Around the MLS

The intensity builds as the MLS season winds down and looks towards the final regular season games. As Decision Day looms this Saturday, here’s a recap of everything from around the league.

St. Louis City SC Eyes More History

St. Louis City SC makes history again with a win against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday. They would become the first expansion team to achieve 59 points in a season, surpassing LAFC’s record of 57 points. St. Louis City SC currently sits at 56 points.

The club already locked down the Western Conference, making it the first expansion team to win its conference in its first year. Additionally, St. Louis City SC became the first expansion team to win 17 or more games in the regular season since the shootout era.

Michael Bradley Announces Retirement

Former USA men’s national team captain and current midfielder for Toronto FC, Michael Bradley, announced his retirement from professional soccer on Tuesday. Bradley spent the last 10 seasons playing for Toronto FC and is one of the most successful American men’s soccer players of all time.

The 36-year-old helped Toronto FC win its first and only MLS Cup in 2017. Bradley also appeared in two World Cups with the USA men’s national team.

Bradley’s farewell game takes place on Saturday against Orlando City SC.

Messi Becomes Highest Paid MLS Player

Lionel Messi officially became the highest-paid player in MLS history on Wednesday. The MLS Players Association announced Messi will make $20,446,667 in guaranteed compensation, with a base salary of $12 million.

Toronto FC’s Lorenzo Insigne finished second on the list with a guaranteed compensation of $15.4 million.

Inter Miami topped the list for total team salary with guaranteed compensation of $39.419 million, more than double its total salary at this time last year.

New York Red Bulls Look to Stay Hot

As many teams hope to clinch a playoff spot this weekend, the Red Bulls hope to be one of them. New York holds the longest playoff berth streak in the MLS currently, making the postseason in 13 consecutive years.

The Red Bulls look to keep their playoff hopes alive when they try for their third consecutive win against Nashville SC on Saturday.

Charlotte FC Stays Alive

In the last match before Decision Day, Charlotte FC had to either win or tie against Inter Miami on Wednesday to keep its Wild Card hopes alive. Charlotte FC managed to barely escape elimination versus Messi-less Inter Miami in a 2-2 tie.

Kerwin Vargas assisted Enzo Copetti’s goal to put Charlotte ahead 1-0 in the 45th minute. However, this wouldn’t last long as Nicolás Stefanelli tied the game with a goal netted through the top left corner in the final minutes of the first half.

Charlotte came out swinging in the second half, with a goal scored by Kerwin Vargas in the 52nd minute to put Charlotte ahead 2-1. Kristijan Kahlina had an amazing save in the 56th minute to keep Charlotte on top.

Nevertheless, Miami wouldn’t go down without a fight. Leonardo Campana assisted a goal by Robbie Robinson in the 84th minute to tie the score once again.

Saturday’s match against Inter Miami is now a must-win for Charlotte. They’ll also have to do this against Messi as he plans to return for Miami’s last match of the season.

Ashley Beres is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email akb6783@psu.edu.