Round one of the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs is done and dusted. The first cluster of fixtures certainly delivered the drama, with two penalty shootouts helping to set up the deciding fixtures for this year’s Conference crowns. The 2022 MLS Cup Conference Semi-Finals kick off on Thursday, Oct. 20 as LAFC and Philadelphia Union join the mix, so check out SinkorSwimSports’ latest batch of MLS predictions for the remaining eight sides below!Â
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(1) Philadelphia Union vs. (5) FC Cincinnati
When: Thursday, Oct. 20 (8 pm ET)
Watch: FS1, FOX Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada
Location: Subaru Park
In our latest betting odds, Philadelphia Union find themselves listed as our favourites for the MLS Cup in 2022. The Union finished as the Eastern Conference’s number-one ranked side with a hefty +46 goal difference, and with six wins in their final seven matches of the regular season.Â
Their opponent here is Pat Noonan’s Cincy side, fresh off their first win in the playoffs. The side’s win over the New York Red Bulls went against our MLS predictions, but it was certainly a commendably gutsy display from the Orange and Blue.Â
(2) CF Montréal vs. (3) New York City FC
When: Sunday, Oct. 23 (1 pm ET)
Watch: ESPN / ESPN3 (Spanish language) in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada
Location: Stade Saputo
Another one of the frontrunners for the MLS Cup in the latest round of odds is Montreal. Wilfried Nancy’s side made a late surge for the Supporters’ Shield with just one loss and eleven wins from their final fourteen matches.Â
The Canadian outfit face a tough challenge in the form of reigning MLS Cup champions New York City FC however. The 2021 playoff winners finished ten points behind Montreal in the regular season, but soundly beat Inter Miami 3-0 in their first-round fixture at Citi Field.
(1) LAFC vs. (4) LA Galaxy
When: Thursday, Oct. 20 (10 pm ET)
Watch: FS1, FOX Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada
Location: Banc of California Stadium
This is undoubtedly the most mouth-watering fixture of the 2022 Conference Semi-Finals, with LAFC and LA Galaxy getting ready to lock horns for another El Trafico Derby. LAFC romped to their second Supporters’ Shield title during the regular season, making them the clear favourites for this fixture.Â
LA Galaxy have been far more inconsistent in 2022 but picked things up enough in the final stretch to make this year’s playoffs. The team overcame a tricky-looking fixture against Nashville in the first round, however, and certainly boast a wealth of talent through the likes of Chicharito, Riqui Puig and Julian Araujo.
(2) Austin FC vs. (3) FC Dallas
When: Sunday, Oct. 23 (8 pm ET)
Watch: ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN, TVA Sports in Canada
Location: Q2 Stadium
No Texan side made it into the postseason last year, however, 2022’s Conference Semi-Finals will see a state rivalry with Austin hosting FC Dallas. Alan Velasco’s panenka penalty proved to be the deciding spot-kick in the visitor’s shootout triumph over Minnesota in the First Round, though Dallas were good value for their win on the night.Â
Austin made their first playoff appearance against Real Salt Lake and needed a shootout win of their own at the Q2 Stadium to book their place in the Semi-Finals. Austin have been the success story of the season, and we’re backing them to keep the underdog dream alive on Sunday.
Red Bulls, James Anderson and Christian Pulisic enthusiast. Still unsure how Wes Brown wrangled himself a Champions League medal – Premier League, Cricket and Major League Soccer contributor at SinkorSwimSports.