GOAL takes a look at what went right, what went wrong and where the teams eliminated in Round 1 of the MLS Playoffs can improve in 2025
Round 1 of the 2024 MLS Playoffs ended in the most dramatic way possible, seeing the No. 1 seed Inter Miami and Lionel Messi exit the postseason in a Game 3 loss to Atlanta United. The 2024 MLS MVP finalist led the to the Supporters' Shield while setting the all-time MLS points record during a campaign, but they fell short in playoffs.
They weren't the only team upset, though. In fact, the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference ALL lost, with both the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati failing to secure a berth in the Conference Semifinals, too. Elsewhere in the East, Charlotte FC existed the postseason in Dean Smith's first taste of the MLS Playoffs on the touchline after a loss to Orlando City SC.
In the West, though, it was a different story as the three of the top four seeds were excellent. No. 1 seed LAFC eliminated the Vancouver Whitecaps, No. 2 LA Galaxy bested the Colorado Rapids and No. 4 Seattle Sounders advanced after beating the Houston Dynamo. Still, No. 3 seed RSL were eliminated at the hands of Minnesota United.
For nearly every side who failed to advance, there were noticeable areas where issues arose. Whether that be in the attack, in their defense – or perhaps, even on the touchline. Then, in a more pressing matter, it was noticeable who underperformed and where teams need to look to the transfer market this offseason.
GOAL takes a look at each playoff team that exited in Round 1 of the postseason, offering some insight into what went right, what went wrong and where they could improve this offseason.
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What went wrong: All season long, Miami's defense was their biggest issue, and in the postseason, it was exploited. Their inability to navigate their roster evenly to distribute funds to their defense – along with their star-studded attack, ultimately became the reason they fell short of achieving greatness. Of course, late injuries to Yannick Bright and Sergio Busquets were not helpful, but overall, their defense let them down – in cup competitions, and in the postseason.
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What went right: Anything Messi touched was magic when he played. The league's most brilliant player to ever touch foot in it, the Argentine maestro was a genius on and off the pitch for the . It's remarkable how clinical he was in front of net, scoring 20 goals in 19 appearances, how stupendous his passing was with 16 assists and genuinely, non-stop magic. In addition to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, though, the growth of players like Benjamin Cremaschi, Diego Gomez and David Ruiz was brilliant to watch.
Biggest offseason need: Center back, right back and a defensive midfielder. They need to bolster all three positions if they want to compete for an MLS Cup title in 2025, whether that's with depth signings or starting-caliber players. They need bodies who can compete at the MLS level.
AdvertisementUSA Today ImagesColumbus Crew
What went wrong: Nearly invincible the entire season, the Crew collapsed at the worst possible time – and sometimes that just happens. There are a lot of potential reasons. Ranging from potential fatigue from contending in five competitions (MLS, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, Champions League and the Campeones Cup) to perhaps underestimating their opponent, it's difficult to pinpoint where things exactly caused the way the season ended for the Crew.
In the end, they just couldn't get the job done in the postseason.
What went right: Pretty dang much everything. They made it to three Cup finals, winning the Leagues Cup and took Inter Miami to the wire in the race for the MLS Supporters' Shield. Their mid-season trade for DeJuan Jones was brilliant business by their front office, too. For 99 percent of the season, the Crew had their foot on the gas pedal. The minute they took it off, though, things went south.
Biggest offseason need: Figuring out how to hold on to Cucho Hernandez amid interest from Europe and Mexico. The 2024 MLS MVP finalist was nothing short of remarkable this season, with 19 goals and 11 assists, and is deservedly in the conversation for a move abroad. However, if the Crew can find a way to hold onto him, that's better business than any move they could make.
USA Today ImagesFC Cincinnati
What went wrong: Season-ending injuries to two key defenders,Matt Miazga and Nick Hagglund, and the failure to replace Brandon Vazquez after his Liga MX transfer in January ultimately proved costly for FCC. Pat Noonan had to get creative with his defense at points throughout the season due to a lack of like-replacements, and it's the biggest focal point of where things went wrong. However, FCC lacked a pure natural goalscorer throughout the season, and come the end of the campaign, they were playing wingback Luca Orellano up top because at least he was creative and would register attempts.
What went right: The addition of Orellano on loan from Brazil (with rumors they're going to make it a permanent deal). The Argentine was absolutely terrific all season long, regardless of where he played. He was a finalist for Newcomer of the Year, and beyond reigning league MVP Lucho Acosta, was their most important performer all season long.
Biggest offseason need: Striker and keeping Acosta. They desperately need to spend big and bring in a DP-caliber striker, especially if they want to have hopes of holding onto Acosta, who expressed disappointment after their playoff elimination with the club and publicly questioned his long-term future at the club.
USA Today ImagesReal Salt Lake
What went wrong: Chicho Arango forgot how to score. Someway, somehow, he ended the season with 17 goals but went 11 games scoreless to end the season across all competitions. Factor in that Diego Luna ended the campaign in a slump, and RSL's summer transfer business did not pay off the way they wanted, nothing really went to plan. A Round 1 playoff exit always felt like it was on the cards.
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What went right: The first half of their season was genuinely stupendous. They were competing with the league's best teams week-in and week-out, and some even had them touted as potential MLS Supporters' Shield competitors. However, the August transfer of Andres Gomez to France and Arango's goal-scoring woes ultimately doomed them.
Biggest offseason need: Depth in the striker position. They never had anyone who could push Arango for minutes on the pitch, and perhaps, he felt as though there was no competition to take his minutes despite underwhelming performances.
