Sunday 8 March 2015 12:56, UK
Who's tipped for glory? Who's got the strangest mascot? And which players could shine? Here's your team-by-team guide as the 2015 MLS season kicks off...
EASTERN CONFERENCE
CHICAGO FIRE
Stadium: Toyota Park (30,000)
Coach: Frank Yallop
Last season: 9th
Key men: Shaun Maloney, David Accam
What they sing: 'Fire, go! Fire, go! Fire, fire, fire, go!' With pyrotechnics, of course.
In a nutshell: Original expansion team for whom recent years have been lean. It was 2006 when they last lifted a trophy (US Open Cup) and an underwhelming 2014 – pockmarked by a league-record 18 draws – kept the home fans grinding teeth in frustration. Yallop has at least overhauled his squad with 12 additions including former Wigan man Shaun Maloney and pacy Ghanaian striker David Accam. A rebuilding job, for sure, but potenial aplenty.
COLUMBUS CREW
Stadium: MAPFRE Stadium (20,145)
Coach: Gregg Berhalter
Last season: 3rd, MLS Cup Conference semi-finals
Key men: Kei Kamara, Federico Higuain
What they sing: 'We all cheer for the yellow soccer team, the yellow soccer team, the yellow soccer team.'
In a nutshell: Industrious Midwesteners, who, after a sluggish start, stormed to the 2014 play-offs, only to get drubbed by New England Revolution. Berhalter won't want to tinker too much and has made a smart offseason move in securing playmaker Federico Higuain on a bumper new deal, as well as adding options on the wings. In, too, comes Kei Kamara, the man who scored just four goals in 25 appearances for Middlesbrough but has MLS previous with Sporting Kansas City, where he won hearts and stomachs with impromptu parties at his favourite burrito joint. The Crew look to have the recipe for a successful season.
DC UNITED
Stadium: RFK Stadium (45,596)
Coach: Ben Olsen
Last season: 1st, MLS Cup Conference semi-finals
Key men: Fabian Espindola, Perry Kitchen, Markus Halsti
What they sing: 'Vamos United! Esta noche, tenemos que ganar!' (Let's go, United, tonight we have to win!) Rallying cry of multicultural La Barra Brava, one of the oldest supporter groups in the league. This one's even stitched into the collar of the team's new kit.
In a nutshell: Four-time winners of both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield, DC are the original powerhouse scrambling for a return to glory. Last year's worst-to-first campaign made a fresh hero out of former player Ben Olsen, even though his side flopped against rivals New York Red Bulls in the play-offs. Fabian Espindola will miss the first six games after shoving the referee in that finale but Olsen has crafted a decent blend of youth and experience, with Markus Halsti a versatile addition and Perry Kitchen young and able in midfield. No more lurching between extremes; a solid play-off proposition at least.
MONTREAL IMPACT
Stadium: Stade Saputo (20,521)
Coach: Frank Klopas
Last season: 10th
Key men: Ignacio Piatti, Laurent Ciman, Marco Donadel
What they sing: 'Allez l'lmpact Allez!' (Go, Impact, go!) This is French Quebec, after all.
In a nutshell: Cheese magnate Joey Saputo has strived to build a team with European flair but the Impact have struggled to live up to their name in the MLS. And yet, there's a sudden whiff of optimism as the new term approaches. Yep, Nigel Reo-Coker's signed up but a historic win over Mexican side Pachuca in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals has really brought back some buzz. Star striker Marco Di Vaio has hung up his boots but Belgian defender Laurent Ciman bolsters the backline and Ignacio Piatti is fit again. Could surprise a few.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Stadium: Gillette Stadium (68,756)
Coach: Jay Heaps
Last season: 2nd, MLS Cup runners-up
Key men: Lee Nguyen, Jermaine Jones, Juan Agudelo
What they sing: 'Come on Revs, let's score a goal, it's pretty freakin' simple...' (yep, to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy).
