MLS 2022 season preview

Union
CHESTER, PA – NOVEMBER 20: Philadelphia Union defender Jakob Glesnes (5) celebrates a goal in overtime during the MLS Playoff Game between the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union on November 20, 2021 at Subaru Park in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire)

As the calendar turns into 2022, attention naturally turns to the key runners and riders in the MLS this season.

Fresh off the back of New York City’s first ever MLS triumph, they will once again be the side to beat – with a busy offseason once again dominating column inches across the American footballing fraternity.

Going back to back in the MLS however is not the done thing and with plenty of sides picking up impressive collage players in the draft and a whole host of international signings joining the league, it promises to be another fascinating campaign.

Topping the early season betting charts are the Seattle Sounders, with Brian Schmetzer at the helm once more in 2022.

Chasing their first MLS title since 2019, the Sounders have strengthened throughout the squad in the winter and look well placed to make an assault on the title this term.

At +650, the Seattle Sounders are the heavy favorites to go all the way this season and clinch their third MLS Cup title, according to the latest betting offers.

As one of the newest franchises in the MLS, Los Angeles FC has been waiting to come of age over the past few seasons.

Their dismal display last season (finishing second from bottom) will do nothing for their prospects this term, but they have recruited well once again this season and look to have a squad capable of competing this season.

Goals are always key for any side chasing titles and with Carlos Vela one of the most renowned strikers in the MLS up-front, LAFC certainly won’t be short in the goals department this term.

Coming in at +1000, Los Angeles FC is fancied by many to have a decent run in the MLS in 2022.

Orlando City is one of the best-supported sides in the MLS and how they would love to win their first trophy as an MLS side.

With a passionate fan base down in Florida, Orlando City hasn’t always produced the results their roster has merited but they will be hoping to change that this term.

The experienced Óscar Pareja is the man at the helm and at +1100, Orlando City could well be in the mix come the play-offs in the Autumn.

One of the original MLS franchises, the New England Revolution has always been in the mix when it comes to winning trophies.

However, their failure to ever lift the MLS Cup has often haunted them and they will be looking to put that right in 2022.

Bruce Arena is the man at the helm for the Revs and his experience across MLS football is unrivalled – making him seemingly the perfect man for the job.

The weight of expectation in New England seems manageable this season and at +1200, they look a decent bet to be in contention to win their maiden MLS Cup in 2022.

The Philadelphia Union are another side that have so far seen the MLS Cup elude them in their history but 2022 could well be a different story.

Jim Curtin has overseen a few sides come and go at Union in recent years, but he looks to have one of his strongest rosters yet.At +1500, they aren’t the front runners in 2022 but if they can find form and get up ahead of steam, Philadelphia Union could be tough to stop this season.

Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire