MLS
How the MLS conference finals look
Four teams remain in the battle for the two tickets to the MLS Cup to determine the new champion of the competition.
The MLS playoffs are nearing their final stages, bringing us closer to discovering the two teams that will compete for the championship and succeed the Columbus Crew, who claimed the title last season.
This year’s Major League Soccer postseason has been full of surprises, with several favorites for the MLS Cup eliminated early in the competition. This past weekend, the conference semifinals took place, and the teams set to compete for the Eastern and Western Conference titles – and a spot in the MLS Cup final – have been determined.
Eastern Conference
With Inter Miami and Columbus Crew eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the race for the Eastern Conference title became more wide open. The two New York teams, along with Orlando City and Atlanta United, advanced to the semifinals, setting up highly competitive matchups.
Orlando City narrowly defeated Atlanta United to secure their spot in the conference final, while the New York Red Bulls triumphed over NYCFC with a two-goal victory in the New York Derby. Now, Orlando City and the Red Bulls will face off for the Eastern Conference title and a place in the MLS Cup final.
Western Conference
On the other side, surprises also emerged among the leading teams in Los Angeles during these playoffs. LAFC finished the regular season at the top of the standings and as the clear favorite to advance to the final stages. However, the Seattle Sounders shocked Steve Cherundolo’s squad in the semifinals, defeating them 2-1 at BMO Stadium and ending their hopes of competing for the Western Conference title.
In the other matchup, LA Galaxy faced Minnesota United. The Galaxy, who finished second in the regular season, defeated the Colorado Rapids in the playoffs and went on to crush Minnesota 6-2 in the semifinals. Greg Vanney’s squad will now face the Seattle Sounders for the Western Conference crown.
When are the Conference Finals played?
MLS has announced the schedule for the conference finals, reminding fans that, like the semifinals, these matches are single elimination, with home-field advantage awarded to the higher-seeded team.
The Western Conference showdown between LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders will take place on Saturday, November 30, at 10:00 PM ET at Dignity Health Sports Park. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference matchup between Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls is set for the same day at 7:30 PM ET at Inter&Co Stadium.
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