The MLS season begins with two new teams: Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC
Ever since it was founded in 1996 with 10 teams, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has focused on its growth, not only in terms of numbers but also in terms of quality. Today, it will start its 22nd season with two new teams: Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC.
A total of 22 clubs will compete in this new tournament, and of course, for Mexican fans, the interest lies in the Los Angeles Galaxy, where Giovani dos Santos plays and the team has accumulated five titles in the League.
Last season, the Mexican player achieved a good level with the team, after participating in 28 out of 34 matches and scoring 14 goals. He also made 12 assists. The Galaxy finished third in the Western Conference and was eliminated from the playoffs in the semifinals by Colorado.
His performance led Dos Santos to once again wear the Mexican national team jersey. Although he had declined the invitation from coach Juan Carlos Osorio for the Copa America Centenario, his reasons included Osorio's assessment of the level he had, considering that he was playing in the MLS, which has a wider break compared to other schedules.
For this new season, Gio will have a big responsibility, as the eyes of the public are on him to lead Galaxy to the championship. The team will no longer have Steven Gerrard, and Robbie Keane has also moved to another club.
As reinforcements, the Galaxy has signed Jermaine Jones, Romain Alessandrini, and Joao Pedro.
The Galaxy will make their debut on Saturday against Dallas at the StubHub Center.
THE STARS OF MLS
Undoubtedly, the MLS made headlines by giving a boost to their league by signing proven players and figures with high salaries. Three of those who played in 2016 are no longer here: Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, and Didier Drogba.
The ones who remain are David Villa (New York City), Kaká (Orlando City), and Giovani dos Santos (Galaxy). Now, a new name joins them, that of Gerardo Martino, but as the coach of Atlanta.
The coach has prestige, having led the Argentina national team and Barcelona in Spain, and his resume led him to sign an interesting contract in the land of stars and stripes. Good results are expected due to his history, but also for him to establish a school and develop players.
Atlanta will make their debut on Sunday against the New York Red Bulls.
THE NUMBERS
*21,692 was the average number of fans per game in the MLS last season.
*81 players joined the MLS from professional international leagues. 58.02% have been called up for their respective national teams at least once.
*A total of 13 Franchise Players arrived in the MLS, with an average age of 25.31.