The 2019 MLS season is nearly upon us, and clubs are wrapping up their final preparations. The new playoff format featuring singe-game elimination will raise the stakes, and teams will have more motivation to secure the highest possible seed.

Here are the players who will need to perform at a high level if their respective Eastern Conference clubs are to find success in 2019.

Atlanta United | Leandro González Pírez

The reigning MLS champions are looking to fill the void left by Miguel Almirón in attack. River Plate export Pity Martínez will be keen on making an immediate impact and Ezequiel Barco can contribute more, but it’s in defense where I find a key component.

Leandro González Pírez was instrumental in their 2018 title run and finished fourth in Defender of the Year voting. Atlanta will again enjoy the lion’s share of possession, so González Pírez’s ability to stop opponents and play out of the back will need to remain a constant.

Chicago Fire | Đorđe Mihailović

Đorđe Mihailović was one of the biggest winners of Gregg Berhalter’s first U.S. camp. The homegrown midfielder made his mark with a goal in his first appearance for the Stars and Stripes in January.

Mihailović should once again prove instrumental for the Fire with the way he dictates the pace of the game and provides a spark going forward when his side needs it most. I think another strong showing in 2019 could see the 20-year-old make the jump to Europe.

FC Cincinnati | Fanendo Adi

Cincinnati are not short on enthusiasm and support heading into their inaugural MLS campaign. They are also not lacking in the defensive midfield department, signing six over the course of the offseason.

Striker Fanendo Adi recently expressed his concern over a lack of offensive options. The man who made a name for himself in Portland with a commendable 50 goals in four seasons will have everything to do up top for his new club, particularly if they do not bring in any more players to aid in attack.

Columbus Crew | Gyasi Zardes

The Crew were saved from relocation, and 2019 brings plenty of potential following a complete overhaul. Proven tactician Caleb Porter now leads the squad and — like his predecessor — he will need to get the best out of Gyasi Zardes for Columbus to reach their potential.

Much to the disappointment of U.S. fans, Zardes’ game took a dip toward the end of his time at the Galaxy. However, he was completely rejuvenated under Gregg Berhalter in Columbus and his career-best 19 goals propelled the Crew to their fifth-place finish in the East. More of the same will be needed, and at 27 years of age there’s no reason why he can’t elevate his game even further.

D.C. United | Russell Canouse

Wayne Rooney is an obvious choice, and through preseason there are no signs he is stopping anytime soon. However, my eyes are fixed on D.C.’s midfield.

There’s just something about defensive midfielder Russell Canouse that makes the team tick, and it’s hard to argue with the results after he cemented a starting role. Assuming the 24-year-old builds on his stellar play in the second half of 2018, the attacking weapons at coach Ben Olsen’s disposal will have plenty of opportunities to shine.

Montreal Impact | Orji Okwonkwo

The Impact capped off an unbeaten preseason with a 3-0 thrashing of D.C. United. Max Urruti seems to have fit right in with star Ignacio Piatti after making the move from Dallas, and coach Rémi Garde could have this side poised for a much-improved year.

Nigerian striker Orji Okwonkwo recently joined from Bologna and his new club needs him to produce immediately. The Impact struggled heavily at the striker position in 2018, getting just three goals from Matteo Mancosu. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better attacking duo to play alongside than Urruti and Piatti, so keep an eye on Okwonkwo in the early going.

New England Revolution | Michael Mancienne

Brad Friedel’s side was still very much in rebuilding mode last campaign, and we’ll see if they can get over the hump in terms of turning draws into wins. The biggest issue in 2018 was just that, as the Revolution played to stalemates more than any other team (11).

The club signed Englishman Michael Mancienne from Nottingham Forest in August to help shore up a defense that can’t stop leaking goals. The highest-paid defender in Revolution history can make his mark in his first full season.

New York City FC | Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

The post-David Villa era kicks off with a trip to the Sunshine State to play in front of a raucous Orlando City crowd. Naturally, the question at hand is how the side will replace the prolific marksman who scored goals for fun in MLS.

Attacking midfielder Ismael Tajouri-Shradi is one of the more intriguing talents to keep an eye on. The Swiss-born Libyan signed for NYCFC last season and came in a bit under the radar, but he quickly made his presence felt by scoring 11 goals while adding three assists. His ability to exploit opponents in space and stretch defenses can help the squad take the next step in his sophomore season.

New York Red Bulls | Aaron Long

The Supporters’ Shield holders will be looking to replicate a stellar regular season. Their new year has already got off on the right foot with a round-of-16 victory in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Aaron Long led the tremendous back line that allowed only 33 goals in 34 games. The MLS Defender of the Year put pen to paper on a multi-year deal last week, meaning the club can truly build around their pillar in front of goal; 2019 could also see Long take the next step on the international level following his first U.S. call up last year.

Orlando City | Nani

Orlando City continue to be one of the most puzzling clubs to me since their inaugural 2015 season. A tremendous stadium and home atmosphere stole the spotlight for a spell, and over the past few campaigns there were at least two versions of Orlando that should have made the playoffs, but there has yet to be a breakthrough.

I think 2019 is the year the Lions finally taste the postseason, slipping in at seventh in the East, and blockbuster signing Nani will be the difference. I’ve seen some skepticism, but I think it’s one of the top three acquisitions this offseason and he will have a huge role in revamping an attack that previously managed just 43 goals, tied for fewest in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia Union | David Accam

The Union turned heads in January when they elected to deal all of their Superdraft picks to FC Cincinnati and made headlines again with the signing of Mexican international Marco Fabián.

Fabián brings an abundance of skill and experience to the mix, which will be crucial for David Accam. Accam had one of the most disappointing seasons across the league, finding the back of the net just once in 23 appearances. Fabián’s presence can help take the load off Accam and perhaps see him return to the fine form that made him one of the most dangerous attackers in MLS during his time in Chicago.

Toronto FC | Terrence Boyd

The story in Toronto certainly revolves around replacing the Sebastian Giovinco-sized offensive production hole. How exactly Toronto will return to the postseason remains to be seen.

The Canadian club is another case where a new signing will have a massive say in how their season finishes. Terrence Boyd is a completely different type of player than Giovinco, as he brings a strong center forward presence to the mix. His side will need to quickly figure out how he and Jozy Altidore can coexist and take advantage of his aerial ability and finishing in and around the six-yard box.

An avid Roma fan, Wesley Davidson works in youth soccer in Austin, TX, and contributes to FloFC. You can find him on Twitter.