2023 Major League Soccer Predictions: Awards and MLS Cup

Nov 6, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy and Latif Blessing arrive
Nov 6, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy and Latif Blessing arrive / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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MLS MVP
Winner: Denis Bouanga, LAFC

Feb 11, 2023; Indio, CA, USA; LAFC Denis Bouanga celebrates his goal against Toronto FC at Empire
Feb 11, 2023; Indio, CA, USA; LAFC Denis Bouanga celebrates his goal against Toronto FC at Empire / Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

I'm fully sold on the Denis Bouanga experience. The Gabonese international came in at the end of the summer window last season, but played a key role in helping LAFC win its first MLS Cup. With a full season to integrate, Bouanga looks ready to explode in MLS.

His pace, technical ability and finishing will make Bouanga one of the deadliest attacking players in MLS. I expect him to hit around 30 goal contributions this season, and maybe even more.

Honorable Mentions: Nico Lodeiro (Seattle), Lewis Morgan (RBNY), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville)