{"id":8152,"date":"2019-10-15T14:07:36","date_gmt":"2019-10-15T19:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/i80sportsblog.com\/?p=8152"},"modified":"2024-01-13T13:43:27","modified_gmt":"2024-01-13T19:43:27","slug":"mls-playoffs-contenders-and-pretenders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/i80sportsblog.com\/mls-playoffs-contenders-and-pretenders\/","title":{"rendered":"MLS Playoffs: Contenders and Pretenders"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The MLS Playoffs start on October 19th. Here are my match-up predictions based on the released bracket.<\/h1>\n

Tis the season for playoff soccer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The MLS Playoffs kick-off this week, and the bracket is out. There are some great match-ups to look at, but before we even dive in to the picks, let’s think of who is for real in this bracket.<\/p>\n

There are a few great teams that are in this run but I do think their easily exposed.<\/p>\n

The playoff format in the MLS is interesting because of aggregate scoring. Is it better to be a scoring team, or a defensive team?<\/p>\n

It’s really up for debate.<\/p>\n

It is proven that great goal scorers in the playoffs are tough to stop.<\/p>\n

Team by team, let’s list out the contenders and pretenders.<\/p>\n

The Contenders<\/h2>\n

West Contenders:<\/h3>\n

(1) LAFC- The top seed in the west, and they posses the best goal scorer in the league. They’re the team to beat.<\/p>\n

(2) Seattle Sounders- The most well-rounded team in the tournament. They can definitely win the West.<\/p>\n

(6) Portland Timbers- A well-coached team with the chance to upset Salt Lake early. Defensive-minded with some tactical offense.<\/p>\n

(5) LA Galaxy- You just can’t count out the LA Galaxy ever.<\/p>\n

East Contenders:<\/h3>\n

(1) NYCFC- Just like the top seed on the other side, they can score in bunches. This team can win it all.<\/p>\n

(2) Atlanta FC- After their run last year, and the majority of their core still around. I can see a deep run by Atlanta.<\/p>\n

(3) Philadelphia Union- No chance they lose in the first round, and their home field is so solid.<\/p>\n

(5) DC United- Just like LA, it’s just a team you can never count out.<\/p>\n

The Pretenders<\/h2>\n

West Pretenders:<\/h3>\n

(3) Real Salt Lake- They’ve been slowing down towards the end of the year. I’m not sure they can handle the potential fire power Portland can bring to the table.<\/p>\n

(4) Minnesota- They’re just not a team to contend just yet. The young talent just isn’t experienced enough to get the job done in the 4\/5 game.<\/p>\n

East Pretenders:<\/h3>\n

(4) Toronto FC- They’re a team that has the aura of playoff losing around them. It’s not going to be great.<\/p>\n

(6) NY Red Bulls- I don’t even think the Red Bulls are a playoff team based on how they’ve played recently. Easy bounce first round.<\/p>\n

Breaking Down the Bracket<\/h2>\n

East First Round:<\/h3>\n

(2) Atlanta v (7) New England- Atlanta<\/p>\n

(3) Philadelphia v (6) NY Red Bulls- Philadelphia<\/p>\n

(4) Toronto v (5) DC United- DC United<\/p>\n

West First Round:<\/h3>\n

(2) Seattle v (7) Dallas- Seattle<\/p>\n

(3) Real Salt Lake v (6) Portland- Portland<\/p>\n

(4) Minnesota v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference Semifinals:<\/h3>\n

(1) NYCFC v (5) DC United- NYCFC<\/p>\n

(2) Atlanta v (3) Philadelphia- Atlanta<\/p>\n

Western Conference Semifinals:<\/h3>\n

(1) LAFC v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy<\/p>\n

(2) Seattle v (6) Portland- Seattle<\/p>\n

Eastern Conference Finals<\/h3>\n

(1) NYCFC v (2) Atlanta- Atlanta<\/p>\n

Western Conference Finals<\/h3>\n

(2) Seattle v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy<\/p>\n

MLS Cup Final<\/h3>\n

(2) Atlanta v (5) LA Galaxy- Atlanta<\/p>\n

Related MLS Content:<\/strong><\/p>\n