MLS Playoffs – Preview and Free Picks

Last Updated on October 11, 2022 3:48 pm by Erwin Noguera

The regular phase of the MLS Season has just reached its end, and now, starting this Saturday, October 15th, we are going to have the first round of Play-off matches.

The Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs are set after an action-packed Decision Day.

The Philadelphia Union (Eastern Conference) and LAFC (Western Conference) have byes into the Conference Semifinals on Oct. 20 (FS1 & FOX Deportes) as the respective No. 1 seeds, but the remaining 12 teams will soon enter the single-elimination territory.

2022 MLS – MLS Playoffs Preview

When: Saturday, October 15th to Saturday, November 5th

Where Can I Watch it? ESPN, FOX Sports, TUDN, ABC

Eastern Conference:

1: (1) Philadelphia Union (Bye)

2: (4) New York Red Bulls vs. Cincinnati (5)

The Red Bulls have matched Seattle’s league-record 13-year playoff streak; and now they’ll host after finishing just 6W-6L-5D at home this campaign. 

Meanwhile, FC Cincinnati is chasing a first-ever playoff win after this breakthrough postseason berth follows three straight bottom-of-the-table finishes during their first three MLS seasons.

This time we go for a victory for the Red Bulls.

3: (3) New York City vs. Inter Miami (6)

NYC FC enters as defending MLS Cup champions, rattling off three straight wins to cap their season; and maintain a home playoff game following a Campeones Cup victory. 

Inter Miami’s late-season surge has been spearheaded by legendary Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain, who’s set to retire after the 2022 campaign.

We go for a victory for the current champions.

4: (2) Montreal vs. Orlando City (7)

CF Montréal is among the most in-form teams in MLS by going 11W-1L-3D since mid-July. 

They’ll host an Orlando City SC team that needed a Decision Day victory to get in, keeping the 2022 US Open Cup champions alive.

We go for a victory for Montreal.

Western Conference:

1: (1) LAFC (Bye)

2: (4) LA Galaxy vs. Nashville (5)

The Galaxy, fittingly, secured a home playoff match with Decision Day goals from Riqui Puig, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, and Dejan Joveljic, their most dangerous weapons upon this playoff return. 

Nashville will be hoping for a road upset, with Hany Mukhtar capturing the Golden Boot presented by Audi with 23 goals and 11 assists.

Our selection is a victory for LA Galaxy.

4: (3) FC Dallas vs. Minnesota United (6)

Dallas is back in the playoffs under first-year head coach Nico Estevez, earning a home match in the process as striker Jesus Ferreira chases a World Cup starring role. 

Minnesota nearly missed out, though snapped a six-game winless streak on Decision Day to book a fourth straight playoff trip.

We go for a victory for FC Dallas.

4: (2) Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake (7)

Austin is amid a dramatic year-two turnaround, going from 31 points as an expansion team in 2021 to 56 points in 2022, spearheaded by midfielder Sebastian Driussi. 

RSL may be feeling some déjà vu after also needing a Decision Day win to book a playoff ticket last year.

We believe Austin is going to keep its outstanding form and win.