Approaching "Halftime" of the MLS Season

Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

It has been another riveting year so far in America's premier club soccer league. With superstars going off every game, as well as teams surpassing experts’ predictions, it is safe to say the MLS is flourishing in all areas. As the 2023-2024 season reaches the halfway point this June, many buzzing storylines continue to emerge. With Copa America and the Euros taking place this month as well, now seems like the best time to discuss the domestic side of things.

Messi Mania in South Beach:

Since he departed from Paris Saint-Germain last year, and joined Inter Miami on a $150 million contract, Lionel Messi has been a blessing to the league. Because of this legend in action, more eyes have been on the MLS than ever before. The Argentine has 12 goals and 13 assists, and continues to help Inter Miami be the best goal-scoring team in the league (as of June 11th). It's also a plus that Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, all of whom were his buddies at FC Barcelona, have now donned the pink and black jerseys as well. The “Messi effect” has transformed head coach Tata Martino’s team into the best in its league, and winning both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup are solid possibilities.

Real Salt Lake Exceeding Expectations:

2021 was a turning point for Utah’s soccer team. After Pablo Mastroeni took over as interim manager for Real Salt Lake, the squad finished 14th overall in 2022 and 11th overall in 2023. However, experts were still not impressed just yet. Discussions and opinions about them were still dull, and some preseason rankings put them as low as 19th. But Mastroeni’s squad, specifically forward Cristian Arango, have proved otherwise. Real Salt Lake is currently two points behind Miami in the standings, thanks to both an amazing offensive and defensive effort. Arango leads the MLS with 16 goals, and most notably, holds the potential to beat Messi for MVP honors. The “Beehive State” has to be buzzing with excitement regarding their team’s success this year.

Great Impact From Transfers:

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and midfielder Emil Forsberg have spent the majority of their careers in Europe; Lloris at Tottenham for 11 seasons, and Forsberg at RB Leipzig for nine. At the beginning of 2024, both players officially moved to the MLS, and positive results have distinctly emerged. Lloris has been the starting goalkeeper for LAFC, allowing only 19 goals, and earning nine wins for the Black and Gold. With the utilization of his brick-wall goalkeeping, LAFC hopes to stand a chance again in the MLS Cup. On the East Coast, Forsberg is now at the New York Red Bulls, and has been a productive attacking addition for head coach Sandro Schwarz. Now a top-10 team in the MLS, this predominantly young squad sits at fourth place in the Eastern Conference, tied for 29 points apiece with NYCFC. For a team that has consistently made the playoffs, but with no significant results following afterward, the Swedish midfielder could be an adjustment New York utilizes to prove itself as a dangerous force this fall. 

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu

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