As we continue our build up to the 2015 Major League Soccer season, here’s a look at 10 players who could be the top breakouts this season. Ranking them from 10-1, here it goes…
10 -- Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union
After being drafted as the first pick in 2014, Blake has had to wait his time in Philadelphia. Now, it seems to have arrived. He will miss the first few weeks through injury, but the rest of 2015 could be a breakout one for the Jamaican goalkeeper.
9-- Harry Shipp, Chicago Fire
Not sure if he really falls into this category, but what a player he is. After a stunning rookie season, Shipp will now need a similarly brilliant 2015 to help Chicago make the postseason and keep his stock rising. Is a USMNT call up in the offing soon?
8 -- Brek Shea, Orlando City SC
Hasn’t played regularly for a long, long time, but expect his return to MLS to get the best out of the Texan once again. At FC Dallas he scored stunners for fun and Orlando have plenty of faith in him. USMNT fans, rejoice.
7 -- Marcelo Sarvas, Colorado Rapids
After swapping LA for Colorado, Sarvas will be a crucial piece of the puzzle for the Rapids. A group of youngsters will learn from the central midfielder, as the veteran Brazilian aims to see out his career in MLS with more success.
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6 -- Tommy Thompson, San Jose Earthquakes
The diminutive U.S. youth international broke onto the scene in 2014 under Mark Watson, and now it is time for him to flourish under the guidance of Dominic Kinnear. Thompson, just 19, has plenty of years ahead of him but this season could define how far he goes in the game.
5 -- Dax McCarty, New York Red Bulls
Plenty of changes at RBA, but the ginger-haired maestro is still around to keep things ticking over. Expect him to be an important player for New York this season.
4 -- Danny Mwanga, Orlando City SC
Another player handed a second-chance by Orlando, Mwanga was a shock selection in the expansion draft. He shone for the Union in his early days in MLS but plenty of injuries have take their toll. Can he recover and explode into life in Florida?
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3 -- Jack McInerney, Montreal Impact
Remember that predatory forward everyone loved in Philadelphia? Here’s hoping that Jack Mac can recapture that former up in Quebec this season with an improved Montreal side around him.
2 -- Darren Mattocks, Vancouver Whitecaps
A star in his rookie year, Mattocks had somewhat of a slump in the past two seasons due to a number of injuries. If he can get near his form of 2012, the ‘Caps and Carl Robinson will be delighted as he’s a potential 15-goal a season striker.
1 -- Nat Borchers, Portland Timbers
Great pick up by the Timbers. Despite his age, Borchers (and his marvelous beard) will bring much needed quality and experience to Portland’s back four. Great signing by Caleb Porter, as RSL will regret letting the American defender go.