"It's been more than two months since Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were crowned champions of MLS. Since then, fans of the league have endured the cold, snow and darkness of its long winter offseason, only now emerging to the very beginnings of springtime's green shoots of growth. That's because MLS returns to action Saturday, kicking off a campaign that will both observe the league's 30th anniversary and a midsummer respite to make way for the FIFA World Cup."
"With Brad Guzan retired (and named club ambassador and sporting adviser), Atlanta is sussing out its first-choice goalkeeper while hoping for stronger defending and delivery from what is still one of the most expensive (and underachieving) rosters in the league. While one familiar face departed in Guzan, another returned with hopes he'll right the ship. Tata Martino is back in charge and made a few interesting additions to the squad, including a number of young signings and a pair of veterans."
"The 63-year-old Argentine is back in Atlanta, where he guided the 2017 expansion club to the 2018 MLS Cup trophy. On the veteran front, Fafà Picault, who has played for six different MLS clubs (most recently Inter Miami), was signed as a free agent. Along with Argentine goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, 36, he will add some expertise to a spate of young international signings. Center back Tomás Jacob and left back Elías Baez, both 21 and from Argentina, are also notable additions."
MLS returns to play Saturday, marking the league's 30th anniversary and a midsummer pause for the FIFA World Cup. Fans endured a long winter offseason and many clubs made moves across all 30 teams. Atlanta United saw Brad Guzan retire and become club ambassador and sporting adviser while the club searches for a first-choice goalkeeper. The roster remains expensive and underachieving, prompting hopes for stronger defending and delivery. Tata Martino returned as head coach and the club signed veterans Fafà Picault and goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos, plus young Argentine defenders Tomás Jacob and Elías Baez. 2026 success is defined as improving on a 29th-place 2025 finish.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]