2024 MLS BO3 Series Preview

After an exciting 34-game regular season, Inter Miami emerged as the team with the most points this year. The next phase will be the BO3 series, which will kickstart the MLS Cup to determine the new U.S. League champion.

After an exciting regular season, the start of the quarterfinals in each MLS zone is fast approaching. The Eastern Conference Wild Card was held on Tuesday, determining Inter Miami’s opponent (Atlanta United). On Wednesday, the West had its turn, with LAFC also learning its next opponent (Vancouver Whitecaps).

The first round of the playoffs follows a best-of-three (BO3) match format, a typical structure in American sports but unusual in soccer. If both teams win one game each, a decisive third game will be played, regardless of the goal difference in the previous games.

In the event of a tie, a penalty shootout determines the winner. For example, if a team loses the first game, draws the second game, and wins the penalty shootout, a third playoff game is required.

The remainder of the series (quarterfinals, semifinals, and final) consists of single matches, with the higher-ranked team hosting the game. If the score is level after 90 minutes, extra time and then penalty kicks are used to determine a winner.

2024 MLS BO3 Series Betting Odds

2024 MLS BO3 Series: Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United

After a successful season in Florida, the playoffs begin for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, which secured first place and is determined to establish its authority in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference.

David Beckham’s team not only secured the top spot in the tournament but also proudly lifted the Supporters Shield, showing their dominance. Their points record has set the stage for high expectations, with fans and analysts anticipating a quick qualification to the conference semifinals in just two games, solidifying their status as formidable contenders in the league.

Inter Miami’s last regular season game was a spectacular comeback against the New England Revolution (6-2), where Leo Messi scored three goals in less than 15 minutes.

Atlanta United’s trip to the next round was sealed with a hard-fought victory over Montreal in the Eastern Conference Wild Card. They will now focus on Inter Miami for the next match, where they find themselves in the underdog position, needing a win to continue their playoff run.

However, even in this challenging scenario, Atlanta United’s well-balanced team offers a glimmer of hope, hinting at their potential to defy the odds, pull off an upset victory, and surprise their opponents with an outstanding performance. Atlanta managed to advance via penalty kicks against Montreal in the Wild Card.

For this match, our prediction is a win for Inter.

Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Betting Pick: Inter Miami

2024 MLS BO3 Series: LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids

The conclusion of the MLS regular season brought an unexpected twist as the LA Galaxy lost their lead to LAFC at the last minute.

This turn of events placed them second, setting up a showdown with the Colorado Rapids in the opening round of the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. To secure advancement to the conference semifinals, they may need to push their players to perform in as many as three games.

The Colorado Rapids, amid a recent string of losses, face a daunting task as a visiting team against one of the tournament’s top contenders. The odds are undeniably stacked against them. They lost their last four games played, the most recent by 2-3 to Austin FC.

Conversely, despite the LA Galaxy’s recent heartbreaking loss, they are entering the playoffs with a sense of momentum and form, suggesting they may have the upper hand as they prepare for this series. This sets the stage for an intriguing showdown and a test of resolve for both teams.

LA lost its most recent match to the Houston Dynamo by 0-1.

For this matchup, our prediction is a win for the LA Galaxy.

LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids Betting Pick: LA Galaxy

2024 MLS BO3 Series: LAFC vs. Whitecaps

LAFC managed to close the MLS regular season on the right foot, as they won the last five games to take advantage of the LA Galaxy and lead the Western Conference.This leaves this team as one of the main favorites to fight for the championship.

They come with a lot of confidence to this series against the Whitecaps, even though their rivals got a resounding victory in the Wild Card match. LAFC is coming off a big win at home against SJ Earthquakes, with a 3-1 score.

The Vancouver Whitecaps, meanwhile, had a strong showing in the MLS Western Conference Wild Card on Wednesday, defeating the Portland Timbers 5-0. They will now face LAFC in the first round of the playoffs.

Despite securing eighth place in the West, Vancouver was initially scheduled to host the wildcard match at its stadium against the ninth-ranked Portland Timbers. However, due to a Supercross event at their stadium, the Canadians were unable to play in front of their home crowd, resulting in the wildcard round taking place at Providence Park in Portland.

However, this inconvenience did not hinder Vancouver, as they enjoyed a memorable evening with a hat-trick from Ryan Gauld and goals from Brian White and Stuart Armstrong.

For this match, our prediction is a win for LAFC.

LAFC vs. Whitecaps Betting Pick: LAFC

2024 MLS BO3 Series: Cincinnati vs. NYC FC

On November 23 or 24, the winner of this BO3 series will play either the Columbus Crew or the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Both NYC and Cincinnati must win two games in this series to advance.

Argentinians Luciano Acosta and Luca Orellano will be crucial for FC Cincinnati to advance. With 14 goals and 19 assists, Acosta, the reigning MLS MVP, has had another outstanding season. Orellano (10 goals and 7 assists), one of the surprises of the league in 2024, was signed on loan from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama over the summer. He is a strong contender for MLS Rookie of the Year.

Cincinnati finished third in the Eastern Conference in the regular season, and their most recent game was a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.

NYC FC, meanwhile, is a team full of talent but plagued by inconsistencies. That sums up the Big Apple outfit, as Nick Cushing’s team has experienced both ups and downs, as well as spikes in performance during the 2024 regular season.

However, NYC has several important players who know how to win games, including four veterans, Maximo Moralez, Tayvon Gray, James Sands, and Santiago Rodriguez, who all started in their 2021 MLS Cup win over the Portland Timbers. Finally, we have NYC FC closing out the regular season with a loss to Montreal by 0-2.

For this match, our winner’s chip goes to FC Cincinnati.

Cincinnati vs. NYC FC Betting Pick: Cincinnati