MLS 2024: Toronto FC & Columbus Crew Season Outlook
The 2024 MLS season is upon us, and with it comes a fresh slate for all 29 teams, including the Toronto FC and the Columbus Crew. Both teams are looking to bounce back from disappointing 2023 campaigns and find themselves contending for a playoff spot. Here's a closer look at what to expect from these two Eastern Conference rivals:
Toronto FC: Rebuilding with a New Coach
2023 Season: Toronto FC finished 12th in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing 10-15-9 record, missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.
2024 Outlook: The off-season saw significant changes for TFC, most notably the appointment of Bob Bradley as head coach. Bradley's experience in MLS, including a previous stint with the LA Galaxy, has brought a sense of optimism to Toronto.
Key Additions: The team has also added depth to their roster through the draft and free agency, including Jonathan Osorio returning from a loan spell in Sweden.
Key Departures: Key players like Lorenzo Insigne and Alejandro Pozuelo have departed, creating opportunities for younger players to step up.
Key Factors: The success of Toronto FC will likely depend on the impact of Bradley's coaching, the emergence of young talent, and the ability to find consistency throughout the season.
Columbus Crew: Seeking to Reclaim Former Glory
2023 Season: The Crew finished 13th in the Eastern Conference, their worst showing in several seasons.
2024 Outlook: Columbus will be looking to regain its footing under Wilfried Nancy in his second season as head coach. The Crew has a solid core of experienced players and has shown glimpses of potential in recent seasons.
Key Additions: The Crew has added key players like Cucho Hernandez, Christian Ramirez, and Erik Hurtado to bolster their attacking options.
Key Departures: The departure of star midfielder Lucas Zelarayan will be a significant loss, but the Crew will rely on its young core to fill the void.
Key Factors: The success of the Crew will depend on their ability to score goals, a factor that plagued them last season. The team will also need to improve defensively and find consistency in their performances.
The Rivalry:
The rivalry between Toronto FC and the Columbus Crew has always been intense, dating back to their early days in MLS. The two teams have met in the playoffs and have regularly exchanged blows on the pitch.
This season's matchup promises to be equally fierce, with both teams seeking to establish themselves as contenders in the East.
Look out for:
- Toronto FC's new system: How will Bob Bradley implement his tactics and how will the players adapt?
- Columbus Crew's scoring threat: Can they overcome the loss of Lucas Zelarayan and find a new offensive spark?
- The potential for another thrilling clash: This rivalry is always worth watching, and the 2024 season promises to be no different.
Don't miss out on this intriguing battle between two ambitious MLS teams!
