2023 Major League Soccer Predictions: Western Conference

Oct 30, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; 
The Los Angeles FC celebrate the win over the Austin FC
Oct 30, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles FC celebrate the win over the Austin FC | Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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6. Austin FC

Oct 30, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Austin FC defender Julio Cascante (18) and forward
Oct 30, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Austin FC defender Julio Cascante (18) and forward | Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Last season finish: 56 points; 2nd in West, 4th in League; Lost in Conference Final
Player to watch: M Sebastian Driussi

I actually picked Austin to finish higher in the standings last season lol. This is clearly a talented roster with a strong, coherent style of play.

The only reason I have them in the back half of the playoffs is questions about depth with Champions League on the schedule and a potential over reliance on MVP candidate Sebastian Driussi. Even though I have Austin in sixth, I think this is a team capable of competing for silverware in almost every competition this year.