Welcome to the 2018 MLS campaign.
With the introduction of expansion side Los Angeles FC, MLS finds itself at 23 teams entering its 23rd season. For every one of those clubs this side of Toronto FC, the new year is about trying to dethrone the treble winners, who will be looking to establish a dynasty after claiming the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship in 2017.
So it comes as no surprise that TFC sits atop Goal's preseason power rankings. Sebastian Giovinco and Co. also emerged as the consensus pick to repeat as champions in our annual survey of MLS general managers and technical directors, who offered their anonymous opinions on teams, players, league rules and more. And Goal editors and writers followed suit while offering predictions for the 2018 season, with TFC pegged as the odds-on favorites to again lift the MLS Cup in December.
As MLS kicks off with 10 matches this weekend, we've compiled handy run-downs of the top newcomers to watch, familiar faces in new places and the stars you can expect to see at the World Cup this summer. In a preseason edition of the Media Microscope, we've also offered insight on how the league's TV coverage will look in 2018.
If you're seeking club-specific breakdowns, we have you covered. Goal has put together a detailed analysis of every team entering the new season, including a look back at their 2017 campaigns, recaps of key offseason losses and additions, our projected lineups, and more. We've also spoken to coaches and players across the league for a series of features to provide perspective on the personalities and storylines expected to loom large this season.
Without further ado, we invite you to prepare for the 2018 MLS season with Goal:
Atlanta United
Atlanta United 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Slipping out of his comfort zone: Darlington Nagbe embracing fresh start with Atlanta United
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Facing a season of change, Crew try to maintain consistency to clear championship hurdle
D.C. United
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D.C. United 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Will D.C. United's Chris Durkin be the next breakout American teenager in MLS?
FC Dallas
FC Dallas 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Reggie Cannon feels ready for starting role as FC Dallas looks to rebound
Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
LA Galaxy look to rebound in 2018 while confronting a new crosstown rival
Los Angeles FC
LAFC's 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Joao Moutinho poised for breakout rookie season with LAFC
Minnesota United
Minnesota United 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Montreal Impact
Playing Surface
Montreal Impact 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
New England Revolution
New England Revolution 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
New York City FC
NYCFC's 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Tyler Adams focused on making his own mark, and not on filling other players' shoes
Orlando City
Orlando City 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Jason Kreis shaping revamped Orlando City for the post-Kaka era
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Sporting Kansas City
Playing Surface
Sporting Kansas City 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Toronto FC
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Toronto FC 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps 2018 season preview: Roster, projected lineup, schedule, national TV and more
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