How Has The MLS 2024 Season Started Off?

The 2024 MLS season is well underway having begun in late February, already providing huge excitement and electric entertainment for an ever-growing North American Soccer audience.

Current Eastern Conference leaders are David Beckham’s multi-million-dollar project Inter Miami CF whilst in the Western Conference it is relative minnows Minnesota United FC who lead the way!

Let’s explore the important players from both table toppers who seemingly make them tick, their key results so far this campaign and take a closer look at the two sides’ upcoming fixtures.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami sits top of the Eastern Conference thanks to the goals of international soccer legends Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi in particular. Uruguayan superstar Suarez, who signed for the club back in December 2023, has also provided a number of key assists this campaign. Impressive German full-back Julian Gressel has turned goal provider in recent weeks whilst Goalkeeper Drake Callender has been consistent between the posts. 

The team’s biggest win of the season so far came on March 2nd when they beat Orlando City in a ruthless display by five goals to nil. Former Barcelona sensations Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both grabbed a brace during the match with Finnish midfielder Robert Taylor also on the scoresheet.

Inter Miami play fellow high-fliers New York Red Bulls later this month in the Eastern Conference quickly followed by a clash with New York City FC on March 30th.

Unsurprisingly, the East Coast side has been flying this season, having already scored 13 league goals in just five games and registering a plus-eight goal difference. Inter Miami looks clear favourites to win the Eastern Conference thanks to the host of Ex-Barcelona stars who have flocked to the MLS side including holding midfield maestro Sergio Busquets and wing-back Jordi Alba.

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Minnesota United FC

Western Conference leaders Minnesota United FC are three points clear after winning three of their opening four games. Three players have scored two goals apiece so far this season including South African Forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Finland Midfielder Robin Lod along with former Premier League striker Teemu Pukki. Nigerian centre forward Tani Oluwaseyi has proved most creative during the campaign to date having provided three assists in total.

Perhaps Minnesota’s most notable result is a recent 2-0 win against a struggling Los Angeles FC team. Robin Lod struck an opening goal after only 17 minutes with Bongokuhle Hlongwane adding a second strike in the game’s dying moments. Interestingly, this solid performance saw Goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair keep his first clean sheet of the league season.

Minnesota United visits Philadelphia Union at the end of March before a home tie versus mid-table Real Salt Lake in Early April. Their start to the 2024 MLS season has surprised many, the club remains a rank outsider to challenge for the MLS Cup and thus their role as early pacesetters is definitely unexpected.