With just a few days until the 30th season of MLS off, I figured I might as well make a fool of myself and get my predictions for this season out on the internet for everyone to see, ridicule, and bring back up at the end of the season when I'm inevitably wrong. That's one of the best parts about MLS, though; it's just so unpredictable, and no matter how good or bad a team looks on paper, the MLS season always has surprises in store. Here's my predictions for the 2024 season Mandatory Credit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire
MLS Eastern Conference
Standing
Team
Movement from 2024
1st
FC Cincinnati
Up 3 spots from 2024
2nd
Inter Miami
Down 1 spot from 2024
3rd
Atlanta United
Up 6 spots from 2024
4th
Columbus Crew
Down 2 spots from 2024
5th
Charlotte FC
Same spot as 2024
6th
Orlando City SC
Down 2 spots from 2024
7th
New York Red Bulls
Same Spot as 2024
8th
Philadelphia Union
Up 4 spots from 2024
9th
Chicago Fire
Up 6 spots from 2024
10th
New England Revolution
Up 4 spots from 2024
11th
NYCFC
Down 5 spots from 2024
12th
Nashville SC
Up 1 spot from 2024
13th
DC United
Down 3 spots from 2024
14th
CF Montreal
Down 6 spots from 2024
15th
Toronto FC
Down 4 spots from 2024
Predicted biggest jump up in MLS's Eastern Conference: Atlanta United, Chicago Fire Predicted biggest fall down in Eastern Conference: CF Montreal Aug 31, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) clears the ball away from New York Red Bulls forward Cory Burke (7) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLS Western Conference
Standing
Team
Movement from 2024
1st
LAFC
Same as 2024
2nd
Seattle Sounders
Up 2 spots from 2024
3rd
LA Galaxy
Down 1 spot from 2024
4th
Colorado Rapids
Up 3 spots from 2024
5th
Houston Dynamo
Same spot as 2024
6th
FC Dallas
Up 5 spots from 2024
7th
Minnesota United
Down 1 spot from 2024
8th
Austin FC
Up 2 spots from 2024
9th
San Jose Earthquakes
Up 5 spots from 2024
10th
Real Salt Lake
Down 7 spots from 2024
11th
St Louis City SC
Up 1 spot from 2024
12th
Portland Timbers
Down 3 spots from 2024
13th
Sporting Kansas City
Same spot as 2024
14th
Vancouver Whitecaps
Down 6 spots from 2024
15th
San Diego SC
Inaugural Season
Predicted biggest jump in MLS's Western Conference: FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes Predicted biggest fall down in Western Conference: Real Salt Lake Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
Trophy & Award Predictions
Trophy / Award
Predicted Winner
MLS Cup
LAFC
Supporter's Shield
FC Cincinnati
Landon Donovan MVP
Lionel Messi
Golden Boot presented by Audi
Lionel Messi
Newcomer of the Year
Emmanuel Latte
Young Player of the Year
Jack McGlynn
Sep 14, 2024; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) plays the ball defended by Philadelphia Union midfielder Jack McGlynn (16) in the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn ImagesBe sure to return to Philly Sports Network for more Philadelphia Union and other soccer content!Follow our Union team on Twitter: Tim Lovenguth | Jimmy King | Paul FrenzelNate Tennesen | Eric FrysingerSteve Beavon | Liam Jenkins Doop on Union fans! Featured Image Credit: Richard Gordon/Icon Sportswire
