Major League Soccer Stars Who Could Define The Postseason
The MLS Playoffs have already provided plenty of fireworks in Round One. New York Red Bulls’ shocker against champion contender Columbus and Minnesota’s upset of Real Salt Lake have set the tone for a wild postseason. While Western Conference scoring machine LA Galaxy have already punched their ticket for the Conference Semifinals, there’s still plenty to play for in the opening round best-of-three series. Even Lionel Messi and the record-setting Inter Miami FC are in it tough, facing a do-or-die Game Three against Atlanta FC on Saturday. After a shocking 3-0 loss to Vancouver, top-seeded Western Conference juggernaut LAFC faces a rubber match on Friday.
In the heart of postseason action, Topps is excited to be releasing its Topps 2024 MLS Superstars set, a fantastic debut edition that captures the best and brightest of the league’s present and future. To celebrate the upcoming release, let’s take a look at five MLS stars who could play a huge part in determining which team will be the last standing, lifting the MLS Cup in December. Each of these phenomenal players will be part of the 2024 MLS Superstars set, so get ready for the release on Friday, November 8, when you can get your hands on the newest cards of these five stars.
Lionel Messi, F, Inter Miami CF
the season so far
• 20 goals, 16 assists in regular season
• favorite for league MVP
What’s Next?
• add MLS Cup to his ridiculous trophy cabinet
• put exclamation on MVP campaign and record-setting MLS season for inter Miami
What They’re Saying
• “We always knew that bringing Leo to America, not just to Miami, it was our gift to America and the MLS.” – Inter Miami President David Beckham
Denis Bouanga, F, Los Angeles Football Club
the season so far
• 20 goals, 10 assists in regular season
• scored in man-of-the-match performance in game 1 playoff win over Vancouver
What’s Next?
• help lafc get to third title game in a row (first time in mls since 2007)
What they’re saying
• “As good as any player I’ve seen in our league. He wins games for them individually, with his play, with the special qualities that he has, and he’s a nightmare to prepare for as a coach.” – Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin
Luciano Acosta, M, FC Cincinnati
the season so far
• 14 goals, 20 assists in regular season
• recorded assist in 1-0 Cincinnati game 1 win over nycfc
What’s Next?
• overcome tough NYCFC in opening round decider on Saturday
What they’re saying
• “I think Lucho is rightfully in that group of the best that have ever played in our league.” FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan
Emil Forsberg, M, New York Red Bulls
the season so far
• nine goals, four assists in regular season
• One goal, one assist in opening round of Columbus crew
What’s Next?
• Continue Cinderella run against either Cincinnati or cross-town rival NYCFC
What they’re saying
• “No one thought we were going to win, and we beat them…If you’re ready to do whatever it takes to win, you’re going to achieve it.” – Forsberg on facing Columbus in opening round
Gabriel Pec, F, LA Galaxy
The Season So Far
• 16 goals, 14 assists in regular season
• One goal, three assists in opening-round sweep of Colorado
• named 2024 MLS newcomer of the year
What’s Next?
• lead galaxy to first MLS Cup since 2014
What they’re saying
• “I think he has continued to evolve, which is what I had hoped. You know, he could still go one one-on-one, but he’s added more, sort of more options to his game.” – La Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney
