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Yohan
02-24-2014, 01:35 PM
Over next couple of weeks, I hope to do a preview of all 19 teams this season. Let's hope I have enough time. I will be making changes as more trades/signings and significant events happen.

My prediction for 2014 standings

East
1. Sporting Kansas City
2. New York Red Bulls
3. New England Revolution
4. Toronto FC
5. Philadelphia Union
------------------------------
6. Houston Dynamo
7. Chicago Fire
8. Columbus Crew
9. Montreal Impact
10. DC United

-Beyond Sporting Kansas City and the Red Bulls, anyone could be 3 to 10 in the East. Lots of intriguing player acquisitions off season, and feels like everyone has improved a lot, except Montreal and Columbus

West
1. Portland Timbers
2. LA Galaxy
3. Real Salt Lake
4. Seattle Sounders
5. FC Dallas
------------------------------
6. Colorado Rapids
7. San Jose Earthquakes
8. Vancouver Whitecaps
9. Chivas USA

-Top 3 should be consistent, but 4 to 9 is going to be interesting to watch. More predictable than the East, but a lot of x factors could decide how the season plays out. Chivas USA has potential to be the biggest joker in the West.

PopePouri
02-24-2014, 01:53 PM
Over next couple of weeks, I hope to do a preview of all 19 teams this season. Let's hope I have enough time

My prediction for 2014 standings

East
1. Sporting Kansas City
2. New York Red Bulls
3. New England Revolution
4. Toronto FC
5. Houston Dynamo
------------------------------
6. Chicago Fire
7. Columbus Crew
8. Montreal Impact
9. DC United

-Beyond Sporting Kansas City and the Red Bulls, anyone could be 3 to 9 in the East. Lots of intriguing player acquisitions off season, and feels like everyone has improved a lot, except Montreal and Columbus

West
1. Portland Timbers
2. LA Galaxy
3. Real Salt Lake
4. Seattle Sounders
5. FC Dallas
------------------------------
6. Colorado Rapids
7. San Jose Earthquakes
8. Vancouver Whitecaps
9. Chivas USA

-Top 3 should be consistent, but 4 to 9 is going to be interesting to watch. More predictable than the East, but a lot of x factors could decide how the season plays out. Chivas USA has potential to be the biggest joker in the West.

Philadephia Union?

jabbronies
02-24-2014, 02:03 PM
What's your reasoning for having Montreal so low?

Yohan
02-24-2014, 02:09 PM
Philadephia Union?
fack. lol. fixed

Yohan
02-24-2014, 02:10 PM
What's your reasoning for having Montreal so low?
wait for it...

tfcleeds
02-24-2014, 02:14 PM
Despite the fact it seems almost every team in the East has reloaded (except for Montreal), still a bit surprised you have DCU to finish last again. I mean, someone's got to, I just don't think it will be them this time around.

PopePouri
02-24-2014, 03:00 PM
wait for it...

Cause they fuckin' suck bro.

Yohan
02-24-2014, 03:05 PM
DC United
-10th in the East

Predicted Best 11
http://img.startingeleven.co.uk/u/530810dfcc589.jpg

General
-The biggest question is, with teams requiring around 50 pts to make the playoffs, did DC United add enough to improve by 34 this off season? I don't think so. They have added a lot of experience, and revamped pretty much their entire roster and this should improve their goals for, and goals against quite a bit. But team chemistry is not something that's built overnight, and the better of DCU should come in 2nd half of the season. By that point, it'll be too late for DC for playoffs. And a lot of players they've signed are getting old, so it's questionable just how effective this team will be. Beyond first 11, DC is thin at depth, and with CCL and US Open Cup to deal with, the lack of depth will be exposed.

Key Signings
-Eddie Johnson (F), Jeff Parke (CB), Bobby Boswell (CB)

Key Losses
-Dwayne De Rosario (AM/F), Dejan Jakovic (CB)

Goalkeeping: C+
-Bill Hamid is a solid MLS keeper, and only 23. He will improve. Back ups Willis and Dystra provide a stable pool of GKs even if Hamid goes down, or gets called up for USMNT duties.

