MLS Playoffs Resume After International Break
The Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs are set to resume after a 13-day hiatus due to the November international window. As the dust settles, teams are ready to get back on the field, with some having experienced an even more extended break:
- FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami CF, Philadelphia Union, San Diego FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps have all been off for 15 days
- Minnesota United FC and New York City FC for 16 days
- LAFC for a staggering 20 days
This prolonged wait has elevated the stakes as these teams prepare to clash in the conference semifinals.
Key Matchups and Predictions
ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano and Jon Arnold have revisited the journeys of these eight teams to this point and provided predictions for who will advance to the final four. The spotlight, as always, will shine on Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad. After a stellar regular season where he claimed the Golden Boot, Messi played a crucial role in Miami’s historic first-round advancement, netting five goals and one assist against Nashville SC.
Despite the formidable challenge posed by past opponents, including Cincinnati, who triumphed 3-0 over Miami earlier this season, the focus remains fixed on stopping the Argentine superstar as he enters the playoffs at peak form.
Team Strengths and Challenges
While Inter Miami has Messi, FC Cincinnati boasts a potent attacking trio in Evander, Brenner, and Kévin Denkey. Each player has showcased their prowess individually throughout the season, but together they form a nightmare for opposing defenses. Evander, fresh off a successful season with 18 goals and 15 assists after his transfer from Portland Timbers, earned a spot as an MVP finalist alongside Messi. Brenner and Denkey add further depth, each contributing to Cincinnati’s offensive strength.
This season, Miami has yet to secure a victory against Cincinnati, struggling to break through their defenses despite a roster filled with talent. Cincinnati’s coach, Pat Noonan, has previously manipulated Miami’s backline to create scoring opportunities for Evander. It will undoubtedly be a tight contest; however, Miami appears ready to advance, buoyed by a healthy squad and a deep bench, positioning them as favorites. Still, Cincinnati is no pushover, especially with their recent playoff success and an objective to overcome the Argentinian ace.
Other Semifinal Matchups
In the other semifinal matchup, the Philadelphia Union is set to face New York City FC. Philadelphia enters this contest with the league’s best defense, allowing only 35 goals during the regular season, led by stalwarts Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner. The Union’s strong defensive capabilities will be critical, especially since they have not played since November 1, giving them a leg up on a NYCFC side that is dealing with significant injuries, particularly to key forward Alonso Martínez.
The absence of Martínez, who has been a leading scorer, tips the advantage heavily in favor of Philadelphia, who should exploit these gaps and assert their dominance at home.
Additionally, the San Diego FC versus Minnesota United matchup features its own intensity. Minnesota’s goalkeeper, Dayne St. Clair, who has earned accolades as the league’s best keeper, will look to maintain his form against a San Diego side still adjusting after international break injuries. The availability of San Diego’s star players, Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Anders Dreyer, remains uncertain, potentially impacting their capabilities on the field. Under head coach Mikey Varas, if they can rally together, San Diego could pose a significant challenge during this critical match.
LAFC’s New Star
Lastly, LAFC’s storyline centers on their new star, Son Heung-Min, who has integrated seamlessly into the squad since joining from Tottenham, becoming one of the league’s most lethal offensive forces alongside Denis Bouanga. Vancouver Whitecaps now face the difficult task of managing this dynamic pairing while relying on their defensive strengths to stymie the LAFC attack.
Conclusion
In anticipation of these clashes, the MLS conference semifinals promise to deliver thrilling soccer, with each team eager to inch closer to the coveted MLS Cup. As teams reassemble and strategize, the competition heats up, and only the best will emerge to challenge for ultimate glory in this league’s extraordinary playoff journey.
