After only three weeks of the season gone, some patterns have already emerged suggesting who the big hitters will be in the Eastern Conference.
Even now Impact fans can see which clubs are likely to be main rivals for playoff spots. New York City, Toronto and Atlanta United, despite a horrible opening day, look the most powerful sides in the division, and while finishing above at least one of this trio is likely to prove enough to enter post-season play, it’s not contests against these three that will be most crucial.
I see Montreal in the next batch of clubs, perhaps at the moment only just, but with reinforcements on their way and a coach who will compare with the very best MLS has to offer, I expect Montreal to be punching their weight against the likes of Columbus, NYRB, Chicago and Philadelphia.