Your 2017 Major League Soccer Thread: Previews, Highlights, News, Comments

DC United
Nickname: Black and Red
Colors: Black, White, & Red
Kit Sponsor: Leidos
Ground: RFK Stadium (45,596), grass

Owner: Jason Levien (USA), Erick Thohir (IDN)
Executive: GM Dave Kasper (USA)
Manager: Ben Olsen (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 4 (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004)
Supporters Shields Won: 4 (1997, 1999, 2006, 2007)
US Open Cups Won: 3 (1996, 2008, 2013)
2016 Record: 11-10-13, 4th place Eastern, 10th place overall

Farewells: F Kennedy Igboananike (to Veria), F Alvaro Saborio (retired)
Greetings: F Jose Guillermo Ortiz (from Herediano), M Sebastian Le Toux (from COL), M Ian Harkes (from Wake Forest)

Outlook: DC United has the potential to build on their sporadic success of last year to produce another playoff level squad this season. Patrick Mullins emerged as the go to goal scorer last year and needs to continue that form up top. Little Luciano Acosta will return as the central playmaker. DC spent more money to acquire him from Boca Juniors than they have ever spent for a player and when he is on a hot streak the offense is at another level. MLS veterans Loyd Sam and Patrick Nyarko return as wingers. Marcelo Sarvas, aged 35, will be pushed in midfield by grinder Jared Jeffrey and young Ian Harkes, a box to box MF who won the Hermann Trophy as the top collegiate player last year. The defense is solid with Taylor Kemp, Steve Birnbaum, Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell, and Nick Deleon on hand for the backline. Bill Hamid has dealt with injury often over the past couple years and just recently underwent knee surgery. When healthy, Hamid has been one of the best in MLS. Travis Worra will fill in for him again when necessary. Newly signed winger Jose Guillermo Ortiz and returnees Lamar Neagle and Chris Rolfe provide additional attacking talent and depth, as will MLS senior statesman Sebastien Le Toux. If Mullins can continue to score, Acosta can create chances with consistency, the defense plays to its capabilities, and another central MF steps up, this team could have a very good year.

Montreal Impact
Nickname: Impact, Blues
Colors: Blue, Black, & Silver
Kit Sponsor: BMO
Ground: Stade Saputo (20,801), grass

Owner: Giuseppe Saputo (CAN)
Executive: Director Adam Braz (CAN)
Manager: Mauro Biello (CAN)

MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
Canadian Championships Won: 3 (2008, 2013, 2014)
2016 Record: 11-11-12, 5th place Eastern, 11th place overall

Farewells: F Didier Drogba (possibly retired), M Lucas Ontivero (to Universidad de Chile), D Donny Toia (to ORL), M Johan Venegas (to MIN), M Harry Shipp (to SEA)
Greetings: D Chris Duvall (from NY), M Blerim Dzemaili (from Bologna), M Adrian Arregui (from Atletico Temperley), M Shamit Shome (from Edmonton)

Outlook: Some changes in personnel for a club that caught fire to finish strong last year. Matteo Mancosu forced Didier Drogba to the bench and returns as striker. He was one of the leading catalysts of Montreal’s torrid finish. Ignacio Piatti returns as the #10 after completing an MVP caliber season and is one of MLS’ best. Dominic Oduro is streaky and inconsistent yet fast and dangerous. He stretches defenses to create chances for Mancosu and Piatti but is also capable of scoring a goal. Elder statesman Patrice Bernier returns for one last tour in midfield. Marco Donadel and Hernan Bernadello will need to step up for Johan Venegas and Lucas Ontivero, two promising but now departed players. New DP Blerim Dzemaili will arrive from Bologna to help shore up the midfield after completing his season in Serie A. Adrian Arregui, on loan from Argentina, will help provide options in midfield. MLS veteran Chris Duvall was acquired by trade to fill the departure of Donny Toia at RB while Ambroise Oyongo returns to man the opposite side. Blossoming Argentinian Victor Cabrera and Belgian international Laurent Ciman make a very good CB combo while Evan Bush is one of the better keepers in the league. A lack of quality depth is a significant issue. Mauro Biello has deftly handled challenges thus far as manager. He took over a flailing team from a fired Frank Klopas more than halfway through the 2015 season and guided the squad to a winning record and deep playoff run. In his second year, Biello faced down an insubordinate legend in Didier Drogba until the DP accepted his new role as a sub and replaced him with new arrival Mancosu, who helped ignite another deep playoff run. Piatti, Mancosu, and Oduro are fun to watch and Biello has managed well.

