MLS is again and there is a new workforce to convey the full to 29 in St. Louis SC. But whereas they’re going to be kicking off as the nice unknown of the season, I’ve taken the time to look into my crystal ball to challenge some award winners this season. From the nice to the unhealthy, strap in for a wild trip of what this season may seem like in probably the most unpredictable league on the planet.
Most more likely to win the Golden Boot
Cucho Hernandez, Columbus Crew: It’s a small pattern measurement to go off of with Cucho solely enjoying in 16 matches final season however his 9 objectives was fairly a powerful return for a Crew aspect that missed the playoffs. Under the brand new administration of Wilfried Nancy and with a full season beneath his belt, Cucho will be capable to push for honors this season. I have already got the Crew making the playoffs and contending for MLS Cup and Cucho bagging 20 objectives will probably be a big purpose why they’re in rivalry.
Top breakout candidate
Jack McGlynn, Philadelphia Union: Already on PSV’s radar, McGlynn virtually broke out final season filling in for an injured Alejandro Bedoya serving to drive the workforce to MLS cup. Few midfielders are in a position to disguise the place their passes are getting into the way in which that he can at solely 18 years outdated, serving to the Union assault tick. Jim Curtin has a loaded midfield at his disposal however McGlynn brings one thing that the opposite deep mendacity midfielders do not. When the Union might want to unlock a recreation, he’ll be one of many first names referred to as upon.
Favorite debutant
Dante Vanzeir, New York Red Bulls: I like following Brighton of Belgium, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and one participant that made the workforce tick was Vanzeir. Popping up in all places, he has scored 10 objectives in 20 matches this season after scoring 14 and helping 10 extra final season. Vanzeir can be keen to press and will fill a gap that has existed in Harrison since line-leading Bradley Wright-Phillips left the membership. The protection is already glorious so if the Red bulls are in a position to rating objectives, they’re going to be robust to beat this season.
Most disappointing signing
Roman Burki, St. Louis City SC: It’s good to have the ability to herald skilled gamers from overseas however on the subject of allocating restricted funds, Burki should win goalkeeper of the 12 months for his transfer to St. Louis to be price it. An achieved keeper from his time at Borussia Dortmund, Burki will convey a lot wanted expertise to the workforce however when strong MLS keepers like Tyler Miller and Alec Kann had been simply accessible, these funds may’ve gone into the assault. Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel is somebody who marches to the beat of their very own drum however it might take a bit to get used to MLS roster development guidelines.
Defender of the 12 months
Ryan Hollingshead, LAFC: Already the highest scoring defender within the league final season with six objectives and one help, Hollingshead has a important function within the assault for the Black and Gold. But the workforce also needs to be higher defending this season now that Gareth Bale will not be on the pitch, who, regardless of the dramatic nature of his stage-exiting objective to win LAFC the title final season, was a defensive legal responsibility from the entrance. If Hollingshead can proceed scoring at a excessive charge whereas preserving extra clear sheets, he’ll have a critical case for Defender of the Year honors this season.
Team most certainly to disappoint
CF Montreal: The workforce has already disillusioned this season by asserting that they will not be releasing new jerseys however the main on-field problem is that they’ve misplaced their head coach together with Djordje Mihailovic, Alistair Johnston, Ismael Kone, Joaquin Torres, and Kei Kamara amongst different gamers. While there have been a couple of additions and Montreal does have homegrown gamers who can step up, a case could be made that probably the greatest groups within the league has now grow to be picket spoon contenders for the worst report within the league. It could be a disappointing slide, nevertheless it’s arduous to see Montreal competing when a lot of the league bought higher throughout the offseason they usually did not.
MVP
Daniel Gazdag, Philadelphia Union: Gazdag got here shut final season with 24 objectives and 6 assists however that is the 12 months that the Hungarian playmaker breaks by way of. In 12 months two with Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza, Uhre will be capable to break ten assists and will nonetheless handle a 20 objective season which ought to be sufficient to push him to extra objective contributions than Hany Mukhtar. It will nonetheless be a useless warmth between the duo however that is the season the place Gazdag wins out.
Coach of the 12 months
Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew: Nancy ought to’ve gained the award final season as a consequence of his success with Montreal however bringing that success to a different workforce will probably be sufficient to push him over the sting. Nancy will be capable to convey the Crew again to compete with one of the best groups within the Eastern Conference to cement his standing as probably the greatest coaches within the league.
