We’re getting closer and closer to kicking off the 2018 MLS season, and with a new year comes a new batch of Power Rankings. Hopefully this year’s iterations are more enjoyable than 2017, when reading about the Galaxy’s meaningless death march of a season became an increasingly depressing affair.

It appears the league experts have LA around the middle of the table, with the Galaxy placed in the No. 12 spot in the opening edition of the rankings, good for 5th in the West. Toronto FC, New York City FC and Atlanta are 1-2-3 while the Loons occupy the cellar at No. 23.

The wooden spoon holders appear to have upgraded a number of positions in the offseason, but the central question remains if Giovani dos Santos can be an MVP-level force all season.

To say Gio is going to be under considerable pressure to start the season is an understatement. The El Tri attacker has been slow to gel with Ola Kamara up top this pre-season, but regardless of excuses, he’s got to produce.