🏠 The Herons Are At Home As The MLS Playoffs Start Today

_{LAST MATCH: Miami 0 – Charlotte 1}

Good morning! The MLS Cup playoffs start tonight with two wildcard matches between Sporting KC, the San Jose Earthquakes, and the New York Red Bulls vs. Charlotte FC.

Had Miami made the post-season, they would be playing today...

In the email today:

The MLS Cup playoffs kick off today with two matches, with the New York Red Bulls taking on Charlotte FC and the San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting KC.

Miami would’ve played today had they managed to sneak into the post-season, but they watch from home this year.

In two weeks, the squad will travel to China for two friendlies before they rest for the off-season.

• The playoffs start today with a new format.

• Miami will be watching from home.

• The wildcard matches are the first games before the best two out of three series kicks off.

Our take: Though Miami may not be in the playoffs, the convoluted scheduling and format of the new playoff system looks confusing. Maybe it was for the best that the Herons would sit this one out.

2) 📅 CONCACAF Release Dates For Champions Cup Fixtures

CONCACAF released its schedule for the 2024 Champions Cup.

Since Miami won the Leagues Cup, they’ll have a bye in the first round, meaning they’ll start tournament play in March.

The Herons will have another opportunity to win silverware if they prioritize this tournament.

• Miami will have another chance at a trophy.

• With the Herons in multiple competitions next year, including this one, they’ll need to add to squad depth.

• This tournament is basically the UEFA Champions League equivalent.

Our take: Miami will have another opportunity to win a trophy, this time the winner gets a chance to play in the Club World Cup set to be played in 2025.

3) 🚀 Messi in Space

4) 📊 Poll: Champions Cup?

Have additional thoughts? Reply directly to this email to comment, and see if we include your response tomorrow.

Results from our last poll Will Messi Win the Ballon d’Or over Haaland?

5) 🔗 Link Roundup:

• 🪽 LAFC owners are considering buying Swiss team Grasshopper Zurich.

• 🔴 Set to leave Inter Miami, Josef Martinez has interest from Brazilian side Internacional.

• ⚾ In baseball news, the Arizona Diamondbacks make the World Series.

The newsletter today was written by: Alex Windley @aaw_1998

Thanks for reading!