MLS Favorites

Time for the crap to hit the fan as it were.  This morning...early, early morning I might add...I'll make my picks for all your MLS wanna-knows.  Who the winner is?  Who the loser is?  MVP?  Best defender?  Best fans (really?)?

Let's begin shall we?

MLS Cup Favorites:  Seattle Sounders FC. 
The Sounders not only made themselves stronger by signing Blaise N’Kufo, but retained the services of Freddy Montero,  Jhon Hurtado, Kasey Keller, and Fred Ljungberg.  Coupled with their ferocious home crowd, I expect the Sounders to add to their trophy case in November.  They easily toppled the MLS newcomers Philly Union 2-0 at home. 

Worst Team in the League: Tie.  DC United and San Jose Earthquakes
Basing this on their first weekend isn't really fair, but both were blown out and failed to impress in any sense of the word and neither made the highlight videos, save for being scored on.  Sad to see a proud organization like DC going down.  As for San Jose, this needs to be a big season for them as they prepare to move into a new home next season.   

MLS MVP: Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders FC
With Landon Donovan (hopefully) making the move over the pond permanent come July, expect Fredy Montero to come and dominate the west and ultimately the league.  He can only build on his "rookie" campaign from last season since he has better and more familiar talent around him. 

MLS Defender of the Year:  Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Chad Marshall is faltering and O-Gonz is ready to take the formerly porous LA defense to the next level.

MLS Most Improved Player: Sam Cronin, Toronto FC
With the departure of Amado Guevara, now is the time for the young Cronin to live up to the hype.  I'm not the only one thinking that he could be one for the future as far as the national team goes.  Come on Sam!

MLS Rookie of the Year: Ike Opara, San Jose Earthquakes
Growing pains aside, Opara has an MLS ready body and sound defensive instincts.  I know this is maybe a limb too far, but I was impressed with Opara in the U20 World Cup, and is yet another for the future of the national team program.

MLS Comeback Player of the Year: Javier Morales, Real Salt Lake
Just a glimpse of his first game of the season will tell you that this be another solid year for RSL.  In my opinion it's gonna be Morales and Montero as the forerunners for MVP.  After being injured in the playoffs last year, its Morales time!