The 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs were arguably the most entertaining in league history, especially if the final was anything to go by.
LAFC beat the Philadelphia Union 3-0 on penalties to take home the biggest prize, but not before an incredible 3-3 draw that included both sides taking the lead and the record for the latest goal in MLS history being broken twice – including by Gareth Bale in the 128th minute.
Of course, the Playoffs are about more than just the final. Players stepped up in earlier rounds to get LAFC and the Union that far, while there were some real standout performances from stars at other clubs.
WIth that in mind, we’ve put together our best XI from the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs:
GK: Andre Blake – Only Sean Johnson (14) made more saves than Andre Blake (13) during these Playoffs, while the Jamaica international allowed just one goal in his opening two games. Even in the final, he couldn’t be blamed. Blake’s most memorable moment was stopping Alexander Callens just after the Union went 1-0 down in the Eastern Conference Final – a save that turned the match on its head.
RB: Olivier Mbaizo – He didn’t come up with too many attacking fireworks, but Olivier Mbaizo was solid as a rock throughout the Playoffs. The Cameroonian defender was dribbled past just once across the three games and made a combined seven tackles while staying on the field for all 300 minutes of the Union’s campaign.
CB: Jesus Murillo – LAFC had serious fitness troubles at center-back but through it all, Jesus Murillo was a constant. The Colombian played every single minute of the Black and Gold’s run while having to deal with Giorgio Chiellini, Eddie Segura, and Sebastien Ibeagha all coming in at one point or another. Sure, Murillo didn’t have his greatest game against the LA Galaxy, but he was a giant against Austin FC and even scored in Saturday’s final.
CB: Jack Elliott – His Playoffs might well be remembered for being beaten in the air by Gareth Bale, but that would be so unfair to Jack Elliott. The English center-back had already scored twice in the final to put the Union on the brink, while through the post-season, he ranked second for interceptions (6) and tackles (6), while winning 15 of his 21 contested aerial duels.
LB: Kai Wagner – Wagner is so often heralded for his offensive play and, indeed, he did notch an assist at MLS Cup. However, it was his defensive play that impressed so much during the…
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