming back from an injury that cost him virtually the entire 2004 season?

Biggest question has to be in goal. Bo Oshoniyi had a career year last year filling in for the injured Tony Meola. Now, the No. 1 spot is Bo?s, but it?s been a long time since he?s been a No. 1 goalkeeper. If he plays to last year's level, Kansas City could be the best team in the East.

CHICAGO

Plenty of questions here starting with the strikers. Who will score the goals now that Razov is in Columbus and Damani Ralph is playing in Russia.

Andy Herron will have to have a strong season in order for the Fire offense to jell. Expect a major contribution as well from young speedy winger Justin Mapp.

Elsewhere, newcomers Tony Sanneh, Ivan Guerrero, and Samuel Caballero should all help. Zach Thornton returns in goal, and if Chris Armas and Jesse Marsch can stay healthy, and if Jim Curtin remains strong on defense, Chicago will certainly produce more than the eight wins they recorded last year.

The key player for the MetroStars is last year's MVP, Guevara (right). (AP)

This is another team that disappointed last year, winning just eight games. It?s true they played better in the playoffs, but to get to the 2005 playoffs, they?ll need to win more than eight games.

Veteran talent like Taylor Twellman, Pat Noonan, and Steve Ralston will help this team score goals. Jose Cancela needs to be consistent in the midfield. The team is touting Brazilian winger Cassio as a major offseason acquisition, but time will tell there.

Matt Reis gives the Revs a dependable No. 1 goalkeeper. Young players like Clint Dempsey (MLS Rookie of the Year), and Shalrie Joseph might have an even bigger impact on this years Revs.

METROSTARS

Tons of questions here. The team that lead MLS in goals scored and goals allowed made some big changes during this off season. Gone are Ricardo Clark and Eddie Pope, both traded, but not for proven bodies. Defender Jeff Agoos is a proven winner with five championship rings in his jewelry collection. Agoos will be expected to provide overall leadership for this young team.

The key player here continues to be Amado Guevara. Last year?s league MVP needs another MVP-type season for the MetroStars to be successful. With Honduras out of World Cup qualifying, Amado should be able to devote full attention to the MetroStars, which might help him to avoid the late season fatigue that seemed to catch up with him a year ago.

Young rising star Eddie Gaven will need to continue his improvement, but that could come at a price to the Metros. The more successful Gaven becomes, the more likely he?ll miss MLS action due to playing time with Bruce Arena?s USA National Team.

The team's biggest offseason signing was former French International Youri Djorkaeff. As good as he has been in the past, it?s a gamble that a 37-year old will be successful in MLS. It?s a bigger gamble now that he?s injured prior to having played in an MLS game. The Metros are obviously hoping that Djorkaeff ends up as a big contributor.

With Jonny Walker beginning the year injured, second-year pro Zach Wells gets a huge opportunity to establish himself. Wells played in only two MLS games last year so, despite his potential - at the moment - he is untested.

So each MLS team in the East seems to have some questions. The defending champs, DC United, appear to have the fewest questions, which should make them at least the favorite in the Eastern Conference.