The off-season has been busy for the teams in Major League Soccer with players moving in and players moving out. This is the first part of a three-part look at the league's transactions. Today I'll be taking a look at the teams on the East Coast and how they stack up for the upcoming season.

Besides a simple 'IN' and 'OUT' look for players, I'll be using the terms 'Minutes XI Returning' and 'Minutes Gameday 18 Returning'.

Photo by Tony Quinn/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

Andres Mendoza may have scored 13 goals in his first full season in MLS, but that didn't stop him from being let go by the Columbus Crew.

At times the subject of controversy due to his behavior, Mendoza was among the players whose options were declined by Columbus on Tuesday.

Last Saturday, D.C. United gutted out a 2-0 at San Jose. Dwayne De Rosario's two second half goals gave D.C. a lead in a frustrating game for both teams. It was only after Andy Najar was sent off for a professional foul that San Jose seized the initiative, but a committed rear-guard performance saw D.

- Dwayne De Rosario is the best kind of All-star, the inactive kind. He'll be recognized as one of the league's top performers, get a nice little bonus, but won't have to miss any D.C. practices to go play an exhibition game. Which is certainly a good thing as he has only been with his current teammates for about a month now.

- Dwayne De Rosario is the best kind of All-star, the inactive kind. He'll be recognized as one of the league's top performers, get a nice little bonus, but won't have to miss any D.C. practices to go play an exhibition game. Which is certainly a good thing as he has only been with his current teammates for about a month now.

If the Portland Timbers are to return their winning ways in their upcoming matches, they'll have to do so without centerback Futty Danso.

The Gambian defender has been ruled out for the next 2-to-4 weeks after injuring his shoulder in Saturday's loss to the Colorado Rapids.

Danso was hurt in the 23rd minute of the match when going for a header against Rapids forward Caleb Folan, and an MRI revealed that he escaped serious injury but will still need a spell on the sidelines.

As the dust settles on the memorable opening night at RFK, D.C. are now preparing to take on the New England Revolution.

Team updates, news, and links below.

The biggest question going into the next match will be how D.C. line-up at the back. After a strong first showing, there will be forced changes for Olsen to deal with.

As the dust settles on the memorable opening night at RFK, D.C. are now preparing to take on the New England Revolution.

Team updates, news, and links below.

The biggest question going into the next match will be how D.C. line-up at the back. After a strong first showing, there will be forced changes for Olsen to deal with.

Washington, D.C. (March 16, 2011) - As part of D.C. United's continued efforts to make appearances in the community and through its partnership with Volkswagen, D.C. United players will be active in the Metropolitan Area leading up to the team's First Kick match with Columbus on March 19 at RFK Stadium.