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The MLS is back! Every year it seems the season starts earlier and earlier. This year things get started on February 21st. I remember the days when the season started in April! This season is extra special with the established face of the league and world soccer Lionel Messi at the forefront.
Many questions remain as to who will hoist the trophy in December, but until then here is a look at what can you expect from the 2024 MLS season and locally, the Chicago Fire.
Can the Columbus Crew repeat?
Can they? Possibly. Will they is the better question. The Crew had a meteoric rise last season that took them all the way to the MLS Cup and defeating the defending champion LAFC in it. The Crew got hot midseason and carried it through the MLS playoffs. This season the landscape of the league has changed again, so a repeat won’t be easy.
Will LAFC Make it to Three Consecutive MLS Cup Finals?
Over the last few seasons LAFC has been the standard. Winners of the Supporters Shield in ’19 and 22′ with a championship in 2022, the team has had a dominant run the past few seasons, led be superstar Carlos Vela. The roster has gone through a turnover, gone is the face of the franchise, Vela. Giorgio Chiellini exits also. Entering is French superstar goalkeeper and Tottenham legend Hugo Lloris. LAFC should be in the mix, but they aren’t the favorites they were in the previous seasons.
Can Messi and Miami FC Win the MLS Cup?
That’s the big question everyone wants to know. Messi has some friends this season with a Barca reunion in Miami. Luis Suarez joins Messi and former teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. When it comes to star power, doesn’t get much bigger than what’s happening down in Miami. Will the stardom transfer over to wins? Last season Messi proved that he’s still a world-class star by guiding Miami FC from the bottom of the league to respectability. This year he’s settled in, joined by another former fellow superstar Suarez. Miami should get-off to a fast start. Expect them to be in the mix in for the Supporters Shield and be at the top of the East standings. There is just too much star power and experience to go along with the world’s best player for them not to be highly competitive.
Which Team Will Take a Step Back?
St. Louis CITY SC. I know, what you mean they take step back after a historic debut in their inaugural season? That’s why I think they will be taking a step back. The team stormed onto the scene and before anyone realize they were at the top of the standings. They won’t be catching anyone off-guard this season. They are a solid club with a great goalkeeper, but they had no pressure or expectations on them in their first season of existence. Success changes expectations and expectations add pressure. St. Louis won’t be bad but they will not be at the top of the table.
Which Team Will Surprise?
I have two teams for you. LA Galaxy and Toronto FC. Let’s start with Toronto, they were a mess on the pitch and off it. Managerial issues, players clashing with managers, etc. The dust seems to have settled. If they can rid of the drama and focus on the action on the pitch, they have plenty of talent and veteran leadership to surprise and get the job done.
LA Galaxy went from the premier club in MLS to a forgotten one, even in their own city. LAFC have overtaken and overshadowed the Galaxy. Gone are the days of superstar names like Beckham, Donovan, Keane and Chicharito being the faces of the club. This current 2024 version is more balanced and under-the-radar, lead by Spaniard Riqui Puig. With low expectations, this team can be prime to surprise many.
Is it Chicago Fire Time Yet?
The Chicago Fire have been knocking at the door of the playoffs for the last couple seasons, but to no avail. This year is that time. Fire great Frank Klopas is returns as head manager, which should give the club some needed stability. Very few know the franchise as well as Klopas does. New additions to the roster should improve the overall product. So, in short, yes, the Fire should be in the mix for the playoffs and I’ll predict they make it this season (more on Fire below).
Next Impact Superstar to Join MLS:
Every year we see a surprise big name come over to the league. I mean who would have imagined Lionel Messi would be in the MLS by midway last season?! It’s gonna be impossible to top Messi as a league signing, unless it’s Ronaldo, but I don’t expect that to happen. Instead I see someone well decorated and accomplished, who is still playing high level football. That individual is Antoine Griezmann! He’s spoken candidly about his desire to come stateside to play in the MLS. This might be the time to do it. Yes, he’s signed at Atletico Madrid till June 2026, but if there is a will, there is a way to get out of a contract. Don’t be shocked if you hear his name floating around the Euros and Griezmann making his MLS debut after the tournament.
Who Will Battle it Out in the MLS Cup?
The biggest question of them all. Who’s next? Landscape has changed a lot, but the heavy hitters will still be around. Last year FC Cincinnati were so close to that cup, had they made it they could have won it. I feel this will be their year to get there. They have the quality and ambition and they tasted success last season, this year they should be primed to make that final step.
So if FC Cincinnati wins the East, who comes out of the West. The West has been seemingly the stronger conference over the years, but I feel the shift has happened and now the East is the powerhouse conference with quality teams 1-10, if not more. The West should still feature the usuals, however something tells me that Sporting Kansas City could surprise the Seattle Sounders and LAFC and find themselves playing for the cup. Hello all-midwest cup!
CHICAGO FIRE FC:
So I started on the Fire above, let me elaborate more on what can be expected from the club this season. Stability with Frank Klopas at the top is key, but there was a significant roster overhaul in the offseason. The fire added young promising internationals, but the biggest splash was the signing of Belgian Genk star striker Hugo Cuypers. Cuypers will add a much needed scoring threat to the club.
Additionally, the Fire added U.S. Men’s international Kellyn Acosta. Acosta joins from LAFC. The midfielder will bring experience and winning culture to the club, in additional to his playmaking skills. The team will still be lead by Swiss superstar Xherdan Shaqiri.
The Fire seems to finally have a good mix of experience, word-class talent and youth. This appears to be one of the more talented and deep rosters they have had in recent years. While the east will be competitive this season, they Fire need to get off to a good start. Slow starts have been the thorn in recent seasons for this club.
I feel good about this team heading into an exciting 2024 season. The Fire have a chance to take a step forward after recent years of underwhelming play. Scoring has been a major problem in recent seasons, but the addition of Cuypers can be monumental if he brings his scoring prowess with him. There is hope Fire fans! Welcome back MLS, you arrived so fast this year!
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