MLS review bidding farewell to legendary players and the essence of the beautiful game
As the Major League Soccer (MLS) season approaches its conclusion, several teams have secured their playoff spots. In the Eastern Conference, these teams include the Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami CF, Charlotte FC, and New York City FC, who have all performed strongly throughout the season. Meanwhile, four other teams compete for the remaining playoff positions, destined for a showdown on decision day.
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Eastern Conference teams are gearing up for a thrilling end to the season. The current standings see:
- Philadelphia Union – Supporters’ Shield winners
- FC Cincinnati
- Inter Miami CF
- Charlotte FC
- New York City FC
The bottom four in the table will battle for their playoff ambitions, targeting the top seven spots. Eighth and ninth places will engage in a deciding match to see who advances.
Western Conference Challenge
In the Western Conference, the competition intensifies. Six teams are in the race for playoff spots, with the standings tightly contested from sixth to eleventh place. Points and goal differences remain close as teams push for a playoff berth.
Decision Day Approaches
Decision day is set for October 18, when all teams in MLS will play their final games of the season, determining their fate in the tournament.
Farewell to Legendary Players
This season also marks a farewell to some of the game’s icons. Inter Miami will see the retirement of two FC Barcelona legends: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. These players, who teamed up with Lionel Messi during their time at Barcelona, have left an indelible mark in Europe.
After Messi’s departure from Barcelona in August 2021, he joined Inter Miami in 2023 with Busquets and Alba. Together, they achieved significant success, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
Darlington Nagbe: A Career to Remember
Another notable retirement will be that of Darlington Nagbe. After a lengthy career beginning in 2011 with the Portland Timbers, he plans to retire after the 2025 season. Nagbe has made history in MLS, winning:
- Four MLS Cups with different clubs
- A Leagues Cup with Columbus Crew in 2024
- A U.S. Open Cup with Atlanta United FC
- Two Champion Cups with both Columbus Crew and Atlanta United FC
- A Gold Cup with the U.S. men’s national team
His journey exemplifies success and will leave a lasting legacy in Major League Soccer.
As the MLS season ends, fans are reminded of the beauty of the game and the legends that have graced the pitch. The league prepares to bid farewell to iconic players, marking the end of an era in soccer.
