MLS Crossbar Week One: New New New

The Major League Soccer season is upon us this weekend, and with it comes new excitement for supporters about their team and the league. 2017 is the league's 22nd season and one of its most anticipated yet. With two new teams, a brand new stadium, and a crop of new talent coming in the league, there is plenty to be excited about.

This is the very first edition of MLS Crossbar, the mostly weekly segment where the big games and storylines of the league will be discussed. This week's installment (New New New) will include predictions of who wins the Supporters' Shield, both conference's playoff teams, and the matchup and winner of MLS Cup 2017, plus a look ahead at the matchups for week one of the season.

Supports' Shield

For those of you who aren't familiar with this award, the Supports' Shield is given every year to the club that has the highest point total at the end of the regular season. Traditionally the winners of the Supports' Shield haven't faired super well come playoff time (last year's winners, FC Dallas, lost in the Western Conference semi-finals). In fact, only 6 out of the 21 winners have gone on to win the MLS Cup, a success rate of about 28.5 percent. The last winner to go on to also win the MLS Cup was the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011. This year's winner, though, I believe has a great chance at winning it all. My pick, based on the fact that the team has an astonishing attack and plays in the weaker of the two conferences, is Toronto FC, last year's MLS Cup runner-up. 

TFC would become the first Canadian team to win the Supporters' Shield

Playoff Predictions: Western Conference

1. Seattle Sounders - Last year's MLS Cup champions return to make another hopeful run at the title. There was little lost from last year's squad, and they can only get better with the return of a healthy Clint Dempsey and the possible addition of Japanese international Keisuke Honda.
2. FC Dallas - The team that won last year's Supporters' Shield looks like another strong contender this year, especially after a 4-0 victory in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League last week.
3. Portland Timbers - Always a contender out west, the Timbers look to get back to the MLS Cup, which they won in 2015.
4. Vancouver Whitecaps - The Canadian club looks to keep pace with its Cascadia rivals and add its first MLS Cup with the addition of a proven goal-scorer in Mauro Rosales.
5. LA Galaxy - The Galaxy have lost a lot since last season, but they are still talented enough to compete for a playoff spot. 
6. Sporting Kansas City - Sporting KC always seems to find a way to make the playoffs, and this season doesn't look like it'll be the exception to that. 

Playoff Predictions: Eastern Conference

1. Toronto FC - The 2016 MLS Cup runner-up looks like it'll be just as strong, and is an early favorite to be the team to beat. 
2. New York City FC - NYCFC seems like 2017 will be its most talented squad yet and should give a lot of teams problems.
3. Montreal Impact - While Drogba is gone, this team made the conference finals last year and should be just as good.
4. New York Red Bulls - The Red Bulls have become a staple of the playoffs, and it seems like this year that will continue. 
5. D.C. United - The team from the nation's capital had a lot of early success in the league and is looking to restore the team back to its old glory.
6. Chicago Fire - The team may have been the worst in the league in 2016, but in 2017 it should be a brand new team that will be in a dogfight for the sixth spot against Philly and Atlanta. 

MLS Cup Final

2017 looks like it will have one of the toughest playoffs yet, but it looks like there are two teams that will be making the finals: Toronto FC and FC Dallas. Toronto just looks like too good of a team for anyone in the East to compete with. The Western Conference will be highly competitive, but FC Dallas seems built to make a run this year. Since I previously predicted that Toronto will win the Supporter's Shield, they will have the better record, so they will host the finals. While I believe that this will be a hotly contested battle, I have little doubt that Toronto will come out on top. 

This would be TFC's second appearance and FC Dallas's first.

This Week's Top Games

Loons vs Loonies (Minnesota United @ Portland Timbers) - Minnesota will be playing its first game ever and it will be in one of the craziest atmospheres in the league. 

New Galaxy vs Fresh Form (FC Dallas @ LA Galaxy) - FC Dallas is fresh off a huge victory in the CONCACAF Champions League and will have a new look LA Galaxy.

Canada vs Deseret (Toronto FC @ Real Salt Lake) - One of the league's top contenders in TFC will face off against a competitive team in RSL.

New Home vs New York (NYCFC @ Orlando City) - Orlando fans will be excited to witness the team's first game in its new stadium.

Hotlanta vs Red Hot (New York Red @ Atlanta United) - Atlanta will be making its league debut in front of its home crowd.

Wrap-Up

This will hopefully be just the start of some ongoing coverage of MLS action. Since this was both a season preview and the first of these posts, it was a bit longer than it will normally be. Please join us next week as we go over more of the league's biggest storyline's and the games of the week. 

