Inter Miami are finding it difficult to return to the top of the Eastern Conference standings despite having several world-class talents in their roster, led by the evergreen Lionel Messi. The Herons are now fourth in the standings after dropping points in back-to-back Major League Soccer matches against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire.
Despite this, the David Beckham-owned franchise remains within arm’s length of the top spot since the Herons are only three points adrift of Columbus Crew – the only undefeated team left this season. Inter Miami must improve its Major League Soccer 2025 results to make it happen.
The Vancouver Whitecaps continue to defy the SBOTOP Major League Soccer 2025 odds. Following their latest win, the Jesper Sørensen-coached team built at least a four-point cushion to lead the Western Conference. Meanwhile, LAFC – last year’s table leaders – are back in the win column after a brief downturn in form.
Inter Miami suffer setback in Soldier Field
Inter Miami looked fatigued during their drab goalless draw against the eighth-seeded Chicago Fire last Sunday. After mounting a comeback against Toronto and beating LAFC to advance to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals during midweek, the Herons couldn’t generate enough scoring chances against the Fire.
Inter Miami only had three shots on target against Chicago, including two woodwork hits from Lionel Messi on free-kicks. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner almost blasted the matchwinner during the 86th minute, but his shot went wide. Chicago tried to steal the match with a counterattack initiated by Jonathan Bamba and Maren Haile-Selassie. Inter Miami goalie Oscar Ustari saved a certain goal to keep the point. Ustari was arguably the Man of the Match with seven saves. Defenders Maxi Falcon and Tomas Aviles deserve a shoutout for a solid shift at the backline for the Herons.
The Herons cannot solely rely on Messi to weave his magic every game, especially since he is nearing his 40s. Luis Suarez was largely anonymous against Chicago and is on a worrying dry spell, putting head coach Javier Mascherano under enormous pressure.
The Uruguayan striker hasn’t found the back of the net in 572 minutes and counting. Suarez’s last score was during Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Cavalier SC during the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 last March. He has only one goal contribution since then, an assist to Messi in their 2-1 win against Philadelphia.
Vancouver Whitecaps are White-hot
In stark contrast, the Vancouver Whitecaps are coming off a productive week in Matchday 8. The Canada-based outfit made it to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals after eliminating Pumas UNAM on away goals and stretched their undefeated league streak to three games.
Vancouver registered a 5-1 victory over Austin last Sunday. Brian White scored four goals and Emmanuel Afriyie Mario Sabbi had one. Daniel Pereira’s consolation goal prevented a shutout victory for the Whitecaps.
White was rightfully named the Major League Soccer Player of the Week after becoming the first player in Vancouver history and the 18th player overall to score four times in a league match. In doing so, the USMNT forward also became the first player in franchise history to score at least 50 regular season goals.
His third career hat-trick put him in even more elite company as one of the six active Major League Soccer players with at least three hat-tricks, trailing only Josef Martinez (seven) and Hany Mukhtar (four).
White and the Whitecaps will hit the road to take on St. Louis this weekend to grab their seventh win this season to try and build a bigger cushion in the Western Conference.
LAFC end their slide
LAFC ended their four-game losing streak across all competitions with a timely 2-1 home win against San Jose last weekend. Sergi Palencia and Denis Bouanga scored in the second half to put the Black and Gold ahead even if Cristian Espinoza scored a consolation goal in stoppage time. This was their first league victory since March 22, and it came after a week where they crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, with no thanks to Inter Miami. However, with no cup competition on the horizon, LAFC can turn their full focus on the league.
Denis Bouanga, winner of the 2023 Major League Soccer Golden Boot, finally opened his account this season. LAFC will need more from him, especially when his attacking partner Olivier Giroud struggles to find the back of the net. Giroud, who moved to Hollywood last year, still awaits his first MLS goal after 15 regular season and four postseason contests.
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