MLS is reaching its most interesting stage; no margin for error if you want to be in the MLS Cup playoffs and compete for the title. 

Now, life in the Western and Eastern Conferences differs largely. Out of the four teams that have already secured a spot in the postseason, three of them come from the East (Atlanta United, NY Red Bulls, and NYCFC). The West, on the contrary, has FC Dallas as its only qualified representative. 

It’s been over 40 years since 49,572 curious fans entered the now demolished Metropolitan Stadium (now the site of Mall of America) to watch the ingloriously named Minnesota Kicks take on the San Jose Earthquakes in the NASL Conference Championship. That number has since served as the high water mark for a professional soccer team in Minnesota — until Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s LA Galaxy come to town on Oct. 21. 

You hear that?

The Los Angeles Galaxy’s playoff hopes — and perhaps Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future in LA — received a much-needed boost last night in the form of a 3-0 win over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic LA Galaxy stats improved to a tally of 20 goals and nine assists in 24 MLS matches.

The LA Galaxy kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating Western Conference rivals Seattle Sounders 3-0 at StubHub Center in California Sunday night, but the true MVP of the game (according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic) was seven-year-old national anthem performer Malea Emma.

Emma belted out “The Star-Spangled Banner” in truly memorable style. This’ll give you the chills.  

It’s easy to imagine that when Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the LA Galaxy back in March, he saw the distinct similarities between joining the MLS side and his previous move to Manchester United. Just like United’s malaise following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Galaxy were struggling despite its standing as the most decorated club in the history of the league.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always had a flair for the dramatic. His ability to contort his 6-5 frame, even at 36 years of age, has allowed him to score some of the most mind-rending goals you’ll ever see. Zlatan's 500th goal was more of the same.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his 500th goal for club and country with a wild karate kick thing on Saturday night, becoming the third active player after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to reach that milestone.