MLS Underdogs: Who Can Make the Playoffs?
With a third of the MLS season already played, the playoff picture for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference is starting to take shape. The Eastern Conference has its expected favorites, such as Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, and the Columbus Crew. The Western Conference is more of a toss-up this season, but Vancouver, Real Salt Lake, and LAFC look to finish in the top half of the conference yet again. With every MLS season, though, there are always some unexpected teams that surprise many and finish in a playoff spot after having a strong year.
In the Eastern Conference, Toronto FC is by far the most surprising team. Toronto was the worst team in MLS last season, suffering 20 defeats and only amassing 22 points. This season, they are currently third in the Eastern Conference and are on a three-game winning streak. Led by Federico Bernardeschi and Prince Osei Owusu, it is obvious that Toronto is overachieving expectations, and will be interesting to see if the team can continue its great run of form throughout the summer.
In the Western Conference, Minnesota United, the LA Galaxy, and Colorado have started off the season strong, catching the attention of many after missing out on the playoffs last season. Minnesota is currently second in the Western Conference and is led by striker Tani Oluwaseyi, who has scored five goals in 10 games. Robin Lod has been a staple in the midfield, scoring three goals and providing six assists. Minnesota has won three straight games and has a huge battle against LA Galaxy this weekend, who are currently third in the conference.
The Galaxy is the most successful team in MLS history, with five titles to their name. LA had a poor 2023 season, finishing second-to-last in the Western Conference and conceding a league-high 67 goals. The Galaxy lost veterans Douglas Costa and Javier Hernandez, but new signing Joseph Paintsil has made an instant impact on the West Coast. Riqui Puig has dominated the midfield, averaging a league-high 79.6 accurate passes per 90 minutes en route to three goals and two assists. John McCarthy is one of the best goalkeepers in MLS this season, owning a 72.1% save percentage and preventing 4.6 goals. If Painstil, Puig, and McCarthy can all keep up their strong form, LA should be Western Conference favorites.
The Colorado Rapids finished last in the Western Conference last season and has since turned things around. Under new head coach Chris Armas, the Rapids are currently fifth in the conference and have many players excelling. Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett has four goals and one assist and has started every game in 2024. Rafael Navarro, who is on loan from Palmeiras, has done a great job as the team’s number nine with five goals in 11 matches. Colorado likes to play a defensive style of play that thrives off counterattacks.