Putting Trust in the Process

The Philadelphia 76ers have found some hope in a year that has them sitting at 21-34, which is the team's best record in four years. The 76ers have had a recent history of being by far the worst team in the NBA. Failed draft picks, injuries, and bad coaching are just some of the things that have plagued the Sixers. After finishing last year almost exact opposites of the Golden State Warriors at 10-72, the 76ers have looked to continue building and using the same motto the entire time: Trust the Process.

The 76ers have turned blessings into curses in the NBA draft the last 3 years. They've landed college gems like Nerlens Noel from Kentucky University, Michael Carter-Williams from Syracuse University, Joel Embiid from the University of Kansas, Jahlil Okafor from Duke University, and last year’s number one pick, Ben Simmons from Louisiana State University. They have drafted lots of talent, but why is their record so bad? Mainly injuries and things just not working out. Noel and Carter-Williams were both drafted in the 2013 draft, but neither panned out like expected. Carter-Williams had an excellent first year with the team and was named Rookie of the Year in 2013. The following year, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the start of the season, and inevitably, he was traded to Milwaukee (he is now with the Chicago Bulls). Noel, still with the Sixers, missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury and has yet to fully shine as a top talent in the league. While he is starting to gain some confidence this year, Noel has made headlines by voicing his opinion about his lack of playing time, and also has been the subject of trade rumors. Simmons, the number one pick in the 2016 draft, and Joel Embiid, the number one pick in the 2014 draft, were the biggest draft picks the Sixers have had in recent years, but were hit with the injury bug. Embiid was forced to sit out his first two seasons after suffering a foot injury before playing a single game, and Simmons has yet to play a game after also suffering a foot injury before the season started. Okafor, the number three pick from the 2015 draft, has been the only lottery pick who has gone without suffering any injuries, and even had a good rookie season for the 76ers. But he could only do so much as they finished 10-72 last season, and as the NBA trade deadline is approaching, his name is top on the list to go.

Since going 41-41 in the 2010-2011 season, the 76ers have been on a massive slide. They won 35 games the 2011-12 season, 34 games the next year, 19 games the 13-14 season, 18 the 14-15 season, and just 10 games last year. Before the All-Star break this season, they already have doubled their wins from last season and have seen a little bit of light in all the darkness. Okafor is averaging just over 11.5 points a game and 4.8 rebounds a game. Second year guy TJ McConnell, who’s averaging 6 points and 6.1 assists per game, has three game winning shots this season, which has made this team just a little more fun to watch. There seems to be a little hope brewing in Philly. Just yesterday, Charlotte Hornets player Nicolas Batum guaranteed a victory over the 76ers. The 76ers ended up winning the game, and McConnell told a reporter that teams cannot just overlook them. Watching this season, they seem to have some swagger in their game that has not been there for a while. The fans are becoming more excited and people around the NBA are starting to take a little notice. That is something that has not been with this franchise in a long time.

Simmons will provide a real spark once he gets healthy. After one spectacular season at LSU, Simmons declared for the draft and was the first overall pick. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 11.8 rebounds a game in college, and is very exciting to watch. Simmons once recorded a 46-point game without making one three-point shot. That is practically unheard of nowadays.  Before the season, he compared his play style to that of LeBron James. I would not give him that level of praise yet, but Simmons is going to be a very special player in this league, and will be very fun to watch. During the summer league, Simmons was on Sportscenter's Top 10 Plays daily, with his magnificent passing skills and his amazing court vision. Standing at 6’10", Simmons is going to join Milwaukee Bucks point guard Giannis Antetokounmpo as the new breed of tall point guards in the league.

Embiid is the man that everyone in Philly is extremely excited about, and his play this year has cemented the hype. Embiid has taken the phrase “trust the process” and absolutely run with it. If you mention the 76ers, you cannot help but mention the catchphrase that NBA fans love. Even though Embiid was drafted in 2014, this year is his rookie season because of the broken foot that has not allowed him to play a game prior to this season. Joel has been on an absolute tear this year, and even though he is on a minutes restriction, only getting around 26 minutes a game, he is averaging 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, and just barely missed the All-Star game. He has been a do-it-all guy, pushing the fast break at times, being the hype man for his team, passing the ball, blocking shots, and even shooting the three. His personality is the best part about Embiid. He is very active on Twitter and always has some goofy things to say. As the All-Star game approached, he encouraged fans to vote for him because celebrity singer Rihanna agreed to go on a date with him if he made the game. His outgoing and good personality has won over the Philly fans, and they have really attached themselves to him as their superstar. When he is on the floor, there seems to be a little more excitement than the Sixers have had in a long time.

