Starting XI

The American starting lineup has familiar names with a few exciting new additions.

On defense, coach Jurgen Klinsmann will probably go with Deandre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks and Fabian Johnson.

The midfield will see Michael Bradley in a defensive-minded role. Playing deep lets him distribute the ball better and seems to be the role where he is most comfortable. Alongside Bradley’s infamous bald head, Alejandro Bedoya and Jermaine Jones should get the start. These three have played many games together in the United States kit.

Clint Dempsey will be the center forward up top, with youngsters Gyasi Zardes and Bobby Wood playing next to him. The three forwards played well with each other in May’s friendlies, and their continued chemistry will be important for the United States this tournament.

U.S. Players to Watch

Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), and Bobby Wood (Hamburg SV)

Leading into the Copa Centenario, the United States has played well. Undefeated since October, they comfortably won all three friendlies played last month. Young, new players in the U.S. roster like Wood and Pulisic, the 17-year-old from German club Borussia Dortmund, provide dynamic scoring options and will make this an exciting tournament to watch for United States soccer fans.

See the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening round matchups in the slideshow above.

Source

The season kicked off last week in Los Angeles, with D.C. United’s home opener coming March 20, following another away match at Boston.

Above are the rivalry matchups and big stars to look forward to most this season.

Source

New reinforcements in the midfield and attack give a reason to be optimistic looking ahead to the MLS season.

Last season ended on a whimper for D.C., with the Red Bulls dominating possession home and away against United, who failed to score and lost both games to a late goal.

The 2016 MLS season sees United acquire exciting talents in Luciano Acosta, Patrick Nyarko, Lamar Neagle and Julian BĂŒscher. If these new signings combine effectively with Fabian Espindola, Nick DeLeon and other United mainstays, United could be a formidable force in the Eastern Conference once again.

2015 Finish: 4th in Eastern Conference, eliminated in conference semifinals

Notable Squad Additions: F Lamar Neagle, M Patrick Nyarko, M Marcelo Sarvas, M Luciano Acosta, M Julian BĂŒscher

Notable Squad Losses: M Perry Kitchen — Contract expired, F Chris Pontius — Traded to Philadelphia Union

Top Newcomer: M Lamar Neagle

The veteran forward scored 21 goals and assisted on 15 in his past three seasons with the Seattle Sounders. Besides experience, the Washington state native brings energy to an aging United attack. Espindola (30), Chris Rolfe (33), Álvaro Saborío (33) cannot be expected to put in the work rate they were capable of a couple years ago. Look for Neagle to play as a second striker trying to combine with United’s other forward.

Player to watch: GK Andrew Dykstra

United’s backup goalkeeper since 2013 has only notched 14 games guarding the goal. That will change this season, with Bill Hamid out for at least three months with a knee injury. Hamid has been solid for United, claiming the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2014 and logging 22 shutouts and over 300 saves over the past three seasons.

However, Dykstra has not been gathering dust on the sidelines. United sent him on loan to USL sides Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers, where he earned the USL goalie of the year award in 2013. United will be hopeful that USL experience will help him adapt to the starting spot in Hamid’s absence. Dykstra should not be expected to entirely fill Hamid’s huge shoes, but solid performances will help calm United defense and remove pressure to rush Hamid back onto the field.

2016 Season Outlook

Hamid’s injury leaves United in a fragile position before their season begins. Combined with the loss of veteran players like Kitchen and Pontius, United fans might be lowering their expectations this season.

However, strategic new signings could give new energy to United where they need it most. Sarvas (two MLS Cups in L.A.), Nyarko (eight seasons in Chicago) and Neagle have the experience needed to strengthen United’s midfield. Sarvas was effective against Mexican-side Queretaro F.C. in CONCACAF Champions’ League play, despite United’s quarterfinal loss. He looked confident in front of the defensive line where Kitchen would play, taking pressure off United’s defense and completing smart passes forward.

Argentinian Luciano Acosta is on-loan from Boca Juniors and could make an impact playing behind whatever striking combination Ben Olson decides to play. The 5-foot-3, 21-year-old attacking midfielder appeared in the second half of United’s second-leg game against Queretaro F.C., and made several quick, dazzling runs at the Mexican side’s defense.

The loss of several veterans leaves holes that need to be filled in United’s starting lineup. The success of United this season depends on how quickly the new faces adapt. Success early in the season may help United’s new pieces come together, but struggles might show that something more is needed to continue to compete at a high level.

Season Opener: Sunday, March 6 at LA Galaxy, 10 p.m. ET

Home Opener: Sunday, March 20 vs. Colorado Rapids, 5 p.m. ET

Source