The 26th season of Major League Soccer kicks off on Friday as Houston Dynamo host San Jose at BBVA Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+) and after a wild season in 2020, it is a clear slate and a reset in 2021 with a full schedule, one other new workforce (welcome, Austin FC) and loads of iconic gamers and groups with lots to show. And so, somewhat over 4 months since Columbus Crew SC thumped Seattle Sounders to win MLS Cup, we’re again and prepared for a enjoyable season.
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ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura, Jeff Carlisle, Gus Elvin, Danny Guerra and Austin Lindberg go down the desk to preview every workforce’s most urgent matter — and provides predictions on who’ll win MVP, MLS Cup finalists, and finally who will win the MLS Cup.
Bounce to: MVP Predictions | Eastern Conference Winners Predictions | Western Conference Winners Predictions | MLS Cup Winners Predictions
Season in a sentence (or two)
It is all the time good in the beginning of a protracted season to set expectations. What constitutes success? How will we measure it? What’s our main objective? As such, we’re taking a spin by means of each MLS membership to determine what their baselines for 2021 is likely to be, and the way they will (or can’t) get there.
2020 season outcomes: 6W-4D-13L
12th in Jap Convention
It appears odd for a workforce in solely its fifth season of existence to be attempting to “get again to the highest,” however right here they’re. A lot of Atlanta’s hopes are being pinned on the tradition instilled by new supervisor Gabriel Heinze, although the return of former MVP Josef Martinez ought to assist as properly. — Carlisle
2020 season outcomes: N/A
If designated gamers Cecilio Dominguez and Tomas Pochettino adapt shortly to the league and make the impression they’re being paid to make, Austin could be added to the listing of latest success tales for MLS growth groups. With Alex Ring enjoying in entrance of a veteran again line, they’ve a very good basis in place. — Bonagura
three:10
Austin FC half proprietor and Minister of Tradition Matthew McConaughey talks MLS and his love of soccer.
2020 season outcomes: 5W-8D-10L
11th in Jap Convention
Jhon Espinoza and Stanislav Ivanov are 22 and 21, respectively, and each have worldwide expertise. That type of pedigree will serve Raphael Wicky properly in the event that they’re to get again into the East’s prime half; his debut season was one among studying and stabilizing given how the Fireplace regressed after the dismissal of his predecessor, Veljko Paunovic. — Lindberg
2020 season outcomes: 4W-4D-15L
14th in Jap Convention
It actually cannot get a complete lot worse than 2020 — or 2019. In reality, there is a sense that Cincinnati is likely to be on the verge of getting noticeably higher in 2021 to the purpose of difficult for a playoff place. Positive, Frankie Amaya is on his method out of city, however new Brazilian ahead Brenner was on the radar of a few of Europe’s greatest golf equipment and guarantees immediate offense for FCC. — Lindberg
2020 season outcomes: 8W-4D-6L
fifth in Western Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
Cole Bassett, already pegged for a transfer to Europe, ought to be the breakout star on a workforce that has targeted on growing younger expertise. USMNT common Kellyn Acosta additionally has acknowledged a need to check his abilities abroad. They made no main offseason signings, however the Rapids nonetheless have the items to rise above the pack within the West. — Guerra
2020 season outcomes: 12W-5D-6L
third in Jap Convention; Jap Convention finals winners
MLS Cup champions
The reigning MLS Cup champs did not stand pat with their roster, including Bradley Wright-Phillips, Alexandru Matan and Kevin Molino, although Molino not too long ago injured a hamstring. That depth can be wanted in the event that they’re to place up a battle on a number of fronts together with within the CONCACAF Champions League. Mix that with its current expertise and the obsessiveness of supervisor Caleb Porter, and Columbus is lots able to ending the season on prime once more. — Carlisle
2020 season outcomes: 9W-7D-6L
sixth in Western Convention; MLS Cup convention semifinals
The membership is in a tier of its personal with regards to growing and exporting its personal expertise, however after 25 years, the franchise has but to win MLS Cup. If that is the 12 months that lastly adjustments, it’ll require a variety of intriguing younger gamers to take their video games to the subsequent degree as a collective, together with USMNT ahead Jesus Ferreira, playmakers Paxton Pomykal and Tanner Tessmann in addition to one other striker, Ricardo Pepi. — Bonagura
