Canada in the MLS 2022: Season Preview

As we head into the weekend, the 27th season of Major League Soccer will begin. This week will feature 14 games, including some nationally televised games, with games that will include a potential MLS Cup winners in the form of Los Angeles FC .

However, here, we will do a full MLS season preview for the three Canadian teams: Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montréal. How do these squads stack up against the better teams in the league?

Toronto FC

According to a number of sportsbooks, Toronto FC has the best odds among the three Canadian clubs to win the MLS Cup. Part of what helps Toronto FC’s odds this year is the acquisition of 30-year-old Lorenzo Insigne who will officially join the club in July. Insigne is one of the best players in Italy's Serie A and Bill Manning, President of the club, dubbed this a “historic and exciting day for our club” when the deal was announced.

In 53 times with Italy, Insigne has scored 10 goals and has been the captain of Napoli since 2019. Alongside Insigne is Bob Bradley, the new head coach and sporting director for the club. Insigne’s Napoli teammate Dries Mertens is also linked with the Canadian club and could make the move in the summer.

While the team waits for Insigne to join, the biggest question is going to be how they step up with not only a new head coach but with replacing Richie Laryea, who was perhaps Toronto FC’s best player. The MLS Cup is likely not in the future of Toronto FC this year, but they certainly have the best chance of all the MLS teams from Canada to get it done.

Vancouver Whitecaps

The arrival of Vanni Sartini during the middle of the season last year helped give Vancouver a breath of fresh air as Sartini replaced Marc Dos Santos valiantly. Heading into this season, the Whitecaps saw players like Maxime Crepeau transfer out to LAFC for $1 million, alongside other notable players. The Whitecaps did see Andy Rose retire as well.

Seeing Sartini for a full season will be intriguing, but the Whitecaps will need to see players like Ryan Gauld continue to thrive. Losing Crepeau cannot be understated, however, and sure, Vancouver will be a feisty bunch. Nevertheless, when making an MLS preview and prediction, it’s hard to foresee the Whitecaps as a legitimate threat for the Cup as evidenced by their +5000 odds.

CF Montréal

After a late-season surge that saw CF Montréal ultimately see its hopes end with a 2-0 loss to Orlando in 2021. However, CF Montréal did beat Toronto FC in the Canadian Championship final, so it’s not all bad, right? To help improve the team, CF Montréal has brought in Alistair Johnston from Nashville for $1 million as the headline move. However, CF Montréal will be looking toward Djordje Mihailovic once again. The USMNT player had 13 assists last season, which was by far his most in a single year.

The problem for CF Montréal is not exactly them, but the fact that, even though they brought in Johnston, they’ve probably only progressed horizontally while the rest of the conference has gotten, arguably, stronger. Let’s hope they can make the playoffs this year and get on a hot streak. Their odds to win the cup are set at +6500.

Who has a Shot at the MLS Cup?

The MLS teams from Canada all have a hill to climb, but of course, Toronto looks the most poised to do so. Bringing in Insigne is going to be a massive move that could help propel Toronto in a playoff run.

If you are interested in sports betting in Canada and thinking of going with any of the Canadian teams, Toronto FC is who should give you the most hope, despite Insigne coming late in the season and a new head coach.