MLS is Back: 3 underrated teams to watch

1. Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew were drawn into a group with Atlanta United, the New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati. While having to play the Hell is Real derby can be tricky, with rivalries throwing up strange results, they should be pleased with the group they were handed. It is extremely winnable.

The Red Bulls continue to let talent leave and seem to be on a downward spiral, while Atlanta are the number one seed but will be without Josef Martinez. The Five Stripes are still the favourites for the group, of course, but Columbus have a clear path to second place and will give Frank de Boer’s side a run for their money.

In the knockout stages, they will be very dangerous. Lucas Zelarayan adds a high-level creative element to the midfield, Darlington Nagbe is Caleb Porter’s conductor from deep, while they are varied in the front three positions with threats pouring out from every angle. Quietly, Porter has assembled a very cohesive-looking team, which is his m.o.

Under Porter, then, Columbus looked well-coached. They understood their roles and worked in tandem with one another. They are a team and they will be very difficult to beat.