The 76ers have found a core of young talent that, if healthy, could be special for this team. I personally want to see them do well, and am excited to watch them once Embiid and Simmons are on the floor at the same time. The excitement in Philly is rising, and even though the team has the third-worst record in the league, the future seems to be extremely bright for this young Sixer franchise.

Early MLB Favorites

As we inch closer and closer towards spring, escaping the icy clutches of winter, we also near the start of the new Major League Baseball season. Pitchers and catchers begin reporting Sunday (starting with Cleveland), and then spring training kicks into gear. So, now seems like as good a time as any to go through my early favorites to bring home the Commissioner's Trophy in the fall. After all, it's never too early to take a look ahead to the end of the season (even if it is, I'm doing this anyway).

Cleveland Indians (2016 Record: 94-67, 1st AL Central)

The young Tribe fell agonizingly close to winning their first world series since 1948, which would have wonderfully capped a banner year in sports for the city of Cleveland (the Browns notwithstanding). They did the opposite of their NBA counterparts, blowing a 3-1 series lead to the Chicago Cubs, which culminated in a Game 7 extra-inning home loss. On the bright side, Terry Francona's team looks like a good bet to return to the World Series.

The reigning runner-up remains largely the same team. The only impact players Cleveland lost from last year's World Series team were DH Mike Napoli and outfielder Rajai Davis. Napoli was promptly replaced by former Toronto Blue Jay Edwin Encarnacion, whom the Indians signed last month. The imaginary-parrot-carrying 34-year-old is an elite hitter who could bolster Cleveland's already-dangerous offense (fifth in MLB in runs last season). To help replace Davis, the Tribe signed centerfielder Austin Jackson (who played in 54 games for the White Sox in 2016) and power-hitting outfielder Wily Mo Pena (who last played in the Majors in 2011, before going to Japan and playing well) to minor league deals. I mainly mentioned Wily Mo so could talk about him, because if their is ever a chance to talk about the home run-bashing legend that is Wily Mo, we must pounce on the opportunity.

Those moves add some role players to a young, talented lineup that includes electric shortstop Francisco Lindor, cornerstone second baseman Jason Kipnis, switch-hitting DH/first baseman Carlos Santana, and breakout third baseman/outfielder Jose Ramirez. Catcher, center field, and left field aren't quite as settled, with Yan Gomes, who was ineffective and injured last season, trying to win the catcher spot back from the solid Roberto Perez, Lonnie Chisenhall and Brandon Guyer sharing right, and Tyler Naquin (a pleasant surprise as a rookie) leading the way in center. The Indians also bring back a stellar rotation (Corey Kluber, Carlos Corrasco, Danny Salazar, Josh Tomlin, and Trevor Bauer, who, along with Mike Clevinger and a few others, combined to finish seventh in MLB in ERA), and a strong bullpen fronted by relief ace/robot Andrew Miller. And they could get some in-house upgrades if all of their pitchers, plus former all-star outfielder Michael Brantley, can stay healthy. Health will be a factor, but the Indians look like favorites.

Chicago Cubs (2016 Record: 103-58, 1st NL Central)

Ah, yes, the World Champion Chicago Cubs. They're okay, I guess. Many believed the years and years of futility would end in the near future when Joe Maddon was named manager, and that near future arrived in 2016. Now, the Cubs have the look of a juggernaut, with bright young superstars, seasoned veterans, and the charismatic Maddon at the helm.

After finally ending the longest championship drought in all of professional sports, the Cubbies don't look like they'll be going away anytime soon. Chicago's north side is home to some of the best young players in the game, led by first baseman Anthony Rizzo and third baseman/NL MVP Kris Bryant, two young bashers with eerily similar numbers (both finished with a .292 batting average and .385 on-base percentage last season, and while Bryant had seven more home runs, Rizzo had seven more runs batted in). Along with them, there's infielder Javier Baez and shortstop Addison Russell, two young players who provided key moments in the World Series, as well as World Series MVP Ben Zobrist, who provides versatility and leadership. They will be hoping that catcher Willson Contreras, who impressed in 76 games last season, and outfielder Albert Almora, who had some moments in the postseason and will now help replace the departed Dexter Fowler in center, take steps forward this season, and that defensive whiz Jason Heyward hits enough to stay in right field every day. The Cubs will also hopefully get a full season from left fielder Kyle Schwarber, who provides a lot of offense, and will receive the services of outfielder Jon Jay (who played in 90 games with the Padres last year), whom they signed in December.

On the pitching side, Chicago returns Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, John Lackey, and Kyle Hendricks, who combined for 64 wins and a 2.80 ERA last season (Chicago's team ERA of 3.15 was tops in the league). Gone are 15-game winner Jason Hammel and flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman but the Cubs signed reliever Koji Uehara and starter Brett Anderson, and shipped outfielder Jorge Soler to Kansas City for star reliever Wade Davis. Behind charismatic manager Joe Maddon, the Cubs have a real good shot at a repeat.