New England Revolution
Nickname: Revolution, Revs
Colors: Blue, Red, & White
Kit Sponsor: UnitedHealthcare
Ground: Gillette Stadium (66,829), turf

Owner: Robert Kraft (USA)
Executive: President Brian Bilello (USA), Director Michael Burns (USA)
Manager: Jay Heaps (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 1 (2007)
2016 Record: 11-14-9, 7th place Eastern, 14th place overall

Farewells: GK Bobby Shuttleworth (to MIN), D Jose Goncalves (unsigned)
Greetings: D Antonio Mlinar Delamea (from Olimpija Ljubljana), D Benjamin Angoua (from EA Guingamp)

Outlook: After three successful years under Jay Heaps, the Revolution crashed last season. Inconsistent offense and defensive lapses prevented the team from ever developing a rhythm on the pitch as several key players failed to hit their stride. The talent is present yet several questions need to be answered for this squad on the pitch. Kei Kamara and Juan Agudelo are the strikers up top. For Agudelo, age 24, now is the time for him to take the next step. The issue for Kamara is can he still be a consistent and reliable goal scorer at age 32 especially considering the drama surrounding him last year and his drop-off in production. Another question is who will drive the offense, Lee Nguyen or Kelyn Rowe? Nguyen struggled last year for the first time in recent history. Meanwhile, Rowe stepped in at point and the Revs had more success with him leading the attack. Rowe is gritty, fiery, and physical. Diego Fagundez needs to step up his game as well considering his ability. He is talented but disappears for long stretches of unproductive play. Xavier Kouassi was signed as a DP from Sion last year then blew his knee before ever stepping on the pitch for New England. His recovery has been a difficult one per his own words and he was still working his way back to form as of last month. The club really needs his return to fitness. Scott Caldwell is a very solid defensive MF. The CBs last year were disastrous so new signees Antonio Mlinar Delamea and Benjamin Angoua are the new faces at the positions. Andrew Farrell stays outside and Chris Tierney returns as a reliable LB. GK Bobby Shuttleworth was disappointing last year so he has been replaced with young Cody Cropper. Cropper needs to take this opportunity to solidify himself as a first choice keeper. New England believes that Femi Hollinger-Janzen is a F with some promise, if a bit raw in his play. Teal Bunbury, London Woodberry, and Je-Vaughn Watson offer serviceable depth.

Orlando City SC
Nickname: Lions
Colors: Purple, White, & Gold
Kit Sponsor: Orlando Health
Ground: Orlando City Stadium (25,500), grass

Owner: Flavio Augusto da Silva (BRA), Phil Rawlins (ENG), John Bonner (ENG)
Executive: President Phil Rawlins (ENG), GM Niki Budalic (CAN)
Manager: Jason Kreis (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 9-11-14, 8th place Eastern, 15th place overall

Farewells: M Kevin Molino (to MIN), MF Brek Shea (to VAN), D Mikey Ambrose (to MIN), M Harrison Heath (to ATL), D Luke Boden (to Tampa Bay)
Greetings: D Jonathan Spector (from Birmingham City), M Will Johnson (from TOR), D Donny Toia (from MON), F Giles Barnes (from VAN), GK Josh Saunders (from NYC), D Victor Giro (from Tampa Bay), D Scott Sutter (from BSC Young Boys)

Outlook: Jason Kreis enters his first full year at the helm. His long run of success at RSL was achieved by forging a strong, disciplined defense along the spine of the formation, from the the GK through the CBs and MF all the way to the Fs, and running an offense through a consistent #10. I would expect him to set about shaping his Orlando squads with the same formula. The offense revolves around two players: Kaka and Cyle Larin. Kaka is the world legend still capable of unlocking defenses and Larin is the young gun drawing overtures from Europe for his finishing skills. The trade for Giles Barnes offers the Lions another F who can also help in midfield. Bryan Rochez and Carlos Rivas have been two disappointments up top. Rochez spent last season on loan back to his original club Real Espana and Rivas has offered little to nothing on offense or defense. Rivas will be asked to step up next to Larin or on the wing as needed. Matias Perez Garcia needs to establish himself opposite Antonio Nocerino, who is a quality MF. Will Johnson is a valuable addition, a grinder that brings experience and stability from box to box. Servando Carrascooffers decent depth. The atrocious defense of last year has been upgraded with the additions of Jonathan Spector and Donny Toia on the backline. Spector could be the guy that offers Orlando the defensive leadership they need. Jose Aja returns and will partner with Spector at CB. RB will see competition as young Brazilian USL standout Victor Giro arrives for a chance to claim the spot. Toia and Giro have the ability to play on either the right or the left. Rafael Ramos, Kevin Alston, and Scott Sutter will also play roles on the backline. Tommy Redding is a talented but green CB. GK Joe Bendik was bombed all season long last year and performed well given the amount of fire that he sustained. NYC castoff Josh Saunders is a quality backup in goal. Positive additions have been made in Orlando. This team is a work in progress that needs refinement, polish, consistent focus, and for players to sharpen their specific defined roles in Kreis’ system followed by execution. How well Kreis is able to bring that out in his players will determine if Orlando finds success.

