Eastern Conference

0 Comments | USA TODAY, March, 2008

*Cuauhtemoc Blanco is back for a first full year in Chicago, though last year's coach, Juan Carlos Osorio, is not. The other major departures are midfield anchor Chris Armas and goalkeeper Matt Pickens, but longtime assistant Denis Hamlett won't need many name tags to sort out the core players on his pesky Fire squad.

*Coach Sigi Schmid continues his rebuilding efforts in Columbus, where the best news is the return of Argentine playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Nicolas Hernandez joins to share the scoring load with Schelotto and Alejandro Moreno, who led the Crew with seven goals last season.

*Longtime fans might not recognize D.C. United. After two Supporters' Shields for the best regular-season record and two disappointing playoff exits, the team has...