Houston Dynamo

The Loons are currently on a six-match losing streak, their worst such run in club history, which has seen them drop to 10th in the Western Conference.

Minnesota conceded a 90th-minute winner against LA Galaxy last weekend, leaving Ramsay frustrated at being unable to snap their poor streak.

"It's coming down to exceptionally fine margins and what's really tough at the moment is the performances aren't too big a problem, but it's at the end of a very tough month, so it adds insult to injury," Ramsay said.

"I only take it one day at a time and try not to let the big picture loom too large. We're in a difficult period so we need to alter our expectations from what they were a month ago.

"It's a good learning curve for me as a young coach, and a test to stay positive and hope the results don't influence the day-to-day so we can keep putting out a competitive team."

Meanwhile, Houston sit two places and one point above their opponents, though their six-game unbeaten run was ended by a 3-2 defeat to Real Salt Lake.

Their previous match against Los Angeles FC was postponed due to bad weather, so after an extended break, head coach Ben Olsen is looking to improve on that performance.

"We looked a little bit unfocused, and I think we understood the task going into it, but on the pitch, we didn't, and I don't think I hammered that in enough," Olsen said.

"We were lackadaisical, gave up poor goals, played into their hands. Not the greatest performance from us, but maybe we should've come away with something."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu

Ibrahim Aliyu has scored in back-to-back matches, taking his goal tally to a team-high six for the Dynamo this season.

The Nigerian has scored at least once in each of the last five months dating back to March.

Minnesota United – Teemu Pukki

Teemu Pukki scored his 13th MLS goal in Minnesota's defeat to LA Galaxy on Sunday. Six of Pukki's 13 goals have been scored in four career matches against the Galaxy, while he has scored seven times in his other 26 MLS appearances in total.

MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

Houston have won two of their last three meetings with Minnesota in all competitions (lost one), including a 2-1 road win on April 13, after losing the previous six meetings. The Dynamo have never completed a single-season league double over Minnesota before.

However, Houston have won only four of their last 14 regular-season matches (drawn five, lost five), dating back to mid-April after winning four of their previous five games (L1).

Meanwhile, Minnesota have lost six straight matches for the first time in club history. The Loons had lost five of their previous 20 games dating back to the end of last season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 53.2%

Draw – 24%

Minnesota United – 22.9%

Houston are now unbeaten away from the Shell Energy Stadium in their last two games with draws against Atlanta United and Portland Timbers.

However, the hosts have won just three of their last 12 league matches, leaving them seventh in the Western Conference and level on points with Austin FC. 

While Olsen was impressed with his side's display in their most recent outing, he insists that his players must put on a better display this Thursday. 

"The goals we conceded were fairly naive on our end," Olsen said. "It was two poor giveaways that led to goals, and it is something we continue to have some issues with and not maximising the points when we play this well on the road. 

"But again, then I switched to resiliency and being able to get something out of the game when it wasn't our best night. 

"We will take the point, we have Seattle now at home, and we need to get a better performance from myself and this group at home, but on the road we have been pretty good."

Meanwhile, Seattle come into the contest following an impressive win over Minnesota United, recording their fifth triumph of the season. 

The Sounders have not won consecutive regular-season matches since July 2023 but will be hopeful of doing so, having lost just once in their last five MLS games. 

Just two points separate the sides in the Western Conference table, and Seattle head coach Brian Schmetzer is confident his side can continue their winning momentum.

"We have evaluated the film, and we are going to get the guys recovered," Schmetzer said. 

"We are going to come up with a strong line-up because the gap between Saturday and Wednesday is certainly better than Wednesday and Saturday. 

"So, we are going to go down to Houston to try and collect points. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Latif Blessing

Blessing’s 89th-minute equaliser against Atlanta on Saturday was his third goal in his last four matches in the MLS.

Prior to that, the midfielder had scored just three times in his previous 110 league matches for the Dynamo dating back to the start of the 2020 season, and he will be hoping to continue his hot streak in front of goal.

Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris

The 29-year-old has scored four goals in his last five league matches, including finding the net in back-to-back matches.

Morris has scored in more than two straight league games only once in his career, a four-match run he managed to achieve in 2016.

MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

Houston have recovered well after losing five of their last 12 league matches (D4 W3), and are now unbeaten in the last three matches (W1 D2), recording consecutive 2–2 draws in their previous two league games.

While their recent form in the MLS has left a lot to be desired, the Dynamo have an impressive record over their opponents heading into the contest at the Shell Energy Arena.

