🖐 things we learned from MLS matchday 28 | OneFootball

While MLS is now on pause for Leagues Cup 2024, there was plenty of big stories from around the league on matchday 28. Let’s dig into a handful of the standouts.

Atlanta United can be superb on their day

After selling their star striker and sacking their manager, Atlanta United are still hanging in there. After a superb win against MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew to snap their stunning win-streak, United climbed up into the playoff spots.

A surprise brace from defender Stian Rode Gregersen was the difference on the night, but a win is a win for a team desperately trying to rejoin their weight-class in MLS.

From here, it’s all about acquisition for the Five Stripes. With a few designated player roster spots to play with during the summer transfer window, they could be only a few good moves away from joining the fray in the east once again.

Galaxy hit the jackpot with Joseph Paintsil

The LA Galaxy need a refresh after a disappointing 2023 campaign, and they did just that.

The signing of Joseph Paintsil, and Gabriel Pec alongside him, has proven to be a shrewd move from the decision-makers in Carson.

Paintsil has been on fire as of late, and has been a key catalyst in the Galaxy’s push for not only the top-spot in Western Conference, but the Supporters Shield as well.

The winger now has eight goals and seven assists on the campaign, and only seems to be growing more comfortable in MLS with each passing week.

Miami remain the cream of the crop

Inter Miami are beginning to break away in the Supporters Shield race, and they are doing it without Lionel Messi to boot.

After Columbus and Cincinnati both suffered defeat at the weekend, Miami’s victory against Chicago means they extended their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference to four points, and the great man is still set to return before the end of the campaign.

With the likes of Matías Rojas, and Federico Redondo stepping up to play key roles around the Miami superstars, the Herons are simply thriving.

Colorado can’t be slept on

It’s been a season of ups and downs for the Rapids, but for all of the thumping defeats, we’ve seen some stunning victories to match.

With a stunning 3-2 victory over Real Salt Lake to secure only their fourth Rocky Mountain Cup in just under two decades, Colorado put their credentials on full display — and head coach Chris Armas was absolutely loving it.

The Rapids seem to have no problem playing in transition, or they can come and break you down if you set up shop in your own box.

There is no reason to think they can’t play a role in the Western Conference playoffs when we get to the business end of the campaign.

Seattle are still a tier below

Seattle have been on fire as of late, racing up from the bottom of the Western Conference to join the top-six heading into the weekend — but they needed a signature win to show their credentials.

The Sounders had that chance when a wounded LAFC came to town Saturday evening the prime-time showdown at Lumen Field, but the Cascadia club were thumped 3-0.

While the scoreline may not show how tight the game was in stretches, the old Seattle found a way to grind out results against potential fell0w contenders.

Seattle will most likely find themselves in the playoffs come the end of the campaign, but they will need to find a way to beat the big boys if anything is going to come of it.

Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports