The stakes are high, and the margins are thin. Major League Soccer ended its regular season on Saturday with a chaotic Decision Day, and now, the bracket is set and the teams know their path to the 2024 MLS Cup Final on December 7.
Eastern Conference
#1 Inter Miami CF vs #9 Atlanta United
What is there to say about this year’s Supporters’ Shield winning side that has not already been said? Inter Miami is loaded with talent, the likes of which MLS has never seen before. The iconic Lionel Messi and infamous Luis Suárez finished the season with 31 and 29 goal contributions respectively as the former, unsurprisingly, looks set to likely add “MLS MVP” to his ever-growing list of accolades.
After dispatching C.F. Montreal in the Wild Card round, Atlanta will face their old manager, "Tata" Martino in the first round of the playoffs. Led by interim head coach Rob Valentino, Atlanta United managed to put together a strong end to their campaign, and qualified, by the skin of their teeth, at the expense of D.C. United.
#2 Columbus Crew vs #7 New York Red Bulls
If there is any team with a solid chance of taking down Inter Miami, it's the reigning MLS Cup and Leagues Cup Champions. Despite playing a brand of soccer that deservedly earned them a reputation as one of the most entertaining teams in North America, Columbus finished second in the Supporters’ Shield standings behind Inter Miami. They’ve amassed an impressive resume in the last two seasons, especially in knockout competitions, so be on the lookout for a deep run from Wilfried Nancy’s Crew.
Their first test will be against the dangerous New York Red Bulls. Playstyle is paramount in the Red Bull system, and New York is no exception. Their possessive, attacking style is notoriously difficult to play against and generates a high amount of scoring chances. This tie has the potential to be one of the more explosive as these two teams create the most xG (expected goals) among all Eastern Conference sides.
#3 FC Cincinnati vs #6 New York City F.C.
Last season’s Supporters’ Shield winners, led up top by Luciano Acosta, managed to qualify 3rd in the Eastern Conference despite a quite astounding managerial feat. Pat Noonan fielded a different lineup in every game this season, showing just how versatile this Cincinnati team is. Some consistency will go a long way but the key to advancing will be keeping their opponents to low-percentage opportunities.
They’ll take on NYCFC who have won three of their last four games and boast one of the most impressive home records in the Eastern Conference. NYCFC claimed the most recent meeting between the two sides, running out 3-2 winners at Red Bull Arena in early October. Nick Cushing’s side will try to ride that momentum through their three-game series, with the help of their top scorer, Alonso Martínez, who has found the net on average every 93 minutes. His 0.97 goals per 90 is the second-best in MLS this season, behind only Messi.
#4 Orlando City SC vs #5 Charlotte FC
Speaking of momentum, Orlando and Charlotte have 12 and 13 points respectively from their last six matches, but only one team can keep that going into the next round. Orlando’s strength across the pitch is worth lauding, but in particular, their strike pairing of Facundo Torres and Duncan McGuire who both finished the season with a double-digit goal tally.
Dean Smith’s side has the Eastern Conference’s best defense, thanks largely, to Kristijan Kahlina in goal. The Croatian shot-stopper was statistically the best in MLS this season and will take some beating in the playoffs, especially with his side’s staunch defense in front of him. Scoring goals will be this side’s burden, given their lack of an out-and-out goal-scorer.
Western Conference
#1 LAFC vs #8 Vancouver Whitecaps FC
It feels disingenuous to say it's surprising to see LAFC top of the West again. This side, loaded with recognizable names including Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, and Denis Bouanga, has been the black and gold standard since joining MLS in 2018. They finished the season with five straight wins and the best goal differential in their conference, proving they fully deserve this. Look for Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz to pose a threat up top, as the pair ended with 29 and 21 goal contributions respectively.
They'll face a mildly confusing Vancouver side that humiliated the Timbers in Portland on Wednesday, having failed to win any of their last seven games during the regular season. Hat-trick hero, Ryan Gauld, proved to be a historic threat in the game, registering four goal contributions, which has only ever happened twice previously in MLS postseason history. LAFC beat the Whitecaps in both meetings this season, but Vancouver did manage to beat the eventual Leagues Cup runners-up when the two sides met in the group stage.
#2 Los Angeles Galaxy vs #7 Colorado Rapids
Despite leading the Western Conference for much of this season, the Galaxy finished behind their cross-town rivals after a completely chaotic end to their clash with Houston on Decision Day. While this setback is devastating, Greg Vanney’s side cannot let it define their campaign. The Galaxy led the West with 69 goals and their midfield maestro, Riqui Puig, is among the league’s most dominant players.
The Rapids travel to Carson for game one without a win since Sep. 21 and have earned just three points in their last six games. They’ve conceded 14 goals in that stretch and are comfortably in the worst form of any playoff team after Vancouver’s massive victory over Portland on Wednesday night. Winning their home game will be of the utmost importance but it remains to be seen if their talisman, Đorđe Mihailović will be healthy following an injury last weekend.
#3 Real Salt Lake vs #6 Minnesota United
Led by former LAFC striker Cristian Arango, Real Salt Lake has experienced a tremendous resurgence under head coach Pablo Mastroeni. Their attacking brand of soccer has ignited a fire in their supporters and they have every right to be excited for the MLS Cup playoffs. Keep an eye on 21-year-old Diego Luna, who was recently named to the league’s 22 under 22 list, after another stellar campaign.
The Loons come into the playoffs unbeaten in their last five games, having conceded just once during that span. There are some questions regarding where their goals will come from, given that Bongokuhle Hlongwane finished the season as the only Minnesota United player with a double-digit goal tally. A sturdy backline and sure goalkeeper in Dayne St. Clair will help alleviate those worries, however, allowing the home fans to manifest a post-game Wonderwall performance.
#4 Seattle Sounders FC vs #5 Houston Dynamo FC
This season's best defense, once again, calls Seattle home. The Sounders have made a habit of keeping the ball out of their net, thanks in large part to their impeccable goalkeeper union and the ever-present Jackson Ragen in defense. They enter the postseason undefeated through their last seven games dating back to August, with their aim set squarely on Houston.Fresh off their Academy Award-deserving role as the spoiler against the Galaxy on Saturday, the Dynamo look to stun another giant. Their elite defense, led by Steve Clark in goal, will keep the score low hoping for a moment of chaos for their side to capitalize on. If you’re looking for a high-scoring affair, this series will likely not be your cup of tea.
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