A new season brings hope — when the game is played on paper, it always seems easier to win.
It also brings doubt. What if we missed on our offseason signings? What if a European suitor snags our best player in the summer window? What if we, uh, forgot to hire a coach?
Ahead of the 2024 MLS season, which kicks off on 21 February, here’s why all 29 teams should be worried.
Reason to worry: Replacing Thiago Almada in the summer could derail the season
The January transfer window was quiet in most of Europe’s big leagues. The same won’t be true in the summer, when Atlanta United will be offered a potentially record-breaking fee for attacking midfielder Thiago Almada. The 22-year-old wants to move and the club won’t hold him back, as long as the right offer arrives. But can Atlanta find someone to fill every the Argentinian’s shoes? For a team that’s a genuine trophy contender with Almada, a big summer shakeup could derail things.
Austin FC
Reason to worry: The reinforcements haven’t arrived
After finishing 12th in the West last season, most expected a busy offseason filled with new signings for Austin FC. And yet, consequential additions still haven’t arrived.
“Since I landed, we are working with the scouting department and we have identified lots and lots of players that would be very interesting for our organization and it’s frustrating that we are not able to bring them in,” sporting director Rodolfo Borrell recently told ESPN.
Without a real roster overhaul, 2024 will be a season to forget in Austin.
Charlotte FC
Reason to worry: Your attackers don’t have enough support
With Nathan Byrne, 31, and Jere Uronen, 29, likely to start on the outside of Dean Smith’s backline, Charlotte FC’s attacking group (which is in flux after two Designated Players moved to Europe in January) won’t get much support from their fullbacks. Byrne and Uronen averaged a measly 0.06 expected assisted goals (xAG) per 90 minutes combined in 2023, according to FBref. Charlotte don’t have the quality to afford the luxury of keeping their fullbacks deep all the time, but they don’t have the quality fullbacks to change games in the attack, either.
Related: Star signings and new coaches: Why every MLS team should be hopeful in 2024
Chicago Fire
Reason to worry: Xherdan Shaqiri isn’t a star
Of course he’s a star off the field. But on it?…