We’re down to the UEFA Champions League quarter finals just as MLS is gearing up for their season and their schedule dropped: 2021 MLS Schedule Released
Many European football fans will be looking for something more interesting than baseball to watch this summer and so I’ve created a which MLS club to support for fans of clubs in the quarter finals of the UCL.
Manchester City – Toronto FC
Toronto are big spenders, have had star power with solid players and constantly competing at the top of the table. They’ve been to 3 of the last 5 MLS Cup Finals and are always in the playoff mix. They are a dangerous club loaded with talent, that can easily be considered a favorite each season. They have many of the old USMNT guard in Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley, but Ayo Akinola and other young prospects as well.
Bayern Munich – Seattle Sounders
A savvy tournament club with a great mix of players on both sides of the ball, they have a strong coach and plenty of tournament results to show for. Seattle has been to 4 of the last 5 MLS Cup Finals and have a great mix of players who always seem to perform when it matters. Jordan Morris is the Seattle USMNT headliner, though many players have been in the mix of USMNT or on the edges.
Liverpool – Portland Timbers
Portland, like Seattle has been a strong tournament team. They have a group of older but immensely talented players that can absolutely beat anyone on a given day. They get it done in a crunch and you’d never bet against them down in a game especially when it matters the most. Jeremy Ebobisse has flirted with the national team, along with some other young players on Portland. They have an incredible fan base and are always drawing a crowd. A fun playoff team that you can never rest against no matter what the score line is.
PSG – LAFC
LAFC have one of the most exciting forwards in the MLS in Carlos Vela. They are high performing and nearly brought home critical silverware last season in a devastating loss to Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions League final. They tend to flame out in key games, but are always in the mix and loaded with dangerous players. Tony Leone and Marco Farfan are among a few young developing youth nationals on LAFC.Real Madrid=
Real Madrid – Atlanta FC
There is plenty of talent on Atlanta FC, but took a dramatic drop this season after selling players and taking a hit in the form of an injury to their key player Josef Martínez. When their squad is all together they can certainly make a go at it. Turn over at the coaching helm has held them back, but they’re very capable of getting back on track. Atlanta FC has plenty of former USYNT players including Brooks Lennon along with future prospects George Bello and Miles Robinson.
Dortmund- Philadelphia Union
The Union have become legends of development along with FC Dallas, however they have a bit more success in the league than FC Dallas. They won the Supporters Shield this past season and both clubs have had huge sales of players to bloat their wallet for future purchases. Brendan Aaronson was a joy to watch, a dynamic young Central Midfielder who has since moved on to join Jesse Marsch’s RB Salzburg. Mark McKenzie was sold last transfer window to Genk. The next crop of exciting young Americans are waiting in the wing including Brendan Craig and Paxten Aaronson, Brendan’s younger brother.
Porto – Orlando City SC
Orlando City SC are a young up and coming club, had some tournament success and play plenty of young talent. Like Porto have been a dangerous and often underestimated club in the tournament. They have a lot of young exciting Americans on their side including Daryl Dike, Chris Mueller and Andrés Perea. They are fiesty bunch expected to be in the mix for some time in the future.
Chelsea – LA Galaxy
Chelsea has a strong history of success, though there’s been a gap of late. LA Galaxy have had several long tenures as kings of MLS, but of late have not been up to it at the highest levels. LA Galaxy have Sebastian Lletget and young up and comers including dual national Efrain Alvarez and Julian Araujo. They are always a threat to make a big splash in the transfer window and a capable club to do damage to any side.
Pick an MLS club to support and join #UnitetoWatch
After the UEFA Champions League join the #unitetowatch movement and find the right MLS club to support, give it a chance! Follow @unitedtowatch for updated game schedules.
