Waking the Red Playoff Predicts: Conference Semi-Finals

Not deterred at being pretty darn terrible during our first round of picks, Waking the Red's playoff predictions are back! Here is a look at who we predict will win today's games.

Michael Veenstra went an impressive 0/4 on his first round playoff predictions, and we strongly suggest he does not go to Las Vegas any time soon. James Grossi and Mitchell Tierney faired only slightly better, both only correctly predicting the fact that the Portland Timbers would beat Sporting Kansas City.

Play along in the comments section below, where we can only assume that you will do a better job than us, it is hard to get much worse.

New York Red Bulls vs. DC United

The New York Red Bulls went from an offseason train-wreck to being one of the class of the league, and are now the favourites to win the Eastern Conference.

DC United has had an up and down season, but an upset victory over the New England Revolution has revived what once looked like it was going to be a disastrous end to the season.

Michael Veenstra: New York Red Bulls Hard to see the Red Bulls do anything but boss this one, but DC do have momentum on their side.

James Grossi: New York Red Bulls DC got past New England by the skin of their teeth, but New York are a totally different beast. The Supporters Shield champs will move on, but what a series this one should be.

Mitchell Tierney: New York Red Bulls It has been a season of surprises for DC United, but I don't think they have a big one left in their sleeve.

Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Portland clawed their way into the Western Conference playoffs after being on the outside looking in for a large part of the season. They won an insane knockout round game against Sporting Kansas City that should have them coming into the game with plenty of confidence.

The Vancouver Whitecaps were one of the coldest teams in Major League Soccer before they won their final game of the season against the Houston Dynamo, propelling them to second place and skipping the first round of the playoffs.

Michael Veenstra: Portland Timbers The Caps have had the Timbers number in the past, but Caleb Porter's men have the momentum of that ridiculous penalty shootout to spur them on.

James Grossi: Vancouver Whitecaps Portland did very well to squeeze into the playoffs with a strong run, but injuries have them limited, while Vancouver have emerged from a late-season slump. Expect their counter-attack to trouble a Timbers side missing Will Johnson.

Mitchell Tierney: Vancouver Whitecaps The Caps had time to prepare for the Portland, and it will pay off as they take down a team that has had to fight tooth and nail to get this point.

Montreal Impact vs. Columbus Crew

The Montreal Impact are fresh off of a massive victory over rival Toronto FC, and will be looking to take what has been a Cinderella season one step closer.

Columbus dominated their final game of the season and as a result skipped the first round of the playoffs.

Michael Veenstra: Columbus Crew Drogba played Thursday and he's 37. Kei Kamara has had time off, he's got a chip on his shoulder, and I think Biello respects Columbus a bit too much.

James Grossi: Montreal Impact This series should be amazing, some of the hottest goal-scorers in the league, solid team structures, and very good keepers. Will be a treat, but Montreal has been the best team in the league over the past few months. Plus, the farther the Impact go, the better the loss looks on TFC.

Mitchell Tierney: Columbus Crew It is going to be close but the Crew have the better midfield and Kei Kamara is going to be pretty darn hungry after having the Golden Boot snatched away from him.

Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas

The Seattle Sounders have finally done it, taking down the LA Galaxy who have been a thorn in their side for many a playoff campaign. Now things will get even more difficult, as they have to beat the best team in the west: FC Dallas.

FC Dallas has shown this season that they are one of the most dangerous and entertaining teams in the league with a wealth of attacking options. They are going to be a handful for Seattle.

Michael Veenstra: FC Dallas Fabian Castillo and Michael Barrios are really fast. Seattle's Back 4 are really slow. You figure that one out.

James GrossI: FC Dallas Perhaps the trickiest to pick of the bunch. Dallas have been impressive this season, and Seattle... well, less so, especially given their roster. But, the rub is that one can never be sure how a younger team will fare in these pressure situations, whereas if the Sounders' stars come to play, Dallas could be in trouble. All that said, Oscar Pareja will have his team ready.

Mitchell Tierney: Seattle Sounders The Sounders finally shed their Los Angeles Galaxy demons, and as a result this could be the year they go all the way.