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The Western Conference has a new face in Nashville SC as part of realignment with expansion side Charlotte FC joining the fray. Most teams will probably wish that Nashville didn’t join the West as they’ll be a tough addition. The Sounders got stronger, Douglas Costa has joined the Galaxy and the Rapids will need magic to remain atop the conference. But how will everyone do this year? We already have you covered in the East, so let’s check in on the West (order based on last season’s finish):
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Contents
Colorado Rapids
Key Additions: Max Alves, Aboubacar Keita, Bryan Acosta
Key Departures: Kellyn Acosta, Dominique Badji, Cole Bassett,
What to Expect: The Rapids had everything in their favor to build on a year that saw them come out of nowhere and win the Western Conference. Instead, they lost their most talented midfielders and may have downgraded with their replacements. Bryan Acosta may be a useful addition but he’s not going to adequately fill the void from Kellyn Acosta or Cole Bassett. Getting to see the Rapids on the field twice already in Concacaf Champions League has reinforced that they need finishers.
They lost on penalties to a 10-man Comunicaciones side starting close to a full-strength lineup. Up a man for 74 minutes, they couldn’t get the job done despite a strong defensive performance. In a Western Conference loaded with top-tier attackers, the Rapids will struggle to keep up.
Seattle Sounders
Key Additions: Albert Rusnak, Obed Vargas
Key Departures: Shane O’Neill, Brad Smith
What to Expect: They continue to show why they have one of the best front offices in MLS. As if a front line of Jordan Morris, Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro wasn’t good enough, they’ve gone and added…
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Source : cbssports
