MLS teams to watch
A summer break at European club level might be a good opportunity to learn more about leagues outside of your normal bubble.
MLS was always on top of my “I wish I knew more” list of tournaments, so let’s dive in. 28 new teams definitely overwhelming for a beginner (like myself). In the thread I will try to categorize MLS sides based on style and performance. It might help picking few ‘starter’ teams to follow.
If you’re looking for a team which applies intensive pressure far from own goal, my numbers would recommend checking out NY Red Bulls, LAFC, NY City and San Jose.
![](https://markstats.club/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FW1xYc4UEAEY4W0-1024x910.jpeg)
Best MLS teams at disrupting opponent’s buildup (aka ‘press efficiency’) are NY City, DC United, San Jose and NY Red Bulls.
![](https://markstats.club/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FW1xfCZUYAUPqtx-1024x910.jpeg)
Orlando, Atlanta, LAFC, New England and Montreal might be your picks in case if you like short goalkicks, slow buildup from the back and successful escapes from opponents press.
![](https://markstats.club/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FW1xkcmUIAAzoL_-1024x910.jpeg)
MLS teams with direct play style and effective fast breaks are Philadelphia and NY Red Bulls ‘Directness’ is as simple as ‘progressive distance’ / ‘total distance’ for all passes.
![](https://markstats.club/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FW1xrmrVsAAgQ7k-1024x910.jpeg)
And finally classic “team strength” based on xThreat:
- “Good” – NYC, New England, LA Galaxy
- “Bad” – Miami, Minnesota, Toronto, Portland
- “Fun” – Cincinnati
![](https://markstats.club/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FW1x8UDUIAA4FpO-1024x910.jpeg)