MLS PLayoff Round 1 - Knockout matches Wed Oct 25 & Thurs Oct 26

[OgtheDim]

Wednesday October 25

NYRB @ Chicago 8:30pm

San Jose @ Vancouver 10:30pm


Thursday Oct 26


Columbus @ Atlanta 7:30pm


SKC @ Houston 9:30pm

[Globetrotter]

Columbus could win in Atlanta, and NYRB could definitely win in Chicago. As long as NYRB win, let the other bracket beat themselves up.

[Hamilton_Red]

I'd almost be more worried about Columbus frankly.

[nonc]

Tbh I hope the Crew do damage in Atlanta.

[fergiejr]

TV Info.

Wednesday October 25
NYRB @ Chicago 8:30pm TSN3 and TSN5
San Jose @ Vancouver 10:30pm TSN 1,3,4,5


Thursday Oct 26
Columbus @ Atlanta 7:30pm TSN4
SKC @ Houston 9:30pm TSN4

[fergiejr]

So we won't play Chicago and NYCFC won't play NYRB.

I would have been interested in a NYRB/NYCFC matchup.

[Red4ever]

I have to figure we will know away game date wednesday night. That's why the 3 v 6 games are first. They arent going to make some teams play Thursday / Sunday (3 days) and others Wednesday / Tuesday (5 days)

Vs NYRB monday
Vs CLB/ATL Halloween.

[105]

My Predictions:

NYRB @ Chicago
Winner: NYRB 2 Chicago 1

Columbus @ Atlanta
Winner: Atlanta 3 Columbus 2

San Jose @ Vancouver
Winner: Vancouver 2 San Jose 1

SKC @ Houston
Winner: Houston 2 Kansas City 0

[MartinUtd]

My Predictions:

NYRB @ Chicago
Winner: NYRB 2 Chicago 1

Columbus @ Atlanta
Winner: Atlanta 3 Columbus 2

San Jose @ Vancouver
Winner: Vancouver 2 San Jose 1

SKC @ Houston
Winner: Houston 2 Kansas City 0

I agree on the results although I still think Altanta is no guarantee.

[Areathrasher]

For shits and giggles

My Predictions:

NYRB @ Chicago
Winner: NYRB 2 Chicago 2 Chicago on Pens

Columbus @ Atlanta
Winner: Atlanta 4 Columbus 1

San Jose @ Vancouver
Winner: Vancouver 3 San Jose 1

SKC @ Houston
Winner: Houston 1 Kansas City 2

[Blindside16]

Here is how I think it will fall

NYRB @ Chicago
Winner: 2-0 Redbull

Columbus @ Atlanta
3-1 Atlanta

San Jose @ Vancouver
4-1 Vancouver

SKC @ Houston
2-1 Houston

[theaub]

Chicago 2-1 New York
Atlanta 0-2 Columbus
Vancouver 3-1 San Jose
Houston 0-1 Kansas City

Atlanta is the second best team in the league IMO - but it will have been 83 days or something since the Crew's last loss at kickoff and there is going to be an insane amount of nervous energy in that stadium.

[GerMc]

Chicago 1-3 NYRB
Atlanta 2-3 Columbus
Vancouver 2-0 San Jose
Houston 1-0 SKC

NYCFC beats Columbus and we beat NYRB. Then we meet Portland in the MLS Cup! (I know I am getting a little ahead of the thread here!)

[Globetrotter]

NYCFC beats Columbus and we beat NYRB. Then we meet Portland in the MLS Cup! (I know I am getting a little ahead of the thread here!)

This is the exact scenario I think we want. I posted mid September that would be a best case scenario for us. Portland is good, but not so much on the road. Portland also allows a lot of goals... pick your poison, but we should be hoping for Houston or Portland.

Task at hand is to wait patiently for the Red Bulls to beat Chicago.

[ensco]

I want Seattle.

Only beating the snotrags to a pulp will quench my thirst.

