The 2013 MLS season kicks off this weekend. Here at MLSsoccer.com, we're getting ready the only way we know how: making predictions and arguing. On Monday, we predicted the Golden Boot winner. On Tuesday, we did Goalkeeper of the Year. Today, we get into it about who will win the Supporters' Shield.
<strong>Prediction</strong> |
<strong>Comments</strong> |
|
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Borg.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Simon Borg<br><em>Senior Editor</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.dcunited.com" target="_blank">D.C. United</a> |
<p>D.C. have been able to maintain the core that finished third for the Shield in 2012, when they picked up plenty of points without <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/dwayne-de-rosario">Dwayne De Rosario</a>. With their playmaker orchestrating a bolstered attack, there will be more points in 2013.</p> |
<em><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Doyle.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong></em><p class="rtecenter">Matt Doyle<br><em>Armchair Analyst</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com" target="_blank">Sporting Kansas City</a> |
<p>Does their tepid preseason form have me worried? Yes. But not as much as the injuries, existential crises and fixture congestion others will be facing.</p> |
<strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Firchau.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p class="rtecenter">Nick Firchau<br><em>Senior Editor</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com" target="_blank">Sporting Kansas City</a> |
<p>They’ll lose <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/graham-zusi">Graham Zusi</a>, <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/matt-besler">Matt Besler</a> and maybe <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/benny-feilhaber">Benny Feilhaber</a> for the Gold Cup, but they’re built for the long haul as well as anyone in the league.</p> |
<br><strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/freedman.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p>Jonah Freedman<br><em>Managing Editor</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com" target="_blank">Sporting Kansas City</a> |
<p>Every year, Vermes' gang seems to take another step forward. They'll fall short for MLS Cup again, but this ain't a bad consolation prize.</p> |
<strong><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/GregLalas.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"></strong><p class="rtecenter">Greg Lalas<br><em>Editor-In-Chief</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.newyorkredbulls.com"><span style="text-align: center;">New York Red Bulls</span></a> |
New coach Mike Petke is a natural leader and is cleverer than his detractors know. He's willing to just let the guys go out and play. Plus, there's <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/juninho-pernambucano">Juninho</a>, who brings the steadily creative dynamic they missed last year. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/Rosano.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Nicholas Rosano<br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com" target="_blank">Sporting Kansas City</a> |
<p>Even with the departure of Roger Espinoza, this is a team built to succeed in the regular season. If the <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/claudio-bieler">Claudio Bieler</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/benny-feilhaber">Benny Feilhaber</a> signings pan out, expect to see Vermes' squad at the top of the table come October.</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/JasonSaghini.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Jason Saghini<br><em>Director of Video</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.sportingkc.com" target="_blank">Sporting Kansas City</a> |
One of the deepest teams in MLS and it will show over the long run. I also expect Kamara to return to add spark in the second half. |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/valencia.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Kristel Valencia<br><em>Editor</em>, <em>FutbolMLS.com</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.soundersfc.com" target="_blank">Seattle Sounders</a> |
<p>Other than <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/fredy-montero">Fredy Montero</a>, the squad has not changed that much. They know and complement each other, and are nearly unbeatable at home.</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/90x90/AndrewWiebe.jpg" style="width: 50px; height: 50px;"><p class="rtecenter">Andrew Wiebe<br><em>Editor</em></p> |
<a href="http://www.houstondynamo.com">Houston Dynamo</a> |
<p>Yes, they've got to deal with the <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/ccl">CONCACAF Champions League</a>, but Dominic Kinnear has made it clear he cares about MLS more. With a full year of <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/boniek-garcia">Boniek García</a>, a rampant <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/will-bruin">Will Bruin</a> and one of the league's deepest squads, Houston take it.</p> |
Who do you think will win the 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield? Tell us in the comments below.