Boston Red Sox (2016 Record: 93-69, 1st AL East)

The Red Sox looked headed for a storybook ending to DH David Ortiz's magnificent career, seeming to possess the talent to take the title. Alas, some of their stars struggled in the playoffs, and they didn't get past the first round, running into the Cleveland buzz saw in a three-game sweep. Sans Ortiz, they still possess the talent to win it all.

Boston's offseason was marked by the departure of an old star and the arrival of a new star (oh, and the Patriots' comeback victory in the Super Bowl). Ortiz bid farewell, going out with a bang (.315 batting average, .401 on-base percentage, and 38 home runs in his final season). Then, Boston made a bang by trading top prospect Yoan Moncada, along with pitching prospects Michael Kopech and Victor Diaz, and center field prospect Luis Alexander Basabe, to Chicago for ace pitcher (and apparently-skilled crafter) Chris Sale, adding him to a rotation that already features former Cy Young winner David Price, 2016 AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, knuckleballer Steven Wright, Trade Deadline acquisition Drew Pomeranz (who struggled a bit after coming over from San Diego), and young gun Eduardo Rodriguez. Fireball closer Craig Kimbrel still resides in the bullpen, joined by a host of former starters, including Tyler Thornburg, Joe Kelly, Matt Barnes, and Robbie Ross Jr.

Offensively, the Red Sox, who were the best offensive team in baseball last season, will miss Ortiz's production, but they did sign former Ranger first baseman Mitch Moreland, and they still have dangerous hitter Hanley Ramirez (who will probably move from first base to DH), veteran second baseman Dustin Pedroia, All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, All-Star center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., late-season lightning bolt Andrew Benintendi, and superstar right fielder Mookie Betts. The two biggest question marks are probably at third base, where Pablo Sandoval comes back after missing almost all of 2016 with an injured shoulder, and catcher, where Sandy Leon, who played really well in 78 games last year, looks to have the upper hand on Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart. The Sox have enough talent in the rotation and in the field to win it all this year.

Los Angeles Dodgers (2016 Record: 91-71, 1st NL West)

The Dodgers are a routine personified, it seems. Every year, they go out and make some moves, receive high expectations, and never exceed those expectations. Sure, they usually make the playoffs, but they just can't seem to get very far once they are there. It looks like this year will be no different in terms of expectations, as they look primed to be one of the elite teams in baseball once again.

Let's start with one of the best players in baseball, 2016 NL Rookie of the Year Corey Seager. The young shortstop leads a mix of productive veterans and young athletes. This team lost Chase Utley and Howie Kendrick, but it still has first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Justin Turner, catcher Yasmani Grandal, and center fielder Joc Pederson, as well as the plethora of part-time outfielders that includes Andre Ethier, Andrew Toles, Trayce Thompson, and Scott Van Slyke. Enigmatic outfielder Yasiel Puig is also still in the fold, despite a midseason demotion and trade talks last year. Without Utley and Kendrick, the Dodgers traded for Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe to shore up the infield.

The pitching rotation continues to be captained by arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Clayton Kershaw, who will hopefully stay healthy all season after making just 21 starts in 2016. Behind him are trade-deadline acquisition Rich Hill, second-year Japanese import Kenta Maeda,  electrifying 20-year-old Julio Urias, and solid veteran Scott Kazmir, along with Brandon McCarthy, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Alex Wood, Ross Stipling, and Blake Stewart. The Dodgers were able to retain lockdown closer Kenley Jansen, who anchors a bullpen that led the league in ERA last season (3.35). Some of those starters who don't make the rotation will probably join him in the pen, as well as guys like Pedro Baez, who takes about as much time between pitches as I did writing this, and lefty Adam Liberatore. Los Angeles has some questions (namely in the outfield), but the pitching makes this an elite team.

Washington Nationals (2016 Record: 95-67, 1st NL East)

Like the Dodgers, the Nationals have come into the past few seasons as favorites, and while they  have played well during the regular season, they can't seem to get over that postseason hill. Maybe 2017 is the year they do it, because they are loaded with young and old talent.

