Wild, Wild West: Seattle, Colorado, LAFC are the favorites

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For all the stars that dot the rosters of teams in the MLS Western Conference, the best team out West a season ago was lacking some of that star power.

The Colorado Rapids were the surprising top team in the West under coach Robin Fraser last year. And they seem likely to repeat their performance this season.

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The Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC will also likely be at the top, though Nashville joining the conference immediately adds another talented squad capable of contending.

The rest of the West seems to be dogged by questions. Are the LA Galaxy primed for a run in coach Greg Vanney’s second season? Can ownership stability help Real Salt Lake after a stunning run to last year’s Western Conference final? Is Portland on the verge of taking a step back after losing in the MLS Cup final?

AT THE TOP

No team in the league may have a better starting lineup than Seattle when healthy. Whether it's Raul Ruidiaz, Jordan Morris, Nicolas Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan, Nouhou Tolo, or Stefan Frei, Seattle’s roster is loaded.

The Sounders also seem to be embracing the expectations that they should be the class of the Western Conference and possibly the league.

"We do have a good team, a very good team on paper," coach Brian Schmetzer said. "That gives us the best chance of doing well in Champions League, doing well in league and ending the year on a high note in another MLS Cup final."

FILE - L.A. Galaxy forward Javier Hernandez celebrates after scoring during the second half of a Major League Soccer match against Austin FC Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Carson, Calif. A after difficult season plagued by an