After an exiting round one of the #MLSCupPlayoffs we can’t wait to have more action in the Conference Semi-finals. We have very attractive matches with a couple derbies included, and we are looking forward to meeting the conference finalists! Let’s take a look into this weeks action, which will kick-off on Thursday!
Western Conference – Derby Time
Thursday, Oct 20 – 10pm ET
It doesn’t get better than this, we are getting an ‘El Trafico’ derby for the Conference Semifinals! This is a match everybody has been asking for, and it is finally here! On one side, the ‘favourite’ LAFC (1) qualified directly to the semi-finals since they finished on top of their conference, so they’ve had time to rest up their star roster and prepare for this crucial winner takes all match. Enter LA Galaxy (4), who played on round one against a ferocious Nashville side (1-0). Galaxy is firing on all cylinders, and their victory this past weekend will certainly give the squad a huge morale boost. Is it going to be Vela, Bale & Co. the ones who pull through, or does Chicharito, Araujo & Co. will have something else to say?
Sunday, October 23 – 8pm ET
Another derby in the Western Conference, as both Texas teams will clash together to determine the conference finalist. This fixture features Austin FC (2), who struggled to punch their ticket to the next playoffs round against Real Salt Lake, The ‘Verde and Black’ got awarded a late penalty (94’) in a game in which they were down two-nil at some point. Austin FC completed the comeback, and sent the game to ET and finished the job in penalties (2-2). Their fellow Texan counterpart, FC Dallas (3), earned their spot on the next round after knocking out Minnesota United in nerve racking penalties as well (1-1). Both semi-finalist seemed to be a long way from top form, so they’ll have to rest up, regroup, and find a way to up their game if they plan to reach the conference finals.
Eastern Conference – Tough Road Ahead
Thursday, Oct 20 – 8pm ET
After getting rest for the first round of the playoffs, Philadelphia Union (1) one of the favourites for the title after securing the first place of the conference and having an impressive regular season performance, gets a visit from FC Cincinnati (5). The ‘Orange and Blue’ are on cloud nine since they just got their first ever round one playoff win, and it was in very impressive fashion featuring a road win against NY Red Bulls (1-2). Cinci will be highly motivated to pull off the upset, so we can’t wait to see if they got what it takes, their superb attack will certainly give them a chance.
Sunday, October 23 – 1pm ET
On the second eastern semi-final we’ll get two of the best teams in the league, both whom secured their place in the next round with convincing victories. On one hand, CF Montreal (2) defeated Orlando City SC (2-0) with a very solid performance. The Canadian team will try to keep building momentum to carry them to the next round. Their rival and defending champions, NYCFC (3) did not blink as they sent Inter Miami home with a dominant victory (3-0). This semi-final will be a very attractive fixture and there’s no doubt both teams have what it takes to make it all the way, so who is going to deliver?
