The journey to the final begins this week.
Sunday was Decision Day in Major League Soccer yesterday, as all eleven matches kicked off simultaneously to decide final seedings in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs. While many spots were already confirmed before the games began, there were still some surprises along the way.
FC Dallas will miss out on postseason play, while Portland Timbers were able to jump ahead of rival Seattle Sounders for first place in the Western Conference. Wild-card fixtures will be played this week also, beginning on Wednesday evening.
The MLS Cup Playoffs tend to see in-form teams make a championship run, and it will be interesting to see if that trend continues this year.
With excitement and hope for all 12 teams at their peak, we preview each conference and take a shot at predicting who will lift the title in December.
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Eastern Conference
Top two seeds receiving a bye: Toronto FC (1), New York City FC (2)
Wild card matches: Chicago Fire (3) vs. New York Red Bulls (6), Atlanta United FC (4) vs. Columbus Crew SC (5)
It is difficult to ignore in any way what Toronto FC have accomplished in the regular season, absolutely dominating on their way to the franchise’s first Supporters’ Shield. With players like Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore playing well, the Reds are certainly the heavy favorites.
An incredible turnaround from Chicago Fire sees them return to the postseason, and will host a dangerous New York Red Bulls side.
Columbus’ trip to Atlanta will be quite difficult, and should feature another massive crowd.
Ultimately, New York City and Atlanta offer the best odds of knocking off Toronto. But the Canadian side are just too talented to pick against.
Eastern Conference champion: Toronto FC
Western Conference
Top two seeds receiving a bye: Portland Timbers (1), Seattle Sounders (2)
Wild card matches: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (3) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (6), Houston Dynamo (4) vs. Sporting Kansas City (5)
For the first time in a long time, Western Conference clubs finished well behind several Eastern sides and there is a feeling that any team could make it to the final. Cascadia leads the charge, with the region’s three representatives occupying the top three seeds.
Title-holders Seattle will be without star striker Clint Dempsey for the first leg of the conference semifinals, after a red card in their 3-0 victory against Colorado Rapids.
In the wild-card matches, US Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City stand out as capable of making a deep run this postseason.
Vancouver and manager Carl Robinson enjoyed a successful regular season, and will hope that positive play continues in the playoffs.
Expect an intense Portland/Seattle Western Conference final, with Seattle finding their way to the league’s last game of 2017.
Western Conference champion: Seattle Sounders
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In a rematch of the 2016 final, Toronto will get their revenge on the Sounders and capture their first MLS Cup title.