Although MLS is now on pause for the 2024 Leagues Cup, there were plenty of big stories from across the league in Round 28.
Atlanta United could be great on their day
After selling their star striker and firing their coach, Atlanta United are still going strong. After a superb victory over MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew to break their impressive winning streak, United moved into the playoffs.
Two surprise goals from defender Stian Rode Gregersen made the difference that night, but a win is a win for a team desperately trying to return to its MLS weight class.
From here, it’s all about acquiring Five Stripes. With a few designated roster spots for players to play for during the summer transfer window, they could be just a few good moves away from entering contention in the east once again.
Galaxy hit the jackpot with Joseph Paintsil
The LA Galaxy need an upgrade after a disappointing 2023 campaign, and that’s exactly what they did.
The signing of Joseph Paintsil, and Gabriel Pec alongside him, proved to be a shrewd move by the decision-makers in Carson.
Paintsil has been on a roll lately and has been a key catalyst in the Galaxy’s push to not only first place in the Western Conference but also the Supporters Shield.
The winger now has eight goals and seven assists on the campaign and appears to be becoming more and more comfortable in MLS with each passing week.
Miami remains the cream of the crop
Inter Miami are starting to make a name for themselves in the Supporters Shield race, and what’s more, they’re doing it without Lionel Messi.
After Columbus and Cincinnati suffered defeats at the weekend, Miami’s victory over Chicago means they have extended their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference to four points, and the big man is still expected to return before the end of the campaign.
With the likes of Matías Rojas and Federico Redondo taking on major roles in Miami’s stars, the Herons are simply thriving.
Colorado can’t sleep
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Rapids, but despite all the bruising defeats, we’ve seen some impressive wins.
With an impressive 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake to secure just their fourth Rocky Mountain Cup in just under two decades, Colorado showed off its credentials – and coach Chris Armas was absolutely loving it.
The Rapids seem to have no problem playing in transition, or they could come and break you if you set up shop in your own box.
There’s no reason to think they can’t play a role in the Western Conference playoffs once we get to the end of the campaign.
Seattle is still a level below
Seattle has been on fire lately, rising from bottom of the Western Conference to join the top six over the weekend – but they needed a signature win to show their credentials.
The Sounders got that chance when an injured LAFC came to town on Saturday night’s primetime showdown at Lumen Field, but the Cascadia club was defeated 3-0.
While the score may not show how close the game was in stretches, old Seattle found a way to get results against potential opponents.
Seattle will likely be in the playoffs at the end of the campaign, but will need to find a way to beat the big boys if something happens.
Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