Philadelphia Union
Nickname: The Union
Colors: Navy Blue & Gold
Kit Sponsor: Bimbo
Ground: Talen Stadium (18,500), grass

Owner: Jay Sugarman (USA), Christopher Buccini (USA), Robert Buccini (USA), David Pollin (USA), Joseph Greco (USA), David Seltzer (USA)
Executive: Director Earnie Stewart (USA), Director Chris Albright (USA), Ticket God LSUButt (USA)
Manager: Jim Curtin (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 11-14-9, 6th place Eastern, 13th place overall

Farewells: M Tranquillo Barnetta (to St. Gallen), M Walter Restrepo (to New York Cosmos)
Greetings: F Fafa Picault (from St. Pauli), M Haris Medunjanin (from Maccabi Tel Aviv), D Oguchi Onyewu (unsigned), D Giuliano Wijnaldum (from VfL Bochum), F Jay Simpson (from Leyton Orient), M Marcus Epps (from South Florida)

Outlook: Andre Blake is the best GK in MLS and routinely makes spectacular saves. Keegan Rosenberry returns from a very good rookie season and solidifies RB, playing every minute of last season at the spot. Talented but raw CB Joshua Yaro has been felled by injury for the second straight year, most recently undergoing shoulder surgery that will see him miss most of the first half of the season, perhaps more. Epic veteran Oguchi Onyewu will see regular time in Yaro’s place while also providing a leadership role. The question will be how much Onyewu’s fitness will hold up given his age and knees. Richie Marquez returns to hold down the other CB slot while Fabinho will compete with new signee Giuliano Wijnaldum for minutes at LB. Well traveled and world experienced newcomer Haris Medunjanin will be given charge as the #6 while Alejandro Bedoya brings his physicality and range to the #8 role. Ilsinho and Chris Pontius will be up front to drive the attack, which will be multifaceted and go through the wings as much as central midfield. Pontius has good crossing and long range strike capability while Ilsinho can cut inside and attack the box. Fafa Picault will push them for minutes. Fabian Herbers and Roland Alberg need to step up in central attacking midfield now that Tranquil Barnetta is gone to Switzerland. Both have ability but need to stake their claim with more creativity and consistency. Bedoya will push far forward in attack whenever he can as well. C.J. Sapong and Jake Simpson will both have their chances to produce goals as a lone striker and one of them needs to make the role his own. Sapong started well last year but faded. 19 year old homegrown Derrick Jones has shown promise in central midfield while Marcus Epps has impressed in his short look at winger. Warren Creavalle is an experienced MLS player that can help out in the middle. It remains to be seen if Maurice Edu can remain healthy enough to make a significant contribution on the pitch. Charlie Davies had a tumultuous season last year but returns for a look up top. Ray Gaddis is an experienced and capable D. Jim Curtin will be expected to achieve positive results with this squad. The Union have a nice combination of promising youth and seasoned experience. Depth is better and the talent seems to be there. A couple more players need to really distinguish themselves and execution simply needs to be better. CB is a position to be cautious about with Yaro’s absence and Onyewu’s fitness.

FC Dallas
Nickname: Toros, Hoops
Colors: Republic Red, Lonestar White, Shawnee Silver, Bovine Blue
Kit Sponsor: AdvoCare
Ground: Toyota Stadium (16,215), grass

Owner: Clark Hunt (USA), Dan Hunt (USA)
Executive: President Dan Hunt (USA), Director Fernando Clavijo (USA)
Manager: Oscar Pareja (COL)

MLS Cups Won: 0
Supporters Shields Won: 1 (2016)
US Open Cups Won: 2 (1997, 2016)
2016 Record: 17-8-9, 1st place Western, 1st place overall

