The 2019 MLS season is coming to a close. This is the first season the MLS Cup will be played with the new playoff format. In seasons past, each round was determined in a home-away series. However, now there is only one game per round, making regular season performance mean that much more. Now there are only 4 teams left. LAFC, Atlanta United FC, Toronto FC, and the Seattle Sounders.
Eastern Conference Finals
Atlanta United will be playing host to Toronto FC. United is one step closer to defending their MLS title. Atlanta United defeated the Philadelphia Union 2-0 at home. Goals by Gressel and Martinez ended the Philadelphia’s title hopes. Union keper Andre Blake made several plays to keep Philly contending. On the other hand, Philadelphia is coming fresh off of playing 120 minutes in their overtime win vs New York Red Bulls. First year manager, Frank De Boer has shaken off a rough start to the season and feel his side is more mature in their play while using De Boer’s “sophisticated” style of play. Atlanta United won the championship last season in their second year in existence under second year manager, Gerardo Martino.
Toronto is coming off a major victory over NYCFC. A penalty given in the 88th minute saw Toronto take the win away from the number 1 team in the Eastern Conference. Any opponent that comes to Atlanta are met with scores of thousands of screaming fans. Furthermore, Atlanta United are undefeated (8 – 0) when playing at home this season in knockout games. Most importantly, this matchup pits the 2018 MLS champions vs the 2017 MLS champions. Toronto and Atlanta both split their regular season matchups.
Western Conference Finals
LAFC will play host to the 2016 MLS champions, Seattle Sounders. This will not be easy for Seattle as LAFC have scored a record breaking season by having the most points ever by a team (72). Beating the 2018 New York Red Bulls record breaking season. LAFC are led by Golden Boot winner Carlos Vela and have an attack that is one of the most dangerous in the history of MLS having scored 85 goals this season, that is the most since LA Galaxy in 1998 (85 goals). LAFC defeated the LA Galaxy in an 8 goal thriller. The entire game seemed as either team could win it, but the Galaxy just struggled with stopping their attack. Carlos Vela ended the game with a brace to bring LAFC to their first ever conference final in only the teams second season.
However, they will be playing against the champions of 2016. Seattle had no issue fending off Real Salt Lake 2-0. RSL keeper Nick Rimando played his final game of his 20 year career. He tried to keep his side in the game with his 7 saves. Rimando was seen cringing in pain with every shot he saved. Ultimately, seattle was too much and prevailed. Seattle has made their way to the Western Conference Final 4 of the past 6 seasons. However, they have only advanced past this stage twice (2016,2017).
MLS Cup Final
The Cup Final will be played in Banc of California Stadium if LAFC can defeat Seattle. Likewise, the Cup Final will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or Centurylink Field if Atlanta or Seattle win.
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