2020 season outcomes: 5W-6D-12L
13th in Jap Convention
As soon as the mannequin franchise in MLS, D.C. has fallen on exhausting instances. After a 24th-place end final 12 months, D.C. made some adjustments this offseason, bringing in a brand new coach (Hernan Losada) and gamers like striker Nigel Robertha and centerback Brendan Hines-Ike. Bill Hamid stays one of many prime goalkeepers in MLS, however the Black and Purple will want enchancment from winger Edison Flores, midfielder Julian Gressel, Yamil Asad and former LA Galaxy/Columbus Crew striker Ola Kamara. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 4W-9D-10L
12th in Western Convention
The Dynamo struggled in 12 months 1 below Tab Ramos, and although they’ve made some good additions — veterans Tim Parker and Joe Corona ought to assist bolster in protection and midfield, respectively — it is honest to be skeptical there can be vital enchancment. Houston wants somebody exterior of Darwin Quintero, who’s now 33, to emerge as a constant attacking menace. — Bonagura
2020 season outcomes: 6W-4D-12L
10th in Jap Convention
Since successful MLS Cup in 2014, the Galaxy have been largely a nonfactor in each the playoffs and common season. That ought to change below new coach Greg Vanney, who has a confirmed monitor file within the league and sufficient expertise at his disposal to be aggressive within the Western Convention. Can Mexico striker Javier Hernandez bounce again after a lackluster debut season? — Bonagura
2020 season outcomes: 9W-5D-8L
seventh in Western Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
Not solely do the Black and Gold have essentially the most proficient beginning XI within the league, they’ve good depth items on the again and in midfield. If Brian Rodriguez does not return from his mortgage with Almeria in Spain‘s second division, the workforce might turn out to be much more harmful by including a Designated Participant to play the No. 9 between the league’s final two Golden Boot winners, Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi. — Bonagura
1:39
Ale Moreno outlines the expectations for LAFC and LA Galaxy for the 2021 MLS season.
2020 season outcomes: 9W-7D-5L
4th in Western Convention; MLS Cup Western Convention finals
Is Boca Juniors striker Ramon Abila the person to lastly present some productiveness from the No. 9 place for the Loons? In that case, with a glut of harmful attacking choices working behind him, Minnesota can be a legit MLS Cup contender in 2021. — Lindberg
2020 season outcomes: 7W-3D-13L
10th in Jap Convention; MLS Cup play-in spherical
Miami appears to be a perpetual mess, with the roster compliance shenanigans on account of signing 4 DPs being the most recent instance. A lot accountability lies on new supervisor Phil Neville and whether or not he is actually as much as the duty of managing a facet that features Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuain and Rodolfo Pizarro. New holding midfielder Gregore may very well be the important thing to reaching the postseason. — Carlisle
READ: David Beckham’s risking it all to win in Miami
1:21
David Beckham tells ESPN why he is assured Inter Miami can recruit stars like Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar.
2020 season outcomes: 8W-2D-13L
ninth in Jap Convention; MLS Cup play-in spherical
Thierry Henry is gone, as is former Barcelona wunderkind Bojan. Montreal expect massive issues from USMNT midfielder Djordje Mihailovic, as evidenced by the preliminary $800,000 normal allocation cash (probably rising to $1 million based mostly on incentives) they paid Chicago for the playmaker. New supervisor Wilfried Nancy additionally has some intriguing gamers in assault, as Romell Quioto, Mason Toye and Lassi Lappalainen (on mortgage from Bologna) have all had vivid moments in MLS at earlier golf equipment. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 8W-8D-7L
seventh in Jap Convention; MLS Cup convention semifinals
Can the second-year facet construct on its shocking playoff run when Nashville beat Miami and Toronto? Nashville has one of many league’s higher defensive setups with MLS Defender of the 12 months Walker Zimmerman and do-everything Dax McCarty within the midfield. The assault must coalesce to be extra of a menace within the East. — Guerra
2020 season outcomes: 8W-8D-7L
eighth in Jap Convention; MLS Cup Jap Convention finals
