🔮 Preview of the MLS return after the Leagues Cup break
Major League Soccer is finally back! The 2024 Leagues Cup is almost complete and that means the regular program can begin again.
We have a full schedule of MLS games coming up on Saturday, and with just a few months left until the end of the season, points are in short supply. Let’s take a look at some of the key storylines ahead of Matchday 29.
Game of the weekend
Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right one. Inter Miami’s clash with FC Cincinnati is by far the most exciting in MLS this weekend. No one will forget the day Tata Martino’s side suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat in Cincinnati in July. Luis Suárez and Co. will surely be out for revenge.
Not only is there potential retribution at stake, but Saturday could also see Miami take the lead in the Supporters Shield race once and for all. If all goes well, the Herons could end the weekend seven points clear.
Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati still has first place in the East up for grabs, and they have shown in the past that they can beat Miami. With a few new additions in the summer, Pat Noonan’s team looks well-equipped for the final sprint.
Players in focus
Jeremy Ebobisse was a man on a mission for the San Jose Earthquakes during the Leagues Cup, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. If he can replicate that form in the final months of the MLS season, his value could rise significantly.
This season may be beyond salvage, but the core trio of Ebobisse, Hernán López and Cristian Espinoza are showing early signs of first-class chemistry in San Jose.
Two questions before matchday 29
What changes does Marco Reus bring to Carson?
Considering the Galaxy sit top of the Western Conference and are only four points behind in the race for the Supporters Shield, it’s clear they aren’t short of top talent, but now that Marco Reus is in town, interest is set to increase even further.
The Borussia Dortmund legend has been named to the squad for the Galaxy’s clash with Atlanta United this weekend, but it begs the question: where will he fit in?
The attack has been the Galaxy’s strength this season, led by the dynamic trio of Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig. There is a possibility that Greg Vanney sacrifices a centre-forward to integrate Reus further back in the line, but given the attack’s current performance, he could be nothing more than a super-substitute in the coming weeks.
Will Charlotte’s summer business make a difference?
Charlotte were the surprise for most of the 2024 MLS season, and they were busy in the summer transfer window as well. Although they were linked with expensive transfers for Calvin Stengs and Miguel Almirón, those deals fell through. Dean Smith’s team did, however, manage to sign USMNT defender Tim Ream, crafty attacking midfielder Pep Biel, and Swansea City midfielder Jamie Patterson.
Before the transfer window, there were fears that too much activity could unbalance the emerging attacking duo of Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang, but by strengthening the team with some additional players, Charlotte may have made the right decisions.
We’re not sure how often the rookies will be used against the Red Bulls this weekend, but the trio could be just the little push Charlotte needs to establish itself as a surprise contender in the Eastern Conference.
