The message going forward for the U.S, team after it opened 2017 by tying Serbia 0-0 couldn't be simpler: Just qualify, baby.

The first SuperDraft of the expansion teams United is in the books. Minnesota went for a striker, Atlanta picked a centerback. In both cases the teams filled a need while also fulfilling the vision of the head coach. UCLA forward Abu Danladi and centerback Miles Robinson, respectively, will forever be known as the No. 1 pick of their teams' inaugural seasons, even if a trade occurs down the line, which seemed more likely for Robinson than Danladi as the picks were made.

Abu Danladi's mother was unable to come from Ghana to join him in Los Angeles and watch him become the No. 1 MLS SuperDraft pick because of visa complications. But Danladi was surrounded by plenty of family -- his American family -- to celebrate his move to Minnesota United.

The New York teams finished one-two in the regular season, but the conference's 2015 MLS Cup representative didn't make the playoffs and the teams from Eastern Canada lit up the postseason.

No more Robbie Keane or Bruce Arena in L.A., a coaching change in Houston, and a new champion in the Northwest cast the Western Conference in a very different light than in past years.

When Bruce Arena accepted the job as U.S. national team coach for a second time in November, he came armed with a binder containing the names of 48 players, his depth chart for the team.

It was a strange year for goalkeepers in MLS. Colorado conceded the fewest goals with two keepers splitting time right down the middle and the keeper that had backstopped Portland to the 2015 MLS Cup title, Adam Kwarasey, left the league.