Defence: C+
-DC went out and bought a new set of defenders, all an upgrade over their incumbents. RB Sean Franklin has plenty of MLS experience and pace, but is not a very good crosser. His counterpart on LB, Cristian Fernandez, is 28, and has over 100 La Liga experience to credit and should be an instant upgrade. The CB pairing of Jeff Parke and Bobby Boswell have lots of MLS experience, but not exactly blessed with pace anymore. They will however, be very solid in the air.

-At depth, Chris Korb provide serviceability and ability to play both FB positions. At CB, Nana Attakora has some MLS experience, but injury prone last couple of years. Superdraft pick Steve Birnbaum comes highly rated, but untested at MLS level. One intriguing prospect is Jalen Robinson, a HG player who has US youth national team experience and is also highly rated.

Midfield: C-
-A lot rests on whether Chris Pontius comes back fully healthy and regains his 2012 form. 2 goals in his 2013 campaign is just not acceptable for a player of Pontius's calibre. If Pontius clicks, and maverick right winger Nick DeLeon also plays well, DC has 2 of most creative wingers in the league. Perry Kitchen is a solid, if unspectacular DM but will get better for this 21 yr old. CM spot is up for grabs between Luis Silva, who can provide that creative spark, but will need to improve his stamina and defensive ability and experienced, but aging Dave Arnaud who can play a variety of role, and still has rocket of right foot. Silva may play second striker role again for DC.

-At depth, DC basically has a stable of talented, but young players in midfield. The most promising bunch is Jared Jeffrey who is developed by Club Brugge and Mainz and he'll be first off the bench. Canadian Kyle Porter scored 3 goals last season, but his production will be more limited in a supporting role.

Forward: C+
-After making a lot of noise about his wage, Eddie Johnson was traded to DC from Seattle. Since his return to MLS, EJ has about 1 goal every 2 games ratio, and DC will need him to score at that rate if DC has any chance of success. He will bring the hold up play, as well as pace. But he's always been a bit of mental case, and he still haven't signed a new deal with DC yet, which is going to be a distraction. His partner is Fabian Espindola, who has pace and should be good for 8 to 10 goals a year, but he requires a lot of service, and used to play in a better team where he got that service (NY, RSL). DC supporters will be frustrated by his inability to finish consistently.

-At depth, another crop of youngsters are expected to produce. Ex Derby County striker Conor Doyle has shown some promise, and former 1st rd pick Casey Townsend is strong in the air, but has yet to score much at MLS level.

Key Player
-Eddie Johnson (F): He must carry DC United on his shoulders or else DC will languish in the basement again. He's got strength, pace, good in the air and decent off the ball movement. When motivated, he'll score a lot. When not motivated, he sulks. A key member of USMNT, Eddie Johnson has a chip on his shoulder to prove that he deserve a big money contract.

X Factor
-Nick DeLeon (RW): He's got pace. He's got creativity. Questions about his maturity and consistency, but DC needs DeLeon to provide that creative spark in the midfield.

Manager: Ben Olsen
-DC United legend is now into his 4th season (3rd full) of being manager of DC United, Ben Olsen must prove his doubters that 2012 success was not a fluke, and 2013 failure was a fluke. (Even if DC managed to win US Open Cup against all odds) Ben Olsen is a player's coach, and he bleeds for DC, but will his revamped squad buy him enough time to complete his overhaul of the squad? Can he balance MLS schedule with demands of CCL and US Open Cup games? Is he good enough manager? Time is ticking, and Olsen knows he's on the hot seat.

prizby
02-24-2014, 03:12 PM
no disagreements from me on the DC best XI

Yohan
02-24-2014, 04:45 PM
Montreal Impact
-9th in the East

Predicted Best 11
http://img.startingeleven.co.uk/u/5308152bb7725.jpg

General
-What began as a great 1st half of 2013 season for Montreal as they looked like they were going to runaway with the Supporter's Shield turned into a disaster as their form suffered in 2nd half, barely limping into playoffs, just to get blown up by Houston in the bye in round 3-0. The Swiss Volcano Marco Schallibaum is gone, and in comes MLS savvy Frank Klopas. But Montreal has done very little to fix the problem of aging core players in the off season. I expect Montreal to start strong again, but as the season goes on, they will tank, unless they add more depth to their roster soon.

