3rd in Eastern Conference
\n55 points (15W-6L-10D)<\/p>\n
Inter Miami encountered a setback last weekend, falling 2-0<\/a> at Red Bull New York<\/a>.\u00a0The Herons previously had a three-game winning streak.<\/p>\n Lionel Messi: What more can you say about Messi? The legendary Argentine is well on his way to a third straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, leading MLS with 40 goal contributions (25g\/15a). Despite all the star power up and down their roster, Miami are looking up at the New England Revolution<\/a> \u2013 who leapfrogged them during Matchday 32 \u2013 in the Eastern Conference standings.<\/p>\n Although they hold a four-point lead over fourth-place Chicago Fire FC<\/a>, the Herons will be eager to reclaim the No. 2 seed in the East and move closer to clinching a 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> spot.<\/p>\n With Messi, Miami are always a threat. And with the season winding down, expect the defending MLS Cup champions to carry a “must-win” attitude.<\/p>\n 8th in Eastern Conference FC Cincinnati enjoyed a six-point week, earning back-to-back wins over\u00a0D.C. United<\/a>.<\/p>\n In their latest matchup, a 2-0 Cincy victory<\/a>, Evander recorded 1g\/1a<\/a> to become the second player in MLS history with at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons. Tom Barlow<\/a> added the insurance tally.\u00a0<\/p>\n Evander: A perennial MVP candidate, the Brazilian midfield maestro has a team-best 29 goal contributions (14g\/15a). Unlike their South Florida counterparts, FC Cincinnati aren’t slated to earn home-field advantage in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. Instead, they’re simply looking to secure a postseason spot!<\/p>\n Thanks to two straight wins, the Orange & Blue now hold a three-point edge over Red Bull New York (ninth place) and a four-point advantage over rival Columbus Crew<\/a> (10th place).<\/p>\n
\nLuis Su\u00e1rez:\u00a0A longtime strike partner of Messi, Su\u00e1rez<\/a> has reclaimed his spot as Inter Miami’s starting No. 9 and tallied 15g\/12a.
\nGerm\u00e1n Berterame: In his debut season with the Herons, the Mexican international has turned into a reliable forward with 9g\/10a.
\nRodrigo De Paul: The 2022 FIFA World Cup<\/a> winner offers extra bite in midfield, while also bringing an attacking edge with 5g\/14a.<\/p>\n
\n42 points (11W-11L-9D)<\/p>\n
\nK\u00e9vin Denkey:\u00a0Cincinnati’s leading goalscorer, the Togo international striker is up to 17g\/5a during the 2026 campaign.
\nTom Barlow: Although he doesn’t get the shine of Denkey or Evander, the veteran forward is quietly enjoying a career year with 15 goal contributions (10g\/5a).
\nPavel Bucha: The versatile Czech international is one of Cincy’s most consistent players and has registered 6g\/10a this season.<\/p>\n