In a nutshell: The team that needs no motivation; a 2014 playoff defeat to the LA Galaxy means five opportunities to land that elusive first MLS Cup have now gone begging. Jay Heaps' side had attacking swagger before the return of Juan Agudelo, US international Jermaine Jones and 18-goal Lee Nguyen the gas behind last that second-half surge. So long as key players stay healthy, the Revs will be frontrunners for the long haul.
NEW YORK CITY FC
Stadium: Yankee Stadium (54,251)
Coach: Jason Kreis
Last season: N/A
Key men: David Villa, Frank Lampard (when he arrives), Mix Diskerud
What they sing: 'New York City, all the way, New York City, we came to play..' (David Villa pitches in for City's new anthem with – barely audible – backing vocals.)
In a nutshell: The team people love to hate – already. Frank Lampard's transfer saga means the Big Apple's expansion franchise has made its mark before a competitive ball has been kicked. David Villa is another big-name signing but at least boss Jason Kreis knows this league – possession football his game – and brings a handful of pluckier pros with him from Real Salt Lake. Results will be expected given the money spent but as joint-owners Manchester City know, buying success is never simple.
NEW YORK RED BULLS
Stadium: Red Bull Arena (25,000)
Coach: Jesse Marsch
Last season: 4th, MLS Cup Conference runners-up
Key men: Bradley Wright-Phillips, Sacha Klijsten
What they sing: 'Oh when the Bulls, go trampling, oh when the Bulls go trampling...'
In a nutshell: Seemingly-cursed franchise in flux after a string of big-name exits and a shock sacking. The Red Bulls had bombed for almost two decades until Mike Petke served up the Supporters Shield and then almost an MLS Cup appearance. But Petke is gone and so too are talismen Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill. Sacha Klijsten is the poster boy for a new era of prudence and teamwork but fans are twitchy and though Bradley Wright-Phillips scored for fun last term, holes further back need plugging. Perhaps a fresh rivalry with the noisy neighbours will inspire a play-off push.
ORLANDO CITY SC
Stadium: Citrus Bowl (65,438)
Coach: Adrian Heath
Last season: N/A
Key men: Kaka, Brek Shea, Kevin Molino
What they sing: 'We are the loudest, we chant for City, and we are the proudest! City score us a goal, City score us a goal...'
In a nutshell: Kaka meets Adrian Heath. The ex-Everton midfielder, plying his trade in the States since 2008, has built a side around the Brazilian former World Player of the Year and expectations are high. Only eight players remain from last season in the third tier USL Pro so Heath has a job on his hands to conjure chemistry between MLS stalwarts and younger bucks like Kevin Molino. Play-offs are the aim but can Kaka, at 32, carry hopes week after week?
PHILADELPHIA UNION
Stadium: PPL Park (18,500)
Coach: Jim Curtin
Last season: 6th
Key men: Andrew Wenger, Maurice Edu, Fernando Aristeguieta
What they sing: 'Oh, you can't scare me, I'm stickin' to the Union, stickin' to the Union, stickin' to the Union'
In a nutshell: On the bubble. Jim Curtin has taken the reins on a permanent basis and looks to have added smartly to the 2014 core. Steven Vitoria arrives from Benfica and should shore up the defence, while Andrew Wenger has profited in a front three and Fernando Aristeguieta scored twice on his debut after arriving from Nantes. Can they start well and build some momentum?
TORONTO FC
Stadium: BMO Field (30,000)
Coach: Greg Vanney
Last season: 7th
Key men: Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco
What they sing: 'Who supports the strong and free? Who supports the TFC? We do, we do...'
In a nutshell: Hotly-tipped after swapping Jermain Defoe... for Jozy Altidore. Last season was supposed to be the year – remember that 'Bloody Big Deal' campaign? – but Defoe got homesick and boss Ryan Nelsen got fired. Toronto are desperate for glory having failed to make the play-offs in eight attempts but with Sebastian Giovinco – a marquee arrival from Juventus – alongside Michael Bradley and Benoit Cheyrou, look to boast their strongest side yet. Those high-profile names must gel quickly, though, and stadium renovations means two months of games on the road.
