๐ฎ Preview MLS return after League Cup suspension
Major League Soccer is finally back! Leagues Cup 2024 is almost over, meaning normally scheduled programming can start again.
With Saturday packed with MLS games and only a few months left in the campaign, points will be at a premium. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories heading into Section 29.
weekend games
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Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right answer. The matchup between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will be the most anticipated match in MLS this weekend. No one will forget the day Tata Martino’s team suffered a 6-1 loss in Cincinnati in July. Luis Suarez and his friends. He will definitely go for revenge.
Not only is the possibility of retaliation looming, but Saturday could be the day Miami make a decisive run away with the Supporters’ Shield race. If all goes well, the Herons will be able to open up a seven-point lead by the end of the weekend.
Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati still has a very good chance of finishing first in the East, and they have shown in the past that they have the formula to beat Miami. Having added several players over the summer to strengthen the squad, Pat Noonan’s side look primed and ready for a run-in.
Featured players
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Jeremy Ebobis took part in relief efforts for the San Jose Earthquakes during the League Cup, scoring four goals throughout the tournament. If he can replicate that form in the final months of the MLS season, his stock could rise significantly.
While they may not be available for relief this season, the core trio of Ebobice, Hernรกn Lรณpez and Cristian Espinoza is starting to show signs of elite chemistry in San Jose.
Two questions for Section 29
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How does Marco Reus change things for Carson?
Considering the Galaxy sit at the top of the Western Conference and are just four points apart in the Supporters’ Shield race, it’s clear they’re not lacking in top-end talent. But now that Marco Reus is in town, interest is likely to increase further.
The Borussia Dortmund legend has been cleared to join the matchday squad for the Galaxy’s showdown with Atlanta United this weekend, but the question remains – where will he fit?
The Galaxy’s attack has been a strength this season, led by the dynamic trio of Riqui Puig, Gabriel Peck, and Riqui Puig. It’s possible that Greg Vanney could sacrifice a centre-forward to bring Reus down the line, but given the current output of the attacking front, he may only become a super sub in the coming weeks. I don’t know.
Will Charlotte’s summer business make a big difference?
Charlotte has been a surprise package throughout most of the 2024 MLS campaign, and was busy over the summer as well. He was linked to big money deals for Calvin Stengs and Miguel Almiron, but those deals fell through. Still, Dean Smith’s side have acquired USMNT defender Tim Ream, crafty attacking midfielder Pep Beale and midfielder Jamie Patterson from Swansea City.
There were concerns that too much business would confuse the burgeoning attacking duo of Kerwin Vargas and Patrick Agyemang, but Charlotte was right as it just added depth to the backbone of the team. Maybe he made a decision.
It’s unclear how well the rookies will perform against the Red Bulls this weekend, but this trio could be the little boost Charlotte needs to solidify its status as the Eastern Conference’s dark horse.