So many favorites. So many upsets.
That’s largely been the story of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, particularly in the Eastern Conference. Supporters’ Shield winners and MLS point-record setters Inter Miami CF, defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew, and 2023 Shield winners FC Cincinnati all suffered shock Round One exits.
Now Orlando City SC and New York Red Bulls remain standing for Saturday’s Eastern Conference Final at Inter&Co Stadium (7:30 ET | MLS Season Pass), vying for a spot in MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 7.
The winner travels to face the Western Conference Final champion, either LA Galaxy or Seattle Sounders FC, in pursuit of their first-ever Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
“We have tried during the week to stay concentrated on the responsibility and the opportunity that we have,” said Orlando head coach Oscar Pareja.
“We’re very proud to see that the group has achieved this for our club and our fans, but we’re eager to go for much more than that.”
Road to the Conference Finals
Orlando have posted three shutouts in four playoff games, defeating Charlotte FC in Round One before eliminating Atlanta United, 1-0, to reach their first-ever Conference Final.
“(We’re) a team that works hard defensively all over the field, and attacking too,” Orlando center back and captain Robin Jansson said on Extratime. “… Every game is living its own life, and you have to adjust to what the game is bringing.”
That same mindset fueled New York to a Round One sweep of Columbus, followed by a 2-0 victory at Hudson River Derby rivals New York City FC in the Conference Semifinals.
“We’re not satisfied and we’re the underdogs,” midfielder Daniel Edelman told Extratime. “They gave us the seventh seed, and it’s like everyone’s counting us out, and we’re just here to show everyone that we’re a bunch of dogs on the field.”
Finding their form
Despite limping into the playoffs with two wins in their last 14 regular-season games, RBNY are one win away from reaching MLS Cup for the second time in club history (previously in 2008).
“People might not like our play…
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