COLORADO RAPIDS
Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park (18,086)
Coach: Pablo Mastroeni
Last season: 8th
Key men: Dillon Powers, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Harrington
What they sing: 'We all bleed Rapids burgundy, Rapids burgundy, Rapids burgundy...' (to the tune of Yellow Submarine)
In a nutshell: Struggling for identity after an alarming slump. The Rapids made a surprise play-off appearance in 2013 but found waters rough once Oscar Pareja left for Dallas. Pablo Mastroeni tried to keep his young side on track but injuries took hold they and careered towards the finish line, going 14 games without a win. Older heads in Marcelo Sarvas and Michael Harrington have arrived but there are still questions marks all over the pitch – not least in a defence that conceded a league-worst 62 goals last term.
FC DALLAS
Stadium: Toyota Stadium (20,500)
Coach: Oscar Pareja
Last season: 4th, MLS Cup Conference semi-finals
Key men: Fabian Castillo, Tesho Akindele
What they sing: 'We. Are. The. Hoops... FC Dallas!'
In a nutshell: Young and fearless. Oscar Pareja headed back to Texas, Colorado blueprint in hand, and led his new side to the semi-final round of the play-offs, where they were only edged out by eventual Shield winners Seattle. The likes of Fabian Castillo and Tesho Akindele are quick with and without the ball and while Pareja could do with another man up front, a healthy and flexible pack will keep any opponent on their toes.
HOUSTON DYNAMO
Stadium: BBVA Compass Stadium (22,039)
Coach: Owen Coyle
Last season: 8th
Key men: Giles Barnes, Erick Torres, Raul Rodriguez
What they sing: 'Oh Dynamo, you are my love, you're all I need, we'll follow you wherever you may go...'
In a nutshell: Opportunity knocks. Former Burnley and Bolton boss Owen Coyle was drafted in after Dynamo failed to reach the postseason for only the second time in their history but in an competitive Western Conference, this might be a year for fresh foundations. Coyle has problems to address at both ends of the field but has first looked in another direction, extending the width of the Houston pitch. Raul Rodriguez arrives from Espanyol and should help a leaky defence but this team reeks of last season's and Coyle has his work cut out.
LA GALAXY
Stadium: StubHub Center (27,000)
Coach: Bruce Arena
Last season: 2nd, MLS Cup champions
Key men: Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes
What they sing: 'This is LA, our city, our home. Los Angeles, you’ll never walk alone. Forever true, we’ll stay in tribute to our city. No matter where we go, this is our home.'
In a nutshell: The flag-flyers, the global icons, the team to beat – again. Landon Donovan retired a winner after last season's fifth MLS Cup win and though Steven Gerrard won't check in until July, Bruce Arena's side are in good shape to extend their latest era of dominance. Gyasi Zardes, comfortable up front or on the left flank that Donovan has vacated, made a name for himself in 2014 and should really leave prints this time around. Arena's side got better as the season went on and when tough play-off challenges came – Seattle and New England – they found a way. Winners always do.
PORTLAND TIMBERS
Stadium: Providence Park (20,438)
Coach: Caleb Porter
Last season: 6th
Key men: Diego Valeri, Fanendo Adi, Darlington Nagbe
What they sing: Who needs chants when you've got chainsaw-wielding lumberjack mascot Joey, who saws a slice off a log after every Timbers goal?
In a nutshell: Licking wounds after near-miss. Having recovered from a lacklustre start, the Timbers agonisingly missed out on the playoffs by just a point, injuries to Will Johnson and Diego Valeri cutting deep. Caleb Porter has focused on tightening up at the back so Nat Borchers could be a key recruit, but with playmaker Diego Valeri still recovering from a torn cruciate, Darlington Nagbe, always eager, could thrive. Rowdy home support might help push Portland into postseason but it's a jungle out there.
