Inter Miami this past week clinched the Supporters Shield beating the Columbus Crew, away in Columbus in what could be described as a thriller due to this match’s eventual score and importance. This past week of fixtures for Major League Soccer had supporting fans gleaming for joy, sorrow and an updated list of expectations for the postseason.
Lionel Messi won Man of the Match following scoring a brace in an eventful 2-3 away win and his 46th career trophy. Following a 1-0 win against Toronto FC a few days later, Inter Miami is on track to break the record for the most points in an MLS regular season. The current record is held by the New England Revolution having 73 points while Miami had 71 points with one game left to play against the record holders at home.
New York City FC have played these past few ‘home’ matches at Red Bull Arena due to Yankee Stadium and Citi Field being occupied by the Mets and Yankees for the postseason. That does not seem to matter as the “Boys in Blue” have won their past two matches with three plus goal thrillers. Victories against 2023 Supporters Shield winner FC Cincinnati, who were potential favorites this season to win it all, and 2023 Leagues Cup finalists Nashville SC have perfectly situated the team as potential underdogs for the MLS Cup. Talisman Santiago Rodriguez is one to look out for as the Uruguayan had four goal contributions in his last three games played. Costa Rican national Alonso Martínez had four goal contributions in his last three games. The duo have 37 goals and assists this season so far.
Across the Hudson, the New York Red Bulls have only claimed three points in the past week. With a 4-1 against Toronto and losing against Atlanta United and NYC, it seems as if the Red Bulls go into the postseason in average form. With duo Lewis Morgan and Dante Vanzeir having six contributions in their past three matches, fans hope they will improve their form soon.
Both New York soccer teams qualified for the MLS Playoffs on Sept. 28 after the Hudson River derby. NYCFC embarrassed the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena by winning against the Reds 5-1 with four of those goals coming before halftime.
From East Coast to West Coast, LA Galaxy seem to have cemented first in the Western Conference and while city rivals LAFC close behind them with one game in hand it seems that spot will be played for on decision day. The Western Conference had all seven playoff spots and two wild card spots claimed. Those wildcard teams would play each other and the winner of that match would face the first place team. In the Eastern Conference, the wildcard spots are still up for grabs and will be decided on Oct. 19. Potential teams include Atlanta United, CF Montreal, the Philadelphia Union and DC United.