Alejandro Moreno debates who will define the playoff matchup between New York City FC and Atlanta United. (0:28)
The maximum dramatic Decision Day in Major League Soccer records is at the back of us, and while we're sad to see the season cease for 13 unlucky clubs (and their even unluckier fanatics), our enthusiasm for the beginning of the MLS Cup playoffs is aware of no bounds. The New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids will enjoy a bye in Round 1's establishing salvos, leaving the Nos. 2 through 7 seeds in each the Eastern and Western conferences to kick off the postseason starting on Saturday.
ESPN's Jeff Carlisle, Kyle Bonagura, Caitlin Murray, Dan Hajducky, Danny Guerra and Austin Lindberg preview all six Round 1 matchups, predicting which clubs might be shifting directly to the conference semifinals and whose players ought to begin reserving journey arrangements for vacations in some distance-flung locales during the all-too-quick offseason.
Nashville-Orlando
Two stingy defenses duking it out on the Delaware, just like George Washington supposed. Their three preceding meetings yielded a 1-0 Philadelphia win and two 1-1 draws, so the nets at Subaru Park have to be spared too much action. Philadelphia allowed most effective 35 desires all yr, at the same time as New York conceded 33, two of the 4 fewest totals in the whole league. With 2021 Goalkeeper of the Year finalist Andre Blake in net, Philadelphia has lost best as soon as to the men from Harrison when you consider that 2018. -- Hajducky
Predictions:
The Red Bulls seem to be getting the dangle of Gerhard Struber's high-urgent processes, however the Union normally discover a way to get a result. -- Carlisle
This healthy has 1-zero written throughout it, either manner. A Kacper Przybylko intention appears like a becoming way for the Union to boost within the MLS playoff for simply the second time ever. -- Bonagura
