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The MLS playoffs finally head into the conference finals! Only four teams are left, and you can watch Orlando FC take on the New York Red Bulls this Saturday before the Seattle Sounders take on LA Galaxy later. We’re closing in on the MLS Cup final, so we gave the full rundown for this weekend’s epic playoff matches before heading into the grand finale of the MLS Cup.
With Orlando City knocking out #9 Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they confidently move on to the Conference Finals against the #7 New York Red Bulls. Orlando advanced from the previous round relatively unscathed, although by a narrow 1-goal margin, with a goal by Ramiro Enrique in the first half. Against Atlanta FC, they put up 14 total shots with 4 on target and ended 49% possession, making them offensively dominant in this one. On the other hand, Atlanta had 8 shots with 0 on target, proving that Orlando’s defense held strong for the second half especially.
Meanwhile, the #7 Red Bulls defeated NY rivals of the #6 New York City FC in a 2-0 victory during the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While NYCFC put up a whopping 25 shots with 6 on target and 71% possession, it was not enough to overcome the 2 early goals scored by Red Bull’s Felipe Carballo in the 16’ and Dante Vanzeir in the 24’. The Red Bulls held on with only 29% possession, barely seeing the ball throughout the game, although they performed well enough defensively to shut out their higher-seeded rivals.
The Eastern Conference Finals is a tough one to call, especially considering both teams allowed and scored a similar number of goals during the regular season. Orlando has had a tougher time during the playoffs, losing 1 of their 3 series matches to Charlotte FC in penalty kicks, while the Red Bulls haven’t lost a playoff game. Considering the Red Bulls knocked out #2 Columbus Crew and #6 NYCFC, two of the higher seeds in the playoffs, and scored more goals in fewer games (5 goals in 3 games vs. Orlando’s 4 goals in 4 games) they might have the slight edge due to being in-form during the playoffs.
The #4 Seattle Sounders pulled off an absolute shocker against #1 LAFC in a 2-1 victory during the Western Conference Semifinals and will take on #2 LA Galaxy, coming out of a vicious 6-2 scoreline against Minnesota FC. The Sounders managed 13 shots with 7 on target against top seed LAFC, who put up 27 shots with 10 on target. LAFC scored first in the second half, just before putting in an own goal to tie the game up 1-1. After 19 minutes of overtime, Jordan Morris put Seattle ahead with a game-winning goal in the 109’. Possession was split evenly, but considering LAFC got off 27 shots, the Sounders desperately held on throughout most of the game, even though they would prevail in the end.
The #2 LA Galaxy moves on from a merciless 6-2 victory over #6 Minnesota FC. LA would pull ahead in the 1’ of the game with a goal from Gabriel Pec, only for Minnesota’s Kelvin Yeboah to equalize in the 6’. Then, in the 18’, Dejan Jovelic would score, followed by Joseph Paintsil with a 37’ insurance goal, giving the Galaxy the 3-1 lead. Eventually, Kelvin Yeboah would miss and retake a penalty kick in the 45+4’ to draw Minnesota within 1 goal. Gabriel Pec in the 50’ would again give the Galaxy another insurance goal in their comfortable 4-2 lead before Paintsil and Jovelic both netted braces to make it 6-2 in the 86’ and 89’. The Galaxy dominated in possession, as they have throughout most of their games, using star players like Marco Reus and Riqui Puig, and Minnesota’s late red card sealed the deal for their downfall.
There’s one aspect of Seattle’s team that can put them toe-to-toe with the LA Galaxy, which is their defense. Throughout the regular season, the Sounders only allowed 35 goals in 34 games, making them the least-scored-against team in all the MLS. Considering the Galaxy scored 69 goals throughout the regular season (3rd most in the MLS), this game will be a pure offense vs defense matchup.
All things considered, the LA Galaxy is so dominant in possession and creative goal-scoring ability (15 goals in 3 playoff games), as well as one of the most experienced playoff teams of all time, the Sounders will have to showcase some incredible goal-scoring talent in addition to staying strong at the back to win this one.
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.