With the new MLS season starting this Sunday, speculation about what’s coming our way runs wild. Here are five predictions for the 2016 season.
By Jamie Martin
The Portland Timbers took last year’s MLS Cup, but they are by no means assured of a repeat in the new campaign.
With so much to look forward to this weekend, here are five predictions for 2016:
New York Clubs Struggle
Both teams in the New York area experienced somewhat dramatic makeovers in the off season, NYCFC to a greater degree, that have modified their rosters. However, expect the two teams to experience similar fates.
NYCFC have added many new faces, the most significant being the high profile hiring of manager Patrick Vieira. Their roster looks more promising than last season’s but relying on a few aging players and having a true lack of experience in their ranks will prevent the club from having a strong second season. Expansion clubs require a certain mold to be successful and it is truly difficult to see NYCFC figuring that out in 2016.
The Red Bulls had a very strong 2015 season but will have to adjust their plans due to the departure of 20 year old defender Matt Miazga to Chelsea of the English Premier League. Though they have kept virtually the same players as last season, the club will struggle to replace Miazga, a fan favorite who was one of the biggest contributors to their success. It is possible that the Red Bulls could stay among the top teams in MLS, but it will likely take them a decent amount of games to get it right.
Sebastian Giovinco Continues to Score…But is Sold
Sebastian Giovinco has proven that he can compete at a very high level. In his first season in the MLS, the Italian forward totaled 22 goals and 13 assists and was named MVP. He will continue to score at such an impressive level in 2016 but it could easily come at a cost for both Toronto FC and major league soccer.
Giovinco is a forward of very high quality, one that truly deserves another chance overseas. He has stated that he loves playing in Toronto and has no desire to leave, but having played for such a big club as Juventus, Giovinco may struggle to deny a chance of playing in Europe once again.
European and Chinese clubs will come beckoning for the goalscorer this summer and Toronto FC will have no choice but to sell high. Giovinco is happy in the MLS but with his quality a chance in the Premier League or Italy would be very difficult to resist.
Jordan Morris Wins Rookie of the Year
It was a huge decision for Jordan Morris to choose the Sounders over Werder Bremen, and one that will bring many benefits for his new club.
Morris is one of the most exciting prospects in American soccer and after thriving at Stanford, he has decided to make the jump to the pros a year early. The 21 year old has already played for the national team multiple times and proved his quality on the big stage.
With Obafemi Martins departing for China, the Sounders will likely deploy Morris as one of their main forwards for 2016. This will enable him to thrive in his first season in the pros and ultimately win the Rookie of the Year award.
Portland Wins the Supporters’ Shield
The Portland Timbers got hot at the right time during the 2015 season, making an incredible run through the playoffs and ultimately winning the MLS Cup.
Though they have lost a few big names, the Timbers added depth to their squad and will look to build on past success in the new season. With a strong defense and an exciting attacking line, Caleb Porter’s side will be the best regular season team in the MLS.
Diego Valeri will lead the Timbers to a Supporters’ Shield but the club will ultimately come up short in the playoffs.
LA Galaxy Wins the MLS Cup
The LA Galaxy have arguably the strongest team on paper heading into the 2016 season. They have added very strong talent including former AC Milan star Nigel De Jong and English defender Ashley Cole. Defender Omar Gonzalez has departed for Mexico, but with so many exciting players, the Galaxy won’t struggle to replace him.
Many of the club’s aging stars will be gunning for a title as they approach the end of their careers and Bruce Arena’s side is in no better place than to win it this season.
The rest of the league will find it difficult to compete with such a strong team, and the LA Galaxy will take back the MLS Cup in 2016.