The 2024 MLS regular season was released on Wednesday, providing fans with an early glimpse of what’s to come next year.
From opening weekend to the dog days of summer to Decision Day, there are plenty of top showdowns on the horizon in 2024. Lionel Messi will gear up for his second season with Inter Miami, defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew will aim to defend their crown, and 2023 debutants St. Louis CITY SC will seek a positive sophomore campaign.
Here is a early look at the top MLS matches of 2024:
Inter Miami at LA Galaxy – February 25th
The first match of the newly revamped Inter Miami squad will feature the iconic “Hollywood” sign in the backdrop as they face off against the LA Galaxy.
Riqui Puig reunites with his former Barcelona teammates and faces a significant test on the opening weekend. LA Galaxy GM Will Kuntz needs to strengthen the Galaxy roster to have any chance of beating the Messi and Co. on home soil.
There are numerous storylines in this match, and there’s no perfect way to kick off the true MLS season, especially with Messi in the second-biggest sports market in the United States.
Columbus Crew at Inter Miami – June 19th
The highly anticipated match between the Columbus Crew and Inter Miami is a date circled on everyone’s calendar.
It’s a showdown between the reigning MLS champions and one of the strongest contenders for the next league title. Considered the marquee matchup of 2024, this match is poised to be a potential Eastern Conference final for many.
The individual battle between Leo Messi and Darlington Nagbe adds an extra layer of intrigue, sparking the debate over who holds the title of the best player in MLS.
Even Columbus Crew Forward Christian Ramirez is ready and posted this on his X account, “Couple games already circled on this [list!].
LAFC at LA Galaxy – July 4th
Who doesn’t like El Trafico?
The Rose Bowl will once again play host between a rivalry contest between LAFC and the LA Galaxy. A record attendance of 82,110 packed into the Rose Bowl in 2023 and there shouldn’t be any reason why we don’t see more of the same in 2024.
While there are superstars all over the field in this matchup, it’s the fans who make this rivalry so appealing.
FC Cincinnati at Columbus Crew – May 11th
In a remarkable turn of events during last year’s MLS playoffs, the Columbus Crew staged an incredible comeback on the home turf of their state rivals, FC Cincinnati.
Trailing 2-0 with just 26 minutes remaining in regulation, the Crew accomplished the unthinkable by scoring three goals and securing a victory in the Eastern Conference Finals. Anticipate a revengeful performance from Luciano Acosta and Aaron Boupendza when these two massive Ohio clubs face off once again.
Columbus Crew at LAFC – July 13th
The current MLS Cup champions will experience a role reversal as they go head-to-head with the team they recently defeated in the 2023 league final.
The 3252 at BMO Stadium is expected to be in full force during this match, aiming to demonstrate to the visiting Columbus fans that they can create an even louder atmosphere on home soil. It remains to be seen how the 3252 will continue to assert their dominance off the field without any Supporter Section privileges in the upcoming season due to their controversial flare usage in the last home game of last season.
Cucho Hernandez and Denis Bouanga remain key to their squads, but could we be focusing on others by July’s showdown to lead the way?
LAFC at Seattle Sounders – July 20th
In what has evolved into the premier Western Conference matchup over the last five years, LAFC and the Seattle Sounders consistently bring out the best in each other whenever they meet.
With key players like Nicolas Lodeiro and Georgio Chiellini already off their respective squads, it will be intriguing to see who steals the show at Lumen Field. This matchup will definitely have playoff implications during the midway point of the regular season.
MLS Decision Day
October 19th will mark 2024 Decision Day, which could be a make or break time for many of the league’s clubs. This dynamic occasion will have fans glued to Apple TV, eagerly anticipating whether their team can secure a spot above the playoff line.
Key matchups to watch on this day include Atlanta United at Orlando City, Inter Miami vs. the New England Revolution, Portland Timbers at Seattle Sounders, and the Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati.
While plenty will likely be decided in each conference before Decision Day, there will certainly be spots and seeds up for grabs as well.
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