19. D.C. United – Eddie Johnson
DC United was really bad last year. They were so bad last year that they hold the record for least wins in MLS. Eddie Johnson is a proven goal scorer who will make an immediate impact in DC.
DC United was really bad last year. They were so bad last year that they hold the record for least wins in MLS. Eddie Johnson is a proven goal scorer who will make an immediate impact in DC.
A game against Chivas USA was basically target practice for opposing teams last season. New addition Andrew Jean-Baptiste will learn from him, so Bocanegra isn’t just essential to this year’s Chivas USA defense, but the future’s as well.
Houston didn’t do much this offseason, so it’s all going to come down to the familiar play of Brad Davis.
Mike Magee scores goals, wins games and just keeps getting better. Chicago will rely heavily on his goal scoring in 2014.
The defense is going to have trouble with set pieces, and someone has to step up. Parkhurst is the veteran and must figure something out.
Real Salt Lake has a lot of players that I could say might be the most important, but time and time again Rimando has come through in the clutch for RSL. He’s the best goalkeeper in the league.
What? I know it’s strange not to see Graham Zusi’s name here, but he and Claudio Bieler are two players we already know are good. Dwyer has to have a good season, because Bieler can’t do it alone.
Not only is Wondo the most important player for the Earthquakes, he’ll also be competing for a spot on the World Cup roster.
At just 19, this kid can score. Expect big things from him this year.
The Dallas attack looks completely transformed when he’s playing. As a CF, his play will make or break the team’s offense.
The Colorado Rapids have a stout defense with Dillon Powers, but Edson Buddle hasn’t exploded yet. He has the talent, but can he start scoring consistently?
Di Vaio is suspended for the first few games of the season, but he is the key cog in Montreal. The Impact are all-around talented, but he’s clearly on another level.
Now that Camilo is gone, someone has to start scoring. Reo-Coker has to start providing assists to help out the Whitecaps’ offense.
Thierry Henry is clearly the star of the team, but Cahill is the unsung hero. He should show out this season.
Valeri is one of the top players in MLS. The better he plays, the further Portland will go.
J-Mac doesn’t have an excuse to have a midseason slump like he did last season. The new additions to the midfield along with the return of Sebastien Le Toux and Conor Casey should open things up for McInerney, and his goal scoring ability will be what the Union rely on.
Bradley is the most talented player in MLS. He has to have a big year for Toronto or, on top of having a disappointing season, the MLS will suffer from a loss of credibility.
There are so many players that are crucial to Seattle’s success this season, but none more than Clint Dempsey. Seattle can’t get beat up by physical Western Conference teams; Dempsey has to play tough.
Keane was top five in assists and top five in scoring last season. LA has a good defense and midfield, but can’t afford to lose the production up top from Keane.
