Yardbarker
x
A guide to MLS Western Conference teams ahead of 2021 season
Head coach Marc Dos Santos will have his work cut out for him in his third season in charge as the Whitecaps will try to climb up the standings in 2021 and compete for a playoff spot. Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The MLS season kicks off this Friday! To prepare for the season we at Philly Sports Network have researched all 34 teams to give some insight on how they look heading into the 2021 season. Here is part two of that preview: A guide to MLS’ Western Conference teams!

MLS Western Conference teams

The Western Conference has teams that are good, bad and somewhere in between. There are only seven playoff spots available in 2021, so that means a team in the West that might have been really good a season ago might not make it this year. Here’s a look at all 13 Western Conference teams!

Can Austin make the playoffs in its first season?

Newcomer Austin FC is set to come into MLS like other expansion sides before it. It has assembled a good roster of MLS veterans and young, foreign playmakers. However, since this team hasn’t played a competitive match yet, it’s hard to say if a good roster build is as good on the field as it is on paper. Will this Austin team be able to have it all together in its first season? It will have to show if it is mostly against a strong Western Conference!

Austin is putting a lot of faith in its center forward Danny Hoesen. If he isn’t a double-digit goal scorer, it’s unlikely that Austin will be a playoff team in their first year of existence.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (3): Brady Scott, Brad Stuver, Andrew Tarbell
  • Defenders (8): Matt Besler, Julio Cascante, Hector Jimenez, Freddy Kleemann, Zan Kolmanic, Nick Lima, Jhohan Romana, Ben Sweat
  • Midfielders (7): Sebastian Berhalter, Diego Fagundez, Daniel Pereira, Tomas Pochettino, Alex Ring, Ulises Segura, Jared Stroud
  • Forwards (6): Cecilio Dominguez, Jon Gallagher, Danny Hoesen, Kekuta Manneh, Rodney Redes, Aaron Schoenfeld

Is Colorado good or not?

The Colorado Rapids made the playoffs in 2020, but they did so because of their points per game, and not actual points won. There were teams that were quote-unquote better than the Rapids that were not in the playoffs because of the pandemic-stricken season. The Rapids are a fun team that returned most of their starters from last season. They play an open style that can look really good at times, but other times they get destroyed by teams. It makes them hard to judge heading into 2021. Is Colorado going to be good or not?

One thing is clear, if head coach Robin Frasier can get this side playing at that fun-to-watch high level of play then it can return to the playoffs in 2021. If not, then they could easily be on the outside looking in come playoff time.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Clint Irwin, Andre Rawls, Abraham Rodriguez, William Yarbrough
  • Defenders (11): Lalas Abubakar, Sebastian Anderson, Steven Beitashour, Michael Edwards, Kortne Ford, Jeremy Kelly, Drew Moor, Keegan Rosenberry, Auston Trusty, Sam Vines, Danny Wilson
  • Midfielders (10): Kellyn Acosta, Cole Bassett, Braian Galvan, Oliver Larraz, Philip Mayaka, Nicolas Mezquida, Younes Namli, Jack Price, Will Vint, Collen Warner
  • Forwards (8): Michael Barrios, Nicolas Benezet, Matt Hundley, Jonathan Lewis, Diego Rubio, Andre Shinyashiki, Yaya Toure, Darren Yapi

Can Dallas’ kids help it make a playoff run?

Dallas has been the model team for the “play your kids” revolution. It has consistently been one of the teams that produces players in its academy, plays them at a young age and then sells them off to bigger clubs for major money. Dallas did this again in 2020 and has the depth from its academy in 2021 as well. The question is can Dallas’ kids make the jump up in their play to help the team win multiple playoff games? FC Dallas has been a consistent playoff team, but it has been stopped from making runs in the past few seasons. Making the jump could happen because of its depth all over the field.

While Dallas has depth thanks to the kids it has from its academy, it has historically underperforming “star” players. For Dallas to make that playoff run, it will need its designated players to play up to their potential. If not, Dallas likely will be in the lower half of playoff teams.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (3): Jimmy Maurer, Phelipe Megiolaro, Kyle Zobeck
  • Defenders (7): Bressan, Nkosi Burgess, Matt Hedges, Ryan Hollingshead, Jose Antonio Martinez, Eddie Munjoma, John Nelson
  • Midfielders (8): Bryan Acosta, Edwin Cerrillo, Nicky Hernandez, Paxton Pomykal, Andres Ricaurte, Thomas Roberts, Tanner Tessmann, Ema Twumasi
  • Forwards (7): Kalil ElMedkhar, Jesus Ferreira, Franco Jara, Jader Obrian, Ricardo Pepi, Dante Sealy, Freddy Vargas

Will Houston rebrand spur a change to the play on the field?


Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Houston is the second MLS side to rebrand in 2021. It is keeping its name and adding the FC behind its name. The Dynamo has a new, more modern logo, but will its play on the field reflect the clean, new look? Houston was just flat-out not good in 2020. It was a last place team and won only four games. In 2021 it will need some new players to lead the line for Tab Ramos’ team. The front line looks completely different than it did last season with the familiar names leaving the club. Its new pieces show speed and defensive prowess. Can that be the formula for Houston to get back in the mix in the Western Conference playoff picture?

There will likely be growing pains for this Houston team as many of its important players are new to the team. Its roster build shouts for it to be a defend-and-counter type of team. If it can pull that off to perfection, then Dynamo FC should be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2021.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (3): Marko Maric, Kyle Morton, Michael Nelson
  • Defenders (9): Ethan Bartlow, Jose Bizama, Maynor Figueroa, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Ian Hoffmann, Sam Junqua, Adam Lundkvist, Eric McCue, Tim Parker, Zarek Valentin
  • Midfielders (8): Juan Castilla, Darwin Ceren, Joe Corona, Boniek Garcia, Derrick Jones, Marcelo Palomino, Daniel Rios, Memo Rodriguez, Matias Vera
  • Forwards (8): Mateo Bajamich, Ariel Lassiter, Nico Lemoine, Tyler Pasher, Fafa Picault, Darwin Quintero, Christian Ramirez, Maxi Urruti

Can LAFC make it back to the top of the West?

LAFC had a tough 2020 MLS season that saw its star Carlos Vela out with an injury. Without his leadership on the pitch, LAFC fell from the top of the West to seventh place. A tough playoff game against Seattle Sounders resulted in an early playoff exit for LAFC. In 2021 it has the core of its team back and healthy. Many of them were a part of the record-setting team that LAFC was in 2019. The question surrounding LAFC is can it get back to the top of the West? LAFC has players who are at or near the top of their positions in MLS; LAFC also brought in more depth to help it make a push for the top of the West. Will this be enough to get back to the top out West?

LA has very few weaknesses, but if its center forwards or goalkeepers are a problem in 2021, then it could mean that LAFC doesn’t make it back to No. 1 in the West. However this side when healthy almost won the CONCACAF Champions League in 2020, so this team should be one that can compete for the top spot!

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (3): Tomas Romero, Pablo Sisniega, Kenneth Vermeer
  • Defenders (9): Tristan Blackmon, Erik Duenas, Marco Farfan, Jordan Harvey, Tony Leone, Jesus Murillo, Diego Palacios, Eddie Segura, Mohamed Traore
  • Midfielders (6): Eduard Atuesta, Latif Blessing, Jose Cifuentes, Bryce Duke, Francisco Ginella, Mark-Anthony Kaye
  • Forwards (8): Corey Baird, Cal Jennings, Danny Musovski, Kwadwo Opoku, Brian Rodriguez, Diego Rossi, Christian Torres, Carlos Vela

Is LA Galaxy on its way back to relevancy?


David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

LA Galaxy has fallen off from being the class of MLS over the past few seasons. Even with huge superstar players, it has not been able to climb to the top of the West. Since the Galaxy saw its crosstown rivals LAFC come into the league, it hasn’t even been able to compete for the top team in LA. In 2020, Galaxy fell far off the cliff, finishing 10th in the West. In 2021 it brought in a club legend to be head coach and bring it back to relevancy. Greg Vanney made Toronto FC one of the best clubs in MLS after it was a laughingstock, now he’s looking to do it for the club he starred for when the Galaxy was the standard. The question is can he get his new team back to relevancy in 2021?

LA has a veteran side that can figure out ways to win with the right coaching. In Vanney, Galaxy now has this. The downside is that the Galaxy is an older team. Could injury and fatigue set in for the side and keep it from coming back to the top of the West? Maybe, but I’d be surprised if Vanney doesn’t get this LA team back to the playoffs in 2021.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Jonathan Bond, Jonathan Klinsmann, Eric Lopez, Justin Vom Steeg
  • Defenders (10): Danilo Acosta, Julia Araujo, Nick DePuy, Marcus Ferkanus, Oneil Fisher, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Jalen Neal, Daniel Steres, Jorge Villafana, Derrick Williams
  • Midfielders (9): Efrain Alvarez, Jonathan dos Santos, Samuel Grandsir, Carlos Harvey, Sacha Klejstan, Sebastian Lletget, Jonathan Perez, Adam Saldana, Victor Vazquez
  • Forwards (3): Cameron Dunbar, Javier Hernandez, Ethan Zubak

Can Minnesota take that next step up and win the West?

