Need to Know: Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals

A spot in MLS Cup presented by Audi all comes down to this weekend’s Conference Finals on Saturday, Dec. 2.

As the Hell is Real rivalry match between No. 1 FC Cincinnati and No. 3 Columbus Crew makes its MLS postseason debut, No. 4 Houston Dynamo FC will look to do a feat not often accomplished in MLS by beating No. 3 LAFC for a second time between regular season and postseason action.

Media can attend the clubs’ media availabilities throughout the week via Zoom information here, with the first starting at 12:30 p.m. ET today with Houston Dynamo FC head coach Ben Olsen.

Eastern Conference Final

No. 1 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 3 Columbus Crew

TQL Stadium – Saturday, Dec. 2 (6 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass)Western Conference Final

No. 3 LAFC vs. No. 4 Houston Dynamo FC

BMO Stadium – Saturday, Dec. 2 (9:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass)

Game-Changing Goalkeepers in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs

Four teams remain in the hunt for MLS Cup presented by Audi heading into the Conference Finals, and the goalkeeping exploits from each side have played a major role in their success to get to this point of the postseason.

Roman Celentano and Patrick Schulte are glimpses into the future of goalkeeping in MLS and potentially the U.S. Men’s National Team, Maxime Crépeau’s outstanding performance against Seattle Sounders FC is another feat since returning from a long-term injury, and the grizzled Steve Clark will hope the third time’s the charm to win MLS Cup.

Roman Celentano – FC Cincinnati

Building on an impressive rookie season in 2022, Celentano’s 12 clean sheets during the 2023 regular season were tied for second-most and seven more than last year. The 23-year-old has also kept two clean sheets in three postseason games so far and having earned a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team in January, Celentano knows a strong run to MLS Cup could improve his odds of potentially making the nation’s 2024 Copa América roster.

Patrick Schulte – Columbus Crew

Schulte has been a hero in Columbus over the last two years, earning a starting role with the first team in 2023 after leading Columbus Crew 2 to the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Cup title in 2022. The 22-year-old earned MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year honors last season and is making his name in MLS as well as on the international stage with the United States U-23 side as they prepare for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Maxime Crépeau – LAFC

It was an emotional scene when…