Major League Soccer is finally back! Leagues Cup 2024 is all but wrapped up and that means regular scheduled programming can begin once again.
We’ve got a full slate of MLS games to bite into on Saturday, and with just a couple of months left in the campaign, points are at a premium. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories heading into matchday 29.
Fixture of the weekend
Sometimes the most obvious answer is the correct one. Inter Miami’s clash with FC Cincinnati is by far the most watchable in MLS this weekend. Nobody will forget the day that Tata Martino’s side were dealt a thumping 6-1 defeat in Cincinnati back in July. Luis Suárez and co. will surely be out for revenge.
Not only is potential retribution on the line, but Saturday could be the day that Miami break away in the Supporters Shield race once and for all. If all goes well, the Herons could be seven points clear by the end of the weekend.
Meanwhile for FC Cincinnati, a first place finish in the East is still very much up for grabs, and they have shown that they have the formula for beating Miami in the past. With a few summer additions to strengthen the squad, Pat Noonan’s side appear primed and ready for the run-in.
Player to watch
Jeremy Ebobisse was a man on a mission for the San Jose Earthquakes during the Leagues Cup, scoring four goals across the tournament. If he can replicate that form in the final few months of the MLS season, his stock could rise considerably.
This season may not be salvageable, but the core trio of Ebobisse, Hernán López, and Cristian Espinoza have started to show signs of elite chemistry in San Jose.
Two questions ahead of matchday 29
How does Marco Reus change things in Carson?Â
Considering the Galaxy sit top of the Western Conference and only four points back in the Supporters Shield race, its clear they have not been lacking top-end talent. But now Marco Reus is in town, and the interest levels will ramp up.
The Borussia Dortmund legend was cleared to join the matchday squad for the Galaxy’s showdown with Atlanta United this weekend, but it begs the question — where will he fit in?
The Galaxy’s attack has been their strength this season, spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, and Riqui Puig. There is a chance…