Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the 2020 MLS Season

A new calendar year means a fresh upcoming MLS season and teams will begin their preparations for an assault on the league, with dreams of silverware and glory. There’s plenty to be excited about for the upcoming season and here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2020 MLS season.

When does the MLS season start?

The 2020 MLS season starts earlier than ever, with the season kicking off in February this time around.

Previously the MLS had always started in early March and finished in November but the MLS 2020 regular season will kick off on February 29 when D.C. United host Colorado.

The MLS Cup Playoffs will begin in October or November (TBC) with the MLS Cup final being played in November 2020.

How many MLS teams are there?

The MLS has expanded to its biggest number of franchises, with 26 teams now competing in the 2020 MLS league.

David Beckham’s owned and newly formed, Inter Miami are the most intriguing new addition to the MLS, with the former England superstar sure to attract some big names from the world of soccer to the Miami franchise.

Nashville Soccer Club complete the new additions to the league with Tennessee having their first represented team in the MLS.

Who are the defending champions in the 2020 MLS?

Los Angeles FC won the Supporters’ Shield after totalling 73 points in the Western Conference in 2019. Seattle Sounders FC were the 2019 MLS Cup winners after they beat Toronto FC in the final 3-1.

What are the best MLS predictions for 2020?

We are very confident of another strong showing from both the MLS Cup winners and the Supporters’ Shield champions, Seattle and Los Angeles, respectively. Both have retained a strong roster and there is no reason why both cannot continue their 2019 season form into the new season.

Bet Today USA also believes Atlanta are sure to be a strong pick for MLS glory in 2020, finishing runner up and just six points behind New York City last time out. The 2018 MLS Cup champions backed by their 40,000 strong fans will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

When does the MLS SuperDraft begin and end?

The newly created and formatted MLS SuperDraft begins on January 9, at 12:30pm ET where rounds 1 and 2 will take place, before the SuperDraft concludes with Round 3 and 4 on January 13.

Who are the players to watch in the 2020 MLS season?

With some notable departures from the MLS in the aftermath of the 2019 season, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and the unmistakable Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the 2020 MLS stars have some big boots to fill, but there are still some great players to look out for this year.

Carlos Vela went goal crazy in 2019, scoring 34 goals for eventual Supporters’ Shield champions, Los Angeles FC and he will be favourite to finish top goalscorer once more. Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez was a huge reason behind Atlanta’s strong season last time out, racking up a total of 27 goals and he is sure to be in the goals again in 2020.

We also expect former Manchester United and Portugal winger, Nani to push on from last season. The Orlando City man scored 12 goals last time out and has the potential and calibre to have an even stronger season in 2020.

Who has the biggest capacity stadium in the MLS?

Atlanta United’s Mercedes-Benz Arena currently holds the largest crowd in the MLS, with a capacity of 42,500. Followed by Seattle Sounders’ CenturyLink Field which holds a total of 39,419 fans.

MLS newcomers Inter Miami will play their games at the new Lockheart Stadium with a capacity of 18,000. While Nashville will temporarily play their games at the 69,000 seater Nissan Stadium, although the capacity for soccer matches will be drastically reduced on match days.

What are the feature games of the opening round of the 2020 MLS season?

All eyes will be on David Beckham’s Inter Miami as they make their MLS debut against runaway 2019 champions Los Angeles and with Beckham of course being a former LA Galaxy legend, he will be looking to do all he can to beat the Galaxy’s rivals.

While it will be fascinating to see how MLS Cup winners, Seattle Sounders fare in their opening game against Chicago Fire.