The third week of the 2012 MLS schedule kicks off tonight, and I wonder if the existing theme of the season will persist. That theme: the Eastern Conference sucks. With five matches between the two conferences again this week, the West could continue to separate itself. Starting tonight.

Fri 3/23, 10:00 PM: Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo, NBC Sports - This is a meeting of what many would say are the two second-best teams in their respective conferences. And with both the Dynamo and Sounders undefeated so far in this young season, it’s the first true test for each. Let’s see how David Estrada and Alvaro Fernandez do against a real defense.

Sat 3/24, 1:00 PM: Toronto FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes

Sat 3/24, 4:00 PM: New England Revolution vs. Portland Timbers

Sat 3/24, 4:00 PM: Columbus Crew vs. Montreal Impact

Sat 3/24, 8:30 PM: Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union - And here on Saturday we have four Eastern Conference teams facing off with the chance to move out of the basement and catch up to the Dynamo and Sporks at the top. Will they be able to do it? Nah. Two draws would seem more likely.

Sat 3/24, 9:00 PM: Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA

Sat 3/24, 10:00 PM: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. D.C. United, Comcast SportsNet - Seriously, if the East continues on its present path, United could finish the tough start to its season with an 0-5 record and STILL be only three points out of a playoff spot.

Sun 3/25, 4:00 PM: New York Red Bulls vs. Colorado Rapids, ESPN

Sun 3/25, 7:00 PM: Sporting Kansas City vs. FC Dallas, Galavision