[Oldtimer]

This is the exact scenario I think we want. I posted mid September that would be a best case scenario for us. Portland is good, but not so much on the road. Portland also allows a lot of goals... pick your poison, but we should be hoping for Houston or Portland.

Task at hand is to wait patiently for the Red Bulls to beat Chicago.


I want Seattle.

Only beating the snotrags to a pulp will quench my thirst.

I'll choose winning it all over revenge. I'd prefer an easier fixture. Frankly, though, with how we did in Atlanta, I feel this team can beat anybody if in form.

[ensco]

I'll choose winning it all over revenge. I'd prefer an easier fixture. Frankly, though, with how we did in Atlanta, I feel this team can beat anybody if in form.



OK then....

I am rooting for Chicago and Atlanta this week, then rooting for Chicago against NYCFC, we'll take care of Atlanta and then pummel Chicago in the conference final.

But then I want Seattle.

[denime]

I have to figure we will know away game date wednesday night. That's why the 3 v 6 games are first. They arent going to make some teams play Thursday / Sunday (3 days) and others Wednesday / Tuesday (5 days)

Vs NYRB monday
Vs CLB/ATL Halloween.

You are probably right,but let's not forget this is MLS and everything is possible.



Conference Semifinals



Sunday, October 29
5 p.m. ET: Western Conference Series 1, First Leg


Monday, October 30

Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 1, First Leg-NYRB


Tuesday, October 31
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 2, First Leg-CLB/ATL

Time TBD: Western Conference Series 2, First Leg



Sunday, November 5:
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 1, Second Leg
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 2, Second Leg
Time TBD: Western Conference Series 1, Second Leg
Time TBD: Western Conference Series 2, Second Leg

[Initial B]

Chicago 1-2 New York (The Fire have backed into the playoffs while NYRB are on a streak)
Atlanta 3-0 Columbus (I think Columbus will be disjointed, but regardless, Precourt/MLS doesn't want another game at the stadium because they know what the reaction is going to be on TV)
Vancouver 2-1 San Jose (San Jose is more of a sieve than Vancouver, but that never say die mentality...)
Houston 0-1 Kansas City (SKC's defence will lock down and Houston will make one error at the back. Though I could see this going to penalties)

[Cas87]

You are probably right,but let's not forget this is MLS and everything is possible.



Conference Semifinals



Sunday, October 29
5 p.m. ET: Western Conference Series 1, First Leg


Monday, October 30

Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 1, First Leg-NYRB


Tuesday, October 31
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 2, First Leg-CLB/ATL

Time TBD: Western Conference Series 2, First Leg



Sunday, November 5:
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 1, Second Leg
Time TBD: Eastern Conference Series 2, Second Leg
Time TBD: Western Conference Series 1, Second Leg
Time TBD: Western Conference Series 2, Second Leg

The one thing with the second legs for the Western Conference is Seattle's home game is actually on Thursday November 2nd now (as the Seahawks have a home game on the 5th).

[Canary10]

I want Seattle.

Only beating the snotrags to a pulp will quench my thirst.

I wish you could "like" a post.

[fergiejr]

I wish you could "like" a post.

I think you just did... :-)

[105]

MLS playoff bracket challenge

https://www.mlssoccer.com/mls-cup-playoffs/2017/bracket

[Canary10]

I'm going to say Red Bulls over Chicago. Think Chicago peaked too early and NY is well rested. Think they can give us trouble too, which they did in that 4-2 game despite the score.

Atlanta wins. They're pretty solid at home.

Vancouver beats San Jose. I honestly thought San Jose was the worst team we saw at BMO this year. Looked like a lower Championship team to a top Premier team compared to us. If Vancouver can't beat them at home they should never have made the playoffs.

And Houston over KC. KC backed in and Houston is good at home. Melia injury will hurt KC.

My two cents.

[daner90]

Here we go!

[molenshtain]

So which winner of this round do we play? The Atlanta columbus game right?

