By: Nick Alicea

Team most likely to win it all:
Miami of course. Let's face it. They are the undisputed champs of the ABL with the best player at almost every position. They tore through everyone in the 2008 playoffs going 11-1 and winning with ease. Obviously, they are the favorites to win the Open Cup for a 3rd time.

Minor League team that will go the farthest: Dayton Aviators; Dallas' AAA team is the only minor league team that has a prayer of making the Elite 8. There are plenty of minor league teams that could make it, but they all will likely run into a difficult opponent in the Sweet 16. Dayton would most likely face Boston, a solid, but not completely dominant team. With a few breaks, Dayton could pull the miraculous upset and advance to the Quarterfinals, where they will get the privilege of facing the Miami Talons... good luck with that.

ML team most likely to get upset by a minor league team: It has to be a tie between the Carolina Cobras and San Antonio Saints. Carolina has a 1st round matchup against Columbus (Detroit AAA) and then the Dayton Aviators. The Cobras may be able to get by Columbus, but Dayton will give them a run for their money, and could possibly upset them. Dayton was the best minor league team last season, and will try to prove just how good they are in the Open Cup. Meanwhile, San Antonio faces a pretty solid Buffalo team in the 1st round. The Saints were one of the worst teams last season, and will try to keep their pride against Buffalo. Don't forget, the Cleveland Crusaders lost to a minor league team in the 2007 Open Cup, so anything is possible.