Seattle have won 12 of its last 13 meetings against the Dynamo (L1, incl. playoffs) dating back to June 2017. The Sounders have outscored Houston, 23 -6, during that run.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston – 48.1%

Draw – 25.9%

Seattle – 25.9%

St. Louis were last in action on April 21, when Tomas Totland's last-gasp equaliser saw them claim a 3-3 draw against rivals Sporting Kansas City.

Carnell's team have only lost one of their last eight MLS games, though five of those have finished level to leave them ninth in the Western Conference standings, one point behind the Dynamo.

Speaking about the challenges of their long wait for a game, Carnell said: "The week off was nice, it gave us some time to plan and prep for the next few weeks and where we're going.

"There's going to be a ton of games so it's really important for us to do that. We can't change the calendar and it is what it is.

"We're excited about the games coming up, there's a lot of good teams among our opponents in the next couple of weeks."

Houston, meanwhile, have lost three of their last four league games including each of their last two, both of which came against Texas rivals in Austin FC (0-1) and FC Dallas (0-2).

Despite their downturn, boss Ben Olsen is choosing to remain upbeat and is certain things will turn, saying: "I can take a loss and I will say the guys gave everything, they continue to fight. 

"We'll get back to work and try to make the fans proud next week.

"We prepare for St. Louis the same way we prepared for Dallas. We'll just get back to work and keep going. 

"It's very early in the season. The last two games didn't go the way we want so we have to learn from it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu

Aliyu is the only Houston player with more than one goal to his name in MLS this year, netting three times. However, he has failed to score in their last three games, so he will be desperate to end that mini-drought here.

St. Louis City – Joao Klauss

Klauss is St. Louis' joint-leading scorer this season, his three goals only matched by Celio Pompeu after both players were on target against Sporting KC last time out.

The Brazilian has attempted a team-high 29 shots this term as well as creating 12 chances for team-mates, a tally only bettered by Pompeu (17).

MATCH PREDICTION – HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

The Dynamo's first victory over St. Louis came in the second leg of this year's CONCACAF Champions Cup first round, a 1-0 home win that saw Houston into the round of 16. 

St. Louis had previously gone unbeaten in the first three meetings between the teams (two wins, one draw), including winning both matches in Missouri.

After winning their first three away matches in club history last year, St. Louis have only managed three wins in 22 road trips (six draws, 13 defeats). Houston, meanwhile, have won two of their last three at Shell Energy Stadium so enter Saturday's game as favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY 

Houston Dynamo – 42%

St. Louis City – 29.7%

Draw – 28.3%

Toronto reached the first knockout stage of the Leagues Cup but were beaten 4-3 by Inter Miami in a thrilling tie on August 9, giving them over two weeks to prepare for their next game. 

With Toronto currently occupying a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, Herdman hopes they can use that match as a learning experience ahead of the run-in.

"We've had a good crack at it. Miami will always be some way around the finals," Herdman said, reflecting on the Reds' Leagues Cup run.

"It's a good lesson for us because if you want to make the playoffs, these are the teams you have to learn to beat.

"Now it's about work. We've had a chance to really bring this team together. It's a chance to build chemistry, to have an emotional reset ahead of the MLS playoff push, with some big games coming up."

Houston went out at the same stage, losing on penalties following a 2-2 draw with Toluca.

They also harbour postseason dreams, sitting sixth in the Western Conference but just one point clear of the play-in spots, and coach Ben Olsen is keen for them to kick on.

"We'll try to get better and continue to push the group," Olsen said. 

"Now we just have one tournament left, and hopefully it's all about doing what we can to put ourselves in a good spot towards the latter stages of the league."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu

Aliyu has six goals and four assists for Houston in MLS this season, with his overall tally of 10 goal contributions two more than any of his team-mates have managed (Amine Bassi and Sebastian Ferreira have eight apiece).

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi

Excluding own goals, 22 of the last 23 regular-season goals Toronto have scored dating back to late April have featured a goal contribution by at least one of the Italian trio of Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne or Raoul Petretta.

Bernardeschi has recorded more goal involvements (12, eight goals and four assists) and created more chances (54) than any other Toronto player this term. 

MATCH PREDICTION – HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN

This will be the first meeting between Toronto and the Dynamo in Houston since April 2018, with Saturday's hosts unbeaten in their last seven home matches against the Reds (two wins, five draws) dating back to 2011.

Houston have only lost four regular-season home matches since the start of the 2023 MLS season, the second-fewest in the league in that time (behind the Columbus Crew, two).

They are also unbeaten in their last six regular-season matches at Shell Energy Stadium (two wins, four draws), making them favourites to beat a Toronto team who have not won consecutive regular-season road games since July 2021.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Houston Dynamo – 64.8%

Toronto FC – 16.3%

Draw – 18.9%

The win means Phil Neville's side are unbeaten in five games and have won three of their past four to move up to fifth spot in the east.