[ensco]

^If NYRB win tonight, we get them, probably Monday

Otherwise we get the Atlanta-Columbus winner, probably Tuesday

Given that howler, looks like Monday in New Jersey!

[molenshtain]

But no matter what our playoff game at home is on the 5th, correct? I'd forgotten how complicated this all is.

[nonc]

I guaranteed the Red Bulls would win.

And I think the Crew will win tomorrow because it is an awkward starting time in Atlanta :yum:

[Eastend]

and 2....

[ensco]

Book it. Monday night, NYRB.

[Eastend]

But no matter what our playoff game at home is on the 5th, correct? I'd forgotten how complicated this all is.


yes.

[GerMc]

Wow, another NYRB goal!

[nonc]

RIP Chicago Fire organization.

[SoccMan2]

Empty stadium in Chicago what a joke , how long before Chicago owners want to relocate like Columbus or just fold, it’s only a one game playoff and there is no one there, it’s not like hockey where it’s a 7 game series, it’s only one game in a small 20 000 seat stadium, but yet this league wants to expand when there are too many teams drawing flies.

[OgtheDim]

Looks like we are going to play in Jersey. Fire 2-0 down in first 11 minutes with some really awful defending.

Lots of pundits think that's a tough game for us.

[OgtheDim]

Empty stadium in Chicago what a joke , how long before Chicago owners want to relocate like Columbus or just fold, it’s only a one game playoff and there is no one there, it’s not like hockey where it’s a 7 game series, it’s only one game in a small 20 000 seat stadium, but yet this league wants to expand when there are too many teams drawing flies.

Put TFC out in Pickering and see what happens on 3 days notice for a midweek game.

Team needs a stadium in the city somewhere.

[notthesun]

Chicago looking like us at Montreal in 2015. Ugly.

[SoccMan2]

Put TFC out in Pickering and see what happens on 3 days notice for a midweek game.

Team needs a stadium in the city somewhere.
Even the Phoenix Cayotees who don’t get good crowds have sold out their playoff games when they have made the playoffs in an arena in the boonies and not just for a one game affair but actually 2 or 3 playoff games , so your excuses don’t cut it my friend, this small crowd shows that in Chicago no one cares about the Fire or MLS , this league has still a lot of major attendance problems and Columbus is just the start of the domino effect, I know I lived through the folding of the old NASL in 1984.

[nonc]

Red Bulls did look quite good last time they were at BMO.

[molenshtain]

Put TFC out in Pickering and see what happens on 3 days notice for a midweek game.

Team needs a stadium in the city somewhere.

To that end, we didn't even crack 22k for our first rounder last year. It's hard to get the word out so quickly. These playoff first rounders will always a little janky because of this.

[stevep]

Looks like we are going to play in Jersey. Fire 2-0 down in first 11 minutes with some really awful defending.

Lots of pundits think that's a tough game for us.

10% chance we play atlanta next round

[OgtheDim]

Even the Phoenix Cayotees ....

A bunch of mostly well off mostly middle aged and above white folks in a car necessary city is not a good example.


Chicago has form for this - their last home playoff game back in 2012 had just under 11K.


Again, put our team out in Pickering, near Steeles, not the GO line, and see what happens. That's what the Fire did and they have been actively trying to get out of that contract for years.


Edit: Oh, and Chicago soccer twitter informs that the one transit bus route to that stadium doesn't run in the weekday evenings.

[SoccMan2]

A bunch of mostly well off mostly middle aged and above white folks in a car necessary city is not a good example.


Chicago has form for this - their last home playoff game back in 2012 had just under 11K.


Again, put our team out in Pickering, near Steeles, not the GO line, and see what happens. That's what the Fire did and they have been actively trying to get out of that contract for years.


Edit: Oh, and Chicago soccer twitter informs that the one transit bus route to that stadium doesn't run in the weekday evenings.
Hey I hope your right but crowds like this for a playoff game is not a good look for the league it looks pretty bad expecially in a major US city.