Farewells: F Fabian Castillo (to Trabzonspor), D Zach Loyd (to ATL), Mauro Rosales (to VAN)
Greetings: F Cristian Colman (from Nacional Asuncion), M Roland Lamah (from Ferencvaros), D Hernan Grana (from All Boys), M Javier Morales (from RSL), D Anibal Chala (from El Nacional), M Carlos Cermeno (from Deportivo Tachira), M Jacori Hayes (from Wake Forest)

Outlook: FCD is legit. This club ran to a domestic double in a superb season that was cut short at the tail end by the loss of their best player and the buzzsaw that was Seattle. They should be as good, perhaps even better this year, such is the depth of their young talent and homegrown players. Maxi Urruti was often the lone striker up top and, while capable of moments of brilliance, was frustratingly inconsistent. Enter 22 year old Paraguayan Cristian Colman to motivate him and take some goals for himself as well. Mauro Diaz was having an MVP year orchestrating the FCD attack when his Achilles ruptured in late October. He will hopefully return at some point midway through the season but until he does MLS veteran #10 Javier Morales was signed as reinforcement. Morales has lost a step and some productivity but he can still contribute and his experience along with his presence is worth a lot. Also capable of driving the offense is Carlos Gruezo. At age 21, all he has done so far is become a regular at Stuttgart as a teenager, play in a World Cup, and become the first Ecuadorian to score a Bundesliga goal. He can play on the wing or in central midfield, is fast, and is eager to prove himself. He will have his chance to step up as a real playmaker in Diaz’ absence. Colombian winger Michael Barrios is very good and entering his third year at FCD. New signee Roland Lamah slots in on the left wing in Fabian Castillo’s old spot. He is a very capable and crafty veteran footballer who should seamlessly step into the lineup. Kellyn Acosta has been developed by Oscar Pareja for the last couple of years and is becoming a complete player. He will probably play as a #6 but can also be a true box to box MF. He is an excellent passer, is fast, and is physical. He has the speed to move high in the attack yet recover if need be and is a very good tackler. He may be arriving on a new level as a player with his growing confidence. MLS Defender of the Year Matt Hedges and young new USMNT international Walker Zimmerman are the best CB pairing in MLS. Hernan Grana and Maynor Figueroa are the outside backs and bring a tonne of European and South American experience with them. Chris Seitz is so good that he took the GK starting position from young Jesse Gonzalez, who is very talented. Together, they may be the best two keepers on one team. The depth on hand is significant. Carlos Cermeno arrives via loan from the Venezuelan first division to audition his talents in midfield. Young defender Anibal Chala was signed from Ecuador. Victor Ulloa has progressed well under Pareja and provides experienced depth as a central MF. Ryan Hollingshead stopped to help a stalled motorist last month and was hit by a car for his trouble, suffering a broken neck in the process. Amazingly, he should recover without surgery after a few months in a neck brace. He had become a very good MF and although he will be missed he will of course be carefully and slowly brought back to fitness. Tesho Akindele is a dangerous attacking player who would be an everyday starter for many clubs. Atiba Harris has tonnes of quality minutes as a FB and a winger. Jacori Hayes is 21 years old, a true #10, and was one of the best players in college last year at Wake Forest (the college soccer equivalent of Alabama). He could be nurtured by Pareja into the next star. Pareja is the best manager in MLS, a successful and immensely experienced developer of young talent. These guys are young, deep, strong on both ends of the pitch, and fun to watch.

Houston Dynamo
Nickname: Dynamo
Colors: Orange, White, & Space City Blue
Kit Sponsor: BHP Billiton
Ground: BBVA Compass Stadium (22,039), grass

Owner: Gabriel Brener (MEX), Ben Guill (USA), Oscar De La Hoya (USA), Jake Silverstein (USA)
Executive: President Chris Canetti (USA), GM Matt Jordan (USA)
Manager: Wilmer Cabrera (COL)

MLS Cups Won: 2 (2006, 2007)
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 7-14-13, last place Western, 19th place overall

Farewells: F Will Bruin (to SEA), M Collen Warner (to MIN), D David Horst (to RSL), D Sheanon Williams (to VAN)
Greetings: D A.J. DeLaGarza (from LA), D Leonardo (from LA), D Adolfo Machado (from Saprissa), F Alberth Elis (from Monterrey), D Dylan Remick (from SEA), M Juan David Cabeza (from Deportivo Cali), M Joe Holland (from Hofstra)