Any conversation about the Nationals starts with superstar right fielder Bryce Harper. After hitting .330 with 42 home runs in 2015, Harper had a down year last season, hitting .243 with 24 home runs. Although he did have a .373 on-base percentage and 21 stolen bases (15 more than in 2015),  the Nats expect more from the young face of their franchise. While Harper disappointed, second baseman Daniel Murphy and rookie shortstop/center fielder Trea Turner played outstanding. Murphy followed up an excellent 2015 postseason (when he was with the Mets) by hitting .347 with a .390 on-base percentage and 25 home runs. The speedy Turner played in 73 games for the Nats, hitting .342 with 13 home runs and 33 stolen bases. In December, Washington traded top prospect Lucas Giolito, along with fellow pitching prospects Reynaldo Lopez and Dane Dunning, to the White Sox for outfielder Adam Eaton, who brings great defense and production at the plate, and allows Turner to move from center field back to his more natural shortstop position. They also traded for former Padres catcher Derek Norris after losing Wilson Ramos via free agency. Everywhere else remains the same, with declining first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, third baseman and 2016 NL Comeback Player of the Year Anthony Rendon, and 37-year-old left fielder Jayson Werth.

Washington has a lot of talent in its rotation. It starts with 2016 NL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, followed by injury-prone star Stephen Strasburg, veteran southpaw Gio Gonzalez, team ERA leader Tanner Roark, and solid youngster Joe Ross. The bullpen lost Mark Melancon and Jonathan Papelbon, along with a few other contributors, leaving Washington without a closer. Shawn Kelly, who had a 2.64 ERA last season, may fill that roll. He'll be joined by the likes of Blake Treinen and Sammy Solis, among others. The Nats head into the season with the reigning Cy Young winner and multiple MVP candidates, as well as high expectations once again.




I'm not guaranteeing that one of these five teams will be atop Major League Baseball come fall, but these are the teams I believe are most likely to win it all going into Spring Training. Things change (they always do), but these are my favorites as we turn the corner towards baseball season.

Does LeBron Need Extra Help?

The NBA season has been an exciting one up to this point. The Golden State Warriors have proven they would not have any problems getting things figured out, as they have the best record in the NBA. Joel Embiid has put faith into “the process” as the 76ers seem to be putting some of their talent together, and have been winning some games this year, all without their number one pick, Ben Simmons, who fractured his foot before the season even started. Karl-Anthony Towns is having an incredible sophomore year after winning Rookie of the Year last year, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is showing a 6’11 point guard can dominate, as he was voted an All-Star starter for this year’s game in New Orleans.

One of the main headlines, as of late, has been the best player in the league: LeBron James. In January, the Cleveland Cavaliers dropped five of seven games, and after a loss to the Miami Heat, LeBron had something to say about it. “We need a f---ing playmaker!” LeBron James, yes, the best player in the world, told a reporter that the defending champions needed another playmaker. This is the same Cavs team that also has Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, both of whom are All-Stars. The remark was talked about for weeks, and is still talked about. This is the best player in the league basically saying he needs some more help. LeBron gets compared to Michael Jordan as the greatest to ever play the game, and I have never heard a report about Michael Jordan saying he needed help. I would bet that almost every player in the league would love to be in the same situation that LeBron is in, playing with two all-stars and basically bringing back the same roster from the championship team from the year before. Kyrie Iriving, in my opinion, is the 2nd best point guard in the league right now behind Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Love is a stretch man that put up 34 in ONE QUARTER against the Blazers earlier in the season. They just added a deadly three point shooter in Kyle Korver, and have a very solid big man in Tristian Thompson. His comments really surprised me because, well, they don't need any more help. If I was a general manager in the NBA, I wouldn't try to trade with them at all. It would only make them more dominant than they already are. 

The Cavs are sitting atop the Eastern Conference right now with a 35-15 record, 2.5 games ahead of the second-place Boston Celtics, and are 3rd in the NBA in wins behind the Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs. The Golden State Warriors, who, after blowing a 3-1 Finals series lead to the Cavs, brought Kevin Durant, a former MVP, to their roster, are sitting atop the NBA in wins at 43-8 so far this season. Is LeBron looking at the Warriors success this season and thinking they need another piece if they have a third meeting with the Warriors in the Finals? I am not sure what it is, but being atop of the East in wins and having a very good supporting cast, with two other All Stars, it doesn't seem like any need for extra help to me.

MLS Expansion

Soccer has experienced a high level of growth regarding popularity in both America and Canada. A direct beneficiary of this has been Major League Soccer, the highest soccer league in both countries. Since its inaugural season in 1996, the MLS has grown from 10 teams to 22 at the beginning of their 2017 season.

Atlanta United FC will begin play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium partway through its 2017 campaign.  

This season's introduction of expansion clubs Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC is far from the end game of soccer's development in North America. In 2018, led by an all-star ownership group and the construction of Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles FC will make its debut. LAFC will be the second club in LA, after a few years of it being a single club town due to the collapse of Chivas USA. The team is already building strong support within its community, and it's clear that the city will easily be able to support having two teams now.