Key Signing
-Santiago Gonzalez (F)

Key Losses
-Alessandro Nesta (CB), Davy Arnaud (CM)

Goalkeeping: C-
-In Troy Perkins, Montreal has a good, but unspectacular starter who has plenty of MLS experience. Back ups are an issue, as Evan Bush has yet to shown that he can step in and looked shaky on occasions he did get a start. Youngster Maxime Crepeau has potential, but few years away from contributing.

Defence: D+
-In Matteo Ferrari, Montreal has a good commanding CB with excellent Serie A and other Euro experience. But he's 34. His partner was suppose to be Nelson Rivas who just turned 30, but is always injury prone. Wandrille Lefebvre looks to be partnering Ferrari to start, a converted midfielder with not much pro experience. Ex Deportivo and Wigan defender Adrian Lopez will prove to be intriguing, if he fully recovers from torn ACL injury. Jeb Brovsky has turned into a decent fullback, but don't expect much from him offensively. Hassoun Camara does add more offensively especially on set pieces, but he's a liability defensively, even though he can also play CB.

-At depth, Karl Ouimette will continue to grow at CB. GA Eric Miller and HG Maxim Tissot should give adequate mins.

Midfield: B-
-Montreal midfield has capability to play a fluid passing game. Newly minted team captain Patrice Bernier is 34, but his passing ability from deep midfield is still one of best in MLS. If his minutes are better managed, he will be the key to Montreal attack's success. DP Hernan Bernardello should be more used to MLS play, and start at DM. He can also pass. Felipe Martins at AM can score, but he is more dangerous finding open space and linking up with Bernier. If he can do that on more consistent basis, he has potential to have a breakout year. Justin Mapp has rejuvenated his career in Montreal at RM, and his crossing ability is severely underestimated. One weakness to Montreal midfield is on the LM, where Blake Smith is only natural LM, and he has yet to demonstrate his ability.

-Collen Warner plays the destroyer DM well, and he'll be first off the bench. Sanna Nyassi provides the pace, and Montreal is hoping Andreas Romero shows more than he did last season on the wing.

Forward: C+
-Marco di Vaio proved that he can score, with 20 goals last season.However, he's 37 and retiring at the end of the season. Depth is very poor, with Andrew Wenger has yet to show anything in his 2 full seasons in MLS yet. 21 yr old Santiago Gonzalez from Uruguay is intriguing signing, who looks like he will play second striker or on the wing. Montreal hops that Gonzalez can step in if di Vaio falters or needs a break.

Key Player
-Marco di Vaio (F). One of most lethal poachers in MLS right now, he may live perennially in offside position, but if he gets that half step on a defender, he will punish even with his lack of pace. His minutes will have to be managed even more carefully, and any long term injury to him and Montreal is finished.

X Factor
-Justin Mapp (RM). Had a good season with 8 assists, and Montreal needs him to provide quality crosses from the wing, to prevent teams from clogging the excellent Montreal CMs and add another dimension to Montreal attack.

Manager: Frank Klopas
-Another questionable managing decision by Joey Saputo. Klopas has some experience in MLS, but last season with Chicago would have been abysmal if not for Mike Magee carrying the Fire on his shoulders. Klopas will benefit from having a Montreal team that has played together for a while, but with no real off season help, he'll find it tough to get results, and he will be expected to produce results immediately. He will also have to deal with Nick de Sanctis who's talent spotting ability is spotty at best, and team president Joey Saputo who just can't help but interfering. However, Klopas should be getting another DP signing after WC, but that will likely be too late to save Montreal's season.

Abou Sky
02-24-2014, 11:57 PM
You ever get that podcast going Yohan?

JayMolly
02-25-2014, 09:26 PM
We still have sub zero temperatures and snow piled high.
Thanks Yohan for getting us to start thinking about the upcoming football season and not the weather!
J&M

Yohan
02-25-2014, 10:09 PM
You ever get that podcast going Yohan?
nope. oh well

Yohan
02-26-2014, 12:57 PM
Columbus Crew
-8th in the East

Predicted Best 11
http://img.startingeleven.co.uk/u/530e1df83f81e.jpg

General
-A new beginning for Columbus in 2014, with a new manager in Gregg Berhalter and a new ownership group looked to revamp the Crew brand. Not much movement off season, despite adding some quality in defence, but nothing in the offence. Loss of Eddie Gaven in attack and Chad Marshall in defence will be hard to overcome, and expect Columbus to struggle, esp if Higuain loses form, or gets injured for a long time.