[TheSloanRanger]

If this line holds, does anyone have information for away tickets in New York? Assuming there will be limited number of tickets released to away supporters. Someone point me in the right direction

[ag futbol]

Not surprised NY is beating Chicago. Really it’s a battle tested group vs. a team that hit a good run of form during the regular season.

[OgtheDim]

Hey I hope your right but crowds like this for a playoff game is not a good look for the league it looks pretty bad expecially in a major US city.

Agreed. To me, getting the Fire into a proper stadium should be a league priority.

[Areathrasher]

The three days notice stuff is bs imo. The playoff schedule is published in advance and you should have a sense of where your team is likely going to end up seeded. Fire fans should have known before Sunday that there was a strong likely hood they would be playing tonight.

[Shakes McQueen]

Not surprised NY is beating Chicago. Really it’s a battle tested group vs. a team that hit a good run of form during the regular season.

Yeah, Chicago were pretenders. Got a shot in the arm with Bastian for a while, then faded back into average-ness.

I think they've got a few players to build around there at least.

[notthesun]

Not surprised NY is beating Chicago. Really it’s a battle tested group vs. a team that hit a good run of form during the regular season.

I mostly agree but to be fair Chicago's not the same without de Leeuw and Schweinsteiger, especially the latter. They've got an 18 year old kid trying to replace him right now.

[ag futbol]

Agreed. To me, getting the Fire into a proper stadium should be a league priority.
Well, that and New England. Heck, maybe while they’re at it they can get New England a proper owner.

[Smokecell]

Agreed. To me, getting the Fire into a proper stadium should be a league priority.

Cc: NYCFC, NERevs

[OgtheDim]

Hmm....if Disco has any cajones, they will red card Robles for that kick out.

[notthesun]

Hmm....if Disco has any cajones, they will red card Robles for that kick out.

I didn't really see a distinct kick. I think he probably meant to do what he did but I'd be surprised if that ends up being blatant enough to be worthy of suspension.

[Canary10]

Neither of these teams should touch us. The number of bad passes, missed balls, dribbling too far ahead. It's pretty bad.

[Canary10]

Welp at least we already know who we play.

[OgtheDim]

Just a little reminder: no game thread until they announce the day & time.

[stevep]

Welp at least we already know who we play.


yeah, no artificial turf next game!!!

[Canary10]

Looks like we are going to play in Jersey. Fire 2-0 down in first 11 minutes with some really awful defending.

Lots of pundits think that's a tough game for us.

I think it is a tough game. I thought they gave us trouble in the last game we played them even if it doesn't look like it from the score.

[molenshtain]

Kemar Lawrence and Felipe coming off with injuries. Very bad for them, and It sucks for them on a personal level.

But, very good for us.

[OgtheDim]

I still stack up our team against anybody else in an away and home series. We just are good at that stuff.

[fergiejr]

I didn't really see a distinct kick. I think he probably meant to do what he did but I'd be surprised if that ends up being blatant enough to be worthy of suspension.
Mid-season i'd argue that the kick is a red. Playoffs, not so much I think. The no-call does leave the door open for diso.

[Prof]

Put TFC out in Pickering and see what happens on 3 days notice for a midweek game.

Team needs a stadium in the city somewhere.

It's not that far. More like us playing at Downsview.

[SoccMan2]

Only 6000 in Chicago tonight looked a lot less maybe 3000 if that, tell me another of the major leagues in North America where only 6000 or less will show up for a playoff game , none only in MLS , this is not good how long before Chicago joins Columbus looking for a city to relocate too, too many cities in this league that draw flies not good!

[Canary10]

I still stack up our team against anybody else in an away and home series. We just are good at that stuff.

Yeah we should beat anyone.

[reggie]

so we finish 19 pts ahead of the redbulls and we get no real advantage,stupid mls playoffs

[ensco]

I could give a shit about home field advantage.

