Can you believe there are only *checks notes* 41 days until the 2024 MLS regular season kicks off? I sure can’t. The offseason has already blown by, with 29 teams preparing for another packed season.
Today, we’re looking at those preparations. What does each team still need to address before their 2024 campaigns officially begin?
Let’s dive right in.
Atlanta United
The Five Stripes made a big move earlier this week, signing free agent midfielder Dax McCarty to bring some stability and vision to their midfield. He’s a solid addition for one of the better rosters in MLS, but they could still use another starting-caliber midfielder to play alongside Tristan Muyumba.
The biggest need for Atlanta, though, is in the back line. Losing center back Miles Robinson in free agency is a huge blow and creates an obvious need. Signing Stian Gregerse from Bordeaux, as reported by Tom Bogert, will go a long way towards filling that hole. However, finding another quality defender to come in and compete with Luis Abram should still be a priority for Garth Lagerwey.
Austin FC
Oof… where to start with Austin? Sebastian Driussi, Dani Pereira and Brad Stuver are all top players in their positions, but you can argue that every other position group is lacking. While Matt Hedges and Julio Cascante seem to be the de facto starters at center back, they need more quality depth on the back line.
Striker, though, has to be the priority. Gyasi Zardes is now only a borderline starting-quality striker in MLS and he’s a long way away from the goal scorer he was a few years ago. Aside from Zardes, there’s literally no one else up front. Signing a starting No. 9 is a must for Verde.
