MLS “Awards” – Team to Watch Next Year
TEAM TO WATCH NEXT YEAR
Believe it or not, some teams in MLS did not make the playoffs. Of the eight teams that missed, some seem primed for another down year, but others look like they could be legit.
How the Panel Voted:
New England Revolution Chris Ballard Around The League Extra |
Chicago Fire FC Abram Chamberlain Viva La Futbol |
DC United Jason Davis Best Soccer Show |
Portland Timbers FC Daniel Feuerstein Major League Soccer Talk |
| Chicago Fire FC Robert Jonas Center Line Soccer |
DC United Alexi Lalas ESPN Soccer |
CD Chivas USA Jeremiah Oshan SB Nation Editor |
Portland Timbers FC Zac Wassink Yahoo Sports |
What the Panel Said:
Chris Ballard: New England Revolution were abject this year but have been a touch unlucky with injuries – Caraglio and Lekic have potential to be great partnership, although if they lose Shalrie Joseph that’d be a big blow.
Abram Chamberlain: Open Cup Final, rumors of Rio Ferdinand, the emergence of Dominic Oduro and Sean Johnson, should make this Chicago team interesting next year. If they can turn half of their 15 draws(!) into wins that is going to be huge. I’ll be watching to see if Frank Klopas stays on or if they go in a new direction.
Jason Davis: There’s youth and a quality coach [in DC] who will only get better. (-ed note: be interesting to see what happens to CD9, how the De Ro contract plays out, and if Perry Kitchen leaves for Europe)
Robert Jonas: After a draw-laden first half to the season, the Fire made a coaching change that ousted the ineffective Carlos de los Cobos in favor of Technical Director Frank Klopas, and nearly pulled off a huge comeback to sneak into the postseason, falling short by one spot and three points in the standings.
Zac Wassink: The Portland Timbers are going to make some noise next season. My“sleeper team” for 2012 is CONCACAF bound Toronto. (-ed note: I was thinking TFC as well).
Coming Up….
Hottest Coaching Seat | Coach of the Year | Newcomer of the Year | Allocated Player of the Year | Defensive Player of the Year | Goalkeeper of the Year| Rookie of the Year | Biggest Sophomore Slump | Breakout Player | Designated Player of the Year| Least Valuable Player | Most Valuable Player | Team to Watch Next Year | Team Most Likely to Win MLS Cup
