LAFC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Kicking things off Friday night, its the Vancouver Whitecaps off the back of a dominant home win traveling to BMO stadium to take on the 1-seed LAFC. In the first game of the series, LAFC got at Vancouver early winning a penalty and doubled the lead just after halftime. A mere conciliation goal for Vancouver in the 95th minute found the Canadian side down 1-0 in the series.
Game 2 at BC Place saw the Whitecaps looking for blood. They made a point to show off their attacking prowess and got at the backline of LAFC early to take a lead after just 10 minutes. They didn’t slow down there as Ryan Gauld who scored the first would continue to play balls into dangerous areas and force to LAFC own goals. A disappointing 3-0 loss for Steven Cherundolo’s men.
The sides head back to Los Angeles for the deciding match. LAFC have had great form and are unbeaten in their last 5 home games. However, they have shown signs of vulnerability at the back and unlike Vancouver, have not had statement wins recently. LAFC, as expected, are the favorite at -160 but I would not be surprised to see Vancouver put the ball in the back of the net and maybe even play spoiler by pulling out a win (+400). I like Both Teams to Score No Draw at +105 in this one.
FC Cincinnati vs. NYCFC
Getting things rolling on Saturday, in the first of 3 Eastern Conference matchups, NYCFC travel to TQL Stadium to take on FC Cincinnati. After suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in game 1, NYCFC and their supporters showed out in game 2. They took the lead early and didn’t look back. It was 2-0 before halftime but despite their greatest efforts, FC Cincinnati would fall 3-1 to the hosts after conceding a late penalty kick in stoppage time.
Everything to play for in this one as both teams are seeking a date with New York Red Bulls. In a matchup, that exchanged wins throughout the regular season its anyones game. Throughout the season it appears that the home side has had a bit of a leg up this year. FC Cincinnati are favorited in this one at -120. I think this game is going to be hard fought in the midfield and chances may be few and far between. Each team will need to be clinical in front of net in order to secure a spot in the next round. I think a 1-0 win or draw followed by penalties can be expected in either teams favor.
Orlando vs. Charlotte FC
Following at 6PM EST, Charlotte FC is traveling down to Orlando after winning their first game in the MLS Cup playoffs. A hard fought game that ended 0-0 in regulation which Charlotte was able to edge out a victory at the hands of Kristijan Kahlina. Orlando found the back of the net easily in game 1 which secured them the advantage. With all things square, the sides return to Inter&Co Stadium for the deciding match.
Despite taking the series down to the wire, the Crown are yet to score a goal in regulation. Both games played in Orlando this year ended 2-0 in favor of the Lions. At -115, I think it’s safe to say we can probably expect more of the same. The Charlotte FC attack has simply not shown enough fire power to get it done. The best chance for them might be through their strong backline and taking this one to penalties once again.
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United
The marquee matchup of Saturday features the Supporter Shield Champions hosting Atlanta United. Atlanta have caused Inter Miami trouble all season and it was not until the first game in this series that Miami was able to secure a victory over Rob Valentino’s men. However their fun didn’t last. In game 2, with the opportunity to secure a place in the semifinal, they made attacking minded substitutions to try and secure a win in regulation time. Poor defending saw Miami concede what would be the winning goal for Atlanta. They are now back at Chase Stadium for this win or go home match.
Inter Miami have felt inevitable all season. They win games out of nothing and steal points when teams least expect. They are unbeaten in 10 home matches and Atlanta have struggled to keep the ball out of their net. The herons are heavy favorites at -275 but they will likely need big performances from their stars to secure a place in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Expect goals from both teams and currently the over/under is set at 3.5 goals -125. Can the boys from Barcelona do it again and make history for David Beckham’s team or will Atlanta, as they have done all season, continue to be a thorn in the side of Inter Miami?
