ASN’s Brian Sciaretta is right here together with your 2024 Western Convention preview which sees extra groups in flux in contrast with the East. However as soon as once more, Seattle and LAFC are the category of the league. However FC Dallas may shock whereas St. Louis may have harder go.
BY
Brian Sciaretta
Posted
February 20, 2024
11:00 PM
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THE MLS WESTERN CONFERENCE in 2024 is the weaker of the conferences as extra groups are betting on newcomers and going through tough questions with current gamers. As soon as once more, it turns into powerful to wager in opposition to LAFC and Seattle simply due to a robust current core underneath the identical coaches. However even with them, there are moments that give us pause.
When revisiting my predictions from 2023, I fared properly within the Japanese Convention, however I bombed out within the West. I utterly missed out on St. Louis the place I had them final they usually completed first. In second to final, I had Houston and I missed out on their spectacular revival. I utterly overrated Austin FC and whereas I figured the Galaxy would battle, I didn’t totally grasp the depth of their issues.
To make issues worse, I really feel much less sure concerning the West at the beginning of the 2024 season than I did final 12 months. However that’s what makes this enjoyable – actually something can occur. The West doesn’t have the MLS Cup champ, the Supporters Defend winner, or the Inter Miami circus. As an alternative, we simply have much more rebuilding.
Right here we go.
Seattle Sounders
Prediction: 1st within the West
It appears boring to select Seattle to complete first, however they return a whole lot of the identical core that has introduced them a lot success. However there’s one big change as Nicholas Lodeiro left the membership and he was the guts and soul of the Sounders for a very long time. He additionally was probably the most profitable designated gamers within the historical past of the league. But it surely was additionally the appropriate time as his greatest days had been behind him and the Sounders wanted to get youthful.
Plenty of love for Pepo ???? pic.twitter.com/TWcTAnx4NJ
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 18, 2024
Seattle nonetheless has age-issues in some areas. Jordan Morris remains to be solely 29, however has a number of ACL accidents in his legs and has shifted to the No. 9 function versus the wings. Ahead Raul Ruidiaz will flip 34 this season, Joao Paulo will flip 33. Albert Rusnak will flip 30. Stefan Frei will flip 38.
However Seattle has been enhancing on this entrance. Danny Musovski will add necessary depth at ahead after Herber struggled to take action. Plus, a few of their homegrown abilities are beginning to hit within the type of Josh Atencio, Obed Vargas, and now Reed Baker-Whiting. The latter two will probably be a part of the U.S. U-20 group this cycle whereas Atencio has Olympic hopes.
Total, Seattle made an enormous splash with a high-end DP winger on the youthful facet, made a couple of tweaks right here and there, are selling children from inside, and have a superb defensive unit. That ought to be sufficient in a 12 months the place the West is stuffed with adjustments.
Key departures: Nicholas Lodeiro, Heiber
Key additions: Pedro de la Venta, Danny Musovski
Los Angeles FC
Prediction: 2nd within the West
If the West was as robust because the East, there can be extra concern over LAFC. For one, how can anybody count on Denis Bouanga to copy his record-breaking season (25 MLS objectives, 7 Concacaf Champions League objectives, and 6 Leagues Cup objectives) in 2023? It’s unrealistic to count on that. Quickly to be 35-year-old Carlos Vela can be nonetheless a free agent.
However a group like LAFC by no means sits nonetheless and a few good items are again. For the sake of getting a reliable choice, the membership introduced again Eduard Atuesta on mortgage from Palmeiras. Younger Mexican left again Omar Campos replaces the departed Diego Palacios. Then you’ve got World Cup winner Hugo Lloris now in purpose.
Preseason 2024 ?? pic.twitter.com/5tRoXz2WXo
— LAFC (@LAFC) February 18, 2024
What’s encouraging is that LAFC can be attracting younger gamers they usually signed Tomas Angel, 21, from Atletico Nacional (he’s the son of Juan Pablo Angel) and David Martinez, 18, from Monagas. Martinez is taken into account a excessive finish expertise and is a Venezuelan youth worldwide.
