The 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is heating up, and as we pass the midway point, the competition for the MLS Cup is as fierce as ever. With most teams having played around 25 matches, the race for the playoffs is well underway, and several clubs have emerged as favorites to take home the trophy. The battle isn't just for domestic glory but also for a chance to represent the US in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Betting on the tournament has surged, with sportsbooks releasing odds that give fans an idea of the favorites. As the season progresses, the odds shift, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league and the high stakes involved.
Inter Miami: The Messi Effect
Inter Miami tops the Eastern Conference with 53 points from 25 matches, 16 wins, and 4 losses. The team has been a hot topic since Lionel Messi decided to grace the MLS with his presence. Currently, they're the favorites to win the MLS Cup, with odds of +250. Messi's arrival has undeniably boosted their prospects, but it's not just about having the GOAT on your roster.
Inter Miami's 2023 season was a rollercoaster, finishing second-bottom in the Eastern Conference. They're facing high expectations this year but still have significant hurdles. Defensively, they've been shaky, conceding 54 goals last season. They also made questionable moves in the transfer market, like trading away their best defender, Kamal Miller.
Then there's the fitness issue. Messi and his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets are both dealing with fitness concerns. Messi has played only 12 games this season. He is still their top goal scorer, along with Luiz Suarez, who scored 12 goals.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 48 points from 25 matches, recording 15 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. They were the table-toppers in the Eastern Conference last season. According to the best sportsbooks, they have the odds of +600, Cincinnati has become a serious contender, partly thanks to its incredible run of form—beating Inter Miami 6-1. However, they have lost the last three games against Charlotte, Chicago, and New York.
Pat Noonan has done a stellar job as head coach, turning a previously underperforming side into a well-oiled machine. They heavily depend on Luciano Acosta, who is in scintillating form by scoring 11 goals and 29 assists in their 24 games.
Columbus Crew
The Crew is third in the Eastern Conference with 43 points from 23 matches. The defending MLS Cup champions are quietly making their case for another title run. With odds at +800 to +900, they're not the top favorites, but that's precisely why you should watch them. The Crew boasts the stingiest defense in the league, having allowed only 22 goals so far - the lowest after 23 matches this season.
Their recent form has been impressive, with Columbus winning six of its last seven games. It has two games over Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati, which could prove crucial as the season progresses. Cucho Hernández has been their most important player, scoring 13 goals and eight assists in 18 games this season.
Western Conference Contenders
Turning our attention to the Western Conference, LA Galaxy leads the pack with 49 points from 26 matches. The Galaxy have been consistent, with 14 wins and a goal difference of +14. Key players like Dejan Joveljic, with 12 goals, and Gabriel Pec, with 10 goals and 10 assists, have been crucial in their campaign. Winning 3 out of their last 5 games, the Galaxy's balanced approach has made them the team to beat in the West.
LAFC is not far behind, sitting second in the Western Conference with 47 points from 24 matches. The team has shown resilience and strategic depth, boasting a goal difference of +18.
Their top scorers, Dénis Bouanga with 16 goals and Mateusz Bogusz with 13 goals, along with their top assist providers, Bouanga with 9 assists and Bogusz with 6 assists, have been instrumental in maintaining their competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 MLS season promises to be one of the most competitive yet. Inter Miami, with the Messi factor, is the headline act, but don't discount the likes of FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and LA Galaxy. Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, and as the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see who rises to the top.