Minnesota has flown under the radar in the past few years but has been a really good team out West. Now it is more in the spotlight after a good 2020 season, and it’s thanks to its strong midfield presence. Gregus and Alonso offer veteran leadership from the middle of the pitch, while playmaker Reynoso pulls the strings for the offense. Minnesota looks good enough to make a run for a top-four spot in the West. That is if it can keep its form up now that teams are taking Minnesota more seriously! 

The question for the Loons is a simple one, who is going to score goals? If a Minnesota player scores 15-plus goals this year, then there’s no reason the side won’t be near the top of the West. If not, well then it will likely be a lower-seeded playoff team!

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Fred Emmings, Tyler Miller, Dayne St. Clair, Adrian Zendejas
  • Defenders (10): Noah Billingsley, Michael Boxall, Bakaye Dibassy, Chase Gasper, Brent Kallman, Romain Metanire, Callum Montgomery, Ike Opara, Jukka Raitala, DJ Taylor
  • Midfielders (10): Osvaldo Alonso, Thomas Chacon, Hassani Dotson, Ethan Finlay, Jan Gregus, Niko Hansen, Jacori Hayes, Robin Lod, Emanuel Reynoso, Wil Trapp
  • Forwards (3): Juan Agudelo, Foster Langsdorf, Patrick Weah

Will the Timbers continue to stay at the top of the West?

Portland has been consistently near the top of the West for the last five seasons. Its strength lies in the depth it has and in its stars being among the top of MLS. The Timbers are a team that is hard to stop when they get on a roll. Head coach Gio Savarese will get the most from his guys in every single match; it’s second nature to this team at this point. The question still remains for Portland if it will be able to win the West in 2021? The only way it might not be in contention for that top spot is if the injury bug rears its ugly head. 

For the most part, Portland's stars are past their prime. That doesn’t mean they aren’t great players, but it does mean that the risk of injury affecting the team’s cohesion is greater. If Portland can get by injury-free this year, it should be near or at the top of the West! 

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Jeff Attinella, Steve Clark, Aljaz Ivacic, Hunter Sulte
  • Defenders (8): Pablo Bonilla, Claudio Bravo, Ish Jome, Larrys Mabiala, Zac McGraw, Bill Tuiloma, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Dario Zuparic
  • Midfielders (13): Darion Asprilla, Sebastian Blanco, Blake Bodily, Diego Chara, Yimmi Chara, Jorge Gonzalez, Martin Loria, Christhian Paredes, Andy Polo, Diego Valeri, Eryk Williamson, Renzo Zambrano
  • Forwards (3): Jeremy Ebobisse, Felipe Mora, Jaroslaw Niezgoda

Can Salt Lake make the biggest jump up the standings in the West?

Real Salt Lake missed out on the playoffs in 2020, winning only five games and finishing one place above last place in the West. This year, it is hoping to bounce back in a big way. Its attack had been bolstered thanks to the addition of U.S. international striker Bobby Wood. He will try to bring life to what was an awful attack last season. Apart from the addition of Wood, Salt Lake is a team that is unpredictable. Right now it doesn’t have the same punch that the other teams in the West do and that could hurt it this season as it plays the majority of its games against other Western Conference sides.

RSL could make it back to the playoffs if all things click and its attack comes out firing. However, if the opposite happens, then we will see RSL on the outside looking in.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Jeff Dewsnup, Zach MacMath, David Ochoa, Andrew Putna
  • Defenders (7): Justen Glad, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Ashtone Morgan, Noah Powder, Marcelo Silva, Donny Toia
  • Midfielders (8): Nick Besler, Maikel Chang, Everton Luiz, Bret Halsey, Damir Kreilach, Justin Portillo, Pablo Ruiz, Albert Rusnak
  • Forwards (10): Andrew Brody, Chris Garcia, Milan Iloski, Anderson Julio, Douglas Martinez, Justin Meram, Jeizon Ramirez, Rubio Rubin, Tate Schmitt, Bobby Wood

Will San Jose push for the playoffs again?


Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Coach Matias Almeyda and San Jose play an intersecting man-marking style. It makes them a must-watch. They either dominate games or lose them 7-0. Because of this style, it truly is must-watch TV when they’re on. For the Earthquakes, 2021 is the year that Almeyda has his style of play down and the players he wants to run that system. The hope is that San Jose will be a dominating side that imposes its will on the game. However, as we’ve seen in the past, when things go wrong, they go really wrong. This will be the main trend to watch for San Jose in 2021.

If San Jose can do what it wants to do, it could be a playoff team, no questions asked. If not, it’s hard to think that it will finish anywhere near the playoffs.

