With the 2018 MLS season underway, we decided to look at some of the teams that are fancied to have a great season. Some of these teams are pre-season favorites, while a couple are our underdog picks. When the MLS cup winner is crowned in a few months’ time, we believe it will be one of these teams!
Toronto FC
Last year’s winners of the MLS Cup are surely among the favorites again. There is no doubt Toronto FC will be wanting to repeat the feat of the 2017 season. They were remarkable in the final against Seattle, and with the likes of Gregory van der Wiel and Auro joining the squad, they look even stronger. Another deep playoff run is a safe bet where Toronto is concerned.
Seattle Sounders
The Seattle Sounders did everything but win the MLS Cup last season. They were remarkable in their conference, but were second best on the night to Toronto in the final. Coach Brian Schemtzer will be hoping his team can go one better this season. They still have the likes of Clint Dempsey and Roman Torres, which makes this a very formidable team.
NYCFC
Last season was the best in NYCFC’s history, with the team finishing on 57 points in the regular season. But fans want more, and there is no doubt that going beyond the Eastern Conference semifinals is a priority for NYCFC. And when a team can boast a forward as talented as David Villa, it is hard to bet against them. If Villa can keep scoring, NYCFC will have a wonderful season.
As a side note, NYCFC fans can now get tips on games before they commit their money to a result. Betzcenter has just launched a free service that provides MLS fans with tips about upcoming games. By getting MLS betting tips on BetzCenter, fans will have a much easier time deciding where to put their money.
LAFC
It would be a Cinderella story of epic proportions if LAFC won the MLS Cup in their inaugural season. But the team is already showing its quality, beating Seattle 1-0 in the opening game of the season. The team is coached by former Swansea manager Bob Bradley, and boasts the likes of Carlos Vela in the playing squad. They may be a new club, but LAFC have already recruited impressively. They will have a strong season, and could be a dark horse in the playoffs.
Atlanta
Despite failing to impress in the playoffs, Atlanta United are one of the darlings of the MLS. Their fan base is loud and passionate, and their football is attacking and a joy to watch. If a coach can combine that attacking football with better discipline in the playoffs, Atlanta could be a team that competes for the MLS Cup.
With the only a round of games played, fans have so much MLS action to enjoy in the coming months. The beauty of this league is that anyone could be crowned the MLS cup winner at the end of the season. We will be eagerly awaiting the progress of these fancied teams.
