MLS is back this weekend after the midweek U.S. Open Cup action around the country.
We’re nearly a third of the way through the season as patterns begin to take shape, and the narratives heat up.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines to keep an eye on heading into Matchday 12.
Frustration continues to mount at Inter Miami
Despite sitting just three points out of first place in the Eastern Conference, cracks may just be appearing at Inter Miami in the past few weeks.
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After suffering their first loss in the league this season at the hands of FC Dallas, Javier Mascherano’s side were soundly beaten by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
And while the Herons responded with a win against New York Red Bulls last weekend, Lionel Messi was said, and seen, to be quite frustrated with the performance of his side.
It has become clear that with each passing week, MLS foes are finding a way to get under the skin of the star-studded Herons, regardless of final scorelines. The Inter Miami faithful will hope the plethora of leaders in the dressing room can deal with any mounting frustrations, but the pressure is certainly on after a disappointing end to the 2024 season.
Struggling Galaxy & Red Bulls meet in MLS Cup final rematch
I don’t think many would have believed you if you told New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy fans that their sides would both be sitting outside of the playoff spots in May of 2025 when they met in the MLS Cup final in December of 2024.
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Yet here we are, 11 games into the 2025 season and the two conference winners are on the outside looking in. However, it is the Galaxy who are struggling the most, still without a win on the campaign.
It could be a chance for either side to ignite their 2025 campaign, though the visitors from Hollywood will surely need the three points more than their hosts.
Some fans believe it could be time for systemic change as well.
LAFC look to party-poop in Vancouver Sunday evening
If you are sitting down to watch MLS this weekend, you simply can’t look past LAFC’s trip to face the red-hot Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday Night Soccer.
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Vancouver have taken 26 points from 11 games to start the season, and sit comfortably atop the Western Conference, but LAFC will have their own role to play.
Steve Cherundolo’s side are unbeaten in their last four MLS games and have had the Whitecaps’ number annually in recent seasons as these two sides have become all-too familiar with one another.
Including playoffs, Sunday’s showdown will be the 13th meeting between the two Western Conference foes since April of 2023.
Eastern Conference dark-horses meet with streaks on the line
Orlando City and New England Revolution may not be two of the sexier sides in the Eastern Conference, but they head into the weekend’s showdown in Florida as two most difficult to beat in recent weeks.
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Óscar Pareja’s side have not lost since all the way back in early March, and have discovered a defensive solidity rivaled by few others in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Revolution have won five of their last six in MLS, and four straight to right the ship after a lousy start to the MLS campaign.
The east may be the more top-heavy of the conferences, but teams like Orlando and New England will surely have a part to play down the stretch.
