MLS watchability rankings: who is the most entertaining team in the league?

The MLS Watchability Rankings are back for a third time. The league has gained a team (welcome, Charlotte FC!) and this season has been fun, fast and chaotic.

There are a lot of games in MLS. So these highly subjective, very unscientific rankings, based on the elusive, nebulous “watchability” factor, can help the decision-making process when a handful of games overlap on a Saturday. One important note: this list is not based exclusively on quality – a team can be watchable while not actually being competent.

Here’s the list, from worst to first.

Somebody had to be last. Last year’s VIBES team completely lost their magic after a feelgood run to the playoffs. But there’s ample reason to watch even the bottom team on this list, thanks to Ryan Gauld, once dubbed the Scottish Messi by the media, and Brian White, once dubbed the New Jersey Mario Gomez by, well, me.

Injuries have exacerbated problems on a roster already harmed by a rash of bad contracts. Not even 2020 MLS MVP Alejandro Pozuelo and legendary USMNT father-son duo Bob and Michael Bradley move the needle enough, yet*.

*Important caveat: Italian star Lorenzo Insigne joins in July. He should make TFC a lot more entertaining.

The Crew’s attack is painfully methodical and, whenever Lucas Zelarayan has been unavailable, almost unwatchable. Zelarayan’s penchant for goals from distance (and a shoot-on-sight policy) moves the Crew up a bit. They aim to sign a legitimate big-time center-forward this summer, though.

On one hand, you have a defensive spine weakened by injury and age, which leads to open games. On the other, SKC’s attack hasn’t been able to keep them competitive. Goals don’t always equal great games, particularly if they’re one-sided. Bonus points for Peter