The regular season was determined…
There was so little between the top teams. As a result, the top six teams in the standings scored only seven points. The race for the Supporters' Shield was over with a game remaining, but any of several teams could finish top of the table, which bodes well for the play-offs. Even by MLS standards, the field is wide open. GR
San Diego's first season led the Western Conference. Having a great first season in MLS isn't as difficult as it is in some other American leagues. Being able to sign quality players from anywhere in the world levels the playing field, but nonetheless, leading the West is remarkable and is a testament to head coach Mikey Varas' ability to instill a certain style of play. J.F.
Stasis. There was a competitive Shield race in MLS. Lionel Messi had perhaps the best individual season in league history. Participants in the Club World League Championship competed (albeit not constantly) against great competitors from around the world. It's been a lot of fun, but I can't help but feel like we're all just waiting for the next version of the MLS to arrive—whether it's a calendar change, a relaxation of spending rules, or something else. AA
Your dark horse in the playoffs is…
Columbus Crew. It's been a transition year for the 2023 MLS Cup winners, but Wilfried Nance knows how to set his team up for the big game. At their best, the team is still able to control matches against the very best. Additionally, Darlington Nagbe's impending retirement could add some emotional momentum to their performance. GR
Seattle Sounders. They have already proven they are dangerous in knockout competitions this year by winning the League Cup and will be dangerous in the pursuit of the MLS Cup. There's a reason Brian Schmetzer is the longest-tenured coach in the league. J.F.
Minnesota United. They aren't always pretty to watch, but their confidence in set pieces seems tailor-made to produce a surprise result or two in playoff games where almost everyone will be on edge. AA
Player to watch (besides Messi)…
Son Heung-min. Nine goals and two assists in just 10 MLS appearances represent Messi's performance for the South Korean, who has given Los Angeles FC another goal after a mistake by Olivier Giroud. On and off the field, Son was a perfect fit. GR
Anders Dreyer was the driving force behind San Diego's aggressive attack. With 19 goals and another 19 assists in the regular season, he was everywhere in attack. Apart from Messi, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone as important to their team's success as the former Anderlecht player. J.F.
Christian Roldan. This is a true MLS nerd's choice, but I have a great time watching players like Roldan who manage to find a way to impact almost every aspect of a given game. So does Mauricio Pochettino, who compared Roldan to the “ideal player” following his outstanding performances in the USMNT's last international window. AA
after promoting the newsletter
Western Conference Finals
LAFC over Seattle Sounders. Two Western Conference teams that, all things considered, likely finished the regular season the strongest. Both sides have serious playing ability. GR
LAFC beat San Diego. San Diego has the talent to make the finals, but it remains to be seen whether they have the tenacity that often gets teams to the finals. J.F.
LAFC beat Vancouver Whitecaps. Despite the injuries, the Whitecaps have won big games all year, but I think the current emergency on the back line will hurt an attacking threat like LAFC. AA
Eastern Conference Finals
Inter Miami over Charlotte FC. Corona has everything it takes to be a good playoff team (strong defense, good home record, threat in transition, reliable goaltender). Inter MiamiHowever, Messi. GR
Inter Miami is over Philadelphia Union, There have been times when Miami has struggled this season, but after three big wins to end the year, they appear ready to take off. J.F.
“Cincinnati” defeated “Philadelphia Union”. Evander can score big goals on his own and has a lot of ability and ability to set others up. And he is supported by a balanced team. (I think Inter Miami's defensive problems will let them down even before this stage). AA
MLS Cup
LAFC beat Inter Miami. A blockbuster and a dream MLS Cup for league headquarters. Messi vs Son. Farewell to Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Coach Steve Cherundolo's final game at LAFC. He could sign with another trophy. GR
Inter Miami beat LAFC. With Busquets and Alba announcing their retirement, expect Messi and the team to receive another piece of equipment as a send-off. J.F.
LAFC defeated FC Cincinnati. The league's two best defensemen will go head-to-head, but I find it quite difficult to bet against Son and Denis Bouanga given how they have picked up steam late in the season. AA