There are questions on LAFC however there’s expertise and a robust current core regardless of the variety of gamers who left. But it surely’s additionally powerful to be down on LAFC as a result of they nonetheless have two open DP spots and it’s exhausting to see them going the entire season with one DP in Bouanga.
Key departures: Diego Palacios, Carlos Vela (though he may return), Maxime Crepeau, Kellyn Acosta, Giorgio Chiellini
Key additions: Hugo Lloris, Omar Campos, Eduard Atuesta, Tomas Angel, David Martinez
FC Dallas
Prediction: third within the West
Now with a high No. 9, Jesus Ferreira will shift to the second striker function, the place he’s at his greatest. But when Ferreira is bought this summer season, that would depart an enormous void. Then you’ve got wingers in captain Paul Arriola and the promising Bernard Kamungo, who confirmed a ton of potential in 2023 and may very well be on the U.S. Olympic group. Newly acquired Enes Sali is an adolescent who has already been capped by Romania.
— Asier Illarramendi (@illarra4) February 19, 2024
However the remainder of the group is powerful. FC Dallas will now get a full season out of Spanish midfielder Asier Illarramendi who joined final August, and he’ll play alongside Paxton Pomykal. Additionally of be aware, winger/wingback Dante Sealy has had a fantastic preseason. If he continues that kind, that can solely add to what’s a superb group.
Key departures: Jader Obrian, Facundo Quignón, José Martínez
Key additions: Petar Musa, Enes Sali
Sporting Kansas Metropolis
Prediction: 4th within the West
Once you toss out the primary 10 video games of 2023, Sporting KC had a superb season. In the course of the offseason, they mentioned goodbye to older membership legends like Graham Zusi and Roger Espinoza. It’s all the time painful to do this, nevertheless it’s crucial. However the one concern for Sporting KC is that they’re nonetheless an older group in too many key areas (captain Johnny Russell and DP Alan Pulido are 33 and 32 respectfully). That’s true for lots of groups, nevertheless it’s not clear if Sporting is about to do something about it.
However Sporting ought to be strong with a group loaded with constructive MLS expertise, they usually even have an open DP spot when Gadi Kinda left to return to Israel. The continuity they’ve from final 12 months ought to assist them with a Western Convention filled with groups amid a whole lot of change.
Key departures: Graham Zusi, Roger Espinoza, Gadi Kinda.
Key additions: Memo Rodriguez, Zorhan Bassong
Houston Dynamo
Prediction: fifth within the West
The Dynamo had been dramatically improved in 2023 underneath Ben Olsen however there are lots of questions surrounding the group that will be extra pricey if the West was nearly as good because the East. However the West is stuffed with groups with questions, so the Dynamo are simply in the midst of the pack.
Hector Herrera is the engine of the group, however the Mexican worldwide is harm to begin the season. Ahead Sebas Ferreira additionally was pressured out of the group’s Champions League recreation in opposition to St. Louis within the first half. Corey Baird additionally left for Cincinnati within the offseason the place he’ll assist fill the large void of Brandon Vazquez’s sale to Monterrey.
However we’ll wager on Olsen and Pat Onstead for the path the group is heading that they’ll get by the present accidents and play like they did in 2023.
Key departures: Corey Baird, Teenage Hadebe, Ivan Franco
Key additions: Jan Gregus
St. Louis CITY SC
Prediction: sixth within the West
St. Louis CITY defied all expectations in its first 12 months the place it completed atop the West. They began to return again right down to earth in the direction of the tip of 2023 and had been simply ousted within the playoffs by an skilled Sporting KC.
Is St. Louis nearly as good because the group that dominated the primary 75% of the season or is the tip of the season extra indicative? The reply might be someplace in between.
They’ve a whole lot of objectives to make up for as they bought Nicholas Gioacchini (10 objectives and 1 help in 2023) and traded Jared Stroud (5 objectives, 5 assists). To this point, they haven’t made a splash but within the attacking positions. The membership upgraded at each fullback positions in signing Nikolas Dyhr from Midtjylland and Tomas Totland from BK Hacken.
Issues gained’t be practically as simple for St. Louis in 2024 as they gained’t take groups without warning. Plus, they want extra purpose scoring choices, they usually can’t depend on goalkeeper Roman Burki as a lot as they did in 2023.