All the goal scoring action occurred in the first half, with Inter going ahead after Toronto goalkeeper Alexander Bono's inexplicable error from Jean Mota's hopeful long-range strike in the 24th minute.

Italian recruit Lorenzo Insigne produced a moment of magic with a low right-foot volley to equalise four minutes later.

But Inter restored their lead in the 44th minute with a classy set play from a free-kick ending with Damion Lowe nodding back for Ariel Lassiter to stab home from close range.

Toronto midfielder Michael Bradley forced a save in the 72nd minute while Filippo Bernardeschi had a 94th-minute penalty shout waved away for the visitors.

Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union flexed their muscle with Julian Carranza netting a hat-trick in a 6-0 away win over struggling DC United.

Philadelphia were in a ruthless mood although it was scoreless until Mikael Uhre got free and squeezed in the opener in the 37th minute.

Daniel Gazdag netted a penalty won by Uhre on half-time, before Carranza scored three goals inside 27 second-half minutes capitalizing on some inexplicable passing from the United defence. Cory Burke curled in the sixth in the 79th minute.

Reigning MLS Cup champions LAFC went down 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes but became the first side to book their playoffs spot by virtue of other results.

Colorado Rapids drew 1-1 with Houston Dynamo, who found a late equaliser from Sebastian Ferreira, while Vancouver Whitecaps could only draw 1-1 at Real Salt Lake, locking in LAFC.

Kei Kamara moved into outright third in the MLS goal scoring charts with his 135th career league goal as Montreal defeated New England 4-0.

Matt Miazga marked his return to the MLS with a goal in his second game for FC Cincinnati as they drew 1-1 at his former club New York Red Bulls.

Minnesota United boosted their playoffs' hopes with a 2-1 win over Austin thanks to Franco Fragapane's 62nd-minute winner.

The Galaxy are on a five-match winless run in MLS, with another goalless draw against Charlotte last weekend seeing them drop to fourth in the Western Conference.

After a run of four away games in their previous five outings, LA are now due to play four of their next five at Dignity Health Sports Park, which is also where they got their last win.

"This is a big phase for us to really build some momentum in all ways, being in front of our fans and being at home for this next stretch," said Vanney, as quoted in The Galactic Tribune.

"Obviously, we've got to go on the road once more, but hopefully build on the momentum and get some points."

Houston Dynamo have won just one of their last six MLS matches and dropped more points in a 1-1 draw with FC Dallas last Saturday as they sit eighth in the West.

Ben Olsen is upbeat about the Dynamo’s recent performances, though he admits they need to learn lessons from their recent results.

"The reality is the performances aren't necessarily resembling the points that we're getting," he said.

"We're actually in a nice rhythm of consistency. I know it's hard to say that when we're not maximising points, but the way we're going about the games is pretty good, and it's pretty consistent.

"We'll keep working at it. That's all you can do. What else are you going to do, quit?"

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy – Joseph Paintsil

Paintsil has contributed to at least one goal in four straight home matches (two goals, three assists), including recording an assist in the last three.

Only one Galaxy player in the last decade has recorded an assist in four straight home matches: Douglas Costa between June and August 2023.

Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu

Amine Bassi scored his first goal of the season in Houston’s 1-1 draw with Dallas last weekend, becoming the ninth different Dynamo player to find the back of the net.

However, only one player has netted more than a single goal for them this campaign, with Aliyu netting four.

MATCH PREDICTION – LA GALAXY WIN

The Galaxy’s 0-0 draw with Charlotte on Saturday was their fourth consecutive draw and they’ve shared the points a joint-league high seven times this year. LA have drawn five consecutive regular-season matches only once before, doing so in May 2009.

The Dynamo have lost only one of their last six away matches against the Galaxy dating back to 2017 (two wins, three draws). Houston have kept clean sheets in each of their last two visits, and the only team to keep three straight clean sheets at the Galaxy in MLS play is the Columbus Crew, who did so between 2004 and 2006.

However, the Dynamo have alternated between wins and losses on the road this season, including a 1-0 defeat to Austin in their last away match. Houston have won four away matches in a single regular season just once since 2014, winning four times away from home in 2022, including at the Galaxy.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LA Galaxy – 42.4%

Draw – 25.6%

Houston Dynamo – 32%

Franco Escobar's goal in the 82nd minute salvaged a point for LAFC, who went down twice at home to eventually restore parity in the top-of-the-table clash.

Daniel Gazdag was on hand at the back post to score in transition in only the ninth minute for the Union, who looked to absorb pressure from there.

