MLS: Top 3 winners of 2020 offseason

MLS: 3 winners of 2020 offseason

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 16: Columbus Crew SC head coach Caleb Porter gives a thumbs up to Columbus Crew SC fans after winning the MLS regular season game between the Columbus Crew SC and the FC Dallas on March 16, 2019 at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 22: Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe dribbles past Vancouver Whitecaps defender Kendall Watson on April 22, 2017 match betweeen the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers at Providence Park, Portland, OR(Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

1. Columbus Crew

I have not been shy in my praise for the Columbus Crew’s work this offseason. So it is not surprising that I have ranked them at the top of this list. Caleb Porter’s team ended the 2019 season in excellent form, losing just two of their final 13 matches. And now they are adding to it.

Darlington Nagbe was the first big move, reuniting with Porter in central midfield. Then Lucas Zelarayan, the Tigres UANL playmaker arrived as the offensive x-factor at the heart of the team. Eloy Room and Costa Rican international Luis Diaz arrived last season, while Milton Valenzuela will return from injury.

The best aspect of the Crew’s business thus far has been the complementary nature of it. They now have a central midfield that possesses athleticism, technical skill, defensive security and creativity. That allows them to move Pedro Santos out wide and support Gyasi Zardes as the lone striker. The full-backs will return while Wil Trapp can drop to the bench.

Next. USMNT Vs Costa Rica: 3 things to watch for. dark

Porter knows how to build a successful MLS team. And he is doing it all over again in Columbus.

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