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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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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 09: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC dribbles the ball during the 2017 MLS Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 09: Sebastian Giovinco #10 of Toronto FC dribbles the ball during the 2017 MLS Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field on December 9, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Eastern Conference

In the East, it all starts and ends with Toronto FC. Manager Greg Vanney led his team to historic heights in 2017, and will be anxious to do the same in 2018. The Reds became the first MLS club to capture a domestic treble and set a new record for points in the regular season (69).

With the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley back together again, Toronto will be the favorites for the number one seed in the conference. But there will certainly be contenders.

Atlanta United FC enjoyed a strong expansion season, and manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has plenty of talent to rely on. Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez provide a spark in the attack, with American international defender Michael Parkhurst and goalkeeper Brad Guzan at the back.

New York Red Bulls added Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra as a designated player, while Orlando City SC will be counting on Sacha Kljestan to fill the midfield void left by the retiring Kaká.

Playoff sides from a year ago, New York City FC and the Chicago Fire will both be expecting better results in the postseason.

Ultimately, unless injuries take a toll on the squad, Toronto boast too much quality in their line-up to not make another MLS Cup final.

Eastern Conference champion: Toronto FC

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