Kwadwo Opoku equalised in the 56th minute, but Julian Carranza restored Philadelphia's lead nine minutes later with a lovely curling finish, only off a step after stopping the ball dead with his first touch.

Escobar was the unlikely source of an equaliser despite LAFC's 66.5 per cent possession for the match, slotting home the rebound after a Jose Cifuentes header from a corner.

Philadelphia remain top in the East on 19 points, a point ahead of New York RB, who could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Portland Timbers.

CF Montreal took the three points and third spot from Orlando City in a 4-1 thumping, with Joao Moutinho's goal in the 72nd minute failing to stop a two-goal surge in the final 10 minutes. Atlanta United won with the same scoreline against Chicago Fire, who are now bottom of the conference.

With only nine points separating the 14 places in the East, Inter Miami also remain on 10 points after their 1-0 loss to Charlotte. New York City and Sporting KC played out a goalless draw.

New England Revolution and Columbus Crew finished with a 2-2 draw after substitute Erik Hurtado grabbed an 89th-minute equaliser for the Crew, while DC United defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0.

Cincinnati moved to fifth in East with a 1-0 win over Minnesota United via Brandon Vazquez's stoppage-time winner in the 93rd minute.

Meanwhile in the West, FC Dallas moved to third and returned the Seattle Sounders back to Earth after their CONCACAF Champions League triumph during the week, claiming a 2-0 victory.

In the other all-Western matchup, Nathan's goal in the 63rd minute was sufficient for the San Jose Earthquakes against the Colorado Rapids, taking a 1-0 win.

The Californian club capitalized on Philadelphia Union's 4-0 loss to Charlotte on Saturday, with Sunday's win moving them three points clear with one game to play. The MLS uses most wins as the first tiebreak if points are equal, with LAFC (21) ahead of Union (18).

Bouanga's maiden goal for LAFC came deep into second-half stoppage time and was the moment that clinched silverware, with the Gabon international jinking into the box before firing home a low shot.

Carlos Vela had a goalbound shot cleared off the line by Claudio Bravo in the 33rd minute, but the Mexican would not be denied with a curling left-foot strike from the edge of the box in the 51st minute.

Dairon Asprilla equalized with a powerful header from Bravo's 81st-minute cross, but Bouanga had the decisive intervention to clinch the Supporters' Shield for the visitors.

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said: "These type of emotional endings in games seem to be a habit in this league, not quite sure why. We're ecstatic. We had a goal this year and we've achieved the first one."

Portland's loss meant Nashville clinched a playoffs spot for the third straight year despite losing 2-1 at home to lowly Houston Dynamo, for whom Sebastian Ferreira scored a double.

Seattle Sounders lost 1-0 at Sporting KC, confirming they will miss the playoffs for the first time in their 13-year history, marking the end of an era.

Reigning MLS Cup winners New York City made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 home victory over Orlando City, who are hanging on for a playoffs spot.

The Dynamo had lost just one of their last 10 MLS matches before the Leagues Cup break, winning four and drawing five of the other games in that streak.

However, they returned to league action with a 1-0 defeat to Toronto FC last time out and sit eighth in the Western Conference.

And Olsen has challenged his team to improve their end product against the Leagues Cup finalists.

"The last game was not the result we wanted, that's for sure," he said.

"I'm starting to sound like a broken record: we play well, we have a lot of chances. We can do all that stuff, but we don't make the play.

"If we're going to be the team we want to be, we need to be killers, be way more cut-throat in the final third. We can't keep expecting our defence to get shutouts in every game."

Meanwhile, LAFC bounced back from Leagues Cup final heartbreak by reaching the US Open Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders.

In MLS, they are five points behind leaders LA Galaxy, having lost their last league match 3-1 to San Jose Earthquakes, but head coach Steve Cherundolo has confidence in his team.

"Our LAFC players are monsters," he said. "They show great heart and skill, and their physical side of the game is great.

"Simple mentality gives them the edge. I've also been happy with the control and managing of the minutes in recent matches."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LAFC – Denis Bouanga

Denis Bouanga has not been involved in a goal in any of his four meetings with the Dynamo (incl. playoffs).

They are the only MLS opponent he has faced more than twice and not recorded at least one goal involvement against.

Houston Dynamo – Hector Herrera

Hector Herrera completed 101 passes against Toronto FC on Saturday, his sixth match with at least 100 completed passes in regular season MLS play.

He is tied with Riqui Puig for the most such games to complete 100+ passes since making his MLS debut in July 2022.

MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN

This will be the first meeting between Los Angeles and Houston since LAFC's 2-0 win in last season's Western Conference Final. That win was their only clean sheet against the Dynamo (14 meetings).