The Revs proceed to progress below Bruce Enviornment and are coming off a shocking run to the semifinals of final 12 months’s MLS Cup playoffs. With prime attackers Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou and Teal Bunbury all returning, and thrilling new arrivals Wilfrid Kaptoum (previously of Barcelona and Real Betis) and winger Arnor Ingvi Traustason from Malmo FF, the Revolution may very well be a darkish horse to go one additional and make a run for that elusive title. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 12W-3D-8L
fifth in Jap Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
NYCFC ought to be a contender once more within the East, because the membership’s midfield of Maxi Moralez, James Sands, Keaton Parks and newcomer Alfredo Morales stacks up with the league’s finest. NYCFC are additionally in good fingers up entrance, as Heber, who continues to be recovering from an ACL tear, Valentin Castellanos and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi have all hit double digits in targets in a season throughout their MLS careers. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 9W-5D-9L
sixth in Jap Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
The Purple Bulls lack the star DP they’ve had in years previous, however younger Caden Clark is cause sufficient to look at Gerhard Struber’s facet this season. The 17-year-old midfielder, who burst onto the scene late in 2020, is among the USMNT’s prime prospects and will play a central function in 2021 earlier than jetting off to Europe to affix RB Leipzig. New York’s roster is unspectacular on paper, however younger striker Fabio, who scored targets for enjoyable in Brazil‘s second tier, might show an actual discover. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 11W-8D-4L
4th in Jap Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
MLS Is Again Match runners-up
Alexandre Pato has an beautiful resume behind him, but he isn’t even essentially the most attention-grabbing striker in Orlando’s squad. Will Daryl Dike return to the Lions after a dynamite mortgage spell with Barnsley, or will he make his European residency everlasting this summer season? That can decide how excessive this workforce can go this season. — Lindberg
1:43
Janusz Michallik reacts to former Milan star Alexandre Pato’s transfer to MLS on a one-year take care of Orlando Metropolis.
2020 season outcomes: 14W-5D-4L
1st in Jap Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
Supporters’ Defend winners
The Union’s Supporters’ Defend win was as a lot a triumph of philosophy off the sphere as play on it. However after transferring defender Mark McKenzie and midfielder Brenden Aaronson to abroad golf equipment, the problem now could be to see if Philadelphia can instantly reload. It is nonetheless a proficient group, and Anthony Fontana will do his utmost to make folks neglect about Aaronson, however one other trophy appears out of attain. — Carlisle
2020 season outcomes: 11W-6D-6L
third in Western Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
MLS is Again Match winners
Diego Chara is 35. Diego Valeri is 34. Sebastian Blanco is 33, so is Larrys Mabiala. Does the core of Giovanni Savarese’s Timbers have the legs or the lungs to contend in one other grueling season? Few groups will welcome the appearance of elevated constitution flights greater than Portland. — Lindberg
2020 season outcomes: 5W-7D-10L
11th in Western Convention
Possession turmoil and the retirement of Kyle Beckerman initially gave RSL followers little to look ahead to getting into the season. However the signing of USMNT veteran Bobby Wood and the promising play of younger keeper David Ochoa on the Olympic qualifying event are vivid spots. Nonetheless, this workforce will most likely battle once more. — Guerra
2020 season outcomes: 8W-6D-9L
eighth in Western Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
After two eighth-place finishes within the Western Convention, 12 months three of the Matias Almeyda period calls for vital enchancment. The Quakes have been selective when it comes to reinforcements, and the hope is that the arrivals of Eric Remedi and Javier Lopez, in addition to the rise of Cade Cowell, can be sufficient. — Carlisle
2020 season outcomes: 11W-6D-5L
2nd in Western Convention; Western Convention finals winners
MLS Cup runners-up
A mannequin of consistency, having made the playoffs in every of the previous 12 MLS seasons, there’s each cause to count on the Sounders to stay among the many league’s finest. It hurts to lose Jordan Morris, who tore his ACL whereas on a mortgage with Swansea Metropolis, however they’ve proven up to now they will get outcomes even with him on the sideline. — Bonagura
1:12
From Austin’s debut shirt to a prime impressed by Jimi Hendrix, take a look at some new appears to be like coming to MLS in 2021.