REAL SALT LAKE
Stadium: Rio Tinto Stadium (20,213)
Coach: Jeff Cassa
Last season: 3rd, MLS Cup Conference semi-finals
Key men: Jamison Olave, Luis Gil, Kyle Beckermann
What they sing: 'Come to the mountainside, for Lions in our pride, let's hear your voices roar, as we get set to score!'
In a nutshell: Proud, plucky but much-changed. Real Salt Lake have reached the postseason seven years in a row but they were bruised by a 5-0 humbling at the hands of LA Galaxy in the Western Conference semi-finals. Garth Lagerwey, Robbie Findley, Ned Grabavoy and Nat Borchers have all left for pastures new but defender Jamison Olave has been lured back from New York and a successful crop of youngsters – including Luis Gil – offers hope. Still, they'll struggle to recreate successes of old.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Stadium: Avaya Stadium (18,000)
Coach: Dominic Kinnear
Last season: 9th
Key men: Chris Wondolowski, Perez Garcia, Innocent Emeghara
What they sing: 'Since I was born, I had a dream, to be there every game, representing for my team. Oh San Jose, oh San Jose, oh San Jose!'
In a nutshell: Familiar faces, fresh hopes. Former coach Dominic Kinnear returns to usher in a new era at the Avaya Stadium but how the Quakes need to look forward, not back. Last season was miserable – just six wins and a paltry 35 goals in 34 matches. Perez Garcia is fit after a first season crippled by injury, while new signing Innocent Emeghara is tipped to stretch defences for Chris Wondolowski's gain. With more graft than craft on show, though, don't expect too many ripples.
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Stadium: CenturyLink Field (67,000)
Coach: Sigi Schmid
Last season: 1st, MLS Cup Conference runners-up
Key men: Osvaldo Alonso, Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins
What they sing: 'The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle. And the hills the greenest green, in Seattle. Like a beautiful child, growing up, free and wild. Full of hopes and full of fears, full of laughter, full of tears. Full of dreams to last the years, in Seattle.'
In a nutshell: An enduring force, on the pitch and in the stands. Schmid's side bagged the US Open Cup trophy, a team-record 20 wins and a much-coveted Supporters' Shield but they remain desperate for that first MLS Cup, LA Galaxy the Seattle party-poopers. The Sounders have lost DeAndre Yedlin to Tottenham but much of squad that made for a magical last season remains intact. The likes of Obafemi Martins, Clint Dempsey and Osvaldo Alonso puts them ahead of most in the West and Century Link Field will rock to big numbers again. Bring on the Galaxy.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Stadium: Sporting Park (18,467)
Coach: Peter Vermes
Last season: 5th, MLS Cup knockout round (Eastern Conference)
Key men: Dom Dwyer, Roger Espinoza, Benny Feilhaber
What they sing: 'We’re all part of Vermes’ army, we’re all out to win the league, and were gonna live it up when Sporting wins the Cup, Kansas City has the greatest football team.'
In a nutshell: No 'I' in team. Peter Vermes' team are tough and organised but they ended up limping into the play-offs after a string of defensive injuries and the mid-season sale of Uri Rosell. Dom Dwyer set a new club record with 22 league goals but what if he falters? Roger Espinoza returns from a stint with Wigan and Benny Feilhaber offers versatility. A cut below the top contenders but will be in the play-off mix again.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Stadium: BC Place (54,320)
Coach: Carl Robinson
Last season: 5th, MLS Cup knockout round
Key men: Octavio Rivero, Pedro Morales
What they sing: 'Boundary Road, take me home, to the place where I belong, Vancouver, pretty mama, take me home, Boundary Road.'
In a nutshell: Homegrown, happy to fly under the radar. The Whitecaps are looking to build on the solid foundations laid by Carl Robinson in his first season in charge – a league-record number of clean sheets, a club-record 50 points and a knockout-round exit in the play-offs only after a dubious penalty call. Won't challenge the top two but with their smart blend of academy players and South Amercan talent – including new striker Octavio Rivero – they're edging closer to that breakthrough year.
Watch Major League Soccer on Sky Sports this season.
