2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 Left Backs

Feb. 22, 2017

After yesterday's release of the top ten goal keepers going into 2017 we are moving on to field position players. As requested on Twitter, we are going to start with the defense. So as with any normal writing in the U.S. we are going to start by going left to right. So let's start with the left backs in MLS. This top ten will consist of plenty of players both young, old, and experienced.

10. Taylor Kemp, D.C. United

Kemp is a player who has been around MLS for a long time now. The 26 year old left back has solidified himself along the D.C. United backline. Along with developing as a top defensive talent, Kemp has shown how skilled he is as a passer. Last season with D.C. United Kemp was able to play in 31 games, scoring 1 goal, racking up 6 assists, and playing solid defense in front of Bill Hamid. Another year of playing 25-30 games with United will move him up this list going into 2018.

9. Brandon Vincent, Chicago Fire

As a rookie Vincent was able to play in 26 games for the Fire. His play was much improved from the Fire defense of 2015. His time at left back in 2016 also showed a bit of his passing abilities as he was able pass for 3 assists. But Vincent is a true defender. He is viewed by many as budding star in MLS and possibly the future left back of the USMNT. He showed some signs for improvement during his rookie year but I expect to see him improve greatly moving into his career.

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8. Chris Tierney, New England Revolution

Tierney is a perfect left wing back type player in MLS. Tierney can push down the sideline and put in some stellar passes into the box and rack up the assists. In 2016 he played in a total of 28 games and in those games had 2 goals and 3 assists. Tierney is easily one of the best left backs in the league and one of the best United States left backs. His speed, defensive prowess, and passing abilities has developed him into a top 10 left back.

7. DaMarcus Beasley, Houston Dynamo

Good old Beasley still playing in MLS. Beasley still even made it into the U.S.'s January camp. The only down side to Beasley is his age at this point. He still has his speed, his on ball ability, and his leadership. If Beasley can play in around 25 games for the Dynamo this season then I would call 2017 a success. Beasley has been hindered by injury as of late and that is the only reason why he is this low on my list.

6. Ashley Cole, LA Galaxy

At number six comes another older left back. Ashley Cole has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and in 2016 decided to play for the biggest club in MLS. Many people expected him to fall flat on his face coming into MLS but he surprised many. Cole took over LA's left back role and was able to slow down many opposing offenses. Him, along with Jelle Van Damme lead a Galaxy defense that was one of the best in the league. As he gets a bit older I expect him to be a little bit slower and commit a few more fouls, but he still has the skill to be one of the best in the league.

5. Ronald Matarrita, New York City FC

Matarrita is one of the most exciting youngsters in MLS. At the bright age of 22, Matarrita is a solid defense whose pace can catch up to some of the fastest forwards. His speed is a great help on defense but also improves his play on the offensive side of things. In his first season in MLS he was able to play in 25 games, scoring 1 goal, and passing for 5 assists. With more seasons under his belt I expect him to develop even more into a terrific left back.

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4. Ambroise Oyongo, Montreal Impact

It's been a pretty good few months for Ambroise. He was able to win the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon, he played in an Eastern Conference Finals with Montreal, and developed into a household name for MLS fans. Oyongo is another speedy left back who causes so many problems for opposing teams. You can beat him with skill, but then he has the speed to catch up to you from behind. On offense he can run down the wing, blow by defenders, and pass the ball into the box. After 27 games in 2016 he was able to record 5 assist and received much European interest.

3. Justin Morrow, Toronto FC

Morrow is the best offensive threatening defender in MLS. In 2016 he lead defenders in goals with 5 goals. He also had many assists by totaling 4 after 2016. Obviously his offensive ability isn't the only reason why is he on this list. He is very fast. There are much faster defenders than him but he is still able to beat some opposing attackers. Morrow is also able to play that wingback role which has become extremely useful in common day soccer.

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2. Greg Garza, Atlanta United

Here is the first new arrival to MLS to make an appearance on one of my lists. Greg Garza is good enough to make it to a USMNT January camp and even compete for a potential starting left back job for the USMNT. He didn't greatly impress in January camp but he still impressed enough as a starter in MLS. Garza has plenty of experience after being in Liga MX and now comes to a newly created MLS team with plenty of big names. If you enjoy good defense be ready to enjoy watching Garza play for Atlanta next season.

1. Joevin Jones, Seattle Sounders

Some people might be surprised by the Jones being my number one left back but hear me out. Jones was a key player for Seattle on their MLS Cup run in 2016. Jones's speed allowed him to greatly push up the field, his footwork helped him get by defenders, and he even has some ability to shoot. Jones played in 33 regular season games for the Sounders in 2016 and was one of their most key players in their playoff run. Jones's play in 2016 has developed him into a starter for Trinidad and Tobago. If you want to see a stellar left back play the watch some Seattle games in 2017. The man can defense anyone in the league and impact a game offensively as well.