As one of the most popular leagues in the world, MLS always attracts the best players, the best clubs, and the best matches. In this blog, readers will be able to explore the history of MLS, highlights from the 2024 season, and some of the exceptional players that stand out in the league.
Introduction to Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer (MLS) represents the highest level of soccer in the United States, producing countless exciting and memorable events and players. Founded in 1993, the MLS was established after the United States Soccer Federation decided to create a professional soccer league to host the 1994 World Cup, following the existence of the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1968 to 1984.
The MLS headquarters is located in Manhattan and currently has 29 teams, with 26 in the United States and 3 in Canada. The regular MLS season usually starts in late February or early March and ends in mid-October. Each team plays 34 matches, and the top-performing team receives the "Supporters' Shield." After the regular season, 18 teams advance to the playoffs that take place in late October or November.
Major League Soccer in 2024
The 2024 MLS season marks the league's twenty-ninth year, with a total of 29 teams divided into Eastern and Western conferences. This is the only year without the addition of new teams through league expansion.
The pre-season will start on January 19 and end on February 17, while the regular season is scheduled to begin on February 21, with an expected end date of October 19. The highly anticipated All-Star Game will be held on July 24 at 8:00 PM.
MLS 2024 Highlights
Since the start of the 2024 MLS season, there have been many surprising and exciting player performances and matches. Let’s recall some thrilling moments and highlights.
Hat-tricks
A hat-trick occurs when a player scores three or more goals in a single match. Achieving a hat-trick is challenging and requires excellent shooting skills, attacking awareness, and personal skill. Thus, when a player scores a hat-trick, the crowd usually erupts in applause. In the 2024 MLS season, which players have managed to score three goals or more in a single match, known as a "hat-trick," generating excitement among fans? Let's find out.
Christian Benteke completed two hat-tricks on February 24 and May 11. He plays for DC United and has scored 16 goals this season, currently ranking second in the league's top scorers.
Tại Baribo scored his first hat-trick against the New England Revolution while playing for Philadelphia Union, becoming the first Israeli player to score a hat-trick in MLS and helping the team secure a 5-1 victory over the New England Revolution.
Additionally, globally renowned striker Luis Suárez also completed a hat-trick, showcasing his strength in his soccer career.
Other standout players, such as Giorgos Giakoumakis, Cristian Arango, Sam Surridge, and Federico Bernardeschi, also performed well this season, completing hat-tricks and earning applause and pride from the fans.
Goals Scored
According to the latest data, Cristian Arango leads the scoring charts with 17 goals, closely followed by Christian Benteke and Los Angeles FC with 16 goals, just one goal behind. Daniel Gazdag occupies the third position with 14 goals. Renowned global player Lionel Messi is in ninth place, tied with five other players, each having scored 12 goals.
Clean Sheets
"Clean Sheets" refers to matches in which the opponent did not score any goals, indicating that the team completely dominated the game.
Kristijan Kahlina and Hugo Lloris recorded 9-0 victories in their respective matches without conceding goals, while Stefan Frei and Patrick Schulte kept clean sheets in games with scores of 7-0. Additionally, 4 other players managed to keep clean sheets in matches with scores of 6-0, and 8 players achieved clean sheets in matches with scores of 5-0.
Awards
There have been many standout individual performances throughout this round.
Messi has been named "Player of the Day" twice for his outstanding contributions and was awarded "Player of the Month" in April. He scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 4 matches. Additionally, Benteke, Suárez, Giakoumakis, and Morgan were also named "Player of the Day" for their exceptional performances. Luciano Acosta and Mateusz Bogusz were named "Player of the Month" in March, May, and June, respectively, for their excellent contributions to the club.
Latest News
The Youngest Player - Cavan Sullivan
Cavan Sullivan, born on September 28, 2009, is only 14 years old. He made his debut on March 24 and signed his first contract with Philadelphia Union on May 9, becoming the fifth youngest player in MLS history to sign a professional contract. During the Philadelphia Union match against New England Revolution, he replaced hat-trick hero Tại Baribo, setting the record as the youngest player in the league's history. Additionally, he is also the youngest player in North America's major soccer leagues and in the "Big Five" European soccer leagues, as well as in UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League competitions, a record dating back to 1988.
New Roster Rules
The roster rules have been changed, and there are three new rules to observe:
- All six DP and U₂₂ slots
- Flexibility in roster construction
- Opportunity for more allocation of transfer money
The new roster rules allow clubs to sign more players and provide greater investment flexibility. This rule will come into effect in the second transfer window in 2024 and will be implemented by MLS and the Sports and Competition Commission.
All-Stars Roster
The All-Star roster has just been announced, and 30 players will participate in the 2024 MLS All-Star Game. These players were selected through a combination of fan, media, and player voting, the head coach's selection for the MLS All-Star, and the selection by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
There are many well-known names on the list: Cristian Arango (most goals this season, 17); Lionel Messi (fastest offensive contributor of the season, with 25), etc.
Everyone believes they will bring tough, fierce, and exciting matches for all.
Conclusion
The 2024 MLS season is still ongoing. It has given us many surprises since the beginning of the year, and we have witnessed many hat-tricks, both from the newest young players and experienced veterans. Thank you to them for providing us with a wonderful first half of the year, and we look forward to more surprises in the upcoming matches!
