Assessing the race for the 2022 MLS Cup

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With all the key European leagues on maintain for the summer time, now appears like the proper time to verify in on Main League Soccer.

As we strategy the midway level within the 2022 MLS common season, the race for the MLS Cup is heating up. However who’re the frontrunners? And who might make a late run into the playoffs?

Let’s take a better have a look at the bookmakers’ favorites.

New York Metropolis discover themselves one level clear on the prime of the Japanese Convention after dropping simply three of their 13 video games this season. Higher nonetheless, they boast the joint-best defensive file within the East.

The defending champions are presently having fun with an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, successful every of their earlier six outings. They’ve additionally saved 5 consecutive clear sheets.

Valentin Castellanos has already bagged 11 objectives and 5 assists this time period, placing himself in competition to defend the Golden Boot. If he carries on the best way he’s going, NYCFC will proceed to climb.

Not solely do LAFC sit 4 factors away from second-place FC Dallas within the Western Convention, however in addition they sit three factors forward of New York Metropolis within the general standings.

The Black & Gold have received extra video games than anybody else this 12 months, securing 9 victories in 14 outings. They’re additionally the highest scorers in all the league, having netted 29 objectives.

Former Arsenal ahead Carlos Vela has chalked up six objectives and three assists, whereas Cristian Arango has additionally netted six objectives. The lethal duo might fireplace their facet to MLS Cup glory.

Philadelphia are the one staff to have misplaced simply one among their MLS video games this season. Having received six and drawn seven of their opening 14 matches, the Union discover themselves one level behind NYCFC.

Granted, solely six groups within the Easte have scored fewer objectives than Philly this 12 months. However no staff has conceded fewer objectives. What the U lack in assault, they greater than make up for in defence.

New England made a gradual begin to the 2022 marketing campaign, dropping 5 of their first eight video games. Nonetheless, they averted defeat in every of their subsequent six to catapult themselves up the standings.

The Revs received the 2021 Supporters’ Defend in record-breaking fashion, claiming probably the most regular-season factors in MLS historical past. Can they go one higher and clinch the MLS Cup this 12 months?