Portland and Vancouver have done well in preparing for their sophomore seasons. (Getty Images)

Yesterday I took a look at the 10 clubs from the Eastern Conference in how they've done so far this winter. Naturally right after the post was put up one of those clubs went out and signed a DP.

Today, we'll look at the nine clubs from the Western Conference to see how they've been doing so far this winter.

This is only my second post so I hope if you, the audience, doesn't mind if I share something a little more personal than what we usually see on Hot Time In Old Town. I have been in and around Section 8 on gamedays for at least seven years now, but I've always been the seen-not-heard type. I would like everyone reading this to get to know me a little better so as I begin my 25th year in this world today I would like to reflect back upon my Section 8 origin story, the wonderful experience of this past season, give my thanks to the Section and give words of encouragement to those who want to join in with this wonderful madness.

Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com

For a team coming off of a championship run, the Los Angeles Galaxy have had plenty of major moving parts over recent weeks.

Between Landon Donovan going back to Everton on a short-term loan, Juninho returning to Sao Paulo, Donovan Ricketts being dealt to the Montreal Impact, Sean Franklin re-signing and David Beckham, well, still making a decision, the Galaxy remain the talk of MLS deep into the offseason.

Photo by Brad Smith/ISIPhotos.com

By THOMAS FLOYD

Fans expecting their team to nab that missing piece of the MLS Cup puzzle in the Re-entry Draft on Monday shouldn't get their hopes up.

Last year, clubs used the mechanism to bolster their rosters with the likes of Juan Pablo Angel, Josh Wolff, Jimmy Conrad and Cory Gibbs.

There was a time when I liked a couple players in the MLS Re-Entry Draft for the Seattle Sounders to pick up in Stage Two and talk into less money. First Bobby Boswell renegotiated with the Houston Dynamo and then Bobby Convey went to Sporting Kansas City at a cut rate (rumors say 200K$). Now the list of available players is absent of the really appealing names.

In his final professional season, Kasey Keller has added Major League Soccer's Goalkeeper of the Year award to go with being named to the League's Best XI. Keller was in goal for every minute of every MLS game for Seattle this season, and led the League in save percentage at 76%. MLS Goalkeeper of the Year 2011: Kasey Keller – Seattle Sounders 2010: Donovan Ricketts – LA Galaxy 2009: Zach Thornton – Chivas USA 2008:.

Chivas USA hasn't had too much to celebrate, now comes the dreaded expansion draft. (Getty Images)

Chivas USA had an up and down 2011. Their season looked promising at times but injuries piled up and issues with scoring took this team over. First year manager Robin Fraser did a decent job this year but will have the fun task of going through the roster to figure out who stays and who will be left available for next month's expansion draft.

I hate to admit it, but I was at a conference on Saturday and was left to follow the Seattle Sounders-Chivas USA match via Twitter. I've now watched the highlights (and promise to watch the full game) and can safely say that the frustration I felt while not watching the game would have probably been even worse if I had watched.

With 17 games already played, tonight's game against Chivas USA represents the beginning of the second half of the 34 game season for the Chicago Fire. A win and everything else going Chicago's way tonight would inconceivable put the Fire in the last qualification spot for the MLS Playoffs leading into Sunday, July 3rd.

Photo by David Bernal/ISIPhotos.com

By JONATHAN VERA

When the 2011 MLS season began, veteran Zach Thornton had a hold on the starting goalkeeper job with Chivas USA. After some early struggles by Thornton, Dan Kennedy has taken over the starting role.

The two best teams in MLS met Wednesday in the latest installment of the Rocky Mountain Cup. This game matched up the past two MLS Cup champions and like four of the previous six games between these two rivals, was decided by a goal scored after the 88th minute.

In the third minute of second half stoppage time, a foul gave RSL a free-kick 25 yards out.

This review was written by Saurabh of Hoffenheim Offside. Thanks to him for his help and make sure to check out his blog!

It may have been important to start playing immediately after losing Dwayne De Rosario in a trade to New York. We got to see new boy Tony Tchani in action right away and he showed glimpses of the vision and creativity that is sometimes lacking in THE MLS.

By JONATHAN VERA

CARSON, Calif -- Chivas USA's quest for its first win of the 2011 MLS season ran into the defending champion Colorado Rapids, who look like a team intent on repeating.

Playing without star strikers Omar Cummings and Conor Casey, the Rapids still managed to post a 1-0 road victory against Chivas USA on Saturday night at the Home Depot Center.

CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Omar Bravo scored twice for Sporting Kansas City.
Sporting KC took the lead in the 2nd minute when a failed clearing attempt at midfield by Chivas fell to C.J. Sapong, who beat goalkeeper Zach Thornton. It was the first career goal for the rookie from James Madison and the fastest for a rookie in MLS history.

For the first time in over 10 away trips, I finally got to see Sporting KC/KC Wizards win a road game as they defeated Chivas USA 3-2 at the Home Depot Center. KC scored early and held on late to win the season opener for the 10th time in team history. Things went well early to KC as a free kick from Luke Sassano was not cleared by the Chivas defense.

Photo By ISIPhotos.com

Heath Pearce is on the move.

The U.S. International left back has been sent to Chivas USA for allocation money. Pearce was an integral part of FCD's run to the MLS Cup Final in 2010, but appeared to have some tension with head coach Schellas Hyndman.

Chivas USA 1 San Jose Earthquakes 0

Van Nuys' Tristan Bowen looked lively this afternoon playing out wide against the 'Quakes, producing a couple of chances for Chivas USA that included a shot he hit just shot wide of the post. (Photo by Staff Photographer Robert Castillas).