Outlook: Houston was in disarray last year with problems all over the pitch from offensive sputtering, to a lack of midfield execution, to defensive breakdowns. The team was largely shuffled in the aftermath. Enter Wilmer Cabrera as manager, who just completed a successful year at Rio Grande Valley, Houston’s USL club. Honduran internationals Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis were brought in to work with Mauro Manotas up top and hopefully augment the attack. There is promise and talent with all three players. Midfield is unspectacular and the Dynamo lack a proper #10. Erick Torres was signed in 2015 and the Dynamo are still waiting for his first goal. Alex and Eric Alexander are both solid and experienced, yet Alex disappears for long periods and Alexander lacks creativity. 21 year old Jose Escalante, who spent last year leading the attack at Rio Grande under Cabrera, will get a look. Andrew Wenger and Boniek Garcia are veterans capable of causing some trouble on the wing. Ricardo Clark is 34 and still contributing. The Dynamo have faith in rookie Joe Holland to develop into the midfield equation. Juan David Cabeza was signed to be the #6. He has bounced around Colombian clubs for years with varying degrees of success. The back line has been retooled with experienced veterans and leadership. Panamanian international and Saprissa captain Adolfo Machado was signed to partner with MLS veteran Leonardo at CB. A.J. DeLaGarza was brought in from LA to fill RB and USMNT legend Damarcus Beasley returns at LB with all his age, quality, and experience. Tyler Deric remains the GK and has been solid. There is not a lot of good depth up front and in the back. This was a team lacking real playmakers; someone needs to emerge. The Dynamo need the young attackers to step into the roles and produce, the midfield to find a leader that can drive the offense, and the defense to tighten up. This team, along with their new manager, are an open book with lots of unanswered questions.

Portland Timbers
Nickname: Timbers
Colors: Ponderosa Green & Moss Green
Kit Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
Ground: Providence Park (21,144), turf

Owner: Merritt Paulson (USA)
Executive: GM Gavin Wilkinson (NZL)
Manager: Caleb Porter (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 1 (2015)
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 12-14-8, 7th place Western, 12th place overall

Farewells: D Nat Borchers (retired), M Jack Jewsbury (retired), M Ned Grabavoy (retired), D Steven Taylor (to Ipswich Town), F Jack McInerney (unsigned), M Lucas Melano (to Belgrano)
Greetings: M Sebastian Blanco (from San Lorenzo), M David Guzman (from Saprissa), F Jeremy Ebobisse (from Duke), M Dairon Asprilla (from Millonarios), D Lawrence Olum (from SKC), Roy Miller (from Saprissa), GK Jeff Attinella (from Real Monarchs)

Outlook: Portland fizzled last year in defense of their MLS Cup and in response additional reinforcements have been made for the attack, defense, and in depth. The front four of Fanendo Adi, Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe, and Sebastian Blanco should be among the very best in MLS. Adi is a physical wrecking ball at striker. Valeri is one of the best #10 CAMs in the league, striking and distributing with equal skill. Nagbe can outduel most defenders and should create havoc on the left wing, which he prefers to the right. The addition of Blanco on the right allows Nagbe to move left and gives the Timbers another fast, dynamic, and skilled winger. Diego Chara is a #8, good on both ends of the pitch. Experienced Costa Rican international David Guzman was signed as the first true #6 in a while for Portland and will help defend the rear. The Timbers had the worst defense in their conference last year and it was a prime reason for their lack of wins, along with terrible away form (lack of mental strength and focus) and inconsistency on the wings. Concerns still remain for the back line. CB Liam Ridgewell was solid but his partner is an open question. Nat Borchers retired and his heir apparent, young Nigerian international Gbenga Arokoyo, ruptured his Achilles in January. Roy Miller and Lawrence Olum will attempt to fill the role. Miller is a Costa Rican international that has spent the last seven years at New York Red Bulls and Saprissa while Olum has spent the last several years on and off with SKC, among others. One of them needs to put in solid play and claim the position. Outside backs Alfas Powell and Vytas will move forward in attack. Both are internationals for their respective countries, Jamaica and Lithuania, and both are pivotal to Portland’s chances for success. GK Jake Gleeson stepped in for injured Adam Kwarasey and played well. Portland has a lot of depth. D Rennico Clarke, D Marco Farfan, and F Victor Arboleda are all young, talented players that will play. Experienced Chance Myers arrives from SKC and will help out at FB. Zarek Valentin has ability on the back line. Ben Zemanski is an experienced defensive MF. Jack Barmby can assist the top of the midfield. Dairon Asprilla returns from Millonarios to reinforce the wing. Young Jeremy Ebobisse is a very talented rookie striker. Caleb Porter will deploy his 4-2-3-1 and ask his squad to press, control possession, and be multifaceted in attack through the wings as well as central midfield. Guzman and Chara need to shore up the midfield defense and the outside backs need to cover space. Portland should be very good this year.

