Based on the 16 MLS teams in the field, Austin FC is an early favorite to win the trophy. Verde will enter the tournament as millions of Americans rush to file their taxes.
Maybe it's not ideal to sign a 41-year-old forward who didn't score for one of MLS' best teams last season. But he could play a helpful role for Austin FC in 2026 if dropped into a supplemental roster slot.
Looking at what Miami's done in the playoffs, you might expect them to rack up another big scoreline in Saturday's MLS Cup final. But there's a throughline in their losses that Vancouver will want to note.