After a hiatus due to the international break, the MLS Cup Playoffs will return this weekend with some changes. After a best-of-three series in the first round of matches, the remaining matches will be win one game or go home. While that will add to the tension in the playoff format, there have already been enough surprises. The top three teams in the Eastern Conference have been eliminated by lower seeds, including Supporters’ Shield winners in Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Aside from Minnesota United’s advance, the West has been more predictable, but that will make the MLS Cup hosting scenarios interesting.
Since MLS Cup is not played at a neutral venue, the host team is determined by the Supporters’ Shield standings. Because the Eastern Conference lost its top three representatives, it means the chances of an Eastern Conference team hosting the Cup are pretty slim. Orlando City SC is the only team in the Eastern Conference that can host the championship game and even they can only do so if they face Minnesota United. These are the remaining clubs according to the Supporters’ Shield classification with hosting priority:
- Los Angeles FC
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- Seattle Probes
- City of Orlando SC
- united minnesota
- New York FC
- new york red bulls
- atlanta united
MLS Semifinal Playoff Schedule
Saturday, November 23
New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls, 5:30 pm (MLS Season Pass)
Los Angeles FC vs. Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m. (MLS Season Pass)
Sunday, November 24
Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United, 3:30 pm (MLS Season Pass)
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Minnesota United, 6 p.m. (MLS and FS1 Season Pass)
conference finals
Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 1
MLS Cup presented by Audi
Saturday, December 7, 4 pm Eastern Time