We are at full strength. Nobody can play with us.

[notthesun]

They barely escaped with a draw in our meeting at their house, and three weeks ago we put 4 past them in an average-to-decent performance.

No doubt we should win.

[Canary10]

They barely escaped with a draw in our meeting at their house, and three weeks ago we put 4 past them in an average-to-decent performance.

No doubt we should win.

They didn't start BWPS or Klejstan in that 4-2 game. They had us under a lot of pressure for long stretches too. Still think we should win but they aren't a walk over.

[Red4ever]

They didn't start BWPS or Klejstan in that 4-2 game. They had us under a lot of pressure for long stretches too. Still think we should win but they aren't a walk over.

This.

[Canary10]

This Vancouver game is hard to watch. They're both terrible.

[Red4ever]

so we finish 19 pts ahead of the redbulls and we get no real advantage,stupid mls playoffs

And this.

In fact their fans are in a better position to travel than ours.

[James17930]

so we finish 19 pts ahead of the redbulls and we get no real advantage,stupid mls playoffs

Why do you say that?

We get the second leg at home, and we didn't have to play this mid-week game ...

Am I missing something?

[Jpexxx]

Is next Monday for sure Leg 1 for NYRB vs TFC??

[molenshtain]

Is next Monday for sure Leg 1 for NYRB vs TFC??

30th or 31 it says on MLS website. WHy they haven't decided which date is beyond me.

[reggie]

Why do you say that?

We get the second leg at home, and we didn't have to play this mid-week game ...

Am I missing something?
they still get 5 days rest.they should play saturday and weds.playoffs drag on way too long.

[dupont]

There is no logical reason that we lose to NYRB. But this is MLS playoffs so I get worried about any team

[James17930]

30th or 31 it says on MLS website. WHy they haven't decided which date is beyond me.

Just my guess:

Maybe the Atlanta Falcons have a home game on the Sunday, so if Atlanta wins, they'd have to have the game on the Monday.

[OgtheDim]

Apparently the league is having to think which team is more affected by Monday Night Football versus affected by Hallowe'en.

Oh & just this as a reminder



If anyone is going to end our season, they’re going to have to do it on our field, in our weather, with our supporters, our fans, and the entire city of Toronto behind us.

Are we beatable? Yes.

But we are the least beatable team out there and I would stack our home field advantage up against any other team's capabilities. This is a team built to win home and away series.

[BelfastBoy]

Only 6000 in Chicago tonight looked a lot less maybe 3000 if that, tell me another of the major leagues in North America where only 6000 or less will show up for a playoff game , none only in MLS , this is not good how long before Chicago joins Columbus looking for a city to relocate too, too many cities in this league that draw flies not good!

Actually, the official attendance was 11,647. Probably due to the nose-dive in form that the Fire took in the second half of the season.

[Canary10]

I just hope this goes down more like last year's NYCFC series and not Montreal. Montreal was an all time classic when all was said and done but I don't think I can take another one like that.

[Canary10]

Glad Vancouver put San Jose out of their misery. San Jose should never have been there.

[whositwhatnow]

man i can't believe both games were blowouts..kinda sad

[Super]

We should do away with the playoff system. Clearly it's less popular than regular league games - at least if you look at season averages across the league. Also, there's literally ZERO respect for the play-off system by players and fans internationally. Why do we continue to insist on being another version of the NFL? Why not just be a proper league with a season like everywhere else in the world? We ended all the BS with no draws allowed, kick-ins instead of throw ins, clock running backwards from 90 to zero, etc.. It's stupid. Now we have to hear about play-off games with 10,000 or so attendance. Pathetic! Do away with it. Have a season like it's always been done in football, and let's crown TFC as the best team this year and just lift the trophy already. We were CLEARLY the best team this year. No doubt!

