Toronto FC MLS Cup celebrationsTom Szczerbowski

Goal's MLS power rankings: Toronto FC tops the field

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 Goal sees the league's 23 teams stacking up at the start of the 2018 season.

Article continues below