Key departures: Nicholas Gioacchini, Jared Stroud
Key additions: Tomas Totland, Nikolas Dyhr
LA Galaxy
Prediction: seventh within the West
The LA Galaxy have been in peril of changing into an after thought in Los Angeles with the success of LAFC in recent times. The Galaxy have struggled, nevertheless it hasn’t been for a scarcity of ambition. This 12 months, the Galaxy have been extraordinarily busy within the offseason.
The membership is reportedly including Ghanaian nationwide group winger Joseph Paintsil from Genk. That comes on the heels of signing Brazilian youth worldwide Gabriel Pec from Vasco de Gama. These two wingers will reportedly price the Galaxy practically $20 million mixed. Additionally they added Miki Yamane, who was a standout in Japan’s J League.
What we are able to count on from our new Younger Designated Participant, in response to Head Coach Greg Vanney ???? pic.twitter.com/8ua8vtFas1
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 30, 2024
Together with Riqui Puig, the Galaxy ought to be capable to get the ball foward.
The group additionally lower out quite a bit with Chicharito and Douglas Costa not being retained. Tyler Boyd turned expendable with the addition of the expensive wingers.
The query for this group will probably be in protection and this isn’t helped by the present damage to U.S. youth worldwide centerback Jalen Neal. There are a whole lot of expectations on the Galaxy this 12 months to enhance. In the event that they battle out of the gate, it may get ugly.
Key departures: Chicharito, Douglas Costa, Tyler Boyd
Key additions: Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil, Miki Yamane
Vancouver Whitecaps
Prediction: eighth within the West
Vancouver is among the Western group that improved within the offseason. With a longtime No. 9 in Brian White, the membership added Damir Kreilach to play as a second striker. Proper behind them is Ryan Gauld who was additionally strong in 2023. Newly acquired Fafa Picault will convey some expertise and high quality within the assault off the bench. It is not a star-studded lineup, however it’s competent and it ought to be capable to attain the playoffs if they will keep away from critical accidents.
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With Montreal and Toronto not trying nice at the beginning of the season, the Caps are the category of Canada proper now.
Key departures: Russell Tiebert, Richie Layera, Junior Hoilett
Key additions: Damir Kreilach, Fafa Picault
Actual Salt Lake
Prediction: ninth within the West
The final playoff spot within the West goes to Actual Salt Lake. It’s true that RSL misplaced a whole lot of purpose scoring within the offseason. DP Jefferson Savarino left for Brazil, Damir Kreilach is now on Vancouver, and Danny Musovski headed to Seattle.
However RSL didn’t stand nonetheless. They added attacking midfielder Matt Crooks from Middlesbrough and Mexican U-17 winger Fidel Barajas who joined from Charleston Battery. This can even be the primary full season with Chicho Arango on the No. 9 and even Diego Luna who didn’t actually begin for RSL till after the U-20 World Cup. The group wants extra manufacturing from Andres Gomez, which is feasible.
There are considerations in protection and in goalkeeping, however RSL additionally has an open DP spot to make use of in the midst of the 12 months. Additionally of be aware is the group’s homefield benefit in altitude. They all the time are within the combine for the playoffs and ought to be once more.
Key departures: Jefferson Savarino, Damir Kreilach, Danny Musovski
Key additions: Matt Crooks, Fidel Barajas
Portland Timbers
Prediction: tenth within the West
There are just too many variables with Portland to select them to be a playoff group proper now. In fact, that would change, they usually may develop into good. However quite a bit wants to interrupt their manner.
First, there’s a new supervisor on the town with Phil Neville who had a rocky time managing Inter Miami – his solely first group head teaching job on the boys’s facet. Then you’ve got the truth that there are nonetheless two open DP spots, leaving solely Evander. Sure, Maxime Crepeau is an effective addition in purpose and Kamal Miller will improve the protection.
Once you mix that with a number of membership veterans all leaving, it simply looks like it is a transitional season and really a lot a piece in progress.
