Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals: Rapid Rundown & One-liners

By: Anthony Tazbaz

With the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semi-Finals behind us, it is time for a rapid rundown of every matchup of the MLS Conference Finals. Below, I provide a quick rundown of both clubs and a one-liner prediction regarding the game’s outcome.

Dates to Remember

·      Conference Finals

o   Sunday, October 30

• Match #11: Los Angeles FC vs Austin FC—3 p.m. EST

• Match #12: Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC—8 p.m. EST

·      MLS Cup Final

o   Saturday, November 5

• Match #13: Winner East vs Winner West (club with better record hosts the game)

Where to Watch:

• Canada: TSN, and TVA Sports (French)

• United States: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish), FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes (Spanish), UniMas, and TUDN

Conference Finals Matchups

Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC

Rapid Rundown:

• Players to Watch

  • PHI: Andre Blake

  • NYCFC: Maxi Moralez

• Conference Semi-finals Result

  • PHI: 1-0 W vs FC Cincinnati (home), WATCH

  • NYCFC: 3-1 W vs CF Montréal (away), WATCH

• Strength

  • PHI: League-best defence and goalkeeping

  • NYCFC: Counter-attack and clinical finishing

• Weakness

  • PHI: Set-pieces while on the attack

  • NYCFC: Difficulty defeating Philadelphia despite dominating in possession and shots

• 2022 Matchups

  • March 19 @ Yankee Stadium: NYCFC 0-2 PHI, WATCH

  • August 6 @ Subaru Park: PHI 2-1 NYCFC, WATCH

One-liner: Despite relying on their elite defence and goalkeeping, Philadelphia’s attacking arsenal will prove complimentary and give them a slight edge over the defending champions.2-1 Philadelphia—obtaining revenge from last year’s loss to NYCFC on the same stage and booking their ticket to their first-ever MLS Cup Final.

Los Angeles FC vs Austin FC

Rapid Rundown:

• Player to Watch

  • LAFC: Denis Bouanga

  • ATX: Sebastián Driussi

• Decision Day/Round 1 Result

  • LAFC: 3-2 W vs LA Galaxy (home), WATCH

  • ATX: 2-1 W vs FC Dallas (home), WATCH

• Strength

  • LAFC: Well-organized attack system and transition, squad depth

  • ATX: Organized and deadly attacking play

• Weakness

  • LAFC: Inconsistent form as of late and being swept by Austin this season

  • ATX: Lack of playoff experience at this stage

• 2022 Matchups

  • May 18 @ Banc of California Stadium: LAFC 1-2 ATX, WATCH

  • August 26 @ Q2 Stadium: ATX 4-1 LAFC, WATCH

One-liner: Despite LAFC losing both games to Austin and facing an in-form MVP candidate Sebastián Driussi, mid-season acquisition and Designated Player Denis Bouanga is finding form at the right time, alongside MVP candidate Chicho Arango. 2-2, LAFC win 4-3 on penalties—booking their ticket to their first ever MLS Cup Final.

The fourth and final edition of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Rapid Rundown & One-liners will be available before the MLS Cup Final.