Banc of California Stadium is set to open in 2018 for the club's first year

The other city that's already been selected for an expansion club is Miami. This franchise has had a long road to the MLS that began in 2007 with David Beckham's contract with the LA Galaxy and the league, which allowed him the chance to purchase an expansion team for the price of $25 million. That price is a sixth of the current going rate of $150 million. In 2014, the league made it official and announced that Beckham and his investment group would be awarded the expansion, and since then it has yet to be smooth sailing. The team has had several plans in place to build a soccer-specific stadium in the city or surrounding areas, which have fallen short due to a variety of reasons. The league's goal is to have the team's roster up to 24 before the year 2020, but the longer it takes to get the tentatively-named Beckham United off the ground, the less likely it seems that this goal will be realistic.

The original plan was to have the stadium next to Marlins Park.

With the addition of Atlanta and Minnesota this year, as well as LA and Miami shortly, the MLS will be up to 24 teams. This amount is already larger than the Premier League (England), La Liga (Spain), and Bundesliga (Germany), three leagues that are all considered the best in the world. The gap between the population of the MLS and these leagues is set to continue to grow, as late in 2016, MLS commissioner Don Garber announced that the league plans to grow to 28 teams by the 2021 season. Currently, the plan is to add two teams in both 2020 and 2021. Due to this, the league is searching for the four cities where these teams will call home. The deadline for ownership groups to submit their bids for their cities to be considered was earlier this week, on January 31st.

Garber has been league commissioner since 1999

Now that there's an official list of candidate cities, it is time to take a look to see which city makes the most sense to place a new team. To go about this, I will first give some necessary information for each city, such as population (rounded to the nearest 1,000 people), median age, current professional soccer teams in the city (as well as teams from other sports), and some background about each city's bid. After that, I will rank the cities based on their likelihood of being selected by taking into account criteria such as location, size, existing fan bases, stability of ownership, and ability to build a soccer-specific stadium (all of which the MLS has stated they are also looking at, with the exception of location).

MLS attendance has grown steadily, with both
2015 and 2016 exceeding 21,000 a game.

Before I begin, I'd like to tell you why I've chosen these categories. The population seems relatively straightforward, which is why I added in average age. Age is a key factor when it comes to popularity with soccer. The younger the city, the better suited it is. The growth in popularity of the sport has come mainly from the millennial and young generations, so a young city is ideal for MLS. Having previous experience with professional soccer is helpful for a city, since it means a more established fan base, which the league looks positively on. Stability of ownership and the ability to build a soccer-specific stadium are big for the MLS, because of its history. Early in the league, teams didn't have the strongest ownership groups, which led to failure. And teams playing in nearly empty football stadiums produced a negative image of the league, which they are still trying to combat. Finally, the location will play a part in my rankings for the cities where teams are best suited. Much like how the southeast part of the US was a factor when the league added Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami to their roster, I forsee adding another team to the central part of the country and Northern California to be a part of Garber's decision.

Here is a map of the current cities that will have teams by 2020.

Both New York and LA will have two teams by that time.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Population: 810,000

Median Age: 34.3 

Existing Soccer Teams: Charlotte Independence (USL)

Other Professional Sports Teams: Charlotte Hornets (NBA), Carolina Panthers (NFL)

The efforts to bring an MLS team to Charlotte are being headed up by Marcus Smith, CEO and President of Speedway Motorsports. Currently, the group's bid to build a stadium is up in the air after the city council rejected a proposal for the city to spend $43.5 million on the stadium. 

A few key details about soccer in Charlotte. First is that Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium has played host to major soccer events before, such as the International Champions Cup. Another major plus that the city has is that it is one of two (the other being Miami) that is home to a school sponsored by FC Barcelona. This means that it's plausible that if the city were awarded an expansion team, there could be a partnership with Barca, much like how Manchester City partners with NYCFC. 

A render of Charlotte's proposed soccer stadium.  

Cincinnati, Ohio

Population: 298,000
Median Age: 32.7
Existing Soccer Teams: FC Cincinnati (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), Cincinnati Reds (MLB)

Cincinnati does not currently have a plan in place for a soccer-specific stadium, but what it does seem to have is local supporters. 2016 was FC Cincinnati's first season, and during that time it set a USL record for attendance record by topping 20,000 fans a game, just shy of the MLS average. Finding the room for a new stadium within city limits might be a challenge for the ownership group, but it seems like if they do, they won't have much trouble filling it.

