The reigning MLS Cup champions are the favorite to do it again, while the big Swede is expected to back up his bold words with big numbers
Will a revamped Atlanta United repeat as MLS Cup champions or will the New York Red Bulls finally break their MLS Cup curse?
That's the question entering the 2019 MLS campaign, which kicks off Saturday with last year's top two teams taking the field in the midst of their Concacaf Champions League campaigns. Another MLS team in Concacaf Champions League is a popular pick to reach the MLS Cup final in Sporting Kansas City, which is seen as the favorite to represent the Western Conference when the dust settles.
There are very few consensus selections, with only one unanimous pick among Goal staffers, Atlanta United's Gonzalo 'Pity' Martinez is the unanimous choice to be the best newcomer in MLS in 2019, which shouldn't come as a surprise given how good he was for River Plate.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Josef Martinez are neck and neck in the conversation for most likely MVP pick, with LAFC's Carlos Vela also generating consideration. All three were finalists in 2018, with Martinez taking the prize.
Here is a look at all of the 2019 MLS predictions by the Goal editorial staff:
Sean M. HaffeyMost Valuable Player
IVES GALARCEP:. The LA Galaxy striker threatens the MLS goals record set just a year ago by Josef Martinez in a dominating season.
JON ARNOLD:. If the Galaxy have a quality season, Ibra will be a huge part of it. He only needed half a year to score 22 goals. With that experience and a full preseason under his belt, it could be time for the MVZ to emerge.
ALLEN RAMSEY: : Betting against the Swede is not something I'm willing to do at this point. Coming off an injury and missing the preseason he still managed 22 goals in his first year in MLS. I look for big things in 2019.
RYAN TOLMICH: . Heading into a second year in MLS with a team built around his talents, Vela and LAFC should learn from the lessons of 2018 and contend once again this season. He reached double-digit goals and assists last campaign and, if he can do so again, LAFC should be in the thick of the Western Conference race.
BEN VALENTINE: . There have been older stars who light things up in Year 1 in MLS only to find things a struggle in Year 2 (Didier Drogba), but after 22 goals and 10 assists in 24 games last year, it seems like Ibra was just getting started in MLS.
SETH VERTELNEY:. After an impressive opening statement in 2018, the Mexico international is poised to go one step further this season and go from MVP finalist to MVP winner.
AdvertisementCoach of the Year
IVES GALARCEP:. The new San Jose Earthquakes boss takes the worst team in MLS in 2018 and transforms them into a playoff team, and the most exciting San Jose side since the Goonies version of 2012.
JON ARNOLD:. If Sporting KC can combine a strong CCL run with a good MLS campaign – and it has the team to do both – the MLS OG may stand above his peers and capture this award.
ALLEN RAMSEY:. His return to MLS will be welcomed by many – none more so than the Crew faithful who will be thrilled to see the former Timbers boss take over their saved club.
RYAN TOLMICH: . Sporting KC appears to be a team build for the long haul given the squad's depth, experience and talent in the middle of the field. Coach of the Year honors tend to fall to the guy who leads his team to the top of the table, and Vermes can certainly do just that again.
BEN VALENTINE:. The Galaxy are a club that shouldn’t stay down for long and Barros Schelotto brings a history of success with Boca and experience in MLS as a player with the Columbus Crew.
SETH VERTELNEY:. It's hard to bet against LAFC taking another step forward after an impressive expansion season, and the veteran manager knows better than anyone what it takes to build a roster and win in MLS.
Harry HowDefender of the Year
IVES GALARCEP:. The LAFC central defender will be asked to be the leader in the back on what should be a strong LAFC side, and his tough defending and set-piece goal contributions help him edge out Aaron Long for the honor.
JON ARNOLD:. The Red Bulls defense will again be solid with the outside backs playing a big part. Michael Murillo may not last the whole season in New York, and while European teams may call for the Jamaica international as well, look for him to improve upon his fifth-place finish from last season.
ALLEN RAMSEY: . The center back looks set for a strong season under Bob Bradley with LAFC after a bounce-back campaign in 2018. Fresh contract in hand, look for the 25-year-old to round into one of the most dominant defenders in the league.
RYAN TOLMICH: . One could argue the Jamaican was snubbed in several ways thanks to the rise of Aaron Long last year, but this is the year he earns his own recognition. Lawrence should contribute in a big way to both the attack and defense for a Red Bulls team that should be good at both.
BEN VALENTINE: The veteran has been part of a strong Sporting KC defense before and will get credit for being one of the constants on a unit that routinely is one of the better groups in the league.
SETH VERTELNEY:. The USMNT defender had a bounce-back season in 2018 in his first campaign with LAFC. With a fresh contract extension now signed, Zimmerman has the tools to be one of the league's best center backs yet again in 2019.
Kevin C. CoxGoalkeeper of the Year
IVES GALARCEP:Andre Blake. The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper should have a better defense in front of him, but he'll make the big saves that need making and re-establish himself as the league's best.
JON ARNOLD:. A strong shot-stopper who could be part of the unit that concedes the fewest goals this season, the 2017 GK of the Year may get another piece of hardware for his trophy case.
ALLEN RAMSEY: Coming off an MLS Cup title, Atlanta will likely stay in the headlines throughout the year, but they'll need the former Aston Villa stopper to be at his best for a repeat to be on the cards.
RYAN TOLMICH: A recognizable name on a big-name team, the USMNT goalkeeper seems the perfect candidate for end of season honors. He was rock solid during Atlanta's postseason run and, with the team in front of him set to contend once again, Guzan should make the saves to battle for awards by season's end.
BEN VALENTINE:. The Red Bulls had the league’s best defense last year, and Robles, as he usually is, was a big part of that. That defense remains intact and Robles should continue to command it well.
SETH VERTELNEY:. The NYCFC man has always been a top shot-stopper, but he continues to cut out the mistakes that have hampered him over his career, and has vastly improved his distribution as well. This could be the year he's recognized for the strides he's made.