2024 MLS preview: Four dark horses for the MLS Cup

New England needs Chancalay and Gil to be in fine form this season because its defense looked spotty in preseason, allowing five goals against FC Cincinnati and three against the New York Red Bulls. With a defense that leaky, New England's title chances will hinge on how it performs in front of the opposition goal.

Orlando City

Last season: Second in Eastern Conference
Orlando has been eclipsed by its glitzy Florida neighbors, Inter Miami, and that's a shame. Forget Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez on Inter Miami — Orlando's front-line pairing of Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire should earn headlines, too. The pair knocked in 27 goals between them last season. 

The key for Orlando is Colombian coach Oscar Pareja, affectionately known as "Papi." He re-signed with Orlando this winter and looks set to lead the team for years to come. His skill extends beyond game management. Pareja is also known for his heavy involvement in building youth academies — he was responsible for getting FC Dallas' up to snuff.

Pareja also brought in MLS legend Nico Lodeiro from Seattle to add experience to the Orlando midfield.

In the preseason, Orlando won three of four matches, scoring eight goals combined. Miami, who?

Seattle Sounders

Last season: Second in Western Conference
Seattle's winning pedigree and strong fan support means it's always in the MLS Cup conversation, but the Sounders haven't made a final since their epic run making four of five from 2016 and 2020. 

Coach Brian Schmetzer, the architect of that 2016 run, finally ripped off the Band-Aid this winter. He cut many of his veteran stars loose and brought in two fascinating attackers — American Danny Musovski and Argentine Pedro de la Vega — to replace them. 

Musovski is a big, positional striker while de la Vega is a good winger. They'll bring real bite and power to Seattle's previously weak offense.

FC Dallas

Last season: Seventh in Western Conference
Most conversations about FC Dallas center on U. S. Men's National Team striker Jesus Ferreira, the big name on a team filled with academy prospects and little-known imports. That's all about to change. 

Dallas finally has a true partner for Ferreira in hyped Croatian striker Petar Musa, a big statement signing and a player who could pay dividends in 2024.

But Dallas didn't just sign Musa. It also entered into a long-term youth talent partnership with his former club, SL Benfica. Benfica is known for its incredible talent pipeline — just look at Chelsea's $100+ million signing Enzo Fernandez for context — and it's great to see it taking a team like Dallas seriously. 

In a league where too much focus is placed on superstars, Dallas' long-term investment in local talent is welcome and necessary. Musa and Ferreira may be Dallas' big names, but there's so much more to come from this young squad.