FCC had an astonishing crowd of over 35,000 for its
friendly match against Crystal Palace

Detroit, Michigan

Population: 680,000
Median Age: 34.8
Existing Soccer Teams: Detroit City FC (NPSL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Detroit Tigers (MLB), Detroit Pistons (NBA), Detroit Lions (NFL)

The team of NBA owners Tom Gores (Pistons) and Dan Gilbert (Cavaliers) are behind the pursuit of bringing MLS to Motown. Part of this plan is to have a $1 billion development at the site of the downtown Wayne County Jail, which would include a 23,000 seat soccer-specific stadium. This is a bold and impressive effort, but the problem with this might be the public interest. Detroit is a great sports city with many passionate fans, but the city's only professional soccer team plays for the National Premier Soccer League, which is on the fourth level of the American soccer pyramid. To jump to Major League Soccer would mean entirely skipping two levels of play.

Detroit's proposed stadium would be part of a massive urban development. 

Indianapolis, Indiana

Population: 849,000
Median Age: 34.1
Existing Soccer Teams: Indy Eleven (NASL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Indiana Pacers (NBA), Indianapolis Colts (NFL)

Indianapolis does not seem like the sexiest pick for expansion, but what the city does appear to have is a nice mix of fan support and ability to build a stadium. In the Indy Eleven's first two seasons, they finished first in attendance in the NASL, and in their third season, they finished second. All three seasons saw the team fill its stadium to near capacity and continually improve on the field.

The other strength for Indy is their ability to build a stadium. They have a proposed $100 million, 20,000 seat stadium, their desired location picked out, and a thought out plan to pay for it. Currently, the plan is to have the stadium partially financed by private investors, and the rest through user taxes placed on things such as tickets and in-stadium merchandise/concessions sales.

The stadium's current proposed location puts it near
Lucas Oil Stadium and the White River.

Nashville, Tennessee

Population: 644,000
Median Age: 34.1
Existing Soccer Teams: None
Other Professional Sports Teams: Nashville Predators (NHL), Tennessee Titans (NFL)

Nashville is a vibrant city known for entertainment. However, what it is not known for is soccer. Nashville has never been home to a professional soccer team at any level. To go with this, the city does not have a completed plan for a soccer-specific stadium. The ownership group does have a proposed site for the stadium, and the city itself has the feel of other cities that have MLS teams (see Portland as an example).

Nashville's Nissan Stadium will play host to a 2017 Gold Cup match.

Phoenix, Arizona

Population: 1,537,000
Median Age: 33.8
Existing Soccer Teams: Phoenix Rising FC (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Coyotes (NHL), Arizona Cardinals (NFL)

Phoenix has a few things going for its bid. First is its location. Of the twelve possible cities, Phoenix is the only one without another MLS team within 400 miles. Next is the city's demographics. Phoenix is home to a significant number of millennials and has a large Hispanic population, two groups where soccer is fairly popular. Finally is the proposed stadium. Not only is it privately funded and soccer-specific, both things that make the city and league happy, but it would also be climate controlled, a must for a team who would be playing home matches in a desert during the summer. Another plus is that Phoenix is not only the largest city on the list, but also the biggest city without an MLS team.

The stadium would be a 45-acre site with the club's academy attached.

Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Population: 692,000 (Total of the two cities)
Median Age: 32.5 (Average of the two cities)
Existing Soccer Teams: North Carolina FC (NASL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)

The biggest selling points for North Carolina's capital are its location and demographic. The cities are located in an area that isn't densely populated with other teams in the league. It also is at the center of what is known as The Triangle, the area between the colleges Duke, North Carolina, and North Carolina State. This location gives the area a young and growing population, which would benefit a soccer team.

The area's current team recently rebranded itself
as North Carolina FC.

Sacramento, California

Population: 485,000
Median Age: 33.7
Existing Soccer Teams: Sacramento Republic FC (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Sacramento Kings (NBA)

Sacramento has long been a favorite to be awarded one of the expansions, due to its fan base and excellent progress regarding a stadium. Sacramento is known for having one of the most passionate fan bases in the USL (last season their average attendance was technically higher than their stadium's listed capacity). Despite some recent setbacks, the team more or less has a shovel-ready plan for their stadium. The city's location also gives it an advantage, since having another team in northern California besides San Jose would help cement the league on the west coast.

The city's stadium plan has long been a selling point. 

San Antonio, Texas

Population: 1,437,000
Median Age: 33.1
Existing Soccer Teams: San Antonio FC (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: San Antonio Spurs (NBA)

There are many selling points for San Antonio. First is that it is being led by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, which is already an excellent ownership group. San Antonio FC, the city's current club, has had great success with building a fan base. The city is already home to Toyota Field, which gives it a soccer-specific stadium and, while it is currently on the small side, is already being designed for an expansion to increase it to 18,000.

