5 things we want to see in the 2016 Major League Soccer season

The 2015 MLS season was full of star-studded signings, a pair of new franchises in New York City and Orlando, plenty of incredible goals from rookies and veterans alike, and a new champion in the Portland Timbers.

As the year comes to a close, here are five things we want to see in the 2016 MLS season:

Ashley Cole at the LA Galaxy

OK, we get it - no one actually wants Ashley Cole to join the LA Galaxy. Between losing Omar Gonzalez and Juninho to Mexican sides, and bringing in an aged Steven Gerrard, Bruce Arena's side looks like it's heading in a distinctly different direction than supporters might be used to.

That's fair. At the same time, though, it's Ashley Cole, the player who one year ago called MLS a retirement league and said he was "not ready to relax on a beach yet." Watching him get schooled by MLS forwards and wingers like Sebastian Giovinco, Ethan Finlay, or Lloyd Sam will be a treat as Cole is served a slice of humble pie.

Didier Drogba returning to the field

This isn't a case of wanting to see Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba trump his emphatic start to his MLS career in 2016, or watching as the Ivorian leads Montreal to another playoff spot.

No, this is simply a wish to see Drogba play for Montreal again, period; the former Chelsea man is reportedly in talks to take on a coaching role under Guus Hiddink, which would cut short his contract in MLS.

Having Drogba back for 2016 is definitely high on the wish list for most MLS fans, though taking on Montreal without him in the lineup certainly makes for easier breathing.

A new star-studded MLS Cup champion

Watching the Portland Timbers defeat the Columbus Crew was an absolute delight, as it means any team has a chance at winning the MLS Cup. Unfortunately, Kei Kamara and Diego Valeri aren't exactly grabby names.

Rather than seeing the LA Galaxy win once more, having yet another new champion with some recognizable stars would be a real boost for the league and, especially, for its TV ratings.

Onlookers were left hungry as Thierry Henry fizzled away at the New York Red Bulls, so whether it's Kaka or Drogba, Michael Bradley or David Villa, a star captain lifting the MLS Cup is the feel-good story the league has been craving.

More big-name Designated Players

Speaking of stars, it's an undeniable fact that, as MLS grows, more and more famous footballers are calling the league home. Hopefully, that trend continues in 2016 with some new big-name Designated Player signings.

There are plenty of rumours, with Mexican international Carlos Vela closest to joining, but a new shock signing or two always seems around the corner. More players in their prime would certainly help, though, as players like Sebastian Giovinco proved absolutely dominant in 2015.

A new Homegrown stud defender

Omar Gonzalez. Matt Besler. Matt Miazga. It seems like every year or so, a new stud central defender emerges out of a Homegrown Player signing or SuperDraft pick.

We're hoping that trend continues in 2016. Very few teams spend on signing high-quality defenders, opting to use their already-limited funds on strikers or attacking midfielders instead. The league is at a crossroads where quality defensive additions will soon become a requirement, not a luxury.

This is where the league's investment in Homegrown Players comes into play. MLS invested Targeted Allocation Money in increments of $125,000 per year over the next two years, which should help teams pick up young, local talent.

So, who could this next stud defender be? It's looking like Joshua Yaro, a defender out of Georgetown University. He's projected to be a lock as the first overall draft pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft and, as such, will most likely go to the Chicago Fire.