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Prepare for the most competitive soccer action in the United States as the MLS heads into its annual playoff format. The Eastern Conference Semifinals kick off this weekend with a giant clash for New York between sixth-seeded New York City FC and seventh-seeded New York Red Bulls and a match between fourth-seeded Orlando City FC and ninth-seeded Atlanta United.
Stay tuned for our latest and greatest picks for the MLS Eastern Conference Semifinals because we gave you the full rundown of the playoffs below!
It’s exactly as it sounds; The Battle for New York City and all its glory. Tune in to watch #6 NYCFC take on longtime city rivals, the #7 New York Red Bulls, this Saturday at 5:30 PM ET. New York City FC accumulated just three more victories in their regular season than their Red Bulls counterparts. Both teams have nearly identical goal-scoring stats; NYC with 54 goals for and 49 goals against, and Red Bulls with 55 goals for and 50 goals against.
This is an extremely tough matchup to decide on, but as recent records show, the Red Bulls took out the second-seeded Columbus Crew in the quarterfinals with a narrow 2-0 series win, with only 1 goal being scored in the first game, the second one won in penalty kicks. However, NYCFC had a performance to match, knocking out #3 Cincinnati FC, where they lost their first game before coming back with 3 goals in the second contest and winning the third of the series in penalty kicks.
It’s a really hard decision, but with a gritty win and more goals scored against a solid Cincinnati team, New York City may have more firepower at the helm than the Red Bulls. Additionally, expect NYCFC ST Alonso Martinez to find the back of the net at least once, as he scored twice against the Red Bulls earlier this year and found the back of the net in the 2nd leg against FC Cincinnati.
Believe it or not, #9 Atlanta United knocked out 1st place Inter Miami along with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and company to take on #4 Orlando City FC. On the other hand, Orlando would have a relatively stressless road to the semifinals, stumbling only on their second game of the series in penalty kicks against Charlotte FC. Relatively unphased, Orlando are slight favorites in this one, partly due to their offensive firepower and 59 goals scored during the regular season. Atlanta finished 9th place in the regular MLS season with more goals against (49) than scored (46).
Atlanta is currently the only team in the playoffs with a negative regular season goal differential, meaning they let in more goals than scored. This fact can be countered, as their recent performance against #1 Inter Miami was immaculate. They lost the first series match, only to come back and win the last two against arguably the best team in the MLS with 5 goals scored during regulation.
Orlando may be the favorite on paper, as they are a higher seed with a relatively simpler path to the semifinals. However, Atlanta United will be raring to go after committing one of their best postseason performances to date against the supposed best team in the MLS. Atlanta could keep their Cinderella run going, but back Orlando’s Facundo Torres to find the back of the net, as he scored twice in three games against Charlotte FC.
Liam has been a major sports fan and soccer player for over a decade, with a particular focus on major top-level soccer leagues, including the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and MLS. He has written numerous promotional articles for various top sportsbooks and continues to publish historical and factual sports articles covering the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, EPL and more.