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2018 MLS season: Conference previews and predictions

By Roy Emanuel

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 03: Portland Timbers fans hold up a tifo before their match against the Minnesota United at Providence Park on March 3, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 03: Portland Timbers fans hold up a tifo before their match against the Minnesota United at Providence Park on March 3, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 22: Fans watch the match between the Atlanta United and the Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 22: Fans watch the match between the Atlanta United and the Toronto FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

MLS is back, and we take a look at which clubs are poised for glory.

The 23rd campaign of Major League Soccer is upon us, and with it brings a variety of intriguing storylines. This weekend, defending MLS Cup champion Toronto FC open the first game of the regular season when they host Columbus Crew SC, and the Reds will again be an intriguing team throughout the year.

In the Western Conference, MLS welcomes another expansion side in the form of Los Angeles Football Club. Led by former USMNT manager Bob Bradley, LAFC and their fans will be expecting to make a big impact in their inaugural term.

Bradley will not be the only head coach to keep an eye on in 2018 as well, with fascinating new hires in New England and Portland. Brad Friedel takes on the Revs position, while Giovanni Savarese leads the Timbers into a new era after many successful years in charge of the New York Cosmos.

One of the original MLS franchises moves into a new home as well, as D.C. United’s long run at RFK Stadium changes location to Audi Field.

The nature of the MLS postseason always makes pre-season predictions difficult, and certainly things will undoubtedly change for many sides in the coming months. The summer transfer period brings new players and new possibilities, and sometimes it can all just be about hitting top form at the right time en route to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

With brand-new drama on the horizon, I take a look at each conference and which side should be expected to make the final in December.

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