MLS playoff picks: Will Messi, Son or a dark horse make a run to the title? | MLS

The regular season was defined by…

How few there were between the best teams. In the end, just seven points covered the top six teams in the standings. The Supporters’ Shield race ended with one game to play, but any of several teams could have finished at the top of the standings, which bodes well for the playoffs. Even by MLS standards, the field is wide open. GR

San Diego FC’s inaugural Western Conference season. It’s not as difficult to have a good first season in MLS as it is in other American leagues. The ability to recruit quality players from elsewhere in the world levels the playing field, but leading the West is nonetheless remarkable and a testament to head coach Mikey Varas’ ability to instill a defined style of play. J.F.

Stasis. MLS held a competitive Shield race. Lionel Messi may have had the best individual season in league history. The league’s Club World Cup participants competed (although not consistently) against major opponents from around the world. It’s been a lot of fun, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re all just waiting for the next iteration of MLS to arrive — whether via a schedule change, relaxed spending rules, or something else. AA

Your playoff dark horse is…

Columbus’ crew. It’s been a year of transition for the 2023 MLS Cup winners, but Wilfried Nancy knows how to prepare his team for a big game. At their best, the Crew are still able to control matches against the best. Additionally, Darlington Nagbe’s impending retirement could give their race a boost of excitement. GR

The Seattle Sounders. They’ve already proven they’re dangerous in knockout tournaments this year by winning the Leagues Cup, and they’ll be dangerous in the MLS Cup chase as well. There’s a reason Brian Schmetzer is the longest-tenured coach in the league. J.F.

Minnesota United. They’re not always pretty to look at, but their reliance on set pieces seems tailor-made to pull off a surprise result or two in playoff games where almost everyone will be on edge. AA

Player to watch (other than Messi)…

Son Heung-min. Nine goals and two assists in just 10 MLS appearances are Messi-worthy numbers for the South Korean, who gave Los Angeles FC another goal after Olivier Giroud’s misstep. On and off the field, Son was the perfect fit. GR

Anders Dreyer was the driving force behind San Diego FC’s aggressive attack. After scoring 19 goals and dishing out another 19 assists in the regular season, he was everywhere offensively. Beyond Messi, it would be difficult to find anyone as central to his team’s success as the former Anderlecht player. J.F.

Cristian Roldán. He’s a real MLS nerd’s pick, but I have a great time watching players like Roldan who manage to find a way to impact almost every facet of a given game. The same goes for Mauricio Pochettino, who compared Roldan to a “perfect player” after his remarkable performances in the USMNT’s last international window. AA

Western Conference Finals

LAFC on Seattle Sounders. Both Western Conference teams that, all things considered, probably finished the regular season strong. Both teams have serious big game capabilities. GR

LAFC vs. San Diego FC. San Diego has the talent to make the finals, but it remains to be seen if they have the grit that often gets teams through. J.F.

LAFC against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps have won big games all year despite injuries, but I think the current backline emergency will do poorly against an offensive threat like LAFC’s. AA

Eastern Conference Finals

InterMiami on Charlotte FC. The Crown has everything it takes to be a good playoff team (strong defense, good home record, threat in transition, solid goaltending). Inter Miami, however, has Messi. GR

Inter Miami against the Philadelphia Union, There have been times where Miami has faltered this season, but after three big wins to close out the year, they look poised to make a run. J.F.

FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union. Evander can score big goals on his own and has plenty of options and the ability to create other goals. And He is supported by a balanced team. (I think Inter Miami’s defensive issues will let them down before this point). AA

MLS Cup

LAFC vs. Inter Miami. A blockbuster and a dream MLS Cup for League HQ. Messi vs. Son. The farewells of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Manager Steve Cherundolo’s final LAFC game. He could sign with another trophy. GR

Inter Miami vs. LAFC. As Busquets and Alba announce their retirement, expect Messi and the team to get one last piece of hardware as a farewell. J.F.

LAFC vs. FC Cincinnati. Two of the best defenses in the league go head-to-head, but I have a hard time betting against Son and Denis Bouanga given their gelling late in the season. AA