Page 74 - Soccer360 Issue 104

TOP 10 MLS
STORY LINES
EVERY GREAT ENDING BEGINS WITH A GREAT STORY. FOR MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER, THERE WASN’T ONE GREAT STORYLINE THREADED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON BUT MULTIPLE TWISTS AND TURNS THAT MADE THE OVERALL PLOTLINE EVEN MORE EXCITING.
#10 ALMADA GETS OVER IN ATLANTA
One of the biggest questions entering into the 2023 season was how Thiago Almada would fare after winning the 2023 World Cup with Argentina. The answer was: quite well! The Atlanta midfielder led the league in assists (19), creating a dynamic 1-2 partnership with Giorgos Giakoumakis (17 goals). Now the big question is: will Almada stay? He has plenty of European suitors and Atlanta have more than shown their willingness to sell.
#9 ROONEY HEADS HOME
The Wayne Rooney experience is over at D.C. United. The club legend left after their final regular season game against New York City FC after a disappointing 10-14-10 record on 40 points. The three-time champions are still finding a voice and a philosophy that works for them, their third or fourth rebuilding effort in ten years.
#8 BOUANGA BREAKS THROUGH
When Denis Bouanga initially signed with LAFC, he was a bit of an unknown quantity having had some impact with Saint Etienne but never really having a breakout season. That certainly came
in 2023 for LAFC, with the Gabon international leading the league in goals with 20. Although he created several moments that will live in the minds of supporters for a long time, his hat trick against Minnesota United FC in October will certainly be at the top of the list.
#7 TORONTO FC’S FIRESALE
After years of stops and starts, Toronto FC finally pulled the plug on the veteran-heavy group in
2023 opting for a full rebuild. Finishing with a 4-20-10 record on 22 points and at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the team fired coach Bob Bradley midway through the season and began to purge the roster of their old and bloated contracts. With longtime captain Michael Bradley having retired and Lorenzo Insigne likely gone, there will be more changes ahead for TFC. New coach John Herdman, having just led Canada to their first Men’s World Cup appearance since 1986, will also play a major role in the rebuild.
Stephen Frei has a remarkable season for Seattle
“FREI HELPED A YOUNG SOUNDERS BACKLINE ALLOW JUST 32 GOALS TO FINISH SECOND IN THE WEST.”
Toronto FC will be entering a rebuild phase.
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