MLS PLAYOFFS
Mixed fortunes for FC Cincinnati and St. Louis City in MLS playoffs
Facing the New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City, the leaders of each of the conferences began their 2023 MLS Playoff journey.
Sunday marked the continuation of activity in the 2023 Major League Soccer Playoffs. Following Houston Dynamo’s 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake, FC Cincinnati faced off against the New York Red Bulls, and St. Louis City SC played against Sporting Kansas City. These matches marked the commencement of the postseason journey for the top teams from each conference in the North American league.
Red Bulls can’t find their wings
The first of these encounters took place at the TQL Stadium, which has transformed into the stronghold of the Supporters’ Shield winners, and their fans savoured a spectacular rout against the New York franchise. The ‘Orange and Blue’ displayed their dominance throughout the regular season, and they once again showcased their quality against ‘The Red Bulls’.
Under the leadership of the prolific Álvaro Barreal and the frontrunner for the 2023 MLS MVP, Luciano Acosta, Cincinnati triumphed 3-0 over NYRB. The former netted a brace in the 23rd and 89th minutes, while the latter struck a fantastic long-range goal in the 35th minute, capitalizing on a glaring defensive error by the visitors.
Kansas show sporting prowess
On the other hand, the Western Conference leaders failed to capitalize on their debut in the top-tier North American playoffs, squandering a golden opportunity to host the opening match of the best of three series against ‘The Wizards’. The 2023 expansion outfit suffered a 1-4 drubbing at CityPark and are now compelled to defeat their opponents at Sporting Park.
In a wholly chaotic duel for Bradley Carnell’s side, Peter Vermes’ team bested them with goals from Logan Ndenbe (27′), Rémi Walter (36′), Gadi Kinda (39′), and Dániel Sallói (61′), with Missouri’s consolation coming through Timothy Ryan Parker (28′). The mission has now become somewhat difficult for the top-seeded Western club, but they must swiftly turn the page.
When will these teams play in the 2023 MLS Playoffs?
Starting with FC Cincinnati and New York RB, they will face each other again on Saturday, 4 November, at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
Meanwhile, St. Louis City SC and Sporting KC will play on Sunday, 5 November in Kansas. If ‘Cincy’ manages to defeat NYRB as visitors, they will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. On the other hand, if St. Louis City SC falls to Sporting once more, they will bid farewell to the 2023 season.