Key Departures: Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Jaroslaw Niezgoda
Key arrivals: Maxime Crepau, Kamal Miller
San Jose Earthquakes
Prediction: eleventh within the West
In 2023, San Jose snuck into the postseason to make the play-in recreation. That was a step in the appropriate path underneath first 12 months coach Luchi Gonzalez. However heading into 2024, the membership misplaced some key gamers within the offseason and made just one important improve.
Cade Cowell was bought to Chivas, Jamiro Monteiro is in Turkey (and he frees up a DP spot), Jonathan Mensah is now a middle again for New England, left again Miguel Trauco is now again in Brazil. Dropping 4 starters is hard.
Right here we go then, Amahl Pellegrino has formally joined San Jose Earthquakes from Bodø/Glimt. ???????? pic.twitter.com/NKUX19JHxc
— Soccer Norway (@NorwayFooty) February 9, 2024
By way of additions, winger Amahl Pellegrino may be very attention-grabbing as he arrives having gained the Golden Boots in Norway’s Eliteserien in 2022 and 2023. The opposite additions don’t have that sort of resume. Bruno Wilson will play in central protection and he comes from a Vizela group that’s final in Portugal. Brazilian left again Vitor Costa performed within the Portuguese second tier.
However the membership wants Niko Tsakiris to take huge steps in his recreation or else the assault may very well be starved of service. Jeremy Ebobisse is an effective ahead, however he wants service.
Key Departures: Cade Cowell, Jamiro Monteiro, Jonathan Mensah, Miguel Trauco.
Key arrivals: Amahl Pellegrino, Bruno Wilson, Vitor Costa
Minnesota United
Prediction: twelfth within the West
There are some good issues about Minnesota. Emmanuel Reynoso is a real No. 10. Teemu Pukki was superb final 12 months when he arrived to play the No. 9 (10 objectives in 1040 minutes). However the roster isn’t deep and a lot will depend on Reynoso, Pukki, and to a lesser extent Bongokuhle Hlongwane who broke out in 2023. If something occurs to them, Minnesota ought to battle.
However on high of it, the group doesn’t actually have a everlasting head coach regardless of having all winter to make a rent. That alone makes it powerful to be ok with United in 2024.
Key additions: Ménder García, Bakaye Dibassy, Jan Gregus
Key departures: Victor Eriksson, Alejandro Bran
Colorado Rapids
Prediction: thirteenth within the West
Colorado was very busy this previous offseason. However once more, there are questions. Djordje Mihailovic was a document import from AZ within the Netherlands, however this time he gained’t get pleasure from being coached by Wifried Nancy, who related properly with him. Zack Steffen is now in purpose, however he hasn’t performed in eight months, his knees are all the time a priority, and his final stint at Middlesbrough wasn’t nice. Sam Vines returns to play left again, however he replaces Andrew Gutman (who wasn’t essentially a weak point). Omir Fernandez joined after a strong however typically inconsistent run with the Crimson Bulls.
On high of that’s the new head coach Chris Armas who solely had two head teaching jobs earlier than (New York Crimson Bulls and Toronto) and neither ended properly. However he was busy with assistant jobs in England since then, together with Manchester United.
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) February 21, 2024
There was change in Colorado, however not near the quantity of change wanted after a dreadful 2023 season the place they completed final.
Key additions: Djordje Mihailovic, Sam Vines, Zack Steffen, Omir Fernandez, Lamine Diack
Key departures: Diego Rubio, William Yarbrough, Danny Wilson, Jack Worth
Austin FC
Prediction: 14th within the West
Final season’s twelfth place end was a large disappointment for Austin after the success of 2022. Josh Wolff saved his job however may very well be on the new seat with a foul begin. The nice run the group had in 2022 was over-reliant on an MVP season from Sebastian Driussi and when his objectives dipped from 25 to 11 in 2023, the entire group sort of fell aside.
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) February 18, 2024
The group wasn’t practically as busy as you’d count on after such a foul season. Diego Rubio comes from Colorado, and he ought to begin. Jader Obrian is perhaps an occasional starter and he arrives from Dallas. However that’s about it. As soon as once more, it’s all on Driussi.
Key additions: Diego Rubio, Jader Obrian,
Key departures: Maxi Urruti, Nick Lima