2020 season outcomes: 12W-3D-6L
1st in Western Convention; MLS Cup convention semifinals
The perfect workforce within the West from the 2020 common season will stay among the many prime sides once more. Mexico star Alan Pulido must be wholesome and Gianluca Busio should keep motivated with European golf equipment eyeing him, however Peter Vermes will do one other reliably good job as supervisor. Regardless of some departures, SKC hopes French duo Nicolas Isimat-Mirin and Remi Walter can shore up the protection. –– Guerra
2020 season outcomes: 13W-5D-5L
2nd in Jap Convention; MLS Cup first spherical
Chris Armas takes over for Greg Vanney, and inherits a workforce that completed as runners-up for the Supporters’ Defend final season. Reigning MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo is the principle man for the Reds, who additionally nonetheless function USMNT veterans Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, in addition to promising younger ahead Ayo Akinola, who bagged 9 targets in 2020. — Elvin
2020 season outcomes: 9W-0D-14L
ninth in Western Convention
Vancouver can emerge from the lower-tier ranks of the West given how busy they had been within the offseason. Colombia‘s Deiber Caicedo and Brazil’s Caio Alexandre are anticipated to pair properly with Lucas Cavallini, and ex-Sporting CP defender Bruno Gaspar appears to be good pickups. ‘Caps coach Marc Dos Santos got here in three years in the past with excessive expectations; it is time for it to come back to fruition. — Guerra
2:11
Ale Moreno delves into Josef Martinez and Carlos Vela’s significance to their respective squads this season.
Who’s your MVP?
Carlos Vela, LAFC — Accidents slowed Vela in 2020, however now he is wholesome once more and appears primed to repeat his stellar type of 2019. That and LAFC appears to be like set to be simply as aggressive going ahead this season because it has up to now. Vela figures to be the prime beneficiary of that. — Carlisle
Emanuel Reynoso, Minnesota United — It is easy to neglect that “Bebelo” joined Minnesota as not too long ago as September, as a result of he produced two targets and 14 assists in his first 16 appearances for the membership. That type of manufacturing so early in a participant’s transition to MLS is uncommon. He’ll be extra prolific with former Boca Juniors teammate Ramon Abila now main the Loons’ line. — Lindberg
Carlos Vela, LAFC — After a 12 months through which his availability was restricted for varied causes, the expectation is that Vela will return to one thing near the shape he confirmed in 2019, when he turned in the very best particular person season in league historical past. — Bonagura
Lucas Zelarayan, Columbus Crew — This award is Vela’s to lose and Josef Martinez is primed for a feel-good return season, however Zelarayan has what it takes to construct on the late kind he discovered final season that led to him successful MLS Cup MVP. Like defending regular-season MVP Alejandro Pozuelo of Toronto, Zelarayan can be key in creating a lot of possibilities somewhat than scoring tons of targets. However is Zelarayan even the very best participant on the Crew roster?
Carlos Vela, LAFC — After a stop-start season on account of opting out of the MLS is Again event and accidents, search for the Mexico playmaker to rekindle the shape that noticed him set the league ablaze in 2019 to the tune of 34 targets and 10 assists en path to the Golden Boot and the MVP award. — Elvin
Who’re your Jap Convention winners?
New England Revolution — Let’s face it, parity is rife within the Jap Convention. Any one among a half-dozen groups might win. However I am going with New England given how properly the Revs performed as soon as Carles Gil returned to health. Supervisor Bruce Enviornment has shored up the workforce’s weaknesses, including extra chunk in midfield with the arrival of Wilfrid Kaptoum. Arnor Ingvi Traustason has additionally been added for attacking depth. Well being is a matter for any workforce, however at current, New England appears to be like primed to make a run on the convention title. — Carlisle
Columbus Crew — Final 12 months’s MLS Cup champs are the favorites to win the East, and can edge out New England, NYCFC and Toronto for that crown. With Lucas Zelarayan, Gyasi Zardes, Jonathan Mensah and Darlington Nagbe returning, and the additions of Bradley Wright-Phillips, Kevin Molino and Alexandru Matan, Caleb Porter’s facet ought to be even higher in 2021. — Elvin
Orlando Metropolis — The Lions ought to neglect about Daryl Dike returning and can most likely play with out fullback Joao Moutinho for a protracted stretch. But when issues go properly for that assault — Nani, Mauricio Pereyra, and Alexandre Pato keep wholesome whereas Chris Mueller and Andres Perea proceed to develop — this workforce can positively declare the East. — Guerra
Columbus Crew — The Crew deserve prime preseason billing after their march to MLS Cup, however there are sturdy instances to be made for the Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, Atlanta United, New England Revolution and Orlando Metropolis. — Bonagura
Columbus Crew — Columbus was persistently among the many finest groups within the league all through 2020, culminating in a well-deserved MLS Cup. Since, Caleb Porter has added sharp-shooting Bradley Wright-Phillips, huge menace Kevin Molino and exhausting man Perry Kitchen. There’s high quality and depth that rivals any membership within the league. — Lindberg
Who’re your Western Convention winners?
