MLS Cup First Round Preview

The 26th season of Major League Soccer is set to begin with the Houston Dynamo facing off against the San Jose Earthquakes. After a tumultuous 2020 season, teams are eager to reset and prove themselves in 2021, with the addition of Austin FC as a new expansion team. A little over four months have passed since Columbus Crew SC claimed the MLS Cup by defeating Seattle Sounders, and now the league is ready for an exciting new chapter.

This season will see various teams looking to improve upon their previous performances, with several clubs making significant changes. Teams like Atlanta United FC and FC Cincinnati aim to bounce back from disappointing seasons, while the reigning champions, Columbus Crew, are determined to defend their title. As the league unfolds, the anticipation builds for the MLS Cup playoffs, where teams will strive to secure their spot in the coveted MLS Cup first round.