MLS 2026 Season Preview! Part 3: Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, Austin FC, Colorado Rapids & FC Dallas
Digest
This podcast episode provides in-depth previews for the 2026 Major League Soccer season, focusing on teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences. The hosts discuss Orlando City SC's roster changes and coaching situation, the Philadelphia Union's consistent success despite turnover and off-season turmoil, and Toronto FC's efforts to rebuild with new signings. The preview then shifts to the Western Conference, examining Austin FC's offensive struggles and tactical flexibility, the Colorado Rapids' coaching change and new attacking style, and FC Dallas's controversial lack of a Designated Player and the potential of young goalkeeper Michael Callender. Each team preview includes a review of the previous season, analysis of off-season moves, tactical discussions, identification of key players, and a "Very Specific Prediction" (VSP). The episode also touches on supporting the show through Patreon and the TSS Scouting Network.
Outlines
MLS 2026 Season Previews: Eastern Conference Teams
The podcast begins its 2026 Major League Soccer previews, covering the Eastern Conference teams Orlando City SC and Philadelphia Union. It includes host and guest introductions, a mention of Patreon support, and lighthearted facts related to each team's city. Orlando City's 2025 season review, off-season departures and arrivals, coaching tactics, and key players are discussed, along with a subplot regarding coach Oscar Pareja's future. The Philadelphia Union's successful 2025 season, off-season challenges including administrative leave for Ernst Tanner, player turnover, and tactical questions are analyzed.
MLS 2026 Season Previews: Toronto FC and Western Conference Kickoff
The preview shifts to Toronto FC, discussing their underwhelming 2025 season, significant player departures, and new signings like Giorgi Mihailović and José Cifuentes. The team's depth issues and potential under coach John Herdman are explored. The podcast then transitions to the Western Conference, starting with Austin FC. An interesting fact about Austin's bat colony is shared, followed by a review of Austin FC's 2025 season, their offensive struggles, off-season moves, and tactical approach under Josh Wolff. Key players and potential concerns about the team's roster construction are also highlighted.
MLS 2026 Season Previews: Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas
The preview continues with the Colorado Rapids, detailing their poor 2025 season, coaching change to Matt Wells, and new signings. The team's aim for a more dominant style and key players are discussed. The final team preview is for FC Dallas, featuring a unique fact about Frisco, Texas's mascot origin. The discussion covers FC Dallas's performance post-Lucho Acosta, their tactical shift to a more direct approach, offseason analysis including departures and arrivals, and significant frustration over the lack of a Designated Player. The potential of goalkeeper Michael Callender and the team's overall identity reset for the season are also examined.
Keywords
Major League Soccer (MLS)
The top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, featuring 29 teams competing in a regular season and playoffs. It is a significant league for player development and international talent.
2026 Season Previews
An annual series where soccer analysts discuss team performance, transfers, and expectations for the upcoming Major League Soccer season, providing insights for fans and bettors.
Team Performance Analysis
Evaluating a team's strengths, weaknesses, and historical data to predict future outcomes, including offensive and defensive metrics, player form, and tactical approaches.
Off-Season Transfers
The period between seasons where teams buy, sell, or loan players to improve their squads. Key transfers significantly impact team dynamics and future performance.
Coaching Staff and Tactics
The role of head coaches and their tactical systems in shaping a team's playing style, formation, and overall strategy throughout a season.
Key Players
Identifying the most influential players on a team, whose performance often dictates the team's success. This includes star players, emerging talents, and crucial role players.
VSP (Very Specific Prediction)
A segment where analysts make detailed, often bold, predictions about specific player or team statistics for the upcoming season, adding an element of fun and accountability.
FC Dallas
A Major League Soccer team whose season preview is discussed. Key aspects include their performance post-Lucho Acosta, tactical shifts, offseason acquisitions, and the controversial lack of a Designated Player.
Lucho Acosta
A former key player for FC Dallas whose departure significantly impacted the team's performance and playing style. His absence led to a tactical overhaul and a shift in team dynamics.
Michael Callender
A young, promising goalkeeper for FC Dallas. He is predicted to be a strong contender for Goalkeeper of the Year, with his performance potentially being a key factor in the team's success and playoff aspirations.
Q&A
What is the main focus of this podcast episode?
This podcast episode focuses on previewing the upcoming 2026 Major League Soccer season, with detailed breakdowns of several teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Which teams are being previewed in this episode?
The teams previewed include Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, Austin FC, Colorado Rapids, and FC Dallas, covering both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
What is the purpose of the "VSP" segment?
The VSP (Very Specific Prediction) segment is where podcast hosts make detailed and often bold predictions about specific player or team statistics for the upcoming MLS season.
How does the podcast structure its team previews?
Each team preview typically includes a fun fact, a review of the previous season, analysis of off-season changes (transfers, coaching), discussion of tactics and key players, and a "Very Specific Prediction."
What is the unique origin of Frisco, Texas's mascot?
The city of Frisco, Texas, was named after a railroad. Its logo is modeled after a stretched-out, flattened raccoon skin, which inspired Frisco High School's mascot, the "Fighting Raccoons."
How did FC Dallas's performance change after Lucho Acosta's departure?
After Lucho Acosta was sold, FC Dallas shifted their tactics dramatically. They went from a possession-oriented style to a more direct approach, significantly improving their results and averaging 1.9 points per game in the latter part of the season.
What is the main point of frustration regarding FC Dallas's offseason moves?
The primary frustration is FC Dallas's failure to sign a Designated Player (DP) despite having an elite player like Petar Musa. This is seen as a missed opportunity to strengthen the team and compete effectively in the Western Conference.
Who is considered a potential breakout player for FC Dallas?
Goalkeeper Michael Callender is highlighted as a potential breakout star. He is predicted to be in the Goalkeeper of the Year conversation, and his strong performance could be crucial for FC Dallas's playoff chances.
Show Notes
The third instalment of our MLS 2026 season previews sees us go in depth on Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, and Toronto FC, before crossing over to the west to look at Austin FC, Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas!
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