MLS’s record-breaking 2024 season enters its stretch run with an eye on the future as fans eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama. The Leagues Cup has just concluded, marking a pivotal moment in the Major League Soccer calendar.
Last weekend, the Columbus Crew triumphed over 46 other elite teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to clinch the tournament. They defeated LAFC in a thrilling rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final. The Crew’s stylish play and fearless approach under coach Wilfried Nancy have positioned them as frontrunners for the league championship this season.
Despite this, the odds-makers still favor Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to capture the MLS Cup on December 7. Messi returned to training this week for the first time since mid-July, following his success with Argentina in the Copa América.
The iconic player has been absent from Miami’s lineup since June 1, but even without him, the Herons have maintained a strong performance, boasting a 7-1 record. This success comes despite injuries sidelining key players like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez.
As the league shifts focus to Match Day 29, fans are particularly eager for the nationally televised clash between the LA Galaxy and St. Louis City, scheduled for Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports App.
St. Louis, after a promising start as an expansion team last year, finds itself struggling in its second season, currently sitting near the bottom of the standings with only eight matches left to play. Only the San Jose Earthquakes have fewer points among the league’s 29 teams.
The Galaxy, with five league titles to their name, have experienced their own ups and downs. After making the playoffs just twice in seven seasons, they have shown resilience by sticking with fourth-year coach Gregg Vanney, who has helped them rise to the top of the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Union, under the guidance of local coach Jim Curtin, have consistently punched above their weight for a decade. Despite a rocky start to the 2024 season that may jeopardize their playoff hopes, they managed to secure two wins before the Leagues Cup.
As the fall season approaches, MLS faces stiff competition for viewers from traditional sports leagues and prominent European soccer leagues. Yet, the league’s drama and excitement continue to engage a growing fan base. The 2024 season is on track to set attendance records, surpassing the previous year’s high.
The influx of star players like Messi and Suárez, along with the addition of World Cup champions Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud to LAFC, reflects the league’s increasing appeal. FC Cincinnati’s successful bid for U.S. national team defender Miles Robinson also highlights the growing competitiveness of MLS.
Recently, Orlando City made headlines by signing forward Duncan McGuire to a lucrative long-term deal, signaling a shift in how MLS teams value emerging talent. McGuire expressed optimism about the league’s growth, stating, “This is a place where players want to be, and I think it’s only going to get better.”
While MLS has room to improve, the upcoming addition of San Diego as the league’s 30th franchise in 2025 is an exciting development. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, celebrating 25 years in his role, aims to enhance the league’s stature as it approaches the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
For fans, the remainder of the season promises to be thrilling, filled with opportunities for teams to showcase their talent and for supporters to rally around their clubs.
