The biggest game of the season is upon us, and we are set to witness one of the most competitive games in the history of MLS; For the first time ever the final is going to be played between the Western and Eastern Conference #1 Seeds.
On Saturday, November 5th (1pm ET) at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California, the Supporters’ Shield winners; LAFC will host Philadelphia Union in a winner takes all fixture for the title of MLS Cup 2022. Let’s have a look at both teams in what may be one of the best finals in MLS Cup history yet.
LAFC: Home Favourite
Steve Cherundolo’s team is flying high in confidence, and after a tremendous season the team continued to carry the momentum into the playoffs with two spectacular wins; first, in the Conference Semi-Finals in an ‘instant classic’ game against bitter rivals LA Galaxy (3-2), and afterwards, in the Conference Finals with a commanding performance versus Austin FC (3-0). Both of these games were played at home, and throughout the whole season the Banc of California Stadium has been crucial for the success of LAFC, as supporters and the ‘3252’ have been playing their role in every match, and this might just be the key for winning the trophy on Saturday.
LAFC’s squad is one of the deepest and most exiting one in the league, and not only do they have key players, but their manager Steve Cherundolo has found a good balance between star power and team play. The captain and star of this team Carlos Vela, will play a crucial role, and even tough his quality is undeniable, there is plenty of depth and outstanding players around him in the likes of goal-scoring talisman Cristian Arango, superb winger Denis Bouanga, and defensive legend Giorgio Chiellini, to name a few.
LAFC is heavily favoured by their form and for playing at home, so fans will be cheering non-stop and will be expecting to finally celebrate their franchise’s first MLS Cup title.
Philadelphia Union: Not an Underdog
A lot has been said this week about how Philadelphia Union is going to be taking the underdog role, but truth is this team is a very dangerous opponent and made it this far by playing at a very high level. Phily tied with LAFC on points overall, but didn’t won the Supporters’ Shield because of the MLS tie-breaking system (Most wins in the season). Union had an exiting post season as well; first, they had a tight game against this year’s revelation FC Cincinnati in the Conference Semi-finals, and afterwards went on to win the Conference Final at home versus non-other than against reigning champions NYCFC, with a tremendous 2-minute comeback in a terrific game (3-1).
This squad has been very solid in all it’s lines, and long time manager Jim Curtin has made a marvellous job with this team, and after disappointing post-seasons in 2020 and 2021, Curtin has finally led Philadelphia Union to their first ever MLS Cup Final. But the job is not finished, this team wants it all, and one of the keys for lifting the trophy lies on several key players; such as Jamaican star goalkeeper Andre Blake, defenders Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, and attacking midfielder Daniel Gazdag. As of this writing, its uncertain if team captain and key player Alejandro Bedoya will be able to take part in the final (injury), but he surely has been making the push to be fitness ready and at least play a minor role in this crucial match. Philadelphia Union is highly motivated, and they have plenty of support from current cloud-nine Philly Sports Fans.
What a season it has been for MLS! We can’t wait for the final!
