It is finally here! After a long, busy offseason MLS First Kick week is finally back and ready to get the season started. This winter featured a number of big moves and transfers that will give the league a completely new look in the next eight months. With so many great new additions, 2012 looks to be the most competitive and entertaining in league history. Want to know who is destined for a breakout season in MLS? Check out my Preseason predictions below!
Rookie of the Year – Kelyn Rowe: The UCLA product has had a sensational preseason for the Revs and has hinted that he could be the midfield answer for New England this season. After a rough 2011 where the Revolution struggled to control the midfield all season long, Rowe very well could be the perfect puzzle piece to a squad already boasting Benny Feilhaber and Shalrie Joseph in the middle. Through his first five preseason games, Rowe already had four goals and four assists to his name and he is destined for a First XI spot come March 10. If his fantastic form continues, there is no doubt that Rowe is headed for a remarkable Rookie year.
Other Potential Candidates- Darron Mattocks, Andrew Wenger
Newcomer of the Year – Hamdi Salihi: While DC United did have a relatively successful 2011, there is no denying that for the second half of the season they were a one man team. The entire offense revolved around Dwayne De Rosario who scored 13 goals and 7 assists in just 18 games for the Black and Red as Charlie Davies lost his form and Branko Boskovic remained out with a knee injury. While it is highly doubtful De Rosario will be able to continue his scorching hot form in 2012, the addition of new DP Hamdi Salihi, a strong, experienced goalscorer, could do wonders for the DC United attack. Salihi gives United another dimension in the attacking third and will require some attention from opposing defenses, making De Rosario’s job a whole lot easier. Expect Salihi to have a break out year as DC United looks to return to its glory days.
Other Potential Candidates- Kris Boyd, Eddie Johnson
Comeback Player of the Year – Steve Zakuani: While I am sure Steve Zakuani would want his 2011 season back, winning the 2012 Comeback player of the year award would not be a bad consolation. The award is certainly there for the taking as Zakuani will make his first MLS appearance in two weeks at Century Link Field after a horrific leg break last April cut his season short. With the Sounders offense looking more dynamic than it was last Spring, Zakuani should have a great helping cast to get his career back on track.
Other Potential Candidates- Branko Boskovic, Donovan Ricketts
Most Valuable Player – Brad Davis: After nearly a decade of MLS service, 2012 will be the year the left footed magician will finally get into the history books. The Houston Dynamo midfielder led the league in assists last season and was essential to the Dynamo’s remarkable run to the MLS Cup Final in 2011. This year, with more attacking options such as Mac Kandji, Colin Rolfe, and a more experienced Will Bruin at his disposal, Davis should have an even easier time finding ways to create dangerous scoring opportunities. Add all that in with the fact that the Dynamo will be one of the best-supported clubs in the league with the opening of BBVA Compass Stadium and you have your 2012 MVP winner.
Other Potential Candidates- Thierry Henry, Mauro Rosales
Surprise Team of 2012 – Vancouver Whitecaps: Despite taking some very unsatisfying baby steps in 2011, the Whitecaps are revamped and ready to shock the league in 2011. Arguably the most active team this offseason, the Whitecaps have added a number of players who can come into Cascadia and make an impact immediately. After letting in more goals than any other Western Conference team last season, Martin Rennie has added Martin Bonjour and Lee Young-Pyo to try and close up the defensive gaps. But the real additions for the Whitecaps have come on the offensive end of the pitch as newcomers Darron Mattocks, Etienne Barbara, and Sebastien Le Toux all have serious goal scoring capabilities. Add those three to a squad already boasting Eric Hassli, Camilo, Omar Salgado, and Chiumiento and you have one entertaining offense ready to explode in 2012.
Other Potential Candidates- New England Revolution, Portland Timbers
Team to Beat – LA Galaxy: After one of the busiest offseasons in MLS history, there is no doubt that the league is getting stronger as a whole. No longer are there simply a few dominant clubs at the top while the remaining smaller market teams struggle to make an impact. 2012 looks to be the most balanced year in league history as almost all teams have a chance to bring home some sort of silverware in the next eight months. That being said however, the Galaxy once again are the favorites to be “Top Dawg” when November comes around. The league got a glimpse of just how dangerous a Beckham, Donovan, Keane attack can be last postseason and with all three of them returning healthy, it is a wonder if any team will be able to keep the Galaxy off the scoreboard this season. The return of Juninho in the midfield and the addition of Edson Buddle up top also point to another fantastic season for LA in 2012. Will the Galaxy have some harder competition in their quest for more silverware? Of course. But right now, all potential competition still isn’t on the level of the reigning MLS champs.
Other Potential Candidates- Seattle Sounders, New York Red Bulls
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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