The MLS Cup Playoffs start on Wednesday with two games, and there will be two more on Thursday before the MLS Cup Semifinals. Right now we need to decide which four teams will keep fighting for the crown.
We have Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union, D.C. United and Montreal Impact representing the East. And we have Seattle Sounders, Sporting KC, Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake on the West. All four teams have enough merits to reach the next round, but only four will be able to clinch a berth in the semifinals. Which teams have an edge? First, let’s look at the matchups:
Toronto FC vs Philadelphia Union: This ia a very favorable matchup for Toronto FC. The Canadian franchise spent most of the regular season near the top of the standings so they clearly have the advantage. It’s also helpful that they have Sebastian Giovinco healthy and Jozy Altidore in form. To make things even better, they will play at home against an inconsistent Philadelphia team that hasn’t looked good even with Alejandro Bedoya on the roster. There’s no question TFC has the advantage here, and it would be a shock if they don’t advance.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Real Salt Lake: Just like Toronto FC, Los Angeles Galaxy has a clear advantage on their tie against RSL. Aside from playing at home, Bruce Arena’s team has the better team on both ends of the pitch. And they also have a bigger star power thanks to players like Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos. And we’re not even counting Landon Donovan who came out of retirement to lift another MLS Cup trophy before calling it a career for good. There’s just too much emotional baggage for them to not advance against a lesser opponent.
D.C. United vs Montreal Impact: The first of two games to be played on Thursday, this is perhaps the one tie that features two even teams and where any side could advance. We could make an argument to say DC United has an edge based on their current form, but we can’t rule out Montreal. The Canadian franchise simply has too much talent to be taken for granted. And they have a star duo of Ignacio Piatti and Didier Drogba capable of defeating any defense in the league. It all depends on whether Drogba plays, though. If the Ivorian forward starts then Montreal has the edge, but if not then DCU can pull a massive upset.
Seattle Sounders vs Sporting Kansas City: Seattle’s impressive turnaround will have one final test before they reach the West semifinals. Led by Nicolas Lodeiro and Jordan Morris, the Sounders have evidenced they can win without Clint Dempsey. But Sporting KC can’t be counted out easily, and they have what it takes to pull the upset. The Sounders will ride on their home-field advantage and Lodeiro’s play to advance in what has been a magical second-half. Do they have enough in them to find a berth in the Top 8?
It seems Seattle, D.C. United, Los Angeles and Toronto have a slight edge on their respective ties. Will they live up to the expectations?