The MLS playoffs are seven games old, but the format of the competition is continuing to generate discussion.
Starting this year, and to increase the number of games it could offer on Apple TV as part of its 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights deal, MLS gave its playoffs the most significant overhaul in a generation. Whereas for most of the previous 20 years, the teams have competed in one-off fixtures or two-legged series familiar to the rest of the soccer world, in 2023, the MLS introduced a best-of-three structure just for the playoffs’ opening round. The first team to win two games wins the series, the aggregate score doesn’t matter, and ties are broken by going straight to penalty kicks without extra time at the end of each match.
The format is without precedent in the soccer world, and it has drawn a strong reaction from most.
The games have already begun, so we are giving an update on the matches and how they are running so far.
Results from the first set of Matches:
Philadelphia 3 – 1 New England
LAFC 5 – 2 Vancouver
Houston Dynamo 2 – 0 Real Salt Lake
Cincinnati 3 – 0 NY Red Bulls
St. Louis 1 – 4 Sporting KC
Orlando City 1 – 0 Nashville
Seattle Sounders 2 – 0 FC Dallas
Columbus 2 – 0 Atlanta United
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Odds and Free Picks:
MLS Best of Three Series: Cincinnati vs. NY Red Bulls on Saturday 4th, 7 pm ET
Betting Odds:
Cincinnati +265
NY Red Bulls -102
Draw +270
Where can I Watch it?
The Orange and Blue had a comfortable victory last time out, and head coach Pat Noonan knows that they are close to booking their place in the next round.
They have kept three clean sheets in their last six MLS games but might be unable to hold the Red Bulls again, who have a good goalscoring record at home.
Home advantage is key in the MLS, but New York RB is winless in their last six home meetings against these visitors, which is a cause for concern. The hosts should improve their performance in this match from game 1, though a win looks unlikely.
Considering the visitors’ lead on aggregate score, we expect the teams to play out a high-scoring draw and a penalties triumph for FC Cincinnati.
MLS Best of Three Series: Louis City vs. Sporting KC On Sunday 5th, 5 pm ET
Betting Odds:
St. Louis +330
Sporting KC -138
Draw +320
Where can I Watch it?
We believe St. Louis City will put up a fight in this must-win game, but this team looks overwhelmed and uncertain in big moments, while the experience of SKC in these pressure situations seems to have given them a leg up on their competitors.
We are expecting things to be exciting, but Sporting KC is likely going to end up with their opponents’ hopes to continue forward when they meet on the field this Sunday.
MLS Best of Three Series: Orlando City vs. Nashville on Tuesday 7th, 9 pm ET
Betting Odds:
Orlando City +270
Nashville -102
Draw +250
Where can I Watch it?
After the results from the last clash, we are expecting Nashville to pick the pace up and manage to get themselves back in the fight against Orlando City, which barely managed to get the upper hand last time.
Things should be close, but Nashville will put it all on the line to make it to the 3rd game.
MLS Best of Three Series: Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United on Tuesday 7th, 7 pm ET
Betting Odds:
Columbus +186
Atlanta United +117
Draw +300
Where can I Watch it?
This match seems to be quite close, and we even expect it to be contested this time, to the point where a draw seems to be an inviting choice. However, after considering just how Atlanta United looked in the last performance, we expect them to repeat the result and make their next step once they get on the field next week.
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