MLS is Back: 3 dark horses for knockout stages

1. New England Revolution

There might not be a less talked about team in MLS that has the same offensive firepower as the New England Revolution. Carles Gil is the headline act. Carlos Vela was the only other player in MLS to provide double-digits in goals and assists last season. But there are others involved.

Gustavo Bou was an excellent acquisition last season and has continued his fine start to life in MLS this year. His thumping strike against the Montreal Impact was one of the goals of the tournament and the difference between the two teams. Adam Buksa looks very sharp as a new DP centre-forward, while Diego Fagundez and Kellyn Rowe add understated creativity and versatility.

The Revolution also have Bruce Arena leading the charge. Arena is often ridiculed for his somewhat old-school approach, but he is a proven winner at the MLS level and his experience has been invaluable for an organisation that has largely been neglected by its owners.

The Revolution, then, are here to compete. And based on their early results, they will upset a few along the way.