2022 MLS PREVIEW SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
2021 RECORD: 10-13-11, 41 points (Did Not Make The Playoffs) HEAD COACH: Matias Almeyda KEY PLAYERS: MID Cade Cowell, FWD Jeremy Ebobisse, and DEF Tommy Thompson KEY ADDITION: DEF Francisco Calvo (Chicago Fire FC) KEY DEPARTURE: FWD Chris Wondolowski (Retired)
2021 RECORD: 17-8-9, 60 points (Second Place, Lost In The First Round Of Playoffs) HEAD COACH: Brian Schmetzer KEY PLAYERS: MID Joao Paulo, FWD Nicolas Lodeiro, FWD Raul Ruidiaz, FWD Jordan Morris KEY ADDITION: FWD Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake) KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Brad Smith (D.C. United)
OUTLOOK: On paper, with a core of Cowell (USYNT international), Thompson (157 appearances for the Quakes at just 26), and Ebobisse (20 goals in last two years) San Jose should be set for a playoff run. But given Almeyda’s public arguments with management over lack of spending and his future cast a big shadow over this side. Without the wonder of Wondo, one must wonder if this side can keep it together for a full season.
OUTLOOK: Despite crashing out of the playoffs in the first round, the Sounders are one of the favorites to win MLS Cup. The addition of Rusnak (11 goals in 2021) to go alongside a fully healthy Morris, Ruidiaz, and Lodeiro will give even the strongest of defenses nightmares. The loss of Smith will hurt but the Sounders management should expect a strong second season from Yeimar Andrade, who just earned his first cap from Colombia.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
2021 RECORD: 17-10-7, 58 points (Third Place, Lost In The First Round Of Playoffs) HEAD COACH: Peter Vermes KEY PLAYERS: FWD Daniel Salloi, FWD Johnny Russell, DEF Graham Zusi KEY ADDITION: FWD Marinos Tzionis (Omonia) and FWD Robert Voloder (NK Maribor) KEY DEPARTURE: DEF Jaylin Lindsay (Charlotte FC)
2021 RECORD: 12-9-13, 49 points (Sixth Place, Lost In The First Round Of Playoffs) HEAD COACH: Vanni Sartini KEY PLAYERS: FWD Brian White, GK Thomas Hasal, and FWD Cristian Dajome KEY ADDITION: MID Sebastian Berhalter (Columbus Crew SC) KEY DEPARTURE: GK Maxime Crepeau (LAFC), MID Simon Colyn (PSVLoan), and MID Janio Bikel (Vicenza-Loan)
OUTLOOK: While other sides spent the offseason splashing cash and making big moves, Sporting stuck to their tried-and-true strategy of bringing back trusted veterans like Zusi and Roger Espinoza. Losing Alan Pulido in the preseason to a season-ending injury complicates Vermes’ starting XI plans, but Salloi (19 goals in 2021) and Russell (16 goals in 2021) should make up for that loss.
52
SOCCER360 MARCH • APRIL 2022
OUTLOOK: The ‘Caps made one of the more curious moves of the offseason, shipping off Crepeau and giving the starting spot in goal to Hasal, who is twenty-two. While management is high on Hasal, he has not played in a year and only has sixteen appearances at the professional level. That is a big gamble for a side that was looking primed for a deep playoff run.