While Texas already is home to FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo, the state can easily house three MLS teams. San Antonio would also better represent the central and southern parts of America's second largest state. Aside from that, who wouldn't want to see a three-sided Texas Derby?

Toyota Stadium currently seats around 8,000, with plenty of
room for expansion. 

San Diego, California

Population: 1,381,000
Median Age: 34.5
Existing Soccer Teams: San Diego Flash (NPSL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: San Diego Padres (MLB)

While having the Chargers leave the city for LA may have upset many long time fans of the football team, it has done wonders for the city's MLS chances. San Diego has quickly become the sexiest pick for expansion. A proposed 30,000 seat, privately funded stadium on the site of Qualcomm Stadium, along with the fact that they handed the league commissioner their paperwork on the USS Midway, has made a big splash for the possible team.

The problems with San Diego are the lack of a previously established team and its proximity to LA. Having three teams competing for attention in Southern California might cause some problems.

The proposed stadium's capacity would put it in the top 5
amongst MLS stadiums.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Population: 317,000
Median Age: 35.0
Existing Soccer Teams: Saint Louis FC (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Saint Louis Cardinals (MLB), Saint Louis Blues (NHL)

Saint Louis is the current odds-on favorite to land one of the four expansions. Planning for an MLS team began shortly after the Rams left the city and has gained a lot of momentum. There seems to be a solid plan in place, and a lot of public support behind the team. There's not a lot to add to this, as at this point, it would be surprising to not be seeing a rivalry match being played in the coming years between Sporting Kansas City and Saint Louis.

The proposed stadium would seat 20,000+ every home game.

Tampa Bay/Saint Petersburg, Florida

Population: 612,000
Median Age: 38.6
Existing Soccer Teams: Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL)
Other Professional Sports Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

Tampa Bay was home to one of the original MLS teams when the league launched in 1996. The Mutiny were also one of two teams that were disbanded in 2002. This doesn't play well for the city, and it doesn't help that having the team would make a third team added in Florida in five years. The city has the oldest median age out of all the cities that applied, which doesn't help either. One thing they do have going for them is that they already have a soccer-specific stadium, which they can expand to better suit an MLS audience.

The proposed expansion would make Al Lang Stadium
significantly larger. 

Ranking of Potential Cities

1. Saint Louis, Missouri
2. Sacramento, California
3. San Antonio, Texas
4. Cincinnati, Ohio
5. San Diego, California
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
7. Phoenix, Arizona
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
9. Nashville, Tennessee
10. Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina
11. Detroit, Michigan
12. Tampa Bay/Saint Petersburg, Florida

Like I've previously stated, St. Louis and Sacramento seem as close to locks as you can get. I would also throw San Antonio in as a lock. These three accomplish the MLS's three top priorities: soccer-specific stadium, established fanbase/market, and ownership commitment. San Antonio already has stable ownership, a soccer-specific stadium, and a well-established fan base. Saint Louis and Sacramento both seem to have the same things, only their stadiums are not entirely built. Finally, these three accomplish something geographically. Sacramento and San Antonio cement the league in California and Texas. Saint Louis helps strengthen the league's brand in the central part of the country.

The fourth team to be added is less clear. It seems like any city I have listed 4th-9th could conceivably take that slot. They all have high points, and they all have weaknesses. San Diego has a strong proposal for their stadium, Cincinnati has a strong fan base, and Indianapolis has a little bit of both. Ultimately, the decision will come down to what the league values the most. If they think a soccer-specific stadium in an area is most valuable, they'll go with San Diego, but if they value fan base more, they'll go with Cinci. The reason why I personally have Cincinnati listed higher is that, while San Diego is flashy and has a beautiful stadium, you can't put a price on established fan bases. If you don't believe me, just look at MLS attendance since 2009, when Seattle came into the league, because that's an example of a club that came into the league with an already established fan base.

Every year since 2012, Seattle has averaged over 40,000 fans a game.

Now that I've given a rough outline of the teams that should be in the league, the next step is figuring out who joins in what year. Garber has gone on record by saying that the league plans to announce the two teams joining the league in 2020 by the end of the year. My thought is that they will have decided what four teams will be joining, but will only be announcing the two teams that will play in the early year.

The cities that would be most likely to make that 2020 date are Sacramento and San Antonio. Sacramento already seems like they could break ground on their stadium at the drop of a hat, and San Antonio already has their stadium even if it still needs to be expanded. Cincinnati and Saint Louis could both take those spots, though, if they can lock down the location for their stadiums soon.

In the meantime, while you wait for the league to announce their newest teams, you can prepare for the official MLS season, which begins in about a month's time, on March 3rd.

Minnesota United makes their league debut against the Portland Timbers
on Friday, March 3rd at 9:30 EST on FS1