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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 08: Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita (7) attempts to shield off Sporting Kansas City forward Gerso (12) during the match between Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City SC on Saturday September 8th, 2018 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 08: Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita (7) attempts to shield off Sporting Kansas City forward Gerso (12) during the match between Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City SC on Saturday September 8th, 2018 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, KS. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Orlando City FC

4-2-3-1

GK Brian Rowe

RB Ruan

CB Carlos Ascues

CB Lamine Sane

LB Danilo Acosta

CDM Cristian Higuita

CM Jhegson Mendez

RM Nani

CAM Sacha Klejstan

LM Chris Mueller

ST Dom Dwyer

Last season, no team in the Eastern Conference gave up more goals than Orlando City. So, the defense needs a makeover. Brian Rowe was recently signed and I expect him to replace Joe Bendik in goal. Then, I expect newcomers Ruan and Danilo Acosta to play at full-back. Acosta is a talented young player and I am excited to see him get a chance to start every week. I do not know anything about Ruan. However, he’s the only right-back on the roster I recognize. I would love to get Joao Moutinho into the lineup, but with Acosta also on the team, I think that only happens if they go to a back-five. Holdovers Lamine Sane and Carlos Ascues are the best center-backs currently on the roster.

In central midfield, I have Higuita and Mendez. I have always liked Higuita and I believe he can still be an above-average starter. Mendez has huge shoes to fill, replacing Yoshi Yotun, but I will go with the hype that surrounds him rather than play Uri Rosell, Dillon Powers, or Will Johnson.

The front-four could be an exciting group. Kljestan is still the number 10. Dwyer will be the striker, and he will be flanked by near-rookie of the year, Chris Mueller, and newcomer, former Manchester United star, Nani. That pushes Josue Colman to the bench, but Colman did not show enough last year to warrant a spot in the lineup.

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