There has never been an invincible season in MLS. Could 2019 be that year? You never know.
One month into the 2019 season, five clubs have started the year unbeaten and look to keep the loss column empty for as long as they can. A confluence of talent, scheduling and, of course, a little bit of luck always shades streaks the longer they go.
Which of the five is most likely to be the league's last remaining undefeated team?
5. Toronto FC
Next five: 4/6 vs. CHI, 4/13 @ SEA, 4/19 vs MIN, 4/27 vs. POR, 5/4 @ ORL
Early returns on the "Jozuelo" partnership in Toronto are off the charts. Also off the charts is anticipation for Alejandro Pozuelo's second game on Saturday against the Chicago Fire (3 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, TSN4 in Canada).
TFC will face their toughest test yet at CenturyLink Field against the Seattle Sounders a week later. Regardless, already sitting 3-0-0 heading into the match against the Fire to start is a fantastic start to the season for TFC, as was the panache they beat NYCFC with. Remember when they labored to a 5-1 aggregate loss to Panamanian club CA Independiente in the Concacaf Champions League?
What a difference a month (and a huge transfer for Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore returning to fitness) makes.
4. LAFC
Next five: 4/6 @ DC, 4/13 vs. CIN, 4/17 @ VAN, 4/21 vs. SEA, 4/28 @ SEA
If LAFC can navigate Saturday's marquee match against D.C. United at Audi Field (3 pm ET | FOX in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) without a loss, there's a real chance that their April 21 encounter with the Sounders will be another heavyweight clash of undefeated teams.
Unfortunately, of the remaining unbeaten handful of teams, LAFC have the toughest test this weekend by virtue of the game being in D.C. rather than SoCal. But, LAFC already went to NYCFC and fought hard for a 2-2 draw. Why wouldn't they be able to do it again on Saturday?
With the form Carlos Vela is in, it wouldn't be shocking should LAFC continue their imperious start to the campaign.
3. Houston Dynamo
Next five: 4/13 vs. SJ, 4/19 @ LA, 4/27 vs. CLB, 5/4 vs. FCD, 5/11 @ SEA
Don't look now, but the Houston Dynamo are 3-0-1. The path they have traveled hasn't been particularly perilous, but, that's not their fault they haven't had to swerve potholes and traffic en route to a strong start.
The club have predictably relied on leading play from Mauro Manotas and Alberth Elis, while Memo Rodriguez is taking full advantage of the gravitational pull those two stars have on defenders. It's an interesting (and important) development for the Dynamo. No clean sheets over four matches signifies a worry, not yet a "check engine light," but this team scores goals with ease.
Their unbeaten record will remain intact this weekend as the club have a bye week and will be heavily favorited to continue against pointless San Jose on April 13. They're a dark horse to keep their streak alive the longest-- who would have guessed that a month ago?
2. D.C. United
Next five: 4/6 vs. LAFC, 4/9 vs. MTL, 4/13 @ COL, 4/21 vs. NYCFC, 4/24 @ CLB
Even though D.C. have an extra midweek game between this weekend and next, United have been so impressive over the first month of the season that it shouldn't really matter. The gargantuan encounter against LAFC kicks off their next five, but being at home, they'll be favorites.
Wayne Rooney trails only Vela in the early Golden Boot race with four goals over the club's first four games. Arguably more impressive: The defense has conceded just once, though they'll be without left back Joseph Mora for at least four weeks.
Games will come thick and fast over the next two months; D.C.'s depth will be tested.
1. Seattle Sounders
Next five: 4/6 vs. RSL, 4/10 @ COL, 4/13 vs. TFC, 4/21 @ LAFC, 4/24 vs. SJ
Seattle, like D.C., have an extra midweek game in the near future. Seattle, like D.C., have just been too damn impressive to drop out of the top two. They slide ahead of United due their match(es) against LAFC won't come until April 21 (and April 28) rather than this weekend.
The Sounders, like D.C., have excelled both in attack and defense, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three over their first four matches. Expect goals when Seattle host RSL on Saturday (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada).
