This is my first of many preview articles previewing American sports season. Since I have nothing else to talk about, and the MLS Season just started, I’ll talk about that. I know that it started a couple of weeks ago and they’ve already played two weeks, but I’ll do end of the season predictions.
I will rank the Eastern Conference teams from each conference and explain why I put them there. I will also include who will make it to the playoffs and give insights into what you should expect for each team. Teams that make the playoffs are in bold.
- Toronto FC
- NYCFC
- Atlanta United
- New England Revollution
- New York Red Bulls
- Inter Miami
- Montreal Impact
- Philadelphia Union
- FC Cincinnati
- DC United
- Columbus Crew
- Orlando City
- Chicago Fire
Toronto FC
After surprisingly representing the Eastern Conference in the MLS Cup Final, I think TFC will ride off of that success and win the Supporter’s Shield. Players like USMNT internationals Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley and Spaniard, Alejandro Pozuelo, will be key for them.
NYCFC
After winning the Eastern Conference, but getting knocked out in the second round, New York City FC will be trying to get revenge and come back after heartbreak. They will try to replicate what they did a season ago, coming just short of an Eastern Conference win.
Atlanta United
After their star Josef Martinez went down with an ACL injury, the question was how the rest of the team was going to cope. I don’t think they’ll be as good as last year, but some players will step up and they’ll surprise some fans.
New England Revolution
I know this might sound biased, but at the end of last season, the Revs were on a roll. After hiring Bruce Arena last year, he’ll get his first chance for a fresh start to a season. He’ll have the help of striker Adam Buksa, who they signed from Poland.
New York Red Bulls
They finished sixth last year and this year. They’ll have another solid season. They’ll have to cope with their leaders: Bradley Wright-Phillips and Luis Robles, being on other teams. They’ll finish fifth behind players like Daniel Royer and Aaron Long.
Inter Miami
After a big investment from co-owner David Beckham, Inter Miami are ready to kick off their inaugural season. With key additions like Wil Trapp, Roman Torres, and Rodolfo Pizzaro, Inter will be a surprise package.
Montreal Impact
After a disappointing last season, Montreal will look for the CONCACAF Champions League to carry them into the season. They’ll look to start off the Theirry Henry era well and they’ll be helped by former Spurs midfielder Victor Wanyama.
Philadelphia Union
Last year, the Union finished third in the Conference, pretty much getting carried by Kacper Przybylko. This might be their downfall, as it’s hard to replicate a 15 goal, four assist season. I predict that Philly will shockingly miss the playoffs.
FC Cincinnati
After finishing dead last in both the Eastern Conference and the league, this will be a huge improvement for Cincy. Even though their manager stepped down two weeks before the start of the season, players like Jurgen Locadia will contribute to their success.
DC United
DC United will hope to make a bigger playoff run than last year, when they were eliminated by the runners-up, Toronto FC. But this year, they will be without their leader, Wayne Rooney, which will cause them to miss the playoffs.
Columbus Crew
Even with USMNT star Gyasi Zardes, the Crew won’t live up to expectations and make the playoffs. Even though they made a couple of signings, they still won’t be much better than last year.
Orlando City
Another team with a star, but not much else. Orlando have Luis Nani as their star, but they need other players to step up. They have a new manager this year, but I don’t see them making the playoffs.
Chicago Fire
The Fire had a disappointing year last year, and they’ll replicate that again, finishing dead last this year in the Eastern Conference. Not even their cool new logo will help them get wins.
Sources:
- mlssoccer.com
- FBref.com
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