Key Signings
-Michael Parkhurst (CB/RB), Giancarlo Gonzalez (CB), Steve Clark (GK)

Key Losses
-Eddie Gaven (RM), Chad Marshall (CB), Andy Gruenenbaum (GK)

Goalkeeping: C
-Steve Clark comes from Honefoss in Norwegian 1st division, where he apparently did well, but is unproven at MLS level. Matt Lampson made incumbent Andy Gruenenbaum (who is an average starter in MLS) expendable in Crew FO's eyes, but he's still haven't got much experience. It'll be interesting to see who comes out as the starter, and the backup GK should be good for depth.

Defence: C-
-Major retooling at CB, with US international Michael Parkhurst and Costa Rican international Giancarlo Gonzalez who have potential to solidify Crew defence. The problem is, if both CBs go to World Cup (Gonzalez almost a lock and Parkhurst has an outside chance), depth is very thin with Tyson Wahl and Eric Gehrig which doesn't fill anyone with confidence. Fullbacks are also a question mark. Josh Williams is dangerous on set piece, but gets exposed on defending sometimes. Leftback is a battle between Costa Rican youngster Waylon Williams and Tyson Wahl. Wahl is depth level at best, and Francis is unproven, although only 23 and starting to make Costa Rican national team roster.

Midfield: C-
-The Crew midfield is full of journeymen and some youngsters mostly. They should provide workmanlike effort, but not much creativity. The midfield pairing of Viana and Will Trapp will be an adequate shield in front of the defence. Trapp, a US U20 international, is an up and coming box to box midfielder, and has a potential to be a great MLS player. Wing play is going to be a concern, because on the left, there are couple of youngsters looking to make an impact, and on right, Dominic Oduro is the best winger, except he's a striker and can't cross. Hector Jimenez may get the starting role, but he was a depth player at LA Galaxy at best.

-There is some depth with MLS experienced midfielders in Daniel Paladini and Tony Tchani , but they don't offer much in terms of offence.

Attack: B
-Everything the Crew does offensively revolves around Higuain, who is among top 3 playmakers in MLS. With Higuain on the pitch, Columbus is most dangerous as he will find that final pass to a rushing teammate and gaps in the channels. Without Higuain, the Crew attack is rather toothless, and relies on couple of inconsistent strikers. Dominic Oduro has all the pace, and he will get behind opposition defence. He is coming off a career year, but he needs service and needs to play as a striker, not as a winger where he was used quite a few times last season. Jairo Arrieta is coming off a poor season, where he only scored 3 goals, and the Crew will need him at his 2012 form (9 goals in 18 games) if Crew wants to make the playoffs.

Key Player:
-Federico Higuain (AM/F). The Crew captain does it all on offence. He is the playmaker. He takes all the set pieces. He can score, especially from outside the box. Probably the only player on Crew roster that operates on that next level. Look for 10 goals, 10 assists range season from him.

X Factor:
-Jairo Arrieta (F). He looked to be the striker to lead Columbus line in 2012 then had sub par 2013. He'll get all the service in the world from Higuain. It'll be up to him to put them away, esp if he wants to make Costa Rica national team and his last chance at playing in WC.

Manager:
-Gregg Berhalter had a solid Bundesliga and US national team career, known to be a very smart CB. He received a lot of mentoring from Bruce Arena as assistant coach. But his first foray into managing at Hammarby in Swedish 2nd div didn't go well. Columbus is his 2nd managing job. So far in preseason, the Crew looked much better and organized, but it's just preseason. Berhalter will need to grind out the results to get to playoffs. He will have the backing of new ownership in form of Anthony Precourt, who can't provide him with a lot of money to spend, but for next Higuain type player on a small DP wage, Precourt will make that happen. The rebranding effort of Crew should also vitalize a rather stale franchise.

prizby
02-26-2014, 03:28 PM
agree with columbus and montreal's bext XI's too :)

Detroit_TFC
02-26-2014, 03:40 PM
The East is wide f'k open. Like I can't even remember.

WC absences will affect some not as much as others, could be influential.

Red CB Toronto
02-26-2014, 03:55 PM
One of my favourite soccer journalist in Ives, has TFC as the most improved team during this offseason, Philly is one of them too, DC has also made some good improvements, especially in a proven goal scorer in EJ. Will be an interesting season for sure.