However, LAFC's last two regular-season home matches were a loss to Columbus Crew and a draw with Real Salt Lake. They have gone three such matches without a win only twice since the start of the 2019 season but have not done so since 2021.

Meanwhile, the Dynamo won their final two regular-season road matches before the Leagues Cup break, winning at San Jose and Vancouver Whitecaps. However, they have not won three consecutive such games since a four-match run spanning the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LAFC – 61.8%

Draw – 20.2%

Houston Dynamo – 18%

LAFC overcame a 3-1 half-time deficit to salvage a point in Monday's Group F showdown with Houston at Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Both teams were opening their MLS is Back Tournament campaigns after the 2020 season was postponed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has wreaked havoc in the United States.

The Dynamo made the perfect start thanks to Memo Rodriguez's first-half brace, sandwiched in between Bradley Wright-Phillips' goal for LAFC before Alberth Elis put Houston 3-1 ahead in the fifth minute of added time.

While Houston dominated the opening 45 minutes, reigning Supporters' Shield holders LAFC fought back after the interval – Diego Rossi reducing the deficit with a thunderous strike in the 63rd minute.

Brian Rodriguez completed the comeback six minutes later when slotted underneath Dynamo goalkeeper Marko Maric.

With the result, Bob Bradley's LAFC became the second team in MLS history to play out two consecutive 3-3 draws after Chivas USA in July 2006 – the Los Angeles franchise drew 3-3 against Philadelphia Union prior to the postponement.

In Monday's other Group F match, Los Angeles rivals the Galaxy lost 2-1 against the 10-man Timbers.

Goals from Jeremy Ebobisse and Sebastian Blanco gave the Timbers a 2-0 lead after 66 minutes, following a goalless first half.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Hernandez – who arrived from Sevilla in January – scored his first Galaxy goal with two minutes of normal time remaining after Portland's Dario Zuparic was sent off in the 75th minute but it was not enough.

Rossi starred at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as LAFC crushed their rivals in the Group F clash.

Galaxy led twice in the first half, with the opening goal coming when Latif Blessing put the ball into his own net.

Rossi equalised from the penalty spot in the 13th minute before Cristian Pavon converted a spot-kick at the other end to give Galaxy a 2-1 lead.

A rebound fell for Rossi to tuck away before half-time to send the teams into the break level.

Bradley Wright-Phillips curled a finish into the bottom corner for LAFC after a Brian Rodriguez pass before the latter also set up Rossi to complete his hat-trick.

Mohamed El Monir's 25-yard effort sealed Los Angeles FC's win before Rossi added his fourth with a tap in.

Bob Bradley's side are second in Group F with four points, while the Portland Timbers booked their spot in the last 16 with a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo.

Jeremy Ebobisse's brilliant finish and a Diego Valeri goal had the Timbers in control.

Alberth Elis' penalty brought Houston back into the game late before the forward picked up two yellow cards to be sent off.

Jeremy Ebobisse's 81st-minute equaliser clinched top spot for the Timbers, who finished two points clear of LAFC on Thursday.

Portland will now face FC Cincinnati in the last 16, while LAFC will take on Seattle Sounders for a place in the quarter-finals in Orlando, Florida.

The Timbers hit the front in the seventh minute through Jaroslaw Niezgoda at Walt Disney Resort, where the Polish forward beat the offside trap before tucking the ball underneath LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega.

Bradley Wright-Phillips became the first LAFC player to score in each of his first three appearances for the club following his 36th-minute equaliser before team-mate Mark-Anthony Kaye put the reigning Supporters' Shield holders ahead five minutes prior to half-time.

But Portland substitute Ebobisse – who replaced Niezgoda – restored parity nine minutes from the end after heading home from a corner.

Meanwhile, New York City benefited from a dramatic late draw as Houston Dynamo and LA Galaxy crashed out of the tournament in Group F.

Cristian Pavon converted a 91st-minute penalty to salvage a last-gasp 1-1 draw for the Galaxy against the Dynamo.

Houston – who required victory to advance – were on track to move through to the last 16 thanks to Darwin Quintero's 17th-minute opener before Pavon equalised from the spot after Maynor Figueroa was penalised for a foul.

The result means the Dynamo and Galaxy, both winless from three matches, are both eliminated with NYC progressing to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams in Group A.

New York City and Toronto will go head-to-head in the round of 16, with the winner to face either the Timbers or Cincinnati.

The entire collection is manufactured by Adidas and follows the same template, with the brand's iconic three stripes deployed vertically over the right shoulder of each jersey.

Despite the generic look, many have still managed to produce striking strips, with Real Salt Lake's loud red, blue and yellow number particularly eye-catching.

Each kit was presented in a fashion-show-style event in New York City, with MLS set to celebrate its 25th season when the new campaign begins on February 29.

The show featured numerous celebrities modelling the jerseys: Houston Texans' DeAndre Hopkins exhibiting Houston Dynamo's shirt, Youtuber Ninja wore New York Red Bulls' new number and Colin Hanks – son of Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks – strutted his stuff in Los Angeles FC's typically striking black-and-gold ensemble.

David Beckham's Inter Miami franchise are set for their MLS debut this season and academy players Axel Perez and Fernando Sanchez modelled their inaugural away kit, which is black with pink trim.

That is the view of Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera, who played under the former Barcelona boss when he coached Mexico's national team between 2019 and 2022.

Having guided Atlanta United to the MLS Cup in 2018, Martino became Miami boss in July as the David Beckham-owned franchise brought in former Barcelona trio Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. 

Those arrivals immediately led to an upturn for Miami, who won the Leagues Cup in August following a series of mesmerising displays from Messi, but they were unable to force their way into the playoffs.

Messi only made four regular-season starts for Miami this year as the Argentina great battled a niggling injury, and the Herons ultimately finished nine points adrift of the Eastern Conference's wild card spots.

Miami will certainly be among the favourites to enjoy a postseason run in 2024, and Herrera feels their rivals were slightly fortunate to see them fall short this campaign.

Asked what makes Martino special as a coach, Herrera told Stats Perform: "I think his personality and the work he does on every team he has.

"That is what has made him win so many things and be so well-known in the world of football. 

"Personally, he is a coach who has helped me a lot, I have a great relationship with him and I love the way he plays. 

"He has shown it with every team he has had and until today at Inter Miami he gave another face to the team and got better results. 

"We knew that if they entered the playoffs, they were going to be one of the favourite teams and were going to compete for the championship."

Herrera fell just short of reaching the MLS Cup Final after the Dynamo were defeated by Los Angeles FC, who will face Columbus Crew following their comeback victory over Supporters' Shield winners FC Cincinnati.

Expansion side Charlotte drew a single-game attendance record of 74,479 fans, eclipsing the 73,019 mark set by Atlanta United in the 2018 MLS Cup.

Galaxy had the better of the chances with Victor Vazquez hitting the woodwork in the 18th minute, while Javier Hernandez forced a good save from Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina.

Alvarez made the decisive breakthrough with a spectacular left-foot shot from outside the box which nestled into the top corner to spoil the Charlotte party.

Scottish forward Lewis Morgan netted a first-half hat-trick as New York Red Bulls won 4-1 away to Toronto.

Morgan's finishes for his opening two goals were similar, set up by Patryk Klimala with curling right-foot shots in the 17th and 24th minutes.

Jesus Jimenez pulled one back for Toronto, before Klimala released Morgan on halfway and the Scot raced forward to slot home for his treble.

Carles Gil's penalty on the stroke of half-time earned 2021 Supporters' Shield winners New England Revolution a 1-0 home win over Dallas. The victory meant Revs head coach Bruce Arena became the all-time leader among MLS coaches for regular-season wins.

Francisco Calvo scored twice in the final 10 minutes as 10-man San Jose Earthquakes salvaged a 3-3 draw with Columbus Crew.

Ola Kamara netted a stoppage-time winner for DC United as they beat Cincinnati 1-0, while Chicago Fire and Orlando City drew 0-0 and Real Salt Lake won 1-0 over Seattle Sounders.

Colorado Rapids won 3-0 over Atlanta United at home and Vancouver Whitecaps held on for a goalless draw with reigning MLS Cup champions New York City.

Sporting KC got past Houston Dynamo 1-0 while 10-man Philadelphia Union edged Montreal 2-1 and Minnesota United drew 1-1 with Nashville.

Lewis Morgan's brace helped David Beckham's Inter defeat Eastern Conference rivals Atlanta United 2-1 in Miami on Wednesday.

In the midst of a three-game winless streak and with just five points from their nine regular-season matches, expansion franchise Inter opened the scoring through Morgan midweek.

A 28th-minute counter-attack led by Rodolfo Pizarro resulted in former Celtic winger Morgan beating Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan from an acute angle.

Atlanta equalised five minutes later when Eric Remedi put the ball over the line from his position on the ground after his initial backheel was blocked by Andres Reyes.

The winning goal came seven minutes before half-time – Morgan restoring Inter's lead with a curling finish from the top of the penalty area.

But not before some wild penalty drama, starting in the 40th minute. Inter goalkeeper Luis Robles saved Ezequiel Barco's attempt but Erick Torres crashed in to convert the rebound.

