Projecting MLS teams that will make new, expanded playoff format.2022 league runner-up Philadelphia Union a heavy favorite to win 2023 MLS Cup.Sebastián Driussi (Austin FC), Dániel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union) among 2023 MLS MVP favorites.
With the 2023 Major League Soccer season kicking off this weekend, we surveyed USA TODAY Network’s team of soccer experts for their predictions on how the new season will shake out.
Can Los Angeles FC become the first repeat MLS Cup winner since the Los Angeles Galaxy did it more than a decade ago in 2011-12? Which teams are the top contenders for the league championship? Who will win league MVP honors? Which player will score the most goals and claim the Golden Boot?
Here’s how we see the 2023 MLS season unfolding (important note: an asterisk denotes which team is predicted to win the wild-card playoff games between eighth and ninth seeds):
Jason Anderson, Pro Soccer Wire
MLS Cup: Philadelphia Union over Seattle Sounders
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
Philadelphia UnionFC CincinnatiOrlando CityNew York City FCNew England RevolutionNew York Red BullsNashville SCAtlanta UnitedToronto FC*
Western Conference playoff teams:
Austin FCLos Angeles FCSeattle SoundersSporting Kansas CityPortland TimbersFC DallasLos Angeles GalaxyColorado RapidsReal Salt Lake*
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC
Golden Boot: Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC
Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer
MLS Cup: Philadelphia Union over Los Angeles FC
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
Philadelphia UnionToronto FCNashville SCFC Cincinnatiinter Miami CFNew York Red BullsNew England RevolutionColumbus Crew*New York City FC
Western Conference playoff teams:
Austin FCLos Angeles FCFC DallasSeattle SoundersMinnesota UnitedPortland TimbersLos Angeles GalaxyReal Salt Lake*Vancouver Whitecaps
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union
Golden Boot: Brandon Vazquez, FC Cincinnati
Drake Hills, The Tennessean
MLS Cup: Philadelphia Union over Seattle Sounders FC
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
New York City FCPhiladelphia UnionToronto FCOrlando City Atlanta United Nashville SCFC Cincinnati Columbus Crew*
Western Conference playoff teams:
Austin FCLos Angeles FCSeattle Sounders FCLos Angeles GalaxyFC DallasSporting Kansas CityPortland TimbersSan Jose Earthquakes*
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC
Golden Boot: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC
Bailey Johnson, The Columbus Dispatch
MLS Cup: Philadelphia Union over Los Angeles FC
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
Philadelphia UnionFC CincinnatiOrlando CityNew York Red BullsToronto FCColumbus CrewAtlanta UnitedNew England Revolution* Nashville SC
Western Conference playoff teams:
Los Angeles FCAustin FCSeattle SoundersPortland TimbersFC DallasLos Angeles GalaxySporting Kansas CityReal Salt LakeMinnesota United*
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC
Golden Boot: Cucho Hernández, Columbus Crew
Jim Reineking, USA TODAY Sports
MLS Cup: Los Angeles FC over FC Cincinnati
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
Philadelphia UnionFC CincinnatiNew York Red BullsToronto FCAtlanta UnitedOrlando CityNew York City FC Nashville SC*Inter Miami CF
Western Conference playoff teams:
Los Angeles FCAustin FCSeattle SoundersLos Angeles GalaxyPortland TimbersFC DallasSporting Kansas CityVancouver Whitecaps*Real Salt Lake
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Dániel Gazdag, Philadelphia Union
Golden Boot: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC
Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire
MLS Cup: Philadelphia Union over Seattle Sounders
Eastern Conference playoff teams:
Philadelphia UnionOrlando City FC CincinnatiToronto FCNew York City FCNew York Red BullsCharlotte FCAtlanta United*Columbus Crew
Western Conference playoff teams:
Seattle SoundersLos Angeles FCAustin FCPortland TimbersFC DallasSporting Kansas CityColorado RapidsMinnesota UnitedVancouver Whitecaps*
Supporters’ Shield winner: Philadelphia Union
MVP: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC
Golden Boot: Sebastián Driussi, Austin FC