Thursday 5 March 2015 19:39, UK
The new Major League Soccer season kicks off on March 6 - and you can follow the Stateside action on Sky Sports. But which teams are in the running for the title?
Here are five teams to watch this season...
LA Galaxy
The five-time MLS Cup winners and current holders are looking to create a dynasty. Head coach Bruce Arena has been quick to replace retiring legend Landon Donovan, with Steven Gerrard taking up the third designated player spot in July.
Captain and 2014 MVP Robbie Keane will be looking to add to his 53 goal tally this year. The Republic of Ireland captain will attempt to lead a team filled with MLS veterans and up-and-coming stars to the playoffs, a feat they have failed to achieve only three times in their history.
Sky Bet odds: 7/2
Seattle Sounders
Although they have never won the MLS Cup since joining the league in 2009, this could well be their year.
With an average attendance of 38,912 last season, they are by far the best-supported team in MLS. They also have the financial muscle and the prolific strike duo of Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey, who had 32 goals combined in MLS last season.
So far this pre-season, they have kept the core of their squad together as they look to build on last year’s success when they won the US Open Cup and the MLS Supporter’s Shield.
Sky Bet odds: 11/2
Toronto FC
Last season was supposed to be the year that Toronto would shake up MLS. The arrivals of Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley from Roma were expected to take the team to that elusive, first-ever MLS Cup - or at least to their first post-season.
It was not to be, though, as changes in the front office including head coach Ryan Nelsen, alongside player unrest in the case of Defoe, led to another disappointing season.
The new season brings new hope. The Altidore-Bradley combination could prove effective with fans hoping Altidore can replicate his AZ Alkmaar form, where he scored 51 times in 93 games, opposed to his dismal record at Sunderland.
If the two can stay fit and combine like they do regularly for the US national team, then Toronto may finally taste the kind of success that matches their financial strength.
Sky Bet odds: 14/1
Sporting Kansas City
The 2013 MLS Cup winners had a disappointing 2014, finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and falling at the first hurdle in the play-offs.
Head coach Peter Vermes has brought back Honduran international Roger Espinoza from Wigan, who should add some steel to their central midfield. The squad also contains US internationals Matt Besler and Graham Zusi, who in recent years have attracted great interest from European clubs.
And then there is Dom Dwyer. Infamous for his selfie celebration last year, the Englishman scored 22 goals in MLS last season. There is undoubtedly a strong spine to the team.
Their attractive brand of football under Vermes has won them many plaudits - but another title would earn them more.
Sky Bet odds: 25/1
Orlando City SC
Potentially the dark horses of MLS in 2015, Orlando City seems to be doing everything right when it comes to building an expansion team. They have a brand new stadium under construction and already boast a dedicated fan base after spending four seasons in USL Pro - the third tier in the US Soccer pyramid, where they won the league three times.
In their bid to attract a Hispanic/South American fan base, Orlando are building a squad based on pace and flair with Kaka acting as the catalyst. Brek Shea has also joined from Stoke City with US soccer fans hoping he can resurrect his stalled career.
Orlando may not have history behind them, but they are confident and claim they can become "one of the pre-eminent sporting organizations in the world."
Sky Bet odds: 20/1
