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 off season once again dominating column inches across the American footballing fraternity.
However, one side certainly getting column inches moving in recent weeks has been the Toronto FC, who have done some excellent off-season business.
Under the stewardship of Bob Bradley, one of the most experienced coaches in the business, Toronto have been able to make some superb winter acquisitions – none more noteworthy than the signing of Lorenzo Insigne from Napoli.
Having just played a hugely important role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, Insigne’s stock could not be higher but at the age of 30, he has decided to join Toronto FC as one of their designated players from the start of July.
How much of an impact Insigne can have remains to be seen but with the likes of Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo already on Toronto’s roster, they look to have a side capable of going the distance in 2022.
With their solitary MLS Cup win coming back in 2017, Toronto will be hoping to emulate the side of 5 years ago and with plenty of goals within their squad seemingly, they look a decent bet at (+1200) to lift the 2022 MLS Cup, according to the Canada Sports betting magazine.
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 favourites to go all the way this season and clinch their third MLS Cup title.
As one of the newest franchises in the MLS, Los Angeles FC have been waiting to come of age over the past few seasons.
Their dismal display last season (finishing second 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 are fancied by many to have a decent run in the MLS in 2022.
Orlando City are 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 haven’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 have 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.
The weight of expectation in New England seems manageable this season however and at +1200, they look a decent bet to be in contention to win their maiden MLS Cup in 2022.
