MLS TOP 10 POWER POLL

1. Columbus Crew SC – The defending champions deserve the top spot until proved otherwise.

2. Seattle Sounders – The Sounders are always in the thick of the MLS race, coming off their fourth MLS Cup final in five years.

3. Los Angeles FC – A run to the CONCACAF Champions League final after the 2020 season propelled LAFC toward the front of the pack heading into the 2021 season.

4. Philadelphia Union – Can the club contend without Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie? Both players’ contracts were sold to clubs in Europe.

5. Sporting Kansas City – The club retained most its offensive production from last year and even managed to add to its defense in the offseason.

6. Portland Timbers – Veteran stalwarts Diego Chara and Diego Valeri lead a talented roster with enough depth to push Seattle and LAFC through the 34- match season.

7. Toronto FC – A new era arrived in Toronto with Chris Armas taking over as head coach for Greg Vanney.

8. Orlando City SC – Nani remains the star player as he enters his third season in MLS, but Mauricio Pereyra might be the team’s biggest difference- maker.

9. Minnesota United – Midseason addition Emanuel Reynosa recorded a goal and seven assists in three playoff games.

10. New York City FC – Keep Maximiliano Moralez healthy. The veteran was limited to 10 starts in 2020.

Others receiving votes: Atlanta United, Nashville SC, New England Revolution USA TODAY Sports Network MLS top 10 power poll voters: Pat Brennan, The Cincinnati Enquirer; Mike Craven, Austin American- Statesman; Drake Hills, The ( Nashville) Tennessean; Jacob Myers, The Columbus ( Ohio) Dispatch.