With the 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs just getting under way, it's worth examining three key teams that each have a legitimate chance to make a run at the title.

The field is full of talented teams. The Los Angeles Galaxy are looking to win their third-straight MLS Cup, while the New York Red Bulls enter the playoffs having scored the most regular season points in the league. A matchup between the two in the MLS Cup would certainly make for the best match of the season, though anything can happen from now until December 7—the day the final match is scheduled for.

The teams contending for the cup obviously aren't limited to the following clubs, but putting your money on one of these three teams to win it all would appear to be a safe bet. Each club is talented enough to take it home.

New York Red Bulls

It's hard to pick against a team looking to win their third-straight MLS title (the Galaxy), but the Red Bulls are the best team in position to claim the title this season.

The Red Bulls haven't played for the Cup since 2008, and that should be motivation enough for this team to play with a fire that opponents likely won't be able to match. Plus, veterans like Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry won't let the younger players on the club get consumed by the atmosphere of the playoffs. They'll keep everyone focused and poised to play their best for the Cup.

Outside of Cahill and Henry, look for Fabian Espindola to have an important impact on the playoffs. He scored nine times on 26 shots on goal this season, and he's a strong third option to have behind the team's two top scorers. Should they be contained by opposing defenses, Espindola will make his presence felt.

He may miss their match against the Houston Dynamo, but a healthy Espindola would be the difference maker for New York.

New York also hasn't lost a match since August 25, having gone 6-0-2 in eight matches since. They have all the momentum heading into the playoffs and will make a serious run at the title.

Los Angeles Galaxy

L.A. finished second in the West with 53 points—the Portland Timbers finished first with 57 points—but they are a dangerous team with MLS Cup experience that goes unmatched by the rest of the field.

The Galaxy have the advantage over other teams because of the immense pressure they put on goaltenders. Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan are two of the top goal scorers in MLS play, but as a team, they rack up a ton of shots. This puts constant pressure on an opponent's defense and goaltender to make plays.

Four players—Gyasi Zardes (78), Keane (65), Marcelo Sarvas (53) and Donovan (50)—all have over 50 shots on the season. Even if not all of them are shots on goal, this still puts pressure on the defense.

The key player for the Galaxy will be Zardes. He scored just four times on 23 shots on goal, and his ability to be efficient at putting the ball in the net will go a long way for L.A.

Going for three straight isn't easy, but this team is just as talented as it has been in years past. They're a serious contender for the Cup.

Portland Timbers

In the team's debut to the MLS Cup playoffs, the Portland Timbers enter as the top team from the West and arguably the top team in the league. No team has won in their debut to the playoffs since Real Salt Lake in 2008, but Portland has a good shot at doing so.

Their road to the finals match could be made easier when considering the fact that the team hasn't allowed a goal at home since August 21. That's right. They've gone 450 minutes without allowing the opposition to score against them at home.

Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts is obviously a huge reason for that success, as he's been stellar in the latter portion of the season.

Diego Valeri will be the force that carries this team through the playoffs. He finished the season with a team-high 10 goals and team-high 13 assists, and his ability to both take advantage of defenses and set up his teammates is what makes him so valuable.

This team is strong on both ends of the ball and will give some of the other top teams a run for their money in the playoffs.

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