The 2024 MLS Playoffs are set to be a grand finale of the Major League Soccer season, featuring numerous high-quality franchises and stars looking to lift the trophy. At some level, whether that competition remains year over year is dependent on how the league progresses in both quality and recognition – but this appears like one of those playoff races where there should be plenty of action to go around, as you can see on jaxon.
From dynasty teams who never failed to dominate, to up-and-coming prodigies hoping for a breakthrough: Here are the major players and participants you must pay attention at.
LAFC: The Contenders Looking for Redemption
One of the steadfast teams in MLS through these recent years has unquestionably been Los Angeles FC. They fell short with back-to-back playoff losses in 2022-23 but a deeper run is expected of them come the 2024 season. Coupled with Duck, LAFC is a contender that can play in multiple ways and possesses attacking power.
They still have a talisman in Carlos Vela up front, providing that creativity and killer finishing touch. He is still one of the best players in his league at 35 and can single-handedly take over games; Newcomers Denis Bouanga have also added quality and pace to the attack which has made LAFC an immovable object this season. The tactical acumen and experience of coach Steve Cherundolo will be key to advancing LAFC in the late-season playoffs.
Inter Miami: All Eyes on Messi
Lionel Messi was the man who made a contender of Inter Miami when he arrived midway through 2023, and his continued presence meant it remained one last season after rising to become dominant in 2024. It was an instant impact from Messi as he led Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup and has been a total game changer for them. Messi is the headline act, but Miami also now have that valuable European know-how in other protagonists, like Sergi Busquets and Jordi Alba.
What we need to find out is whether Miami, a team that is much better but not deeper than the true contenders can actually make noise in the playoffs. Well, if Messi is involved anything can happen. Rest assured that his leadership and moments of magic will be vital in the knockout rounds.
FC Cincinnati: The Dark Horse
But, FC Cincinnati has slowly transformed into one of the better sides in MLS. Years of toil have seen them finally reach the summit this season in 2024, and they look well placed too with a balanced squad capable at causing some upsets. While a lot of their success has been centered on its strong defensive unit, an offensive line that can be just as dangerous.
One to watch: Forward Brandon Vazquez an American international, Lukaku has truly come into his own in an impressive campaign where he’s used all of that physicality to pair devastatingly well with striker Davy Klaassen.
Midfielder Luciano Acosta has led by example and been at the core of their attacking influences, providing a multitude passing options with vision that can throw off FC Cincinnati’s attack. If that momentum takes them into the playoffs, there should be no doubt FC Cincinnati is a team capable of making noise in those games.
