The schedule for the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs’ first round has been set after one of the most exciting Decision Days in the division’s history. With Conference champions LAFC and Philadelphia Union getting byes into the semifinals, Round One games kick off from October 15th with the remaining 12 sides facing off in the seeded single-elimination knockout tournament. Check out SinkorSwimSports we preview every first-round fixture in the 2022 playoffs, with all our latest MLS predictions for you to keep in mind as the action unfolds.
(4) New York Red Bulls vs. (5) FC Cincinnati
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 at noon ET
Watch: UniMas, TUDN & MLSsoccer.com/MLS App (English), Local TV
Location: Red Bull Arena
2022 marks the New York Red Bulls’ thirteenth consecutive year in the playoffs, making the Seattle Sounders’ MLS record. Finishing one place above Pat Noonan’s Cincinnati side (making their first appearance in the playoffs), the Red Bulls will be hoping to improve on their 6W-6L-5D home record in the regular season.
(4) LA Galaxy vs. (5) Nashville SC
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 at 3 pm ET
Watch: UniMas, TUDN & MLSsoccer.com/MLS App (English), Local TV
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park
It was a rocky road to the playoffs for LA Galaxy, but the side with the most MLS cups secured the position on the back of Decision Day goals from Riqui Puig, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Dejan Joveljic. For their opponents, it’s al about Hany Mukhtar. The German striker won the 2022 MLS Golden Boot with his 23 goals and 11 assists.Â
(2) Austin FC vs. (7) Real Salt Lake
When: Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 pm ET
Watch: ABC, ESPN Deportes
Location: Q2 Stadium
In just their second season of MLS football, Austin FC have gone from 31 points to 56 in the regular season. Sebastián Driussi was the side’s star performer, bagging 22 goals and 5 assists in just 34 appearances this season. For Real Salt Lake, it was only through a 3-1 win over Portland Timbers on Decision Day that ended a five-game winless run and booked a spot in the playoffs.Â
(2) CF Montréal vs. (7) Orlando City SC
When: Sunday, Oct. 16 at 8 pm ET
Watch: ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US
Location: Stade Saputo
Having closed the regular season as one of the most in-form sides in the division, Montreal look like one of the best darkhorses to back for the 2022 MLS Cup. Having racked up a record of 11W-1L-3D since July, the side will host an Orlando City side that only booked their spot in the playoffs on Decision Day.Â
(3) New York City FC vs. (6) Inter Miami CF
When: Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 pm ET
Watch: FS1, FOX Deportes
Location: Citi Field
2021 MLS Cup champions New York City FC finished their regular season with three straight wins, and have orchestrated a home playoff game following a Campeones Cup victory. The team might have lost manager Ronny Deila, but have all the experience needed to maintain a playoff push. Inter Miami are another side making their postseason debuts, and Gonzalo Higuain will look to close out his career with a memorable MLS Cup charge.Â
(3) FC Dallas vs. (6) Minnesota United FC
When: Monday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 pm ET
Watch: FS1, FOX Deportes
Location: Toyota Stadium
FC Dallas closed their 2022 MLS regular season schedule with three wins from their final five games. First-year coach Nico Estevez has been extremely impressive, whilst Jesus Ferreira has been in stellar form with 16 goals and 6 assists in 33 appearances this season. Minnesota ended a six-game winless run on Decision Day, booking their fourth straight playoff appearance.
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.