MLS playoffs 2022 Conference semi-finals: schedule, times, dates and favorites to win

The remaining two 2022 MLS Western and Eastern Conference semi-finals will be resolved this week as the the 27th edition of the MLS Cup play-offs nears its conclusion.

Los Angeles FC secured their place in the Western Conference final after seeing off city rivals LA Galaxy in a nerve-racking clash at Banc of California Stadium on Thursday. Greg Vanney’s men bravely bounced back after going behind twice. Samuel Grandsir cancelling out Denis Bouanga’s opener, then supersub Dejan Joveljic, who had only been on the pitch for two minutes, levelled the score with his first touch. LA Galaxy’s hearts were broken when Cristian Arango delivered the definitive, killer blow in stoppage-time. Gareth Bale was unable to take part as he is out nursing a leg injury but he will hoping to be back for next weekend’s Western Conference final in which LAFC will face Texan opponents - either Austin or Dallas. Austin, who only joined MLS last year, enjoyed an impressive regular season, finishing second in the table.

In the Eastern Conference side of the bracket, Philadelphia Union edged Cincinnati by the bare minimum. A closely-fought game that produced few real chances at either end was settled by Leon Flach’s strike on the hour. The 21-year-old, who is in his second year with the Union, beat Roman Celentano with a first-time finish, prompting scenes of mass jubilation in the stands and on the touchline by the home side’s technical area.

The Union are one of the favourites to lift this year’s trophy. They made it all the way to the MLS Cup final last year only to narrowly lose to New York City but now they might be presented with a chance to get their revenge - NYCFC take on Montréal in the other semi-final in Quebec on Sunday.

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Montréal vs New York City

Montréal play host to the defending Cup holders keen to build on what has been a productive year for Wilfried Nancy’s team - the club’s 11th in MLS. They lost 4-1 to NYC back in March with the reverse fixture in July failing to produce any goals at all. Both teams are among the favourites to go on and win the Cup - the Canadians are strong at their stadium, losing just five home games in the 2022 regular season. The game is already completely sold-out.

The game will take place at Stade Saputo in Montréal, Québec, Canada, kicking off at 1:18 p.m. local time / 10:18 a.m. PDT on Sunday 23 October.

Find out what time Montréal vs New York City kicks off wherever you are in the world

Austin vs Dallas

Dallas have reached the Conference finals twice and booked their place in the semis after beating Minnesota in a penalty shootout. Spanish coach Nico Estévez exceeded all expectations in his first season in charge, guiding the team to a third-place finish. Dallas have never lost to Austin although both of the regular season meetings ended level. This will be only the second time that two Texan teams have met in the play-offs - Dallas faced the Houston Dynamo at the same stage in 2007, only to lose to the eventual champions..

The game will take place at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, kicking off at 7:18 p.m. local time / 8:18 p.m. EDT / 5:18 p.m. PDT on Sunday 23 October.

Find out what time Austin vs Dallas kicks off wherever you are in the world

MLS Cup favourites

Los Angeles FC are the big favourites to go all the way and lift this year’s MLS Cup after eliminating LA Galaxy their odds are now at +180 in the updated betting odds. Free-scoring Philadelphia Union are at +260 with the betting houses - Jim Curtin’s team scored a total of 72 goals during the regular season - the third highest total in MLS history.

Montréal are listed at +600, NYCFC at +850, Austin at +950 and dark horses Dallas are +1100.