D.C. United (LAST SEASON: 23-9, 57 points, defending champion)
How good is D.C. United? In the off-season, United traded forward Roy Lassiter and his 18 goals because of salary-cap problems; few think he’ll be missed. United will be hit hard by international call-ups for World Cup and Olympic qualifiers, playing only reserves–including 16-year old prodigy Bobby Convey–for some games. United will still be the heavy favorite to win its fourth title in five years, especially with the championship at RFK Stadium. Midfielder Marco “El Diablo” Etcheverry is still the best playmaker in MLS.
Miami Fusion (LAST SEASON: 13-19, 42 points)
The Fusion has a lot of forwards, even without holdout Roy Lassiter, but little in the way of defense or the mentality needed to play it. Look for Francis Okaroh to become for the Fusion what Lubos Kubik is for the Fire. Midfielder Andy Williams will be the playmaker. If everything clicks, Miami could be a force to reckon with.
New England Revolution (LAST SEASON: 11-21, 29 points)
The Revolution has been near the top of only one statistical category in each of its five seasons–attendance. Former U.S. national Fernando Clavijo takes over as coach and hopes forward Eduardo Hurtado recovers the scoring form he had in Los Angeles before losing it in New Jersey. The Revs will have to replace the 15 goals that Joe-Max Moore took with him to Everton of the English Premier League. Another foreign player is on the way.
New York/New Jersey MetroStars (LAST SEASON: 7-25, 15 points)
The MetroStars will improve this season if only because they can’t get any worse. Their 15 points set the standard for futility in the young league. New coach Octavio Zambrano was pleased with his team’s preseason tournament, losing in the championship match to D.C. United in penalty kicks. Don’t bet on German international Lothar Matthaus playing many games.
CENTRAL DIVISION
Chicago Fire (LAST SEASON: 18-14, 48 points)
If former Bulgarian international Hristo Stoitchkov is out to prove he’s still world class, then the Fire could be the team to beat in the MLS. Even without him, the Fire will be a contender with a more youthful team. All eyes will be on rookie phenom DaMarcus Beasley. First-round draft choice Carlos Bocanegra, another Project-40 player, also figures to see a lot of action. Look to the Fire to make the MLS Cup.
Dallas Burn (LAST SEASON: 19-13, 51 points)
Dallas came within one game of playing in MLS Cup last season and will push the Fire for first place in the division. Last season’s scoring champion, Jason Kreis, will be paired with Ecuadorian forward Ariel Graziani, providing Kreis with plenty of opportunities to better last seaosn’s 18 goals, 15 assists. Kreis led the Burn in every non-goalkeeper statistical category last season. The midfield of Chad Deering, Oscar Pareja and Sergi Danev is among the best in the league and Matt Jordan posted a 1.08 goals-against average in his first year as a starting goalkeeper.
Columbus Crew (LAST SEASON: 19-13, 45 points)
The Crew hopes either Dante Washington or Jeff Cunnigham can team with U.S. national and Arlington Heights native Brian McBride up front and make fans forget Stern John. John led the team with 18 goals before leaving for Nottingham Forest of the English First Division. The Crew also sent defender Thomas Dooley to New York for young defender Mike Duhaney.
Tampa Bay Mutiny (LAST SEASON: 18-14, 48 points)
With Tampa, the Central could send all four of its teams to the playoffs. Carlos Valderrama still is a magician with the ball, and he’ll have Raul Diaz-Arce to receive. The Mutiny also signed 6-4 forward Mamadou Diallo from Senegal to pair with Diaz-Arce, allowing former Fire Manny Lagos to return to his more comfortable role of attacking midfielder.
WESTERN DIVISION
Los Angeles Galaxy (LAST SEASON: 20-12, 54 points)
Perhaps the best acquisition last year was hiring of former UCLA coach Sigi Schmid. The Galaxy responded with a spot in the championship match. The second-best was midfielder Roy Meyers. The Galaxy was 15-6 after he came aboard. Schmid slowed down the fast-break offense and emphasized defense. The Galaxy allowed only 29 goals in 32 games and Kevin Hartman set a goals-against average record of 0.91. The Galaxy still have offense in forwards Cobi Jones and Clint Mathis with Meyers and Salvadoran playmaker Mauricio Cienfuegos providing the inspiration. Defender Robin Fraser was the league’s defender of the year.
San Jose Earthquakes (LAST SEASON: 19-13, 37 points)
San Jose set a club record for wins yet didn’t make the playoffs. Of the 19 victories, 10 came in the now banned shootout, costing the ‘Quakes 20 points in the standings. Iranian international Khodadad Azizi will pair with Salvadoran Ronald Cerritos, one of the league’s most underrated players, to form a formidable forward tandem. Mauricio Solis and Dario Brose will look to supply Azizi and Cerritos. Losing Eddie Lewis, without finding a comparable replacment, could cost the ‘Quakes a playoff spot.
Colorado Rapids (LAST SEASON: 20-12, 48 points)
When the Rapids take the field, they will be on a 679-minute scoreless drought. The Rapids hit the All-Star break at 12-4 last season, suffered a humiliating loss when it conceeded five goals to a 10-man Fire team and never recovered, finishing 8-8 down the stretch and swept in the first round of the playoffs. Things are already off on the wrong foot with playmaking midfielder Anders Limpar injured. Rookie goalkeeper Adin Brown will be given a chance.
Kansas City Wizards (LAST SEASON: 8-24, 20 points)
The Wizards may have found the missing ingredient: Miklos Molnar, the “Danish Dynamite.” He scored five goals in three games during the preseason tournament. If he can carry that productivity into the regular season, the Wizards should improve on their 11th-ranked offense. Preki led the team in all offensive categories last season, but 25 points are fewer than what he’s used to. The question, though, is how much does he have left at age 36? Rookie Nick Garcia should get plenty of action on defense, which will be revamped after the retirement of Alexi Lalas. Tony Meola is still one of the game’s best goalkeepers.
