MLS
Inter Miami and LA Galaxy go backwards in MLS
The Fort Lauderdale and Carson franchises had any playoff hopes dashed for this season, something they both managed to achieve last year.
After battling through significant stretches of the 2023 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have bid a final farewell to their playoff aspirations, an achievement they had secured in the previous campaign. Both will now have to watch from afar this time causing some to question if the headline franchises have regressed in their quest for greater prominence in the North American league.
Miami’s Messi-Busquets-Alba impact
In addition to the significant disappointment that it represents for the respective teams, their primary objective moving forward should be to have improved preparation for the 2024 campaign. Evidently, the team from Florida has an advantage, with players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who have already contributed to their success by winning the Leagues Cup with their immediate impact. For the Californian side, the road ahead is even more challenging, as their recent trajectory has led them to become one of the less captivating organizations for football fans.
Inter Miami and LA Galaxy found themselves in similar positions heading into Week 37, and with their defeats to FC Cincinnati (0-1) and Minnesota United (5-2) respectively, they bid farewell to the MLS 2023 season.
In 2022, the Herons bowed out after a 3-0 loss to New York City FC in the first round of the Playoffs, which also marked Gonzalo Higuaín’s final game. Los Galácticos, on the other hand, reached the Conference Semifinals but were defeated by LAFC (3-2). This time around it has been some regression, although the superstar influx in Miami leaves hope.
What’s next for Inter Miami and Galaxy?
From this point onwards, they will need to focus on finishing the season on a positive note, as each of them has two remaining matches. The team led by Greg Vanney will face Real Salt Lake on Saturday 14 October. Miami will play against Charlotte FC at home on Wednesday 18 October, in a rescheduled match.
They will bid farewell to the footballing year on “Decision Day” which falls on Saturday 21 October. Inter Miami will once again face Charlotte, but this time at Bank of America Stadium at 18:00 ET (16:00 CT / 15:00 PT) in the closing fixture of the Eastern Conference. The Western Conference will conclude its regular campaign at 21:00 ET (19:00 CT and 18:00 PT), with LA Galaxy facing FC Dallas at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Once these game are put to bed, planning can begin for a fresh, more positive start to the new campaign.