Your Thursday Kickoff: Are we seeing the best-ever MLS MVP race?

What you need to know

USMNT Parts Ways with Head Coach Gregg Berhalter

Gregg Berhalter has been dismissed as head coach of the US men’s national team following their premature exit from the 2024 Copa América. The tournament saw the US become the first host nation ever eliminated in the group stage. This decision comes approximately two years ahead of the US co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

LAFC and Sporting Kansas City Advance to USOC Semifinals

On Wednesday night, LAFC and Sporting Kansas City secured their places in the US Open Cup semifinals. LAFC is set to face Seattle in the semis, while Sporting KC will take on USL Championship team Indy Eleven after their upset victory over Atlanta United on Tuesday.

Whitecaps Triumph, Toronto Stumbles in Canadian Championship

The 2024 Canadian Championship resumed with Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC kicking off their two-legged semifinal matchups against Canadian Premier League opponents. Both clubs played away in their Leg 1 matches, with Toronto FC grabbing a crucial away goal despite a narrow defeat to Forge FC at Tim Hortons Field. Meanwhile, Vancouver gained an upper hand with a 1-0 win over Pacific FC at Starlight Stadium.

Is This the Best MVP Race Ever?

We compiled our monthly MVP Power Rankings today, and to tease a bit, Lionel Messi isn’t leading. In fact, he’s not even in second place. Despite his stellar season with 25 goal contributions, Messi’s limited 11 starts have seen him outpaced by players like Lucho Acosta and Chicho Arango, who have enjoyed career-best years.

However, if Messi manages to surpass Acosta and Arango in goal contributions by the season’s end and leads Inter Miami to a Supporters’ Shield, he could easily reclaim the spotlight. Denis Bouanga and Cucho Hernández are also in the mix, adding to one of the most competitive MVP races in recent memory.

Comparatively, the trio of Acosta, Arango, and Bouanga are on pace to challenge the record-setting 2019 season, which featured Zlatan Ibrahimović and Josef Martínez. With 106 combined goal contributions so far, this year’s MVP contenders are setting the stage for an unforgettable finish, potentially deciding the MVP based on who lifts the Supporters’ Shield.