The Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs are set. Going into Decision Day over the weekend, the Western Conference playoff spots were set, but two spots remained open in the Eastern Conference. After Decision Day, CF Montreal and Atlanta United will face off in a Wild Card matchup on Tuesday where the winner will take on Inter Miami in Round One.
On Decision Day, 52 goals were scored, marking the highest-scoring final day of the regular season in league history. Inter Miami set a MLS Single-Season points record with 74 after defeating the New England Revolution. Lionel Messi became the first player in league history to score a hat trick and record an assist while coming off the bench as well.
After suffering a disappointing defeat to FC Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Union has missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017. After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Union collapsed in the final minutes of the first half and lost 2-1.
With the playoff bracket now set, here are the best moments from MLS Decision Day 2024:
MLS Decision Day recap
Messi’s hat trick makes history for Inter Miami
Having already clinched the Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami took on New England Revolution in the final regular season match of the season. The Revolution took a 2-0 in the first 35 minutes, but Miami dominated the rest of the match.
Luis Suárez scored twice within three minutes in the 40′ and 43′. Benjamin Cremaschi gave Miami the lead in the 58′ which Messi and Jordi Alba assisted, and then Messi scored a hat trick.
Miami’s dominant regular season was capped off with an excellent victory before they lifted the Supporters’ Shield. Now, they’ll focus on capping off a historic year with capturing their first MLS Cup in club history.
Union collapse against FC Cincinnati, fall 2-1
It was win or go home for the Union on Saturday evening. Quinn Sullivan scored early in the 2′ to put the Union ahead, but Yamil Asad brought the match level in the 45’+4′.
In the 46′, Union defender Jakob Glesnes scored an own goal, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 lead. Glesnes misjudged a pass to Andre Blake, and the ball ended up in the back of the net. It was the second own-goal from Glesnes in 2024.
The own goal proved to be the dagger for the Union’s season as the club missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Montreal defeats NYCFC to gain Wild Card spot
CF Montreal needed a win to grab a Wild Card spot, and a 2-0 win over NYCFC gave them what they were looking for.
Montreal midfielder Caden Clark scored in the 18′ to give Montreal a 1-0 lead. Right before the halftime whistle, Josef Martínez doubled the lead. Clark blitzed down the wing and found Martínez alone in the box.
NYCFC couldn’t muster a comeback, and CF Montreal earned a spot in the Wild Card match against Atlanta United.
Atlanta earns Wild Card spot with win over Orlando
Atlanta United will face CF Montreal in the Wild Card match after defeating Orlando City 2-1. Saba Lobjanidze scored early for Atlanta in the 7′ and then Jamal Thiaré double Atlanta’s lead in the 16′.
Martín Ojeda put Orlando on the scoreboard in the 42′ to cut the deficit to one, but that was the only goal Orlando was able to find, falling 2-1. Atlanta will face CF Montreal in the Wild Card match and Orlando City will face Charlotte FC in Round One.
LAFC clinches top seed in West
After defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1, LAFC clinched the top seed in the Western Conference. Jackson Yueill stunned LAFC in the 9′ with his first goal of the season. Nobody expected San Jose to take an early lead, but LAFC mounted a comeback in the second half.
Denis Bouanga brought the match level in the 64. In the 75′, Eduard Atuesta gave LAFC the lead and then Marlon sealed the deal in the 90’+1′ to help LAFC go into the playoffs as the #1 seed in the west.
LAFC will play either the Vancouver Whitecaps or the Portland Timbers in Round One. The Western Conference Wild Card match is on Wednesday at 10:30pm.
Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
