Pundits across the globe are making predictions with the 2016 MLS season set to get underway on Sunday.
Of course many of these bold proclamations will be used as fodder for us amateur comedians out there by season’s end.
Will Sebastian Giovinco repeat as league MVP? Can Toronto FC make a deep run in the playoffs? Who will be the impact newcomers of the year? Here’s how the experts believe Toronto FC will fare this season heading into opening kick. We chose to feature mostly positive predictions because we can do that here. And we’re off.
Grant Wahl believes this is the year for the Reds:
Clint Irwin in goal and Drew Moor in the central defense should help bring some stability to a group that has been overly attack-heavy with the formidable Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley. I think Toronto will win the Supporters' Shield as well—such is the advantage of playing in the weaker MLS East—which means the MLS Cup final will take place in a chilly Toronto in December.
While Brian Strauss thinks Sebastian Giovinco will repeat as league MVP:
Foreign stars typically need a year or so to figure out the peculiarities of MLS. Now that the skillful Italian is comfortable and has a more balanced team around him, watch out.
Graham Parker joins the chorus predicting Seba will repeat as MVP:
How could you possibly look past the Italian Antman? At times last season he lived up to his nickname by carrying the entire Toronto FC team. He was so good they could have piled the CN Tower on his back and he still wouldn’t have slowed up. Giovinco could become a true MLS great.
Graham Ruthven believes the trio of defensive signings made by the Reds will have a major impact:
Greg Vanney might finally have found a platform on which to build his otherwise inherently attacking side, with full-back Steven Beitashour joining from the Vancouver Whitecaps and goalkeeper Clint Irwin and centre-back Drew Moor making the move from the Colorado Rapids. TFC won’t be so lopsided this season.
Noah Davis has the Reds winning the MLS Cup while Jason Davis has Giovinco registering another MVP season:
The saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Giovinco ain't broke, and while the Italian forward might miss some time away on national team duty this year, he remains the most irresistible attacker in the league, hence there's no need to "fix it" by picking anyone else for MVP.
Matt Doyle believes the Reds will be a playoff team but doesn’t see Greg Vanney’s side contending for the MLS Cup:
Even with those notes of caution sounded, it’s hard not to like what this group has done in the offseason. Getting veterans in on the backline, at ‘keeper and in midfield, and clearing out cap space in preparation for an in-season move or two was a smarter play than going for another splashy signing. They have the pieces, and now just have to figure out how they fit.
With opening kick around the corner we shall see who called it correctly at the end of the season.
