All articles tagged with #mls playoffs
Brenner scored twice to lead FC Cincinnati to a 2-1 victory over Columbus Crew in the MLS playoffs, securing their first playoff advancement since 2023 and marking a significant moment in his career after returning from Europe, where he matured and improved his game.
Minnesota United advanced in the MLS playoffs after a dramatic 3-3 draw and a 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Seattle Sounders, despite playing with 10 men and conceding early goals, highlighted by goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair scoring the winning penalty and making a crucial save.
The article reviews the key moments and implications of Game 2 in the MLS Cup Playoffs, highlighting the intense matches involving San Diego FC, Portland Timbers, FC Dallas, Vancouver Whitecaps, Austin FC, LAFC, and Seattle Sounders, with insights into team performances, injuries, tactical adjustments, and what to expect in the upcoming decisive Game 3s.
The host for MLS Cup 2025 will be the highest-ranked remaining team in the Supporters’ Shield standings, with Philadelphia Union currently leading, and the final is scheduled for December 6. The hosting rules depend on the regular-season points, with the top team hosting unless both finalists have equal points, in which case wins or goal difference determine the host. Several teams are in contention, but some Western Conference teams cannot host due to their points totals.
Philadelphia Union extended their lead in the Supporters' Shield race with a dominant 6-0 win, while FC Cincinnati's defensive issues and lack of finishing hurt their title hopes. Other notable stories include San Diego's struggles without Iloski, injuries affecting Vancouver and Seattle, and Miami's missed opportunities. The playoff race is heating up with teams like Chicago, NYCFC, RSL, and Dallas vying for positions, while others like Columbus and Houston face setbacks. LAFC continues to impress with their attacking duo, but their true strength will be tested in the playoffs.
Lionel Messi's impact on Inter Miami has elevated the club's profile and prospects, with the team aiming to win the MLS Cup amidst high expectations and increased attention, despite challenges in consistency and discipline. The victory against Seattle and the club's recent achievements highlight their potential, but the ultimate goal remains securing the league's most coveted trophy.
Seattle Sounders' Nouhou is set to play against LA Galaxy in the Western Conference final after recovering from an illness, while Yeimar Gomez-Andrade's participation remains uncertain due to a hamstring injury. The Galaxy's Marco Reus is also questionable due to fitness concerns. The match will feature a key matchup between Nouhou and Galaxy's Gabriel Pec, who has been in excellent form during the playoffs.
LAFC suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Semifinal, ending their MLS Cup Playoff run. Despite dominating much of the match, an own goal and a late winner by Jordan Morris sealed their fate. LAFC's Ryan Hollingshead and coach Steve Cherundolo expressed disappointment, acknowledging missed opportunities and the need to regroup for next season. The team faces offseason challenges, including player futures and roster improvements, as they aim to build on a season that still saw them win the US Open Cup.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were unexpectedly eliminated from the MLS playoffs after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in the first round. Despite Miami's record-breaking regular season and being favorites to win the MLS Cup, Atlanta's victory marked a significant upset. Messi scored his first playoff goal to level the match, but Atlanta's Bartosz Slisz secured the win with a header. The defeat has opened up the Eastern Conference, with Atlanta set to face Orlando City in the semifinals.
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, was eliminated from the 2024 MLS playoffs after a 3-2 loss to Atlanta United in the first round. Despite being the top seed and setting a record for most points in a season, Miami fell to ninth-seeded Atlanta, who advanced to face Orlando City. Messi scored an equalizer, but a controversial goal by Bartosz Slisz sealed Miami's fate. The team, co-owned by David Beckham, has yet to progress beyond the first round in its postseason history. Miami will now focus on preparing for the 2025 Club World Cup.
FC Cincinnati secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, with Yerson Mosquera scoring the decisive goal. The win signifies a potential changing of the guard in the conference, as Cincinnati's ascendance continues while Philadelphia faces the end of a competitive cycle. FC Cincinnati's head coach, Pat Noonan, praised his team's resilience and credited their home-field advantage. They will now face the Columbus Crew in the East Final, marking the first time Ohio teams will compete for the soccer spotlight in a while.
The Seattle Sounders secured a 1-0 home win against FC Dallas, advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals in the MLS Playoffs. Albert Rusnák scored the lone goal in the 33rd minute, assisted by João Paulo. The Sounders dominated the first half, controlling possession and outshooting Dallas. Although Dallas had a late surge, the Sounders' defense held strong, securing their 16th clean sheet of the season. Jordan Morris impressed as the starting center forward, while Stefan Frei's goalkeeping contributed to the team's shutout record. Albert Rusnák's goal marked his seventh game-winner of the season.
St. Louis City SC suffered a 4-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City in the MLS playoffs, revealing a lack of the team's previous strengths and identity. The team appeared tentative, rattled, and disjointed, failing to generate offense and struggling with defensive pressure. The players acknowledged the need to regroup and rediscover their cohesive playstyle for the next game. The loss highlighted issues with intensity in practice and fatigue among the players. St. Louis City SC must find their mojo and return to form to avoid an early end to their dream season.
St. Louis City SC's struggles continue as they suffer a 4-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City in Game 1 of the MLS playoffs. City SC has now lost three consecutive games since clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The team's performance was marred by turnovers, lax defense, and failed offense. Game 2 of the series will take place in Kansas City, with City SC needing to reverse their losing streak to stay in the playoffs.
St. Louis City SC secured a playoff spot in its first season in Major League Soccer (MLS) after a 0-0 tie with Los Angeles FC and favorable results from other matches. This makes them just the third team to reach 50 points and make the playoffs in their inaugural season. They are currently in first place in the Western Conference and are aiming to finish in first to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs. Despite not winning in their past four games, the team remains confident and focused on their goal.