As the history of MLS shows, the Miami Inter’s Herons have been unstoppable since Lionel Messi joined the team, averaging a remarkable 2.5 points per game. If they can maintain this pace, they are likely to secure a playoff spot. As the season reaches its end, teams are pushing for playoff positions, with the Herons leading the way.
Each team in the MLS has the opportunity to make history by earning points in each game. Miami and the Sounders are two teams that have achieved this feat, with the Sounders being known as one of the top teams in the league. Currently, Miami Inter has a PPG of 1.88, while the Sounders had a PPG of 1.30 in 2018. It’s worth noting that the MLS schedule is imbalanced, with teams playing at different times throughout the season. Despite this, the goal is to continue improving and moving forward.
This team is likely to aim higher in order to avoid losing to Messi. Of course, if they stay at their current pace, they will reach 43 points, and Miami currently has 28 points. Over the last three seasons, their average game per points was 43.3, placing them ninth in the line.
The highest-ranked team will potentially compete in two matches on the road while Miami progresses to the initial round, securing a home game if they succeed. Both teams will participate in a series consisting of three games in the revised format. FC Cincinnati is expected to be the top-ranked team, encountering a rather difficult test from the Herons who are gaining momentum. The highest-ranked team in the conference will be matched up against the teams in eighth and ninth place after they compete in a wild card round. The playoff scenario has expanded from seven teams qualifying for the postseason to nine teams as the season approaches.
But where do the Herons stack up against the rest of the league in their remaining games, looking at the table and figuring out the average strength of schedule for the Eastern Conference?
Ranking of PPG in the Eastern Conference Table
10th11 Charlotte FC261.19319th12Inter Miami261.08289th13 New York City FC281.073011th14New York Red Bulls271.07299th15 Toronto FC270.812212th8CF Montreal271.3354th9D.C. United281.213410th10Chicago Fire271.19327th7 Nashville SC271.48406th6Atlanta United281.5425th Columbus Crew271.67444th4 Orlando City SC271.74483rd3Philadelphia Union261.77462nd2New England Revolution271.78481st1FC Cincinnati272.1157Output: In the 10th position is Charlotte FC with a score of 261.193, followed by Inter Miami in the 11th position with a score of 261.082. New York City FC is in the 12th position with a score of 281.073, while New York Red Bulls is in the 13th position
Prior to the end of the season, Inter Miami is a team that is also experiencing a transitional phase, although they have the advantage of playing against Charlotte FC twice. Despite not all teams having the same number of remaining games, nine out of 15 teams have a schedule strength ranging from sixth to ninth. The majority of the schedule is remarkably well-balanced, which is one of the main observations when analyzing the remaining games.
The remaining schedules actually make it unlikely that FC Toronto and NYCFC, who have the easiest schedules, will secure a spot in the playoffs. However, there is hope for another team to give the Herons a chance, which is Montreal CF, a side that will feel the hardest path in retaining their playoff place.
Will Messi participate in the match against Atlanta United on Saturday?
He acknowledged those worries, however, there were doubts regarding Messi’s participation on a synthetic playing surface. Fortunately, his injury is not anticipated to be severe enough to prevent him from competing against Atlanta United on Saturday, even though Messi was not included in Argentina’s recent World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia.
Messi stated, “I have no issues with artificial grass and we were able to consider that, but if you never get accommodated to this weather, I’m not even feeling comfortable.”
Atlanta’s victory in Miami gives Martino’s Tata a better chance to return and play, which raises expectations for him.