0
0
[ad_1]
MLS Cup playoffs conference finals preview and predictions – www.espn.com – SOCCER
The MLS Cup playoffs are down to their final four. Rather surprisingly for this league, it’s the usual suspects: your Supporters’ Shield winners, LAFC; the Philadelphia Union, who finished the season level on points with the Black and Gold; Austin FC, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference; and New York City FC, your defending MLS Cup champions.
Sure, this postseason has seen some upsets, but this is one of the most regular-season-representative set of conference finals in recent memory. LAFC, Philadelphia and Austin were three of the league’s five best teams from start to finish this season, and apart from some CONCACAF Champions League-related hiccups and an adjustment period following the departures of 2021 Golden Boot winner Valentin Castellanos and respected manager Ronny Deila, NYCFC could consider themselves part of that group, too.
With the conference finals kicking off on Sunday, ESPN asked Jeff Carlisle and Austin Lindberg to break down both matchups, and had Kyle Bonagura and Dan Hajducky help them predict which two teams will head to the MLS Cup next Saturday.
Eastern Conference
The end of last season’s playoffs must surely have been tough to stomach for Philadelphia. Having fallen in an Eastern Conference final defeat to NYCFC while 11 players were absent because of COVID protocols, the Union then had to watch from home as the Bronx Blues went to Portland and beat the Timbers to MLS Cup.
– ESPN+ viewers guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more
That should be motivation enough on Sunday. Philly still have more to prove, though.
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.
The Union won both contests against NYCFC this season, 2-1 at home and 2-0 on the road, bettering their opponents in both expected goals (xG) 4.06-2.78 and chances 22-19 across the two games. Despite Philadelphia’s dominance this season as the Eastern Conference champions, tied for most points in the league in 2022 and its highest-scoring team, they were fairly pedestrian in chance creation (13th) and shots conceded (14th), and trailed NYCFC in both categories as well as xG and shots on target conceded.
From the goal out, though, Philly are without equal in MLS. Their total of 26 goals against is best in the league and Andre Blake‘s 11.24 goals prevented is good enough for second.
Even without Castellanos, the depth and variety of attackers that NYCFC can field is impressive. Between their two playoff wins so far and the final three games of the regular season, Santiago Rodriguez, Talles Magno, Gabriel Pereira, Heber and Maxi Moralez have combined for 10 goals and eight assists. That kind of form should frighten any postseason opponent.
2 Related
Philadelphia aren’t just any postseason opponent, though. Blake is arguably the best goalkeeper in MLS history, Jack Elliott and Jakob Glesnes are among the premier center-back duos in the league, Kai Wagner‘s sustained performances at left-back have garnered considerable interest from European clubs and Jose Martinez offers that back line enough support for them to concede the sixth fewest shots on target in MLS. Oh, and no one in the league scored more than the Union’s 73 goals in 2022. — Lindberg
Predictions:
The Union felt hard done by when 11 players were kept out of last year’s conference final against NYCFC because of COVID protocols. This is a chance to make amends, and their balance should get the job done against the defending champs. — Carlisle
It’s a match of differing philosophies: NYCFC, a tentacle of City Football Group’s global empire; and Philadelphia, a homegrown factory, with an eye for talent. Both philosophies have obviously worked, but the Union played at a level this season that their counterparts have never reached, even on their way to winning MLS Cup last year. Philadelphia is the pick. — Bonagura
NYCFC dispatched Miami and upended Montreal in quick succession, scoring three goals in each of Round One and the conference semifinals, but Philadelphia will continue their historic season and stymie NYCFC’s streaking offense. It’s a long time coming for the Union — along with with the Phillies in the World Series and the Eagles still undefeated — who will underline quite the moment for the City of Brotherly Love by making the franchise’s first MLS Cup final. — Hajducky
This isn’t just Philadelphia’s incredible defense and goalkeeping against NYCFC’s red-hot attack. The form the New Yorkers are in should cause a scare on the eve of Halloween, but on top of a stout foundation at the back, the Union boast the best goal-scoring figures in the league. — Lindberg
Western Conference
For all of the talk about MLS parity, the two best teams in the Western Conference during the regular season have actually reached the conference final. It wasn’t easy, of course. LAFC needed a goal at the death to get past the LA Galaxy. Austin needed penalties to survive a conference semifinal encounter with Real Salt Lake. But here we are, and this has all the makings of a cracking match.
Can Carlos Vela and LAFC get the better of Austin FC and reach their first MLS Cup? Shaun Clark/Getty Images
Austin had the upper hand during the regular season, claiming a pair of wins, the second a 4-1 thumping of the Black and Gold at Q2 Stadium. But LAFC have since added an ace to an already stacked hand. It took Denis Bouanga a while to find his feet with LAFC, but he has excelled in the past month and bagged two goals against the Galaxy. He has also provided additional dynamism, in particular off the dribble, to an LAFC attack that already boasts Carlos Vela and Cristian Arango.
The Verde have some high-value cards to play beyond MVP candidate Sebastian Driussi. Diego Fagundez has enjoyed a revival in Austin, with his 21 combined goals and assists a career high. His ability to strike from free kicks is an asset that tends to come in handy during the postseason.
Both teams love to get out in transition. It’s where the likes of Driussi and Vela thrive. The question is: Will either side allow that to happen? Given that Austin are on the road, it won’t be a surprise to see them sit back and counter, even though they were on the front foot during the aforementioned 4-1 win back in August. Alex Ring is perfectly adept at sitting in alongside Daniel Pereira and clogging up the middle. That will put the onus on LAFC’s Ilie Sanchez — and to a lesser extent Kellyn Acosta and Jose Cifuentes — to stay tactically disciplined and not get caught in a vulnerable defensive shape.
Major League Soccer is here! Coverage of all 28 teams with live games, replays, highlights.
Sign up now to stream soccer on ESPN+
SUNDAY, OCT. 30
• LAFC vs. Austin (3 p.m. ET)
One area where Austin seem to have an advantage is in goal. Brad Stuver (4.49 goals prevented, according to ESPN Stats & Information) has been significantly better than LAFC counterpart Max Crepeau (-3.04 goal prevented), and Stuver already has the experience of prevailing in a penalty shootout. But it’s all about who turns up on the day. — Carlisle
Predictions:
Both teams are riding high, but I’m going with LAFC here, as the Black and Gold finally make home-field advantage count in a conference final. — Carlisle
As fun as an underdog story can be, this stage of the playoffs is usually better when the teams that were the best during the regular season are still alive. Such is the case here. LAFC and Austin were the class of the Western Conference all season and have both taken the league forward on and off the field. Despite Austin’s two wins against the Black and Gold this season, look for LAFC to capitalize on their homefield advantage and reach the MLS Cup final for the first time. — Bonagura
Don’t overthink it: Austin have had a wonderful 2022, but marching into Banc of California Stadium with a trip to the Cup final on the line is a Herculean undertaking. LAFC will squeeze it out en route to their first winner-take-all appearance. — Hajducky
LAFC faltered down the stretch, but their conference semifinal win over the Galaxy demonstrated determination in a moment that would’ve seen previous iterations of the team wilt. That gritty experience will come in handy against an Austin team that looks to be back in top form. — Lindberg
[ad_2]
#MLS #Cup #playoffs #conference #finals #preview #predictions
