The 2024 MLS Cup Wild Card matches are out of the way meaning the MLS Playoffs begin full swing this weekend with four Round One Best-of-3 series across each conference.
Teams must win two of three games in their series, regardless of aggregate score with individual games going straight to penalties, if necessary, in order to advance. Higher-seeded teams will host the first game, lower-seeded teams the second, and back to the higher seed for the rubber match if necessary.
Let’s take a look at the matchups
Eastern Conference
#1 Inter Miami (22-4-8; 74 points) vs. #9 Atlanta United (10-14-10; 40 points)
Atlanta United overcame a brace from their all-time leading goalscorer Josef Martínez in their Wild Card game against CF Montréal, surviving the penalty shootout to advance to Round One.
Now, the Five Stripes have another sentimental rematch against their former MLS Coach of the Year who may win that award again this season, Tata Martino.
Under Martino, Inter Miami followed up last season’s Leagues Cup title with a Supporters’ Shield crown as Lionel Messi and his Barcelona buddies put their class on display each week en route to an MLS record 74 points.
As the undisputed favorites to lift their first MLS Cup, all eyes will be on the Herons — including an exclusive Messi cam streaming live on TikTok.
#2 Columbus Crew (19-6-9; 66 pts) vs #7 New York Red Bulls (11-9-14; 47 pts)
Reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew begin their quest to repeat with a Deicion Day rematch against RBNY. Crew has the most cohesive system of play in MLS led by Coach of the Year candidate Wilfried Nancy with key pieces including MVP candidate Cucho Hernandez and Defender of the Year candidate Steven Moreira. As a result, Crew is aiming for their fifth final in twelve months in these playoffs.
Red Bulls, led by first-year MLS head coach Sandro Schwarz, has statistically been the best team in the Eastern Conference with 57 xG created…
Source link : https://sbisoccer.com/2024/10/2024-mls-cup-playoffs-preview-inter-miami-faces-atlanta-united-and-more
Author : Justin Ruderman
Publish date : 2024-10-24 14:00:00
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