MLS is Back, folks.
To forecast how the 2024 Eastern Conference and Western Conference standings could finish, we asked the experts for our Season Preview Guide. Overall, 17 people voted spanning MLS Season Pass talent and MLSsoccer.com contributors. From there, we took an average of their predictions (methodology!).
Reminder: The top nine teams per conference make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and seeds/spots are locked in on Decision Day. This year, that's Oct. 19.
Did the experts get it right? Should your team be higher or lower? We'll find out starting with Matchday 1 on Feb. 21 – when Inter Miami CF host Real Salt Lake to ignite the new season (8 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
- Columbus Crew
- FC Cincinnati
- Orlando City SC
- Atlanta United
- Inter Miami CF
- Philadelphia Union
- New England Revolution
- Nashville SC
- New York Red Bulls
- New York City FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- CF Montréal
- Charlotte FC
- D.C. United
- Toronto FC
Columbus Crew, after winning MLS Cup 2023, enter on top. They are followed by Hell is Real rival FC Cincinnati, the reigning Supporters' Shield champions.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF are projected to finish fifth, while the New York Red Bulls are the forecasted postseason cut-off.
Will busy offseasons at New York City FC and Chicago Fire FC result in a surprise or two?
- Seattle Sounders FC
- LAFC
- Sporting Kansas City
- FC Dallas
- St. Louis CITY SC
- Houston Dynamo FC
- LA Galaxy
- Real Salt Lake
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Portland Timbers
- Colorado Rapids
- Minnesota United FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Austin FC
Seattle Sounders FC and LAFC remain, in this exercise, the Western Conference's premier teams. Meanwhile, St. Louis CITY SC would slide to fifth place after a historic debut in 2023.
The LA Galaxy would return to the postseason, but the Portland Timbers miss out for a third consecutive year.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC earn the final postseason berth, and perhaps the Colorado Rapids' remade roster can surprise pundits.