It was ruled out for encroachment, however, following a video review, though Barco was given a retake after Inter were also penalised for encroachment but Robles thwarted the Atlanta attacker again.

Inter are 13th in the 14-team Eastern Conference, three points adrift of eighth-placed Atlanta and 15 behind leaders Columbus Crew.

Toronto are second and two points adrift of the Crew following their last-gasp 2-1 win at Canadian rivals the Impact.

Pablo Piatti's 32nd-minute opener had been cancelled out by Montreal's former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama eight minutes into the second half.

But Altidore popped up with the winner in the 89th minute, finishing under onrushing Impact goalkeeper Clement Diop, snapping Toronto's run of back-to-back defeats.

Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake accounted for slumping Supporters' Shield holders Los Angeles FC 3-0, Minnesota United edged Dallas 3-2 and Lalas Abubakar's 96th-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw for Colorado Rapids against in-form Houston Dynamo.

The Argentine stepped up to convert the 83rd minute spot-kick, extending New England's lead to 12 points from second-placed New York City in the east.

Canada international Tajon Buchanan had put Revolution ahead in the 19th minute with an excellent header and they looked good value for the win until Toronto's 79th-minute equaliser.

Jonathan Osorio levelled the game with a close-range tap-in from Pozuelo's shot across goal.

But New England found a winner, with Bou sending his penalty high to the goalkeeper's right for his 12th goal of the season. The win extends Revolution's unbeaten run to seven games.

New York City kept up the pressure in second spot with a 2-0 home win over Inter Miami thanks to a double from Valentin Castellanos, including a Panenka penalty.

The victory means City are undefeated across their past six league games, winning four of them.

New York Red Bulls slumped to their fourth defeat in five MLS games, conceding a late penalty in dramatic circumstances in a 2-1 loss at Montreal.

Former Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama netted the 90th-minute spot-kick as the third different shooter after their previous two efforts were saved but retaken due to encroachment from keeper Carlos Coronel.

The result means the Red Bulls, who had gone ahead from Pascal Klimala's 45th-minute penalty, are winless in seven league games.

Sporting KC maintained their grip on top spot in the Western Conference with a 2-0 win at in-form Dallas.

Mexico international Alan Pulido put Sporting ahead with angled shot in the 12th minute before Daniel Salloi netted his 10th goal of the season in the 63rd minute with a sharp finish.

LA Galaxy are second in the west after Kevin Cabral's first-half strike earned a 1-0 win at Minnesota United.

Colorado Rapids scored twice in the second half to win 3-1 at Houston Dynamo, while Real Salt Lake beat 10-man Austin 1-0 to move up to sixth in the west.

In the first Los Angeles derby fixture of the MLS season, former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Chicharito guided the Galaxy to a 2-1 victory on Saturday.

Chicharito, who attempted just one shot in the loss to Seattle Sounders last time out, the sixth time in 10 MLS starts he has taken fewer than two shots (60 per cent) – he attempted fewer than two shots in just 36.7 per cent of his starts in the five major European leagues – improved his league-best tally to six goals with the 11th-minute opener at Dignity Health Sports Park, where he tucked the ball past Pablo Sisniega.

LAFC restored parity 28 minutes from the end when Diego Rossi equalised following some combination play between team-mates Latif Blessing and Corey Baird.

But the Galaxy walked away with maximum points after Chicharito teed up Jonathan dos Santos for the 79th-minute winner.

The Galaxy are second in the Western Conference, level on points with leaders San Jose Earthquakes, while LAFC are four points off the pace in eighth position.

Orlando City captain Nani stayed hot with another goal in the club's 1-1 draw against New York City.

Ex-United winger and Premier League champion Nani scored another memorable goal seven minutes into the second half, finding the back of the net with a stunning effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Nani's third goal in three games had Orlando on track for maximum points until a 77th-minute penalty via Valentin Castellanos salvaged a draw for the visitors.

"I've been working so hard and been focused on my games," Nani said post-match. "I think this is a reward [for] what you do during the week, the preparation into the games."

New York top the Eastern Conference on seven points, level with New England Revolution but a point clear of Orlando, New York Red Bulls and Nashville.

The Revolution lost 2-0 against Nashville, while the Red Bulls ran out 2-0 winners over Toronto.

Elsewhere, defending champions Columbus Crew defeated DC United 3-1, last season's Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union topped Chicago Fire 2-0, Vancouver Whitecaps beat Montreal Impact by the same scoreline, Dallas and Houston Dynamo drew 1-1, while Colorado Rapids edged Minnesota United 3-2.

Sacha Kljestan netted a stoppage-time penalty to clinch all three points for Galaxy, who had been in a freefall with a winless nine-game span.

