2024 MLS Season: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?
As the 2024 Major League Soccer season reaches its climax, the race for the Supporters’ Shield is heating up, with surprising results shaking up the standings. With Matchday 33 and 34 in the books, GOAL ranks all 29 teams across the league to determine who’s hot and who’s not.
Shakeup in the Standings
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, once a dominant force in the league, has stumbled in recent matches with two-straight draws, opening the door for other contenders to make a push for the top spot. FC Cincinnati and LAFC have also hit rough patches, with unexpected draws and winless streaks, respectively.
On the flip side, teams like the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew have been on a tear, securing crucial victories and climbing up the rankings. Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids have already punched their tickets to the postseason, while others like Minnesota United, CF Montreal, FC Dallas, and the Philadelphia Union are making late-season pushes for playoff berths.
MLS Power Rankings
With the regular season winding down, the latest MLS Power Rankings reveal which clubs are leading the pack and which ones are falling short of expectations. The standings are constantly evolving as teams jockey for position in the playoff race.
It’s clear that the 2024 MLS field is more competitive than ever, with the top teams in both the Eastern and Western Conferences facing stiff competition from below. While the hierarchy at the top may be established, the battle for playoff qualification is wide open, making every match crucial for teams with postseason aspirations.
Stay Updated with the MLS Season Pass
Don’t miss a minute of the action as the MLS season heads towards its thrilling conclusion. Get your MLS Season Pass today to stream games live and stay up to date on all the latest developments in the league. With surprises and upsets around every corner, the race for the Supporters’ Shield promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Stay tuned as GOAL continues to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of the 2024 MLS season, tracking the highs and lows of each team as they vie for glory on the pitch. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there’s never been a better time to follow the drama and excitement of Major League Soccer.
Key Players to Watch
One of the key factors in determining who’s hot and who’s not in the 2024 MLS season is the performance of individual players. In addition to team dynamics, standout players can often make a significant impact on a team’s overall success. Players like Josef Martinez of Atlanta United, Carlos Vela of LAFC, and Alejandro Pozuelo of Toronto FC have been instrumental in their teams’ performances this season, consistently delivering impressive performances and contributing to their teams’ success.
It’s not just the star players who are making waves in the league, though. Young talents like Brenner Souza da Silva of FC Cincinnati, Caden Clark of the New York Red Bulls, and Cristian Torres of LA Galaxy have also been turning heads with their skill and potential. As the season progresses, keep an eye on these rising stars who could be the difference-makers in their teams’ playoff aspirations.
Impact of Coaching
Another crucial factor in the success of teams in the 2024 MLS season is the impact of coaching. Strong coaching can often be the difference between a team that excels and one that struggles to find its footing. Coaches like Greg Vanney of the LA Galaxy, Caleb Porter of the Columbus Crew, and Robin Fraser of the Colorado Rapids have been lauded for their tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of their players.
On the other hand, coaches facing challenges include Gabriel Heinze of Inter Miami, who has seen his team struggle in recent matches, and Remi Garde of CF Montreal, who is trying to navigate his team through a competitive playoff race. The influence of coaching decisions, strategies, and player management cannot be overstated in the outcome of the MLS season.
Wildcard Teams
As the regular season winds down and teams jockey for playoff positions, there are always wildcard teams that emerge as dark horses in the race for the MLS Cup. Teams like the New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, and Seattle Sounders have the potential to make waves in the postseason, despite not always being front-runners throughout the regular season.
These wildcard teams have the talent, depth, and experience to surprise the league’s top contenders and make a deep playoff run. Keep an eye on these teams as the postseason approaches, as they could be the ones to watch for unexpected upsets and thrilling matches in the quest for the MLS Cup.
Excitement Ahead
With the 2024 MLS season heading towards its climax, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the year. The race for the Supporters’ Shield, the battle for playoff spots, and the anticipation of the MLS Cup playoffs promise to deliver plenty of drama, intensity, and memorable moments for fans across the league.
As teams gear up for the final stretch of the season, the stakes are higher than ever, with every match carrying significant implications for the postseason. Whether you’re a supporter of a specific team or a neutral observer, the 2024 MLS season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and thrilling in recent memory, with plenty of surprises still in store.
Don’t miss out on the action – follow GOAL for all the latest updates, analysis, and highlights from the 2024 MLS season as the race for glory heats up!
