Just one month of the 2024 MLS regular season remains. The campaign began seven months ago, affording us plenty of opportunities to get a good look at the best (and worst) the league has to offer. So as we march toward Decision Day on Oct. 19, we reflect on all the soccer that has been played this year, and begin to turn our attention to award season.
If not for his prolonged injury layoff, it would be easy to imagine Lionel Messi winning the Landon Donovan MVP award and the Golden Boot — maybe even the Supporters’ Shield all by himself, and Coach of the Year while he’s at it — but his absence has opened the door for the rest of the league. So who will win those awards, and a few others, if not the Inter Miami magician?
ESPN’s Cesar Hernandez, Lizzy Becherano, Ryan Rosenblatt, Megan Swanick and Joseph Lowery make their picks.
MVP
Luciano Acosta, FC Cincinnati: An outstanding chance creator, goal scorer, and overall game-changer who isn’t afraid to take players on when the ball is at his feet. It might be a predictable move to select the No. 10 who was last season’s MVP, but the 30-year-old Argentine has again been brilliant this season through his goal contributions. That said, an injury and ensuing slight dip in form in the late summer might keep a second consecutive MVP award just out of reach. — Hernandez
Cucho Hernández, Columbus Crew: The Colombian has been a consistent force for the Crew across all competitions this season. When on the pitch, he’s bound to make an impact, having managed 13 goals and 10 assists in MLS and generated the most opportunities in the final third. Many might be quick to name Messi here, but while the Argentine’s impact on Inter Miami is undeniable, participating in 13 out of 28 games by Sept. 18 isn’t enough to clinch the MVP title. — Becherano
