Hey everyone,

Welcome to all 39 new subscribers this week. The MLS is BACK!

• 🧠 Regular Season Predictions

• 🏆️ Postseason Predictions

• 💵 Points Per Dollar Spent Analysis

• 🏁 Replacement Refs

• ⚽️ Goal of the Week

•  😂 Meme of the Week

2024 Season Predictions

We’re back, baby! Inter Miami kicked off the season last night with a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake. Miami will travel to LA on Sunday to face the Galaxy in the most in-demand game of the year on StubHub.

Even though the season’s already started we’ve got to give ya some predictions.

Let’s start with how the so-called “experts” see the regular season playing out. The results below are the average ranking of 17 pundits from MLS Season Pass and MLSsoccer.com. People like Matt Doyle, Sasha Kljestan, and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Okay now on to our predictions for the playoffs and other cups. Feel free to respond to this email and tear us a new one 🤣 

Western Conference Semi’s - FC Dallas over Seattle Sounders

We really like what FC Dallas did this offseason. Club record signing Petar Musa will take the number 9 role allowing Jesus Ferreira to play as the second forward.

This deep Seattle team will be a challenge again but once again fall short in the playoffs.

Eastern Conference Semi’s - Orlando City SC over Inter Miami

The battle of Florida. What a treat this would be. Orlando comes out on top to end Messi and co’s first full season. Orlando has added Luis Muriel, David Brekalo, and Nico Lodiera to an already solid roster. Oh… and Duncan McGuire is back after two failed deals and a failed appeal.

As for Miami, they’ll be good but these things take time. Remember when LeBron James got his super team together in Miami? It wasn’t till their second season that they brought home the hardware. We see the same happening with Messi.

MLS Cup - Orlando City over FC Dallas

Neither team has won an MLS Cup but Orlando comes out on top. The Luis Muriel and Nico Lodeiro pairing is too much to handle as the Lions get their second trophy in three years.

Supporters Shield - Inter Miami (you didn’t think Miami was coming away trophy-less did you?)

Leagues Cup - Chivas Guadalajara (sorry MLS fans, Cade Cowell and co take this one)

USOC - Uhh tbd hopefully MLS sends it’s teams 🤷‍♂️ 

CCL - FC Cincinnati (Brandon Vazquez is out but they added Miles Robinson and Corey Baird. This team will be very good again.)

Wooden Spoon - CF Montreal (Sorry Montreal fans we just don’t see it. Brand new head coach and no big moves that moved the needle 🤷)

Individual Awards

MVP - Leo Messi, Inter Miami

I know I know we’re basic. But if Inter Miami win the Supporter’s Shield Messi will take home the Landon Donovan MVP honors. He just needs to stay healthy.

Golden Boot - Aaron Boupendza, FC Cincinnati

With no Brandon Vazquez the front line will be all his. We’re expecting him to shine.

Goal Keeper of the Year - Pedro Gallese, Orlando City

He finished tied for second place last year but the Peruvian will take it this year.

Defensive Player of the Year - Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Seattle Sounders

The 31 year-old has been a late bloomer but he finally gets the reward he’s deserved after three straight stellar seasons for Seattle.

Comeback Player of the Year - Pablo Ruiz, Real Salt Lake

Before Pablo Ruiz got hurt last year he tallied 4 goals and 6 assists in 15 starts. Look for him to have a big impact on RSL this season.

Coach of the Year - Wilfried Nancy, Columbus Crew

Nancy’s will have this team competing for multiple trophies. Don’t be surprised if the Crew become the first team since the 2012 Galaxy to repeat.

MLS Newcomer of the Year - Emil Forsberg, NY Red Bulls

If you saw any of the preseason Emil had, you’d understand. Emil, 32, will be the focal point of this NY Red Bulls team that will try to extend its record to 15 straight postseason births.

2023 MLS Teams by Dollars Per Point

This chart shows the 2023 team salaries and is ranked by dollars per point with their Shield standings on the right (this salary info was released mid-season before the summer transfer window changes). The teams in yellow won a trophy.

So you’re telling me the smart spenders finish better?? NO WAY 😜

Sarcasm aside, spending big doesn’t always equate to winning. I’m looking at you LA Galaxy and Toronto.

But anyways… enough about the 2023 season, we’re on to 2024.

Replacement Refs

The MLS started its season last night with replacement refs after the PSRA and PRO failed to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Last night’s center referee officiated in the USL last year and the NCAA before that. Most replacement refs come from lower divisions and a variety of professional divisions abroad.

Fans and referee supporters hit the streets to protest in front of MLS headquarters in New York and in Dallas yesterday, even blowing up a money bags pig😂 

It’s unfortunate that one of the most anticipated seasons in MLS history is marred by this. If the MLS learned anything from the NFL, they’ll get this figured out asap.

Goal of the Week

A left-footed BANGER from Captain America 🇺🇸 

Meme of the Week

Replacement refs are too easy to pick on 😆 

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Quick Hits

• US Open Cup will likely happen but with only 8 MLS teams (Link)

• MLS Season Pass surpasses 2 million subscribers (Link)

• 3 USMNT play together in a UCL knockout match for the first time ever (Link)

• Minnesota United are close to hiring Manchester United assistant Eric Ramsay as head coach (Link)