MLS Playoffs: Players to Watch
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the upcoming MLS Playoffs, it’s essential to know which players to keep an eye on as 18 teams compete for the MLS Cup title on December 6.
Stars like the 38-year-old Lionel Messi, who grabbed the Golden Boot in the East, and Thomas Muller, 36, a standout for the West, are obvious mentions. But beyond these names, who else deserves your attention? With the wild-card games kicking off soon, where four teams aim to challenge the top seeds in their conferences, here are players to watch from each club.
So, about those wild-card games: they start tonight. The No. 9 Orlando City will face off against No. 8 Chicago at 8 p.m. (Apple TV+), while No. 9 Portland will try to advance by overcoming No. 9 Real Salt Lake later at 10:30 p.m. (also on Apple TV+). It’s worth noting that Real Salt Lake boasts one of America’s top young talents, midfielder Diego Luna.
Key Players in the Eastern Conference
Focusing on the Eastern Conference, forward Ty Balibo has evolved into one of the league’s most effective finishers, especially in the air. He’s been named MLS Player of the Month twice and was even in the Golden Boot race mid-season, although his scoring slowed down later on. Still, Balibo is an entertaining player to watch and should be on your radar during the playoffs.
Now, let’s talk about Evander. Just Evander, that’s all he needs to make a name for himself, having scored 18 goals this season. He’s been instrumental in lifting Cincinnati to 20 wins and is just one game shy of helping the team achieve the best record in the Eastern Conference, trailing Philadelphia.
Another name to consider is Benjamin Kremaski, a young American player. He may be competing for minutes with the Argentine Rodrigo de Paul, but Kremaski has shown promise, particularly with his recent contributions to the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team, leading them to the FIFA U20 World Cup quarter-finals.
Wilfried Zaha is another interesting case. He’s widely regarded as one of the most surprising players in football today, still delivering incredible performances even as his career winds down. Charlotte FC will lean on him heavily in their first-round matchup against New York City FC in a best-of-three series.
Speaking of NYCFC, while Maxi Rodriguez has been the highlight in past seasons, this year, Alonso Martinez has stepped up with 17 goals, playing a key role in driving the team into the playoffs.
If the season had run longer, Nashville’s Sam Surridge would likely have been a strong contender for the MLS Golden Boot, as he sits tied for second with 24 goals—only five behind Messi, who notably scored three goals against Nashville shortly before the season wrapped up.
Diego Rossi tends to steal the show with his creative playmaking, also contributing 16 goals and four assists this season, even as Columbus sometimes struggled. His ability to overcome challenges is a standout quality in a team brimming with talent.
Philippe Zinkernagel, the Chicago Fire forward, claims he’s five times faster than anyone else on the field. He leads his team with 15 goals and has also racked up 15 assists, helping the Fire reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
Lastly, there’s Martin Ojeda, whose prowess goes beyond just scoring goals—he’s a crucial player in determining how far the Lions advance in the playoffs. His 16 goals reflect his skill, but it will be his overall contributions that might prove decisive in their upcoming clash against Zinkernagel and the Fire.
