MLS Cup: Who Can Win It?

The MLS Playoffs are less than 24 hours away, and with a new win or go home format, these promise to be exciting matches. The question now is, Who can win the cup? Well a few ETO contributors have been kind enough to share their predictions.

Joe Rodriguez- Philadelphia Union

Andres- LA Galaxy

Sebastian- LA Galaxy

Leo- LAFC

Super Mojado- LAFC

Bere- NYRB

Luiz- Atlanta United

Here’s why each of these teams has a chance to win the Cup.

Philadelphia Union-

Despite losing three out of the last four games to close out the season. The Union is a team’s team and has many weapons that Jim Curtin has been able to utilize throughout the season. Philadelphia even has the luxury of not starting Marco Fabian from the start. The Mexican star has been a little disappointing this season but has the talent to change the outcome of the game single-handedly. Alejandro Bedoya will be available and will look to boost the Union’s chances as they start their playoff run when they host the NY Red Bulls. It will be the first time that Philly has hosted a playoff game in eight years and I expect this to be the beginning of an incredible playoff run for the Sons of Ben.

LA Galaxy-

ZLATAN. Simply put, LA’s hopes go as the lion goes. While the Galaxy has compiled a very dangerous and versatile team with Cristian Pavon, Sebastian Lletget and Mextranjeros Uriel Antuna and Jonathan Dos Santos, the Galaxy offense lives and dies with their distinguished number 9. The defense is this team’s Achilles Heel as keeping a clean sheet has been difficult for them, so the offense will need to score often to cover up for the back four. Wing play will be a major focus for the Galaxy and the effectiveness of Pavon and Antuna’s crosses to feed Zlatan will be crucial to the Galaxy’s chances. Look for Antuna to have a breakout game vs Minnesota. The Galaxy will have to win four away games to lift the Cup, but with Zlatan, Dos Santos and Antuna, the Galaxy is a team no one wants to face, especially LAFC.

LAFC-

The Community Shield winners look to end a record-setting season with a Cup victory. A first-week bye will help Bob Bradley’s team better prepare for their first game, a possible showdown with archrival LA Galaxy. LAFC boasts talent in every line and Mextranjero Carlos Vela. Vela blew past the single-season scoring record and is the odds on favorite to win this year’s MVP. Homefield advantage will help LAFC as the 3252 will be boisterous and will make for a great atmosphere for the games. Look for LAFC to try and score early and often as they lead the league with an astounding +48 goal difference in the season. LAFC’s defense will also be tough to break as they only allowed a league-low 37 goals. The new win or go home format should benefit LAFC’s style of play but can also be their biggest obstacle as one bad game may leave the overwhelming favorites out.

NY Red Bulls-

The Red Bulls know how to play in the postseason. This will be their eighth consecutive postseason appearances and they have managed to get past the 1st round four times in the last five years. Their high-pressure tactics make them even more dangerous in a win or go home format as they will look to create havoc in the opponents’ half and convert turnovers into goals. The high pressure does leave them vulnerable in the back but look for Aaron Long and Tim Parker to bounce back from subpar performances to anchor NY’s hopes.

Atlanta United-

In the words of the legendary Ric Flair, “To be the man, you have to beat the man! Woooo!” Atlanta is the defending champions and has settled the ship after a rocky start to the De Boer Era. Josef Martinez has had a miraculous recovery and will look to continue giving opposition defenders and goalkeepers headaches. Atlanta’s possession heavy style should despair their opponents and force them to leave spaces where Julian Gressel will have a field day feeding Martinez, Barco and Pity Martinez. Look for Pity to show his River Plate form again for Atlanta and make the reigning champions even more dangerous.

Agree or disagree with our assessment? Let us know in the comments or on our Instagram page.