[Still Kicking]

man i can't believe both games were blowouts..kinda sad

Don't think it was sad, more revealing. San Jose had reached the playoffs on a wing and a prayer and it was pleasing to see Vancouver finally get a playoff game win (TFC fans were in that same spot only a year ago). Chicago had backed into the playoffs, when TFC beat them in August, remember when that was the matchup on the horizon of the two titan teams of the East?, they slid from that point on. It will be interesting to see what off season moves they make...

[Still Kicking]

We should do away with the playoff system. Clearly it's less popular than regular league games - at least if you look at season averages across the league. Also, there's literally ZERO respect for the play-off system by players and fans internationally. Why do we continue to insist on being another version of the NFL? Why not just be a proper league with a season like everywhere else in the world? We ended all the BS with no draws allowed, kick-ins instead of throw ins, clock running backwards from 90 to zero, etc.. It's stupid. Now we have to hear about play-off games with 10,000 or so attendance. Pathetic! Do away with it. Have a season like it's always been done in football, and let's crown TFC as the best team this year and just lift the trophy already. We were CLEARLY the best team this year. No doubt!
Understand your purist point, but doubt you could ever convince a North American television executive of that view. World Series and MLB playoffs? NHL and NBA playoffs? It is just not the NFL, playoff tv ratings are the pot at the end of the rainbow that justifies the large contracts sports leagues reap from TV networks.

[OgtheDim]

The movement towards an FAcup/March Madness style playoff competition is gathering steam. The old guard who hate it based on not getting a home playoff date are not getting home playoff dates anyways so they are changing their tune. Here's hoping there will be an announcement in December.

[TheGoodson]

We should do away with the playoff system. Clearly it's less popular than regular league games - at least if you look at season averages across the league. Also, there's literally ZERO respect for the play-off system by players and fans internationally. Why do we continue to insist on being another version of the NFL? Why not just be a proper league with a season like everywhere else in the world? We ended all the BS with no draws allowed, kick-ins instead of throw ins, clock running backwards from 90 to zero, etc.. It's stupid. Now we have to hear about play-off games with 10,000 or so attendance. Pathetic! Do away with it. Have a season like it's always been done in football, and let's crown TFC as the best team this year and just lift the trophy already. We were CLEARLY the best team this year. No doubt!

There are many issues with these knock out games, as most teams do not know if they are hosting and end up having a turn around time of selling tickets is like 2 days... Having a stadium that is not very public transit friendly is also an issue in Chicago.

[Super]

There are many issues with these knock out games, as most teams do not know if they are hosting and end up having a turn around time of selling tickets is like 2 days... Having a stadium that is not very public transit friendly is also an issue in Chicago.

Yes, that doesn't speak well for the play-offs either. I think there are few good reasons to keep the play-offs in place other than to look like the other major sports in North America. I think we should have the confidence to say that we're not like the other sports. We're part of a world-wide sport that doesn't need to make changes to look more like others. That's my opinion anyway.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Only 6000 in Chicago tonight looked a lot less maybe 3000 if that, tell me another of the major leagues in North America where only 6000 or less will show up for a playoff game , none only in MLS , this is not good how long before Chicago joins Columbus looking for a city to relocate too, too many cities in this league that draw flies not good!

Repost.

Also ridiculous.

[BenRhodes23]

A shame about the NYRB injuries... I'd rather see us beat a healthy squad

[Yohan]

Yes, that doesn't speak well for the play-offs either. I think there are few good reasons to keep the play-offs in place other than to look like the other major sports in North America. I think we should have the confidence to say that we're not like the other sports. We're part of a world-wide sport that doesn't need to make changes to look more like others. That's my opinion anyway.
Then there's all these countries that uses playoffs of some form

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoffs#Association_football

[105]

The movement towards an FAcup/March Madness style playoff competition is gathering steam. The old guard who hate it based on not getting a home playoff date are not getting home playoff dates anyways so they are changing their tune. Here's hoping there will be an announcement in December.

It's also done in the world cup knockout round.

