2017 MLS Primer: Everything you need to know

From offseason activity all the way to MLS Cup predictions - and everything in between - here's what you need to know ahead of the 2017 MLS season, which begins this evening when Portland hosts expansion side Minnesota.

Team Previews

Get the lowdown on your favorite club heading into the new campaign.

• Season in a sentence: Biggest question for all 22 clubs
• Marquee man: The key player for all 22 clubs
• Projected starting XIs: Eastern Conference
• Projected starting XIs: Western Conference

Offseason Roundup

The winter brought with it a flurry of activity, as teams looked to improve through transfers, trades, and free-agent signings.

• MLS Transfer Tracker
• The 10 best offseason moves
• The 10 worst offseason moves
• Ranking the 5 best newcomers ahead of the 2017 season

Predictions

Can FC Dallas capture the Supporters' Shield once again. Will Toronto FC finally bring home a championship? Which stars will bolster their trophy cabinets with the individual awards on offer?

• Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup, MVP, and more

What to Watch

• 5 storylines to watch in 2017

Contenders and Pretenders

Which clubs are for real, and which ones are simply there to make up the numbers? Here's how each team is shaping up heading into the year.

• Preseason power rankings

Kit Rankings

Some clubs will be sporting gorgeous new looks in 2017. Others, meanwhile, need to head back to the drawing board.

• The good, the bad, and the hideous

New Kids in Town

Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC enter their inaugural MLS seasons with very different outlooks.

• Can Atlanta, Minnesota reach playoffs in their 1st season?

1-on-1 Interview Series

theScore's Armen Bedakian sat down with a handful of MLS players this offseason, ranging from rookies to well-traveled veterans.

• Miles Robinson: Fear and confidence, a delicate balancing act
• Abu Danladi: A journey from Ghana to the American Midwest
• Ian Harkes: Writing the next chapter of a family legacy
• Walker Zimmerman: U.S. debut caps steady rise to prominence
• Oguchi Onyewu: Reuniting with friends in an overdue MLS journey

Rumor Mill

Just because the season is underway doesn't mean the rumors come to an end. Here are some of the high-profile rumblings around MLS.

• Report: Terry set for MLS move; LA Galaxy lead race to sign him
• Report: Sounders have 'better than 50-50 chance' of landing Honda
• Report: MLS negotiating Chicharito signing for summer of 2018
• Report: Bob Bradley engaging in continued talks with LAFC