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
11 of 15

5. FC Dallas

Oct 9, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira (10) walks to the corner of the
Oct 9, 2022; Frisco, Texas, USA; FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira (10) walks to the corner of the | Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Last season finish: 53 points; 3rd in West, 7th in League; Lost in Conference Semis
Player to watch: ST Jesus Ferreira

Dallas played a lot of good soccer last season and having Sebastian Lletget in the fold from the jump should make them even better throughout the season.

It's a risk to pick a team with so much uncertainty at center back to finish so high, but I think internal improvement from young players and another year in Nico Esteves's system should propel Dallas forward.