GOAL looks at which new arrivals have had the biggest impact, and are frontrunners for MLS Newcomer of the Year
Numerous newcomers have factored into the success of playoff contenders and teams across MLS this season.
In 2023, it was Atlanta United's superstar striker Giorgis Giakoumakis who beat out Lionel Messi for the MLS Newcomer Of The Year award, and in 2022, it was the Five Stripes' star Thiago Almada – both of whom were sold this past summer.
Now, the 2024 MLS season is nearing conclusion, with Decision Day on Oct. 19 looming. Matchday 36 is also in the books, and as the playoff field starts to take shape, teams are starting to prepare for the postseason. With that in mind, who has been the breakout arrival of 2024?
From Luis Suarez with Inter Miami to Petar Musa with FC Dallas to Gabriel Pec with LA Galaxy, GOAL takes a look at which new arrivals have had the biggest impact are the frontrunners for MLS Newcomer of the Year for 2024.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowLuca Orellano, FC Cincinnati
Luca Orellano has been nothing short nof brilliant for FCC this season. He arrived in February on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Vasco Da Gama, and has since helped lead one of MLS' most exciting attacks.
Employed as a wingback under Pat Noonan, Orellano has scored 10 goals and recorded seven assists – including two of the league's most outrageous strikes of 2024, bagging from beyond the halfway line twice this campaign. For a "defender" to put up those numbers in hs debut season, it's remarkable. On top of that, he's become a set-piece specialist for the Orange and Blue, with multiple resulting in goal-contributions for the club.
He's helped FCC to a top-three spot in the East with just two games to spare, and they're right in the fight for home-field advantage in the playoffs as a result. Cincy hold a buy-clause on his contract, and it would be astonishing if they didn't trigger it as a result of his campaign.
AdvertisementIMGANJonathan Rodriguez, Portland Timbers
Jonathan Rodriguez was signed by the Timbers on March 20 for a reported fee of $6M from LIGA MX side Club America. The 31-year-old has since taken the league by storm, with 16 goals and seven assists in 27 appearances for the Western Conference side.
He's helped Portland become a competitor in the West, and they're firmly in the race for the postseason as a result.
The Uruguayan designated player has created a deadly attacking partnership up top alongside Brazilian duo Evander and Antony, with the three of them combining for a total of 67 goal-contributions this season.
He may not be the flashiest name on the list, but he's been crucial to their success, and the Timbers would not be competing for a playoff spot without him.
IMGANPetar Musa, FC Dallas
Petar Musa was signed for a club-record fee of $13M ahead of the 2024 season, and after a short period of adapting to the league and life in the U.S., he's flourished.
Brought in from Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, Musa has bagged 15 goals and recorded three assists for the Texas-based club. For FCD this season, he's been their go-to man in front of net, and he's rewarded them with goal after goal.
He scored his first hat-trick for the club in June in a 5-3 victory over Minnesota United, which was a turning point for his season. Following that June 19 victory, he scored in six of their next seven matches, finding form right before the start of the Leagues Cup for the Western Conference side.
A woeful spring from FCD was too much to overcome, though, as they were eliminated from playoff contention on Matchday 36 following a loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. However, that shouldn't overshadow Musa's contributions this season. He's been a threat in front of net and a pain for every defense he's played against.
Brennan Asplen/Getty ImagesLuis Suarez, Inter Miami
El Pistolero Luis Suarez was questioned by so many when Inter Miami signed him in the offseason. He had an awful preseason, looked out of shape, looked like he couldn't run – but he has clearly proved the doubters wrong.
The former Barcelona and Liverpool forward, age 37, has 18 goals and six assists for the Herons, and he even scored the winner that clinched them the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield.
Through 25 matches this season, he's firmly in the race for the Golden Boot, while also helping the Herons to their second-ever piece of silverware as an MLS organization. On top of that, he's scored four braces and one hat-trick this across all competitions for the South Beach club. He's been nothing short of prolific.
