The MLS regular season has resumed after the Leagues Cup, and there are several key stories to monitor until the playoffs begin.
The Major League Soccer 2024 regular season is nearing its climax, with plenty of meat left on the bone for teams both dominant and struggling.
Here is a quick glance at which teams to watch in the final stretch of the 2024 MLS season, especially after the Leagues Cup saw the Columbus Crew claim another major championship.
Columbus Crew
Sticking with the Crew, Columbus has proven to be the best team in MLS without question. Although the Crew are third in the Eastern Conference, they have a championship pedigree that transcends a win-loss record, especially come playoff time. Unless the team goes on a scorching run to close out the season (which is not out of the picture by any means), the Supporters’ Shield might not be coming to Columbus in 2024.
But with two major titles in the last year to go along with a CONCACAF Champions Cup final appearance and the most tactically sound manager in the league in Wilfried Nancy, the Crew are the class of MLS, and don’t be surprised if a repeat run is in the cards.
Inter Miami
Tata Martino’s side is performing well in the regular season and are the current favorites for the Supporters’ Shield title. The best overall team in MLS continues to have powerful weapons in Luis Suárez, Diego Gómez, Robert Taylor, and of course, Lionel Messi. Unlike last season, the club has proven it can win without Messi, who has been out with an ankle injury he sustained at the Copa America. However, the issues with Inter Miami come on the defensive end. Inconsistency in the back line has cost the club important matches, and caused early exits in both the Leagues Cup and CCC.
An MLS Cup run would be massive for both the team and the league as a whole, but despite being a regular season juggernaut, the playoffs will be another knockout tournament in which one mistake could prove fatal.
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is another strong MLS Cup contender in the East. The reigning Supporters’ Shield champions have the offensive tools to be a major threat. Luciano Acosta continues to be a significant force in the league, but the supporting cast under Pat Noonan will need to elevate their performance to compete with some of the more evolved teams in 2024.
LA Galaxy
After a massively disappointing 2023 season, the Galaxy are back with a trio of players who have propelled the club to first place in the MLS West. Gabriel Péc, Riqui Puig, and Joseph Paintsil have formed a formidable partnership and have contributed heavily to one of the most dynamic attacks in the league. Summer transfer window signing Marco Reus could be the icing on the cake.
Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney, once considered as a candidate for dismissal, now has the team thinking about its sixth MLS Cup. With this momentum and the talent on the roster, that could very well be a reality.
LAFC
LAFC have been one of the most consistent sides in MLS for a long time, and are currently right on the heels of their LA rivals in second place with three games in hand. However, Steve Cherundolo needs to shake off the disappointment of losing recent finals and get LAFC back to winning silverware. After the recent Leagues Cup final loss to Columbus, LAFC have lost four straight finals. They’ll have another shot at glory in the U.S. Open Cup final later this month, but the pressure could be on the manager if 2024 ends trophy-less.
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is by far the biggest wildcard this season for lifting the MLS Cup. Pablo Mastroeni’s side has maximized their hardworking squad, with the added talent of Diego Luna, one of the top young talents in MLS. Chicho Arango has also been one of the best signings for the club in a long time, as RSL combines practical soccer with explosive talent. Don’t sleep on RSL.
The Poor Side of the Coin
While there are six major contenders for the MLS Cup in 2024, several teams need to get their act together.
Atlanta United
Gone is the era when Atlanta United were the standard of MLS. The club has lost its way, with no coach in place and still active in the transfer market. The team that was once poised to change MLS is now a shadow of its former self.
Chicago Fire
After hitting what seemed to be rock bottom three seasons ago, the Chicago Fire have done little to improve their situation since. The club has no clear vision and will likely remain in this state unless there is a massive roster overhaul.
New England Revolution
The post-Bruce Arena era for the Revs has been a disaster, with little to show for numerous signings and sales. The Revs are still in the MLS playoff race, and despite some improvement, the question remains: can it last?
Sporting Kansas City
Despite booking a trip to the Open Cup final, it’s been yet another poor season under Peter Vermes for Sporting Kansas City. Will this year finally be the one when the ownership group decides to pull the plug?
San Jose Earthquakes
The Quakes continue to be an MLS doormat. Despite the signing of Hernán López, the team remains flat and in need of direction, and currently has the worst record in the league. San Jose needs a new coach and to focus on building around López and fellow Argentine Cristian Espinoza.