Real Salt Lake
Nickname: Claret & Cobalt
Colors: Claret Red, Cobalt Blue, & Real Gold
Kit Sponsor: LifeVantage
Ground: Rio Tinto Stadium (21,030), grass

Owner: Dell Loy Hansen (USA)
Executive: GM Craig Waibel (USA)
Manager: Jeff Cassar (USA)

MLS Cups Won: 1 (2009)
Supporters Shields Won: 0
US Open Cups Won: 0
2016 Record: 12-12-10, 6th place Western, 9th place overall

Farewells: F Burrito Martinez (to Velez Sarsfield), M Javier Morales (to FCD), D Jamison Olave (unsigned), F Devon Sandoval (to San Francisco)
Greetings: M Albert Rusnak (from Groningen), F Brooks Lennon (from Liverpool), D David Horst (from HOU), F Chad Barrett (from SJ), M Luis Silva (from Tigres), D Reagan Dunk (from Denver), F Sebastian Saucedo (from Veracruz), GK Matt Van Oekel (from Edmonton)

Outlook: For ten years Javier Morales pulled the strings at RSL, leading the club to much success and amassing 240 appearances. He is now gone and RSL begins somewhat of a new era on the pitch. Enter Albert Rusnak to drive the offense. The 22 year old Slovak has spent the last two years playing a lot of football in the Eredivisie and helping Groningen to the Europa League. He will lead the attack from central midfield. On his left will be Joao Plata, a dynamic winger that can score, create chances, and distribute. 21 year old Jordan Allen will have the opportunity to stake his claim on the right. Yuri Movsisyan is again up top as a pure #9. Brooks Lennon returns for a year from Liverpool, where he has shown a lot of ability. He will see time on the pitch although he will also be heavily involved with the USMNT U20. Chad Barrett is a veteran who offers quality depth. In midfield, returning veteran Luke Mulholland offers stability as a #8. RSL icon Kyle Beckerman still guards the rear although he is finally beginning to show some wear and tear as he approaches 35 years of age. Sunny will also see minutes as a defensive MF in Beckerman’s relief. Luis Silva has flashed glimpses of talent as an attacking MF but has disappeared the last two years at RSL then Tigres. He returns with the hope of showing some of the ability he displayed at DC United. Young Jamaican international Omar Holness will get his looks. Sebastian Saucedo is a creative attacker who is also a part of the USMNT U20 squad. Tony Beltran, still in his 20s, returns at RB for his 10th year at RSL with over 220 appearances. Superdraft pick Reagan Dunk will see minutes as Beltran’s understudy. On the other side of the backline, a pair of erstwhile veterans in Chris Wingert and Demar Phillips will battle for minutes. At CB, Justen Glad, Aaron Maund, Chris Schuler, and David Horst will all have roles. Glad saw a lot of time last year and is promising at the position. He will be drawn away often with the USMNT U20 team as they prepare for the World Cup. Maund has significant experience from the past few years. Schuler has been inconsistent and hampered by injuries. Horst arrives from a difficult season with Houston. While slightly unsettled, enough depth exists at CB position to provide a level of security. Nick Rimando returns as GK and will turn 38 years old this summer. Matt Van Oekel, from Edmonton, and young Lalo Fernandez of Real Monarchs will compete to be Rimando’s backup. Jeff Cassar enters his fourth year managing RSL with a record of ho hum results and there is a thought that this season could be make or break for him. Popular and successful former NY manager Mike Petke was recently hired to lead the club’s USL affiliate Real Monarchs. Draw conclusions as you see fit.

Last night's match was absolute shambles for Minnesota. But what can you really expect when you start Jermaine Taylor at right back. He was involved in almost every lapse last night from Minnesota, much like he was last year when he played for Portland. It's no wonder Portland were so bad in defense last year.

I'm actually excited to watch Columbus and Chicago this afternoon. Would not have imagined that being the case after last season, but I think both of these teams will be much improved, and are dark horses to make the playoffs. Columbus moreso, but don't sleep on Chicago.

All about the Whitecaps!

Welcome Shea!


Alphonso Davies



Eta: Sweet thread OP

Dallas has reloaded

Upvote. Tremendous. Absolutely tremendous.

Alphonso Davies is an exciting, talented player. It is amazing that he is only 16 years old yet playing with a kind of calm confidence.