Heading into the new MLS season, it's no surprise to see last year's MLS Cup champions sitting atop the pile
The race for dominance in Major League Soccer is being led by one team, with 22 other teams try to figure out how to keep up with the Toronto FC juggernaut.
The reigning MLS Cup champions finished 2017 as a team widely regarded as the best in league history, but enter the 2018 season with an even stronger and deeper team than last year. Coach Greg Vanney and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko made full use of the league's increased allocation money resources to make improvements to an already stacked squad.
TFC wasn't alone in revamping. New York City FC made some good moves as well, while Atlanta United put together some of the biggest deals of the winter. There were considerable reconstruction projects as well, with Orlando City and the LA Galaxy looking like serious contenders after massive overhauls.
The Portland Timbers will be a top team to watch in the West, with new coach Giovanni Savarese inheriting a strong team as he looks to build on the foundation laid by Caleb Porter.
Then there is league newcomer LAFC, which is poised to challenge the league's best in year one. Bob Bradley's team is set to make a big splash in its debut season, led by Mexican star Carlos Vela.
Which of these teams, if any, will be able to dethrone Toronto FC? Here is a look at how sees the league's 23 teams stacking up at the start of the 2018 season.
Tim Heitman23Colorado Rapids
The Anthony Hudson era has begun in Colorado, and it’s tough to know for sure what the former New Zealand boss will bring to the table given his lack of top-level club experience. The Rapids were busy retooling their roster in the offseason, and while the team should be better than in 2018, it’s tough to get too excited about the group the Rapids have put together
AdvertisementJean-Yves Ahern/USA Today22Montreal ImpactFrench coach Remi Garde could be in for a rough ride as he takes over a Montreal team that saw some key players leave from a team that didn't have much talent to spare. Gone are Blerim Dzemaili and Laurent Ciman, with Saphir Taider brought in to try and offset Dzemaili's departure. Replacing Ciman is a tougher proposition, especially with newly acquired Zakaria Diallo already lost for the season due to injury.Winslow Townson21New England RevolutionBrad Friedel has a tough task in his first job as a head coach, taking over a New England side with plenty of issues. Kei Kamara's departure leaves a void at striker that newly acquired Cristian Penilla will need to fill. The defense was overhauled after another disappointing season, but it's not a sure bet the changes will translate into upgrades. Throw in a disgruntled Lee Nguyen having to stick around after a failed attempt to force a trade and you have the recipe for what could be an ugly season in New England.Brad Rempel20Minnesota UnitedThe Loons weren't very busy in the offseason, which should have their fans worried about just how much better the second-year team will be in 2018. We shouldn't overlook the improvements shown down the stretch last season, but a lack of impact newcomers will make it tough for the Loons to escape the lower end of the West standings.