MLS is back with a packed schedule of matches, and there’s a ton of compelling matches for us to get obsessed with this weekend. From the Los Angeles Derby to Hell is Real, points are valuable, but so are bragging rights. So let’s dig into some of the biggest news heading into the weekend.
Weekend Plans
There are some great rivalries happening this weekend, but you can’t ignore the LA Derby, and we’re not going to use its silly name.
It’s always an exciting matchup when the two Los Angeles clubs meet, but with them occupying the top two spots in the Western Conference, there’s more at stake than just local bragging rights.
Adding some freshness, this will likely mark the start of a rivalry between the Galaxy’s Marco Reus and Los Angeles Football Club’s Olivier Giroud, though they have had some intense matches since their time in Europe.
A win for the Galaxy could give them some breathing room atop the conference, but LAFC still has two games in hand.
Meanwhile, the Black and Gold have dropped points in their second straight MLS match, but a win in Carson could be a big step in rebuilding the team and taking a place at the top of the conference.
Featured Players
St. Louis City SC forward Simon Bettcher (11) stands during the national anthem before a game against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on August 24, 2024 in Portland, Oregon, USA. Credit: Subum Yim-USA TODAY Sports
Simon Bettcher is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Soccer. The former Vancouver Whitecaps draft pick has scored two goals in three games since joining St. Louis City on loan from AC Horsens in Denmark.
Along with fellow summer additions Marcel Hertel and Cedric Teuchert, St. Louis’ offense is thriving, but any response to the heat may be too late.
Still, Bettcher and the rest of City’s attacking midfielder have scored eight goals in their past three games and have become must-watch TV.
Two questions before the match
Columbus Crew vs LAFC Final League Cup 2024-1726262371.jpg
Which MVP candidate will win Hell is Real?
We can’t wait to see the Cucho vs Lucho matchup, as these two talented forwards go head-to-head on Saturday with bragging rights at stake in Ohio and possibly an MVP contender.
Hernandez has 13 goals and six assists in 20 MLS games this season, while Acosta has an impressive 11 goals and 15 assists in 25 games. The numbers speak for themselves.
The last time these teams met, Acosta scored a goal in a tough 2-1 win for Cincinnati, but this time the points are in for much bigger gains.
How will Messi’s return change Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi is finally set to return to Inter Miami after a long injury layoff, but the Herons are doing just fine without him.
Miami comfortably won their two MLS matches following the League Cup break and are all but guaranteed to win the Supporters’ Shield thanks to the performance of Luis Suarez and the players supporting him.
But Messi’s return will finally force a change: the great man will add even more ruthlessness to the front line, but Miami’s much-improved pressing may take a hit.