ROSTER

  • Goalkeepers (4): Matt Bersano, JT Marcincowski, Emmanuel Ochoa, Daniel Vega
  • Defenders (9): Luciano Abecasis, Jacob Akanyirige, Osvaldo Alanis, Tanner Beason, Florian Jungwirth, Marcos Lopez, Paul Marie, Tommy Thompson, Casey Walls
  • Midfielders (11): Eric Calvillo, Cristian Espinoza, Carlos Fierro, Gilbert Fuentes, Siad Haji, Judson, Eduardo Lopez, Eric Remedi, Shea Salinas, Jack Skahan, Jackson Yueill
  • Forwards (3): Cade Cowell, Andy Rios, Chris Wondolowski

Can Seattle keep up its crazy level of success?

Seattle made it to MLS Cup again in 2020. Its longevity and success have been well-documented. Now as the Sounders head into 2021, some things might look different with the players they have on the pitch, but that club culture is still alive and well for Seattle. It still has a good number of star players returning for 2021 and still has head coach leading the team. The downside is that the Sounders are going to need to have other players step up for those who aren’t there anymore. That is the pressing question that Seattle needs to figure out heading into the 2021 season.

Can Seattle still make a run to and through the MLS playoffs in the Western Conference? The Sounders have been to so many MLS Cups over the past few years that makes it silly to count them out.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (3): Stefan Cleveland, Stefan Frei, Spencer Richey
  • Defenders (7): Xavier Arreaga, Yeimar Gomez Andrade, Jimmy Medranda, Nouhou, Shane O’Neill, Alex Roldan, Brad Smith
  • Midfielders (9): Josh Atencio, Jordy Delem, Ethan Dobbelaere, Shandon Hopeau, Joao Paulo, Danny Leyva, Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan, Kelyn Rowe
  • Forwards (3): Will Bruin, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Raul Ruidiaz

Is Kansas City the best team in the West?


Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Sporting Kansas City was the best team in the West in 2020 through the regular season. It has a proven style of play set by head coach Peter Vermes, and the players execute it; well at least on the offensive side. SKC’s attack created great chances last season, and it is returning for more in 2021. The main problem area is the defensive setup. At one time, SKC had the stoutest defense in MLS. Now it has trouble stopping other teams and relies on outsourcing its opposition to get results. 

In 2021, if K.C. can figure out the defense and continue to score like it did last year then it will be able to keep up with the rest of the Western Conference. If it doesn't, then it will struggle to keep pace.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Tim Melia, Kendall McIntosh, John Pulskamp, Brooks Thompson
  • Defenders (8): Amadou Dia, Andreu Fontas, Nicolas Isimat-Mirin, Jaylin Lindsey, Luis Martins, Roberto Puncec, Graham Smith, Graham Zusi
  • Midfielders (8): Grayson Barber, Gianluca Busio, Cameron Duke, Roger Espinoza, Felipe Hernandez, Gadi Kinda, Ilie Sanchez, Remi Walter
  • Forwards (7): Ozzie Cisneros, Tyler Freeman, Wilson Harris, Alan Pulido, Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi, Khiry Shelton

Can Vancouver get out of the basement in the West?

Vancouver has been a rough team for the past few seasons. Head coach Marc Dos Santos will have his work cut out for him in his third season in charge as the Whitecaps will try to climb up the standings in 2021 and compete for a playoff spot. Vancouver is a team built to play without the ball and hit teams when they are most vulnerable. The problem for Vancouver is that this has not paid off in the past. In 2021 it has Caicedo and Dajome, who can fly down the wings, and Cavallini, who can put the ball into the back of the net. If those three can click on the counter, then Vancouver could just get things in order to make the playoffs in 2021. 

The main problem for Vancouver is that its style doesn’t bode well for its struggling defense. This was the problem last year, and it could be the same issue this year for Vancouver. If the defense is leaky, then Vancouver will likely not make the playoffs in 2021.

Roster

  • Goalkeepers (4): Isaac Boehmer, Maxime Crepeau, Thomas Hasal, Evan Newton
  • Defenders (9): Ali Adnan, Javain Brown, Derek Cornelius, Gianfranco Facchineri, Bruno Gaspar, Erik Godoy, Cristian Gutierrez, Jake Nerwinski, Ranko Veselinovic
  • Midfielders (7): Caio Alexandre, Michael Baldisimo, Janio Bikel, Patrick Metcalfe, Leonard Owusu, Damiano Pecile, Russell Teibert
  • Forwards (7): Theo Bair, Deiber Caicedo, Lucas Cavallini, Cristian Dajome, David Egbo, Ryan Raposo, Tosaint Ricketts

Final thoughts

There are some clear favorites in the Western Conference. LAFC, Seattle, Portland and Kansas City all have what it takes to win the West. Teams such as Minnesota, Dallas and L.A. Galaxy could push in the West as well. After those seven teams, there are a bunch of unknowns. Will we see a classic MLS scenario and have a team near the bottom of the standings in 2020 make a huge jump up in 2021? We’ll have to wait until this weekend to see how teams really look!

This article first appeared on Philly Sports Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.