The Major League Soccer regular season is in the rearview. How will the long break through the international window affect teams as the playoffs kick off? We’ll soon find out.
Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls
If you like defensive futbol, you might be in for a treat with this one. Throughout the season these were two of the stingiest sides in allowing goals. But the pressure and necessity of a single-elimination format might force more risk, and that’s where the Red Bulls’ fast-paced press could benefit the visitors. Neither side is particularly threatening in the final third, but New York caught heat at the right time and crashed the playoff party. Give me momentum over home-field advantage to start the MLS Cup Playoffs.
BetMGM odds: Union +115, RBNY +240
Prediction: Red Bulls steal one on the road
Sporting KC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Children’s Mercy Park is certainly not a venue that any Western Conference opponent wants to visit to start the postseason. Peter Vermes’ squad might be getting a major piece back as striker Alan Pulido is “progressing” from a minor knee surgery and has been practicing leading up to the weekend. Add him to the mix with MLS MVP candidate Daniel Salloi and Johnny Russell, who has been on an absolute tear lately, this could be one of the strongest sides in the playoffs.
We can’t forget the way SKC finished the regular season though, losing three straight games and letting the top seed slip out of its grasp. On the other end, Vanni Sartini and the Whitecaps are on a storybook run right now behind the likes of Brian White, Ryan Gauld and Cristian Dajome. Despite not getting results early on, Vancouver was still tough throughout the year and is only progressing. Intensity and energy were injected when Sartini took over in late August and I don’t think they’re ready to slow down just yet. This will probably be the best game of the first round.
BetMGM odds: Sporting KC -155, Whitecaps +400
Prediction: Caps keep it going…