I like this idea when they get to 28-32 teams. Then letting in 16 teams makes sense.

[reggie]

A shame about the NYRB injuries... I'd rather see us beat a healthy squad
who is injured?

[StokeciTFC]

who is injured?


Kemar Lawrence and Felipe both went off injured I think.

[SoccMan2]

The only thing that has me worried is the fact that not too many Supporter Shield winners have not only not won the MLS Cup but have even not made the MLS Cup final, look at the Red Bulls getting knocked out in the first round I think after winning the Supporters Shield, or having a good season and getting knocked out in the first round like last season. This year after finishing 6th. and just making the playoffs they are coming in the playoffs with no high expectations and no pressure because of the season they had unlike other seasons when had such great regular seasons they were expected to more or less make it and win the MLS Cup, this season no one is expecting them to win in the playoffs so they have no pressure and look how they dismantled Chicago . TFC have all the pressure on them after such a great regular season and are expected to make the MLS Cup final and win it this year, I’m not having high hopes here for TFC because of all this pressure and I won’t be surprised if by the time they get to home for the second leg against the Red Bulls it might already being over because of an insurmountable lead the Red Bulls have going into the second leg in Toronto, I’ve seen it happen so many times over the years in the playoffs and won’t be surprised to it happening to TFC, the MLS is a crazy league and history has shown it really is expecially in the MLS playoffs.

[Initial B]

There are many issues with these knock out games, as most teams do not know if they are hosting and end up having a turn around time of selling tickets is like 2 days... Having a stadium that is not very public transit friendly is also an issue in Chicago.
Actually, if they went to a one-and-done system with the play-in rounds, that actually may work well from a ticket sales standpoint. What about this schedule for 2018 (which would be the latest it could occur):
* Nov 11 - Season Ends Sunday before November International Break
* Nov 12 - Everyone starts selling playoff tickets.
* Nov 21/22 - Play-in Round games are played on the Wednesday/Thursday immediately following the international break.
* Nov 24/25 - Quarterfinal games with the bye-teams are played the Saturday/Sunday immediately following the international break
* Dec 1/2 - Semifinal games are played the following weekend.
* Dec 8 - The final is played the following Saturday.

The teams hosting the play-in round and those with a first round bye will know when the game will be, if not the opponent and will have 10 days to two weeks to sell tickets so we don't see attendance like what we saw at Chicago last night. The winners of the Quarters will know who will be hosting and have a week to sell tickets. Same with the final. My only worry is that it will be pretty cold if the Final is held anywhere in Canada, but by the time 2021 rolls around, the final will be held Dec 4th.

[TheGoodson]

Actually, if they went to a one-and-done system with the play-in rounds, that actually may work well from a ticket sales standpoint. What about this schedule for 2018 (which would be the latest it could occur):
* Nov 11 - Season Ends Sunday before November International Break
* Nov 12 - Everyone starts selling playoff tickets.
* Nov 21/22 - Play-in Round games are played on the Wednesday/Thursday immediately following the international break.
* Nov 24/25 - Quarterfinal games with the bye-teams are played the Saturday/Sunday immediately following the international break
* Dec 1/2 - Semifinal games are played the following weekend.
* Dec 8 - The final is played the following Saturday.

The teams hosting the play-in round and those with a first round bye will know when the game will be, if not the opponent and will have 10 days to two weeks to sell tickets so we don't see attendance like what we saw at Chicago last night. The winners of the Quarters will know who will be hosting and have a week to sell tickets. Same with the final. My only worry is that it will be pretty cold if the Final is held anywhere in Canada, but by the time 2021 rolls around, the final will be held Dec 4th.

I think it's a very good idea personally, the only issue is that I doubt the MLS would go for it as the league is driven by gate revenue and eliminating 2 home games would be a no go...

