MLS Cup Playoff Takeaways: Round 1
Photo by John Gusky from KVUE
The MLS Cup Playoffs started exactly as we all would have expected.
On Unimas at noon on a Saturday without anybody knowing they started.
Despite that, I found the games and watched them to let you know exactly what happened.
If you even care. Which you might not.
But whatever. Get your own website if you hate it so much.
FC Cincinnati defeat New York Red Bulls 2-1
Cincy made the postseason despite 3 straight years of being the worst team in the league, but this was a new Cincy.
They lost opening week of the year 5-0 to Austin FC, found themselves fighting for a playoff spot the back half of the year and yet still despite all of that powered through to finish 5th in the East.
So it was no surprise that after going down to a Lewis Morgan certified banger early in the 2nd half that Cincy fought back and found two goals, including a late winner from Brandon Vasquez (who should be on the US Men’s National Team next month in Qatar) to advance to the next round.
They take on Philly next, which I can’t imagine going well.
But hey. Cincy have surprised us all year.
What’s one more time?
LA Galaxy defeat Nashville SC 1-0
I said the reason Nashville wouldn’t win MLS Cup is because they simply had no other scoring outlet besides Hany Mukhtar.
Well, the Galaxy completely took Mukhtar out of the game, and Nashville got nothing going offensively to be knocked out by the Galaxy.
They should probably invest in a striker this offseason.
As for LA, they have El Trafico next.
Always a blast.
Austin FC defeats Real Salt Lake 2-2 (3-1 on PKs)
It looked like RSL was going to pull off another massive upset in round 1 of the playoffs, going up 2-0 in Austin.
But a Sebastian Driussi goal, followed by one of the dumbest second yellows I can remember, and a 94th minute penalty given away kept Austin alive.
It went to penalties and Austin took care of business.
Maybe it was signs of some cracks within Austin. Maybe it was a wake up call.
Whatever it was, they’re still alive.
CF Montreal defeats Orlando City 2-0
It was a slugfest between these two for about 65 minutes, but Montreal’s system and structure eventually broke through with a beautiful Kone goal to give Montreal the lead.
They didn’t look back.
And it set up for a super fun matchup on Sunday…
New York City defeats Inter Miami 3-0
Remember the beautiful team goal I mentioned right above?
Well, look at this from NYCFC and Maxi Moralez.
It’s beautiful, and it’s prime NYCFC, no matter what roster changes and coaching changes they’ve had this year.
NYCFC takes on Montreal this Sunday, and boy that’s going to be fun to watch.
FC Dallas defeats Minnesota United 1-1 (5-4 on PKs)
To be honest, there isn’t much to takeaway here.
It was a slugfest between two teams that probably won’t win MLS Cup but it would be nice to extend their season a bit longer.
Although, staying up till 12:30 A.M. was worth it considering the winning penalty was stone cold from a 20 year old.
Dallas now heads to Austin to take on their in-state rivals.
That’s right.
Round 2 of the MLS Cup playoffs involve two big rivalry games, and that’s damn sure worth watching.
