MLS Playoffs: Players to Watch
As the MLS Playoffs approach, it’s helpful to know who to keep an eye on while 18 teams vie for the championship title on December 6th. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, there are standout players worth noting.
In the Eastern Conference, names like Lionel Messi, who clinched the Golden Boot, are obvious choices. In the West, there’s Thomas Muller, who’s still showing his prowess at 36. However, there are also several lesser-known names that deserve attention, especially with the wild-card game coming up Wednesday, featuring teams eager to challenge the top seeds in their respective conferences.
The wild-card games kick off tonight. Orlando City, positioned ninth, will face off against Chicago, who is eighth, at 8:30 PM on Apple TV+. Meanwhile, Portland (also ninth) will aim to upset Real Salt Lake at 10:30 PM, featuring the exciting young talent Diego Luna.
Moving on to some standout players in the Western Conference:
Andres Dreyer – San Diego
Dreyer is a joy to watch. Although he didn’t replicate his previous season’s 19 goals and recorded the same number of assists this year, he has turned San Diego into one of this season’s most electrifying expansion teams. He’s played a crucial role in every match, and fans can look forward to seeing him in action against both Portland and Real Salt Lake soon.
Thomas Muller – Vancouver Whitecaps
In his inaugural MLS season, Muller has already spotlighted his enduring talent, netting 8 goals and even pulling off a memorable hat trick earlier this season against Philadelphia Union.
Son Heung-min from LAFC surely grabs attention yet, perhaps we should shine the spotlight on Dennis Bouanga? He finished as the second-highest scorer this season and was pivotal in LAFC’s playoff ambitions long before Son arrived. The two players together are a treat, but Bouanga is the spark that ignites the team.
In Minnesota, Tani Oluwaseyi has moved to Villarreal, yet they have found some unexpected success with Anthony Markanic stepping up, leading the team with his nine goals following Oluwaseyi’s exit.
Cristian Roldan – Seattle Sounders
Roldan is an integral player, providing invaluable experience as the Sounders gear up for a promising playoff run. His teammate, forward Danny Musovski, has lit up the score sheet this season with 14 goals.
Austin FC’s Key Contributors
Austin has had a rocky start to the season, losing four of their last six games. Still, Owen Wolfe emerged as a key player, contributing seven goals and eight assists. Forward Osman Bukari may not have many goals but consistently shows his creativity with seven assists.
Petar Moussa – FC Dallas
Since Lucho Acosta’s departure to Dallas, Petar Moussa has stepped into the spotlight, netting 18 goals and six assists, all while maintaining impressive accuracy with just 36 shots on target. This could be crucial for Dallas as they face off against Vancouver in the first round.
Kevin Kelce – Portland Timbers
It’s puzzling to see Portland’s current standings, especially with standout players like Kevin Kelce, who has tallied seven goals this season. He hasn’t scored since August, and fans are eager for a resurgence from him heading into the playoffs.
Diego Luna – Real Salt Lake
This might surprise some, but consider the collective talent on Real Salt Lake’s roster. Still, as the playoffs commence, Diego Luna, a midfielder for both club and the U.S. men’s national team, is definitely the one to watch. He has emerged as a rising star this year, leading his team with nine goals and seven assists while appearing in 27 games.
