Five Teams to Look Out for During the 2012 MLS Playoffs

The 2012 MLS season has been an entertaining one, but it's slowly coming to an end. The postseason will begin in about a month, and there are a handful of teams with legitimate chances of securing the 2012 MLS cup. Here are five teams to look out for during the 2012 MLS Playoffs:

1. San Jose Earthquakes
The Earthquakes have the best record in the MLS right now, and their offense isn't too shabby either. San Jose's ability to score goals has made their defense a bit passive, and that might end up haunting them during the postseason.

2. Kansas City
Sporting KC has dominated the Eastern Conference this year, and their solid play will likely earn them the top seed in the east. Their defense is arguably the best in the league right now, but their offense does struggle at times.

3. New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls have had their share of struggles lately, but they're still a force to be reckoned with when they bring their A-game. Their offense is one of the best in the MLS right now, and their defense isn't far behind.

4. Seattle Sounders
A little over a week ago, the Sounders were making a serious push for the top spot in the Western Conference, but they weren't able to accomplish their goal. Instead, they slid down to the fourth spot in the west. The Sounders are certainly capable of making a serious push during the playoffs, but I can't see that happening if they go into the postseason as the fourth seed.

5. Real Salt Lake
Real hasn't been the most consistent team all season, but they do seem to be firing on all cylinders heading into the Playoffs. They've fought their way to the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table, but holding on to the number two seed won't be an easy task. Their last three games during the 2012 season will be against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.