Our 2018 MLS season preview series rolls on, leaving our main competition in the East for a look at the Western Conference. Last year saw the balance of power shift out of the West for the first time in ages, and things appear to be the same this season. That could open the door for, say, teams that were on the bottom last year or an expansion side to get into the playoffs.
“Could” doesn’t mean “will,” though, at least for two teams that struggled last year and one that is taking their first steps in MLS.
Last year: 9W-6D-19L, -20 (31 for/51 against), 33 points, 10th place.