With all the major European leagues in full swing, fans of MLS have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the latest edition of their favorite league - and finally the wait is over. The 2019 season is set to get underway this Saturday, and with a new club, FC Cincinnati joining the mix as the league's 24th side, things could get a lot more interesting this year.
Atlanta United, who won the MLS Cup in just their sophomore campaign, arguably will be one of the sides to watch. This time around, though, they will be under the tutelage of a new manager, with Gerardo "Tata" Martino having moved on to manage at the national level with the Mexican national side. Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney and DC United will be hoping to make bigger waves this term after the English star enjoyed a pretty solid first half-term in the United States.
And LA FC, who dazzled in their debut term, will be looking forward to locking horns with LA Galaxy in the newly dubbed "El Trafico" derby clashes as well as improving on their record-setting 57 points earned last term, which is the best ever performance for a debut club in MLS.
Highlight match: LA Galaxy vs Chicago Fire
Star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic had been repeatedly linked with a move back to Europe after the Galaxy missed out on the play-offs, with AC Milan in particular especially desperate to welcome back their former striker as they needed some major reinforcements up front. However, despite their efforts, the Rossoneri were unable to convince the veteran attacker to head back to the San Siro, much to the disappointment of Serie A fans who were looking forward to seeing the Swedish superstar back in action. That being said, MLS supporters are certainly relieved he's opted to stay put, and now he will be looking to help Galaxy avoid missing out on the play-offs for a third straight season.
Meanwhile, Chicago Fire fans will be hoping that Bastian Schweinsteiger can stay fit throughout the course of the season as they look to improve on their disappointing performance from last campaign.
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Key talking point: Can Atlanta United replicate successful season?
Atlanta United were by far the breakout side of the 2018 MLS season, as under Tata Martino's tutelage the side, who only joined the league in 2017, went on to clinch the coveted MLS Cup. However, Martino, who deservedly won the 2018 Coach of the Year prize for his impressive achievement, has now departed the club, and Frank de Boer, himself an experienced tactician who has won the Champions League, among other trophies, has been appointed in his stead.
The club will also have to make do without key midfielder Miguel Almiron, but still have the services of breakout star Josef Martinez, who finished last term as the league's top goalscorer, and have added Pity Martinez (no relation to Josef), the 2018 South American Player of the Year to try to replace Almiron.
Another new face fans will see is none other than Florentin Pogba. Yes, that is the older brother of Manchester United Paul, and the defender will be aiming to help his new side successfully defend their MLS Cup crown as well as
Atlanta United's first game will be against DC United, who will be raring to go with experienced striker Wayne Rooney leading the way. After scoring 12 goals in his debut term, he will be eager to help Ben Olsen's side improve on their fourth-placed finish in the conference (ninth-place overall) and go further in the MLS Cup than just the prelim rounds after they were knocked out early by Columbus Crew.
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MLS Matchday one listings
Here are the other games taking place on matchday one.
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Colorado Rapids 3 - 3 Portland Timbers
March 2, 2019 6:00pmDick's Sporting Goods Park (Denver, Colorado)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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Vancouver Whitecaps 2 - 3 Minnesota United
March 2, 2019 6:00pmBC Place Stadium (Vancouver, British Columbia)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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Los Angeles FC 2 - 1 Sporting KC
March 3, 2019 8:30pmBanc of California Stadium (Los Angeles, California)This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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