Teams that pulled off upset victories in the 2024 Leagues Cup will look to continue that winning streak with the return to the MLS regular season this weekend. Earthquake in San José (4-19-2, 14th in the Western Conference) behind the striker’s game Jeremy Ebobisse (4 goals) came into their own during the season’s tournament and used their new confidence to score eight goals in four matches, including a decisive 5-0 win over Necaxa of LIGA MX that allowed them to advance to the Round of 16.

Seattle Sounders FC (10-8-7, 7th in the Western Conference) allowed just one goal in the round of 32 and 16 before losing to LAFC in the quarterfinals. The Sounders, led by a committee that included Jordan Morris (3 goals, 1 assist) and Paul Rothrock (2 goals, 1 assist), reinvigorated their attack during the Leagues Cup and will be hoping that translates into positives in the second half of the season as they look to reignite their patented late-season resurgence.

Santiago Rodriguez scored three goals in four games for New York City FC (11-9-5, 5th in the Eastern Conference) at the 2024 Leagues Cup. New York City defeated LIGA MX giants Tigres in the round of 16, which should give the team confidence as they chase a coveted top-four spot in the Eastern Conference.

The return to the MLS regular season after the break at the 2024 All-Star Game and the 2024 Leagues Cup also marks the countdown to Decision Day 2024The final matchday of the season will take place on Saturday 19 October and will include 28 of the league’s 29 teams.

Before Decision Day in 2023, five teams from the Eastern Conference were vying for two playoff spots, while five teams from the Western Conference were competing for three positions to qualify for the playoffs.