The 2020 MLS regular season concluded earlier this month, and even for one of the least conventional leagues in the world, this term was even more unconventional due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After two matchdays the league was paused and resumed in July in the form of the MLS is Back tournament. While the tournament had a separate winner, all the matches counted toward the regular-season standings.
The tournament continued in the form of regional matches to limit travels and their outcomes.
The league was hit hard by the pandemic, forcing many games to be delayed or even cancelled due to inner squad outbreaks. As a result, the MLS used points-per-match as the deciding factor for the final standings.
The Teams
Despite the obstacles, the league has produced plenty of stories.
Some of the biggest clubs didn't come to shine while others who some would consider minnows did.
The Philadelphia Union resumed using their youth to become one the MLS' fiercest sides and Sporting Kansas City rebounded very well after a horrific 2019 campaign. However, it is Oscar Pareja's Orlando City SC, who stole the show. The Lions made it to the MLS is Back Tournament's final and played very well throughout the tournament, along with some late drama.
Luis Nani doubted all of his remaining haters and took on a very much needed leadership role within the squad. Mauricio Pereyra pulled strings in the middle of the park, and the 20-year-old Daryl Dike became a handful for opposing defenders in his rookie year. Chris Mueller also deserves a shout as he has become one of the league's most dangerous attacking players to partner his insane work rate. However, the most significant improvement comes in defence. Pareja finally fixed a once leaky defence with Antonio Carlos, and Robin Jansson was leading the way. It has been very refreshing to see the quick turnaround that Orlando City SC has made this year.
There were more than a few disappointing clubs this season as well. Although they eventually qualified it was an up and down regular season for Thierry Henry's Montreal Impact and even a mostly Carlos Vela-less LAFC. However, the most significant letdowns of the year were Atlanta United and the LA Galaxy. Both had big-time coaching issues with both separating with their managers before the end of the season. The Galaxy seems to be the bigger disappointment. They had just brought in the perfect player: Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.
Still only 31 when he signed, Chicharito was expected to be a 30 goal a season striker for the club, as well as bring many eyes to the Galaxy. None of this worked out. He only scored twice and had many sub-par performances, in between battling with injuries. He is already rumoured to be leaving LA. Apart from Hernandez, the Galaxy lacked any creativity in the attack, and let in goals for fun. Guillermo Barros Schelotto couldn't get the best out of his very talented roster, which resulted in the former Boca man getting sacked. Hopefully, the Galaxy can use the offseason to develop their very gifted youth players such as Efrain Alvarez and Cameron Dunbar or even Mauricio Cuevas from Galaxy II. A much-needed reinforcement to the backline would be a good move as well.
The Players
On the subject of players, there were many standout talents this season. Alejandro Pozuelo was amazing for Toronto FC, and Diego Rossi continued his progress with LAFC. Darlington Nagbe's excellent form got its own feature story on Babagol, as well as Brendan Aaronson and Mark McKenzie leading the youth charge for the Union. However, it is the Seattle Sounders duo of Jordan Morris and Nicolas Lodeiro who deserve so much credit.
Morris is finally coming into the player that fans hoped he would, and the reigning MLS champions looked very good again this year. In another injury-free season, Morris harassed backlines with his blazing pace and his ever-increasing ability on the ball and final product. His ten goals and eight assists were vital as the Sounders finished second in the West only behind Sporting KC on points per match.
The second of the duo, Lodeiro, put in another incredible season with a league-leading ten assists. His overall ability on the ball allows the Sounders to control the match whenever he is on the pitch. Whether it is in a more advanced role or as a deeper playmaker, the Uruguayan is making his case as the best Sounder ever and one the best signings in league history.
It is almost unfair to pick on one a player that has disappointed this season, due to the term's complicated situation. It can't be easy for players to perform at such a high and consistent level throughout a crazy season. We already looked into "Chicharito's" struggles, but another striker who has disappointed was Jurgen Locadia.
The Dutch forward ripped apart the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven, earning him a move to English Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for nearly $18 million. Initially, he struggled to get consistent playing time, and the arrival of Neal Maupay in the summer of 2019 sent him further down the pecking order.
He joined FC Cincinnati on loan after his loan spell at TSG Hoffenheim was cut short. At the time he was a big signing for the club who had struggled all across the pitch in 2019. A player in his prime who is already proven seemed like an excellent signing at the time.
However, just like FC Cincinnati, Locadia' struggles continued. He has only scored once, on his debut, against New York Red Bulls. Some say a forward can only be as good as his goal chart and FC Cincinnati is an all-around mess, but Locadia hasn't shown anything that suggests that FC Cincinnati will sign him permanently.
Postseason Projection
Both of the newcomers to MLS in 2020 will square off in a play-in round on November 20th as Nashville SC takes on David Beckham's Inter Miami. Nashville SC had the league's best defence, and it will be interesting to see if they contain Gonzalo Higuain and co. Inter Miami had an up and down year but finally, seem to be getting in their groove.
Another matchup to look at is the Sporting Kansas City against San Jose Earthquakes. Previously mentioned Peter Vermes led Sporting KC to a remarkable turnaround season and their high-pressing style is almost a complete contrast to the man-marking played by Mathias Almeyda's 'Quakes. It is always worthwhile to watch the 'Quakes play because of the way they play.
Both squads have plenty of firepower, and the ever-young Chris Wondolowski will be looking to end his professional career with a bang. In comparison, the revamped Sporting will look to assert itself back among the elite in the league.
Lastly, it is crucial to keep an eye on Minnesota United throughout the playoffs. If they're able to make it past the Rapids in the first round, it will be a massive achievement for the organization which was cemented in last for their first two seasons in MLS. The return of Kevin Molino boosted their attack adding to one of the league's best defences.
They were a dark horse coming, and a good but under-the-radar regular season has them contending for the biggest prize in US football.
Photo via MLS official Twitter account.