Chicharito poked in at the back post for the opening goal in the 62nd minute, pouncing on Larrys Mabiala's defensive error from Victor Vazquez's ball into the box.

The Timbers equalized 10 minutes later when Sebastian Blanco's cross-cum-shot drifted over Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond and in off the post.

Blanco hit the upright from a long-range effort, before LA won a penalty when substitute Efrain Alvarez was brought down inside the box by Josecarlos Van Rankin.

Kljestan fired low to Timbers keeper Steve Clark's right for the winner which moves Galaxy up to 42 points, retaining their grip on sixth spot in the Western Conference.

Supporters Shield-leading New England Revolution conceded late as they drew 2-2 at home with Chicago Fire.

The sides traded four goals in the second half, with Wilfred Kaptoum drilling in a low opener in the 47th minute before Alvaro Medran equalized instantly with a classy volley.

Gustavo Bou netted his 13th goal of the season to restore Revolution's lead with a deft lob from Carles Gil's lofted pass in behind the defence in the 76th minute.

Bou was denied by Chicago keeper Gabriel Slonina before Brian Gutierrez danced forward for the visitors, finding Ignacio Aliseda who fired home an angled 88th minute leveller.

Western Conference leaders Seattle Sounders missed the chance to close on New England after going down 2-1 at Houston Dynamo.

Maxi Urruti scored a spectacular volley to put Houston ahead on the quarter hour, with Darwin Quintero doubling their lead with a fine solo left-foot strike in the 20th minute.

Jimmy Medranda halved the deficit with a rifled 41st minute shot after recycling an over-hit corner, although Houston came closest to a second-half goal, hitting the woodwork four times, before Seattle's Joao Paulo had a stoppage-time free-kick cannon into the crossbar.

Real Salt Lake solidified their grip on a playoffs spot with a 3-1 home victory over Colorado Rapids, who are third in the Western Conference.

Minnesota United remained ahead of RSL by two points with a 1-0 triumph at lowly Austin thanks to Franco Frangapane's 16th-minute strike.

US international Gyasi Zardes netted a double as Columbus Crew thrashed Inter Miami 4-0, condemning them to their sixth straight defeat, during which they have scored one goal and conceded 16 times.

Luiz Araujo and Marcelino Moreno both netted late in each half as 10-man Atlanta United triumphed 2-0 at Toronto.

Junior Urso netted early as Orlando City eased past struggling Cincinnati 1-0, while DC United and Nashville drew 0-0 with the visitors recorded a draw for the fourth successive game.

The defeat means the Galaxy are winless in their past eight matches and while they dropped down to sixth in the Western Conference, their form means they could find themselves only a point ahead of the post-season chasing pack.

Former Manchester United forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez stung RSL goalkeeper David Ochoa's palms early, before Damir Kreilach scored his 11th goal of the season to put the hosts 1-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Ochoa denied Chicharito again in a 57th-minute fast break, before the latter equalised with 14 minutes remaining midweek.

But in the fifth of six stoppage-time minutes, Anderson Julio lashed in a wonderful volley from outside the box to claim the win for fifth-placed RSL and boost their play-off chances.

United States teenager Ricardo Pepi netted his 12th goal of the campaign as 10-man Dallas went down 3-1 to Western Conference contenders and second-placed Sporting Kansas City.

Daniel Salloi scored a double for Sporting KC, taking his season tally to 14, while Dallas had Bryan Acosta sent off.

Seattle Sounders stayed top of the Western Conference, ahead of Sporting KC, as Raul Ruidiaz scored a brace in a 3-1 win away to San Jose Earthquakes.

Ruidiaz opened the scoring in the 25th minute, before firing home from the spot three minutes prior to the break. The Peruvian has 16 MLS goals this season, behind only DC United's Ola Kamara with 17.

Dairon Asprilla scored the winner as Portland Timbers claimed a 2-1 victory at Los Angeles FC to remain fourth in the west.

Supporters' Shield leaders New England Revolution maintained their 14-point advantage atop the Eastern Conference with a 4-1 triumph away to Montreal, extending their unbeaten run to six games.

Nashville, second in the east, blew a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Orlando City, while DC United got past Minnesota United 3-1.

Atlanta United boosted their play-offs hopes with a 1-0 win over Inter Miami, who have lost three in a row, while Toronto beat FC Cincinnati 3-2.

New York City suffered a second straight loss, going down 2-0 to Chicago Fire, and Philadelphia Union could only manage a 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls.

Colorado Rapids eased past Austin 3-0 and Houston Dynamo played out a goalless draw with Vancouver Whitecaps.