Welcome to Verde Week!
To celebrate the start of the 2026 MLS season (for Austin FC and the league's other 29 teams), I've embarked on a massive season preview undertaking. Thirty capsule reviews, spread over five days, to give you a sense of how these teams transformed (as of this writing) during the offseason, plus a little lagniappe (in the spirit of this also being Mardi Gras week).
Also, to prompt you to support independent soccer coverage — needed now more than ever! — I'm offering a special yearly subscription rate for this week only.
Today's previews: Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, FC Cincinnati, and Columbus Crew.
Monday and Tuesday: The rest of the East.
Wednesday through Friday: The West.
