MLS Cup playoffs: Forecasting the Best-of-3 round in the Western Conference

From a broader view, it seems that the path to represent the Western Conference in the MLS Cup Finals will likely go through either San Diego or Los Angeles. Some might argue that it’s a bit early for conclusions, yet both teams showed solid performances in their first matches, even if the scorelines didn’t fully reflect that dominance.

Vancouver, however, might have a different opinion after their strong victory over FC Dallas in the first match. So, looking ahead to the second game of the best-of-three series scheduled for this weekend could be quite interesting.

San Diego didn’t necessarily dominate Portland on the score sheet, which can happen in playoffs, but they did manage to control possession and navigate around Portland’s midfield pressure effectively. For Portland, keeping tabs on forward Anders Dreyer, who netted the first goal for San Diego, is crucial if they hope to stay competitive in this matchup.

The advantage of playing at home is considerable for Portland. They’ve made Providence Park a challenging place for opponents, and San Diego will feel that intensity in a playoff setting. Yet, if San Diego can replicate their Game 1 performance, Portland may see their season come to an abrupt end this Saturday.

prediction: San Diego 2, Portland 2 (San Diego won 4-2 in penalty shootout)

Vancouver has been enjoyable to watch lately, and the situation has become even more intriguing with the arrival of German star Thomas Muller. After a convincing 3-0 win over Dallas at BC Place, they enter the second game at Toyota Park with significant momentum.

Now, the key question is whether Dallas can return to their familiar style of play rather than trailing like they did in Game 1. Petar Moussa, the leading scorer with 18 goals and six assists this season, needs to step up after a quiet first match. If things don’t change, Vancouver could easily sweep this round.

prediction: Vancouver 2, FC Dallas 1

Right now, it’s hard to ignore how exciting LAFC is to watch. The remarkable play of Son Heung-min combined with the contributions from French forward Denis Bouanga, who’s been scoring freely, creates an impactful duo. Bouanga found the net in the first leg thanks to a great setup from Son, displaying their chemistry.

As the series moves to Austin, it seems unlikely even a home advantage will help Austin turn the tide against LAFC. Many expect LAFC to overcome the challenge at BMO Field and move on to the semifinals.

prediction: LAFC 3, Austin 1

This matchup looks slow-paced but is equally intriguing. It may be the most evenly matched contest in this season’s MLS playoffs. Minnesota’s Dane St. Clair made a significant save to help MUFC secure a position in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the Sounders’ experience in the playoffs is formidable, and their midfielder Cristian Roldan has been crucial. Forward Jordan Morris is also anticipated to score; if he manages to find the back of the net during regular time, it could lead to a decisive goal.

prediction: Minnesota 1, Seattle 1 (Seattle won 5-4 in the penalty shootout)