Here on MLSfootball com, we have amassed several fantastic writers but the question is, are any of them good at predictions? Probably not, but with the MLS season just a week away it’s time to put our necks on the chopping block. Whatever you read here, just don’t put any money on it. You have been warned!
We have regular MLS contributors Tyler Webster and Craig Thompson, acclaimed romantic novelist (only kidding!) Falbros Media Group’s Chief Editor and Johnny Cooper author Chris Darwen, and a special thank you to Danny Lewis, who has joined us from our friends over at By Far The Greatest Team to contribute his thoughts. You can find Danny on twitter – @DannyLewis_95
Who will win the Eastern Conference?
Chris: Atlanta United.
Tyler: Toronto FC.
Craig: I can’t see past Toronto. What did Tyler say? Yep, Toronto it is.
Danny: It has to be Toronto FC.
Who will win the Western Conference?
Chris: Sporting Kansas City.
Tyler: LA Galaxy.
Craig: I so nearly said Colorado Rapids because I think Anthony Hudson will do really well in MLS but I’m plumping for FC Dallas.
Danny: Seattle Sounders came second in both the MLS Cup and Western Conference last year, this season they’ll manage to finish top in the Western Conference.
Who will win the MLS Cup?
Chris: Toronto FC.
Tyler: Toronto FC.
Craig: Seattle Sounders make the transition from bridesmaid to bride.
Danny: Toronto FC again.
Beaten playoff finalist?
Chris: Atlanta United.
Tyler: FC Dallas
Craig: New York City FC, you heard it here first.
Danny: Surely it won’t be Toronto vs Seattle Sounders three times in a row? I’ll go LA Galaxy.
How about the winner of the US Open Cup?
Chris: Seattle Sounders.
Tyler: FC Dallas.
Craig: Atlanta United. Some really good recruitment including Ezequiel Barco, they scream one of those ‘on their day’ sides when you combine him with Darlington Nagbe and Miguel Almirón, if Tata Martino has them properly motivated, US Open Cup could be adorned in five stripes.
Danny: I’ll go for Los Angeles FC. I don’t think they’ll have enough to top the league tables but with the buzz around the club and the likes of Carlos Vela in the squad things could click in the cup.
Who will finish bottom of the entire pile?
Chris: Minnesota United.
Tyler: Minnesota United.
Craig: Minnesota is a good call but I worry about Real Salt Lake for their unremarkable player recruitment.
Danny: I’d say Minnesota United as well.
Top scorer?
Chris: Sebastian Giovinco.
Tyler: Sebastian Giovinco.
Craig: David Villa still looks a good shout.
Danny: Josef Martinez will get a lot of goals with all of the attacking talent in the Atlanta United team helping to create chances for him to put away.
The best signing?
Chris: Ager Aketxe (Ed – just for reference, Chris did have Ezequiel Barco in here but changed it at the last minute, let’s see if he regrets that).
Tyler: Ola Kamara.
Craig: Did you know Norwich City legend Darren Huckerby won this award in 2008? No, me neither. It has to be Ezequiel Barco, doesn’t it?
Danny: Ezequiel Barco, he will have a big impact this season but at just 18-years-old he will grow year upon year.
Which new signing will stink the place out?
Chris: Joe Mason.
Tyler: Gyasi Zardes.
Craig: Zardes will score goals but with having signed so many, statistically it’s probably going to be one of the Los Angeles FC boys. Laurent Ciman might be past it? Walker Zimmerman is a good recruit for Bob Bradley’s expansion franchise but his defensive partner will struggle.
Danny: Doneil Henry. He’s been in the West Ham reserves for years and never looked like being anywhere near good enough to get near the first team.
Who will win the Landon Donovan MVP (Player of the Year) award?
Chris: Michael Bradley.
Tyler: Sebastian Giovinco.
Craig: Michael Bradley.
Danny: After securing the MLS Cup last campaign Sebastian Giovinco will have his best MLS season yet.
First manager to leave?
Chris: Remi Garde.
Tyler: Adrian Heath.
Craig: Jim Curtain, Philadelphia Union.
Danny: Adrian Heath.
Surprise of the season?
Chris: LAFC and not in a good way.
Tyler: LA Galaxy Resurgence.
Craig: Does Toronto FC not making it to the finals count? The loss of Sacha Kljestan is really underestimated for New York Red Bulls but I’ll put the house on Lee Nguyen putting his trade request behind him and starring for New England Revolution.
Danny: Gyasi Zardes to get a shedload of goals for Columbus Crew.
