LA Galaxy’s journey to the playoffs, who could be their opponents?

As the regular season of the 2024 MLS comes to a close, the LA Galaxy finds themselves in a thrilling race for the top spot in the Western Conference.

With their nearest rivals, LAFC, battling hard for supremacy, the pressure is on for the Galaxy to secure a solid position ahead of the playoffs.

This win puts LAFC just three points behind the Galaxy, intensifying the stakes for the final matchday. While the Galaxy prepares to face Houston Dynamo, they must keep a close eye on LAFC's pursuit and ensure they maintain their advantage.

The Galaxy, currently sitting at 64 points, has a unique opportunity to solidify their position as the top seed in the Western Conference. The team, led by Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig, has demonstrated resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from previous struggles to emerge as a playoff contender.

The last matchday will see the Galaxy travel to Houston, a challenging venue known for its fierce atmosphere and competitive play.

Houston has proven to be a tough opponent, and the LA Galaxy will need to bring their A-game to ensure a victory. A win will guarantee the Galaxy the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a critical factor in their pursuit of the MLS Cup.

LA Galaxy’s journey to Playoffs with rivals on the rise

As the playoffs approach, the LA Galaxy is also beginning to consider potential matchups in the postseason.

The top seed will face the winner of the play-in match between the eighth and ninth-place teams, currently being fought over by the Vancouver Whitecaps, Minnesota United, and Colorado Rapids. The only team guaranteed a play-in spot is the Portland Timbers, who will be vying for either home or away advantage.

With only one matchday left, the Galaxy's future opponents could be any of these teams, making their upcoming clash against Houston even more crucial.

The MLS playoffs are set to begin on October 25, with Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, ready to kick off the postseason after winning the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record.

Currently, the Galaxy can face any of four teams in the quarterfinals: Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, Minnesota United, or Colorado Rapids, depending on who secures the play-in position. The final matches of the regular season will clarify the playoff picture, making the upcoming Saturday, October 19, a day of critical importance.