Can anyone stop the juggernaut that is Toronto FC?

That's the question entering the 2018 MLS campaign, which kicks off Saturday when TFC begins its title defense with an Eastern Conference final rematch against the Columbus Crew at BMO Field.

Less than three months after Toronto completed a treble by sinking the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final, has unanimously picked Sebastian Giovinco and Co. to repeat as Supporters' Shield winners and tapped them as favorites to again lift the MLS Cup as well.

But which dark-horse contenders could potentially dethrone TFC? Who will take home MLS MVP honors? Which player is poised for a breakout campaign? editors and writers have provided their predictions below:

Brad PennerMost Valuable Player

IVES GALARCEP:. He may be 36 years old, but Villa is still a goal-scoring machine. With New York City FC upgrading through the addition of Jesus Medina, Villa should have another outstanding season and hold off Miguel Almiron for his second MVP.

JON ARNOLD:. At some point, Giovinco has to stop shredding MLS opposition. This is not that year. The Atomic Ant will again be key for Toronto, leading the team in scoring and helping the Reds to more trophies.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The 24-year-old Paraguayan playmaker isn't long for MLS, but he'll make the most of his time stateside by delivering a dominant season as the focal point in Atlanta United's high-octane attack.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. There are plenty of good candidates, but the simple pick here is the best player on the best team in the league.

BEN VALENTINE:. Miguel Almiron figures to be a popular preseason MVP pick, but Rusnak quietly was almost as productive last season. Real Salt Lake’s struggles hid that somewhat, but Rusnak will get more exposure this year in what should be a much better side.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Yes, he's 36, but Villa somehow shows no sign of slowing down and has actually been getting better and better in his three MLS seasons. He could pick up his second MVP if he continues that trend.

AdvertisementGreg BartramCoach of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. After a dozen seasons away from MLS, Bradley is back and will make the most of a talented expansion squad with Los Angeles FC.

JON ARNOLD:. Unless voters have fatigue and want to reward a coach of an up-and-coming team (perhaps more in the spirit of the award), Vanney should be able to repeat. TFC is set for a big year, and Vanney has so far steered the team with an expert touch.

THOMAS FLOYD: . It's been a rough few years for a coach seen as one of the brighter minds in American soccer, but a productive offseason has given Kreis the tools to make Orlando City an Eastern Conference contender after last season's 10th-place finish.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Atlanta came on strong in year one and any step forward would represent the club actually contending for a title in just its second season.  

BEN VALENTINE:. The Columbus Crew not only have to deal with replacing two key players in Ola Kamara and Justin Meram but also face the specter of relocation. If Berhalter can navigate this club to a successful season, he deserves the award.

SETH VERTELNEY:. If the Argentine can take Atlanta from an expansion team making the postseason to a second-year side atop the East, it will be one of the biggest MLS coaching feats in recent memory.

Brett DavisDefender of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The Atlanta central defender came on strong late in 2017, and should carry over his dominant form into an outstanding second season.

JON ARNOLD:. After a rough start, Calvo and Minnesota United settled into life in MLS. The Loons have an opening to be better this year in a Western Conference full of teams in transition and Calvo will lead the charge from the back.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The Argentine defender was a commanding presence in his first MLS season but seemed to fly under the radar as Atlanta's attack grabbed the headlines. Look for Gonzalez Pirez to get his due this year.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Bob Bradley's LAFC team will play good defense, and with a former Defender of the Year playing beside him in Laurent Ciman and plenty of eyes on the expansion club, Zimmerman should stand out in 2018. 

BEN VALENTINE:. An injury slowed his start to 2017, but Glad should continue his development into one of the league’s best center backs while anchoring Real Salt Lake's defense.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Year two in MLS should be even better than year one for Gonzalez Pirez, who still managed to finish fourth in the Defender of the Year voting in 2017. A classy defender on the ball who can get involved in the attack, the Argentine should take his game to new heights in 2018.

Kim KlementGoalkeeper of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The playoff hero for the Columbus Crew finished 2017 on a roll, and he should dominate in net in his second full season as a starter.

JON ARNOLD:. This award is tough to call. Tim Melia was fantastic last year, and nobody saw that coming. But you can't go wrong picking Blake since the Jamaican makes good stops and generally has plenty to do.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The U.S. national team goalkeeper was quietly impressive after his midseason arrival, and he should post pristine numbers with that stacked Atlanta team in front of him.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. The 22-year-old was playing at a very high level in the 2017 playoffs and, if he can carry that into the new season, looks primed to make his mark as one of the top shot-stoppers in MLS. 

BEN VALENTINE:. Bono solidified himself as the No. 1 last season and out-dueled fellow U.S. national team prospect Zack Steffen in the playoffs. While Steffen may be a popular pick for this award, Bono will fare well behind a Toronto defense that should be a touch more stable than its Columbus counterpart.

SETH VERTELNEY:. The 23-year-old doesn't quite get as much credit as some of Toronto's other big names, but Bono was a huge factor in TFC's treble-winning season last year and should only improve in 2018.