Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semi-Finals: Rapid Rundown & One-liners
By: Anthony Tazbaz
With the first round of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs coming to a close last night in dramatic fashion (and bidding farewell to Gonzalo Higuain), it is time for a rapid rundown of every matchup of the MLS Conference Semi-finals. Below, I provide a quick rundown of both clubs and a one-liner prediction regarding the game’s outcome.
Dates to Remember
· Conference Semi-finals
o Thursday, October 20
Match #7: Philadelphia Union (#1 East) vs FC Cincinnati (#5 East)—8 p.m. EST @ Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
Match #8: Los Angeles FC (#1 West) vs LA Galaxy (#4 West)—9 p.m. EST @ Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
o Sunday, October 23
Match #9: CF Montréal (#2 East) vs New York City FC (#3 East)—1 p.m. EST @ Stade Saputo, Montréal, Québec
Match #10: Austin FC (#2 West) vs FC Dallas (#3 West)—8 p.m. EST @ Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
· Conference Finals
o Sunday, October 30
Match #11: Winner of match #7 vs Winner of Match #9—3 p.m. EST (club with better record hosts the game)
Match #12: Winner of Match #8 vs Winner of Match #10—8 p.m. EST (club with better record hosts the game)
· 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 Semi-Finals Matchups
Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati
Rapid Rundown:
Players to Watch
PHI: Danniel Gazdag
CIN: Brandon Vasquez
Decision Day/Round 1 Result
Strength
PHI: League-best defence and goalkeeping
CIN: Attacking power
Weakness
PHI: Coming from a bye-week without playing can put them at a disadvantage
CIN: Worst defence amongst playoff teams
2022 Matchups
One-liner: Despite having not played since Decision Day, this Philadelphia squad will overcome a hard-fought battle versus an ambitious Cincinnati squad, particularly thanks to their defending and Andre Blake being the big difference makers. 2-1 Philly.
Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy
Rapid Rundown:
Player to Watch
LAFC: Carlos Vela
LAG: Riqui Puig
Decision Day/Round 1 Result
Strength
LAFC: Well-organized attack system and transition
LAG: Organized attacking play, particularly in the second-half
Weakness
LAFC: Up-and-down recent form, coming off a bye-week and a loss beforehand
LAG: Lack of focus, commit many costly mistakes
2022 Matchups
One-liner: Riding high following their 1-0 home victory versus Nashville, the LA Galaxy will score a massive El Trafico win versus their local rivals—putting the rest of the league on notice! 3-2 LA Galaxy after Extra Time.
CF Montréal vs New York City FC
Rapid Rundown
Player to Watch
MTL: Djordje Mihailovic
NYCFC: Maxi Moralez
Round Result
Strength
MTL: Excellent ball possession and effective crossing
NYCFC: Organized and deadly attacking play
Weakness
MTL: Although their defending & goalkeeping improved over the past several weeks, Montréal has historically struggled to defeat NYCFC
NYCFC: Inconsistency and adapting to a new coaching system
2022 Matchups
One-liner: Despite their past struggles versus New York City, Montréal will exorcise their demons and defeat NYCFC in a highly contested battle and advance to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 2016. 2-1 MTL after extra time.
Austin FC vs FC Dallas
Rapid Rundown
Player to Watch
ATX: Sebastián Driussi
FCD: Jesús Ferreira
Round 1 Result
Strength
ATX: Organized and deadly attacking play
FCD: Young energy and ability to surprise practically everyone
Weakness
ATX: Lack of MLS experience as a collective
FCD: Lack of postseason experience
2022 Matchups
One-liner: Despite playing a derby game in enemy territory, FC Dallas will steal this game and advance to the Western Conference Final, a first since 2015. 2-2, Dallas wins 4-3 on Penalties.
The third edition of the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs Rapid Rundown & One-liners will be available before the Conference Finals commence.
