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

The regular season was defined by…

How little there was between the top teams. When all was said and done, just seven points covered the top six teams in the standings. The Supporters’ Shield race was settled with a game to spare, but any one of several sides could have finished top of the pile, which bodes well for the playoffs. Even by MLS standards, the field is wide open. GR

San Diego FC’s Western Conference-leading inaugural season. It’s not as difficult to have a great first season in the MLS as some other American leagues. The ability to sign quality players from elsewhere around the globe evens the playing field, but still, to lead the West is remarkable and a testament to head coach Mikey Varas’s ability to instill a defined style of play. JF

Stasis. MLS had a competitive Shield race. Lionel Messi had perhaps the best individual season in league history. The league’s Club World Cup entrants competed (albeit not consistently) against great opponents from around the world. It’s been a lot of fun, yet I can’t shake the feeling that we’re all just waiting for the next version of MLS to arrive – be it via a calendar switch, loosened spending rules, or something else. AA

Your playoff dark horse is…

Columbus Crew. It was a transitional year for the 2023 MLS Cup winners, but Wilfried Nancy knows how to set up his team for a big game. At their best, the Crew are still able to control matches against the very best. Plus, Darlington Nagbe’s impending retirement could give their run some emotional thrust. GR

The Seattle Sounders. They have already proven that they are dangerous in knockout tournaments this year by winning the Leagues Cup, and they will be dangerous in pursuit of the MLS Cup. There’s a reason Brian Schmetzer is the longest tenured coach in the league. JF

Minnesota United. They’re not always pretty to watch, but their reliance on set pieces seems tailor-made to earn a surprise result or two in playoff games where just about 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 represent Messi-esque numbers for the South Korean, who has given Los Angeles FC renewed purpose after their Olivier Giroud misstep. On and off the field, Son has been the perfect fit. GR

Anders Dreyer was the driving force behind San Diego FC’s aggressive attack. Having scored 19 goals and dished out another 19 assists in the regular season, he was everywhere offensively. Beyond Messi, you’d be hard pressed to find anybody as central to their team’s success as the former Anderlecht man. JF

Cristian Roldan. This is a true MLS nerd’s pick, but I have a great time watching players like Roldan who manage to find a way to impact just about every facet of a given game. So does Mauricio Pochettino, who compared Roldan to a “perfect player” after his standout performances in the last international window for the USMNT. AA

Western Conference final

LAFC over Seattle Sounders. The two Western Conference teams that, all things considered, probably finished the regular season strongest. Both sides have serious big game ability. GR

LAFC over San Diego FC. San Diego have the talent to make the finals, but it remains to be seen whether they have the grit that often gets teams through. JF

LAFC over Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps have won big games all year long despite injuries, but I think the current emergency situation on the backline will hurt against an attacking threat like LAFC’s. AA

Eastern Conference final

Inter Miami over Charlotte FC. The Crown have everything required to be a good playoff team (strong defence, good home record, threat in transition, a solid goalkeeper). Inter Miami, however, have Messi. GR

Inter Miami over Philadelphia Union, There were moments where Miami faltered this season, but after three big wins to close out the year, they look primed to make a run. JF

FC Cincinnati over Philadelphia Union. Evander can score big goals on his own and has plenty of options and ability to set up others and has a balanced team backing him up. (I think Inter Miami’s defensive issues will let them down before this stage). AA

MLS Cup

LAFC over Inter Miami. A blockbuster and a dream MLS Cup for League HQ. Messi versus Son. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets’ farewell. Manager Steve Cherundolo’s final LAFC match. He could sign off with another trophy. GR

Inter Miami over LAFC. With Busquets and Alba announcing their retirements, expect Messi and the team to lock in for one last piece of hardware as a send off. JF

LAFC over FC Cincinnati. Two of the league’s best defenses go head to head, but I’m finding it pretty hard to bet against Son and Denis Bouanga given how they were gelling at the end of the season. AA

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