MLS Cup Playoff Takeaways: Conference Championships
Photo by Kyle Ross from USA Today Sports
For the first time since 2003, the top two seeds in each conference will face off in MLS Cup Final.
That is some tremendous parity, and it’s no more deserved than this year, as these clearly are the two best teams.
Let’s discuss the conference finals.
LAFC defeat Austin FC 3-0
These two faced off in August, and Austin blew the doors off of LAFC.
It was a statement win from Austin, but it also was likely a wake up call from LAFC.
Because let’s be clear, LAFC is not a perfect team.
They flirted with being upset at home by their crosstown rival in the last round, and they weren’t at their absolute best at the end of the season.
But they remembered late August.
And they turned it up to 11 for this one.
LAFC outshot Austin 22-7, and had a 2.2 expected goals while Austin had 0.7.
It was a bloodbath.
And it was exactly what LAFC needed before they host MLS Cup Final.
Philadelphia Union defeat New York City FC 3-1
Last season, Philly got ravaged by COVID right before they played NYCFC in the East Final.
They fought admirably, but fell short.
It was very, very cruel.
But they had another chance with a full squad, and they still went down 1-0 to the Pigeons.
It looked like it was all falling apart again.
But this isn’t your father’s Union. This Union team knows how to fight back.
And they did, scoring 3 goals in 10 minutes in the 2nd half to win 3-1.
But there was one specific moment I want to discuss, and it brings us back to the topic of match winners.
Right after NYCFC went up 1-0, they had a glorious chance to make it 2-0 and really put Philly on their heels.
There’s a reason he’s the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
Without that save, it’s likely that NYCFC heads to LA with a chance to defend their title.
Instead, it kept Philly well within the game and let them come back and head to their first ever MLS Cup Final.
MLS Cup Final Prediction
LAFC are the most talented team in MLS, and it’s not really close.
They just simply don’t have holes.
And they’re at home.
But the Union are playing the best in MLS right now, and that’s not really close.
When you add that, Andre Blake and finally overcoming some strong adversity in the postseason to make it here, the choice is obvious.
Philadelphia Union win MLS Cup.