LAFC — LAFC was an MLS Cup contender when the curtain fell on 2020, however sporting director John Thorrington did lots to deal with the workforce’s wants, buying defenders Marco Farfan and Kim Moon-Hwan. This was on prime of including center-back Jesus David Murillo late final season. There’s all the time an opportunity that the likes of Seattle, Portland, Sporting Kansas Metropolis or Minnesota might rise to the highest, however with Vela and Diego Rossi nonetheless on board, LAFC is poised once more to make a run on the championship. — Carlisle
Minnesota United — The Loons’ notorious three-year plan culminated with a playoff berth in 2019, they usually had been oh-so-close to showing in MLS Cup final season. Now, with Emanuel Reynoso having a full season below his belt, and Ramon Abila taking on the No. 9 place that had beforehand been a revolving door of underwhelming forwards, Minnesota has positioned itself as one of many favorites for MLS Cup in 2021. — Lindberg
LAFC — A powerful run to the CONCACAF Champions League remaining with their full complement of gamers was instructive in regards to the heights LAFC can hit. They’re the clear favourite in Western Convention, forward of the same old forged of characters, together with Portland, Seattle, Sporting KC and even FC Dallas. — Bonagura
Portland Timbers — Like Vela and the MVP race, that is most likely LAFC’s to lose. Seattle, SKC and FC Dallas will make issues enjoyable the playoffs. Nonetheless, the Timbers’ veteran laden-midfield — coupled a very good striker rotation in Jeremy Ebobisse, Felipe Mora and (ultimately) Jaroslaw Niezgoda — will emerge out West.
LAFC — With Seattle dropping Jordan Morris to harm, and the Portland core a 12 months older, search for LAFC to capitalize after an underwhelming 2020 league season. Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Eduard Atuesta are pretty much as good a trio as any in MLS, and Bob Bradley and Co. additionally made a few good offseason additions to deal with their points at full-back. Brian Rodriguez’s future (on mortgage at Almeria) stays a query, as is the center-forward place, however LAFC will outgun Portland and SKC to win the West. — Elvin
Who’re your MLS Cup champs?
LAFC over New England Revolution — For all of its regular-season brilliance throughout its first three years in MLS, attending to the MLS Cup remaining has eluded LAFC, however that is the 12 months they need to break by means of. New England, in the meantime will fall simply quick, making it Zero-for-6 within the grand finale. — Carlisle
Minnesota United over Columbus Crew — The Loons stand to own too many choices for any opponent to efficiently cease. There’s the playmaking of Emanuel Reynoso, the ending of Ramon Abila and reverse winger Robin Lod, in addition to rumored additions Franco Fragapane of Talleres and Adrien Hunou of Stade Rennes. And we’ve not even talked about a midfield of Ozzie Alonso, Jan Gregus, Hassani Dotson and Wil Trapp. — Lindberg
LAFC over Columbus Crew — A theoretical Columbus-LAFC remaining would definitely ship each when it comes to star energy and an leisure perspective. LAFC, who broke information in 2019 after they had been final at full energy, have unfinished enterprise and with Carlo Vela and Diego Rossi in assault, they recover from the hump and knock off the reigning champs in what can be a blockbuster remaining. — Elvin
LAFC over Columbus Crew — LAFC will get over the postseason bump, which can function an applicable sendoff for Diego Rossi, who’s overdue for a transfer to Europe. — Bonagura
Orlando Metropolis over Portland Timbers — A rematch of the MLS is Again event in 2020. Alexandre Pato and Nani play like its 2010, Joao Moutinho returns to kind, Chris Mueller makes his case to remain in USMNT combine, and Orlando beat a Portland facet that might face a roster reboot in 2022. — Guerra