[ensco]

I don’t think 12 teams should make the playoffs. It decreases the legitimacy of the first round

[Canary10]

The only thing that has me worried is the fact that not too many Supporter Shield winners have not only not won the MLS Cup but have even not made the MLS Cup final, look at the Red Bulls getting knocked out in the first round I think after winning the Supporters Shield, or having a good season and getting knocked out in the first round like last season. This year after finishing 6th. and just making the playoffs they are coming in the playoffs with no high expectations and no pressure because of the season they had unlike other seasons when had such great regular seasons they were expected to more or less make it and win the MLS Cup, this season no one is expecting them to win in the playoffs so they have no pressure and look how they dismantled Chicago . TFC have all the pressure on them after such a great regular season and are expected to make the MLS Cup final and win it this year, I’m not having high hopes here for TFC because of all this pressure and I won’t be surprised if by the time they get to home for the second leg against the Red Bulls it might already being over because of an insurmountable lead the Red Bulls have going into the second leg in Toronto, I’ve seen it happen so many times over the years in the playoffs and won’t be surprised to it happening to TFC, the MLS is a crazy league and history has shown it really is expecially in the MLS playoffs.

I've thought all those things as well. But we didn't come in first last year and we didn't win it either. Ultimately I don't think the placing matters. It's all about the quality of the team.

[ag futbol]

I don’t think 12 teams should make the playoffs. It decreases the legitimacy of the first round
They need to move towards a MLB style playoff format. The season drags on too long.

Atrocious blown offside call in the Atl-CLb game. Not only was it obvious, but the linesman was also clearly out of position when making the call. Unacceptable.

[whositwhatnow]

woww 2 blow offsides

[Auzzy]

Does anybody know a YouTube stream?

[UpTheReds]

Atlanta doing everything but scoring. Dare I say it could be one of them nights for Atlanta? Smash and grab for Columbus?

[OgtheDim]

Great game this. CBus is more then holding their own. Atlanta can't finish but they also can't play defence.

Begs the question - can Tata Martino adjust?

[BenRhodes23]

Hopefully Austi-, I mean Columbus, will steal this one late.

[Detroit_TFC]

Polar opposite of last night's Chicago v RBNY game. Both goalkeepers having incredible games. Going to be a test of stamina in extra time.

[MartinUtd]

Who were the blown offside calls against? I just tuned in for extra time.

[spe18]

Sounds like quite unique singing in Atalanta in extra time. It also looks like they are all holding some sort of flashlight?

[Detroit_TFC]

Sounds like quite unique singing in Atalanta in extra time. It also looks like they are all holding some sort of flashlight?

Cell phone lights.

[StokeciTFC]

It’s s great game to watch for all though, lots of incident. Plenty of excitement. Kudos to both teams for the spirit on show tonight. Superb advert for MLS.

[MartinUtd]

Crew is play very very conservatively, giving up ample chances to get players forward on the transition.

[daner90]

Wow what a play to save the game

[wopchop]

Wow. Can't believe he denied that ball.

[BenRhodes23]

Atlanta look more fatigued. Gressel can't even move and they're out of subs. Also - can't believe that ball was just cleared off the line! Final thought for this post: why is there 5000 less fans for the playoff game than the TFC game?

[BenRhodes23]

Penalties! Come on Columbus!

[OgtheDim]

Atlanta look more fatigued. Gressel can't even move and they're out of subs. Also - can't believe that ball was just cleared off the line! Final thought for this post: why is there 5000 less fans for the playoff game than the TFC game?

Mid week 3 days to get people there. We didn't sell out BMO last year during Philly.

[Yohan]

Atlanta look more fatigued. Gressel can't even move and they're out of subs. Also - can't believe that ball was just cleared off the line! Final thought for this post: why is there 5000 less fans for the playoff game than the TFC game?
because Atlanta had 3 days of selling tix. can't bash Atl fans for 67k coming out on 3 days notice

[SoccMan2]

Atlanta look more fatigued. Gressel can't even move and they're out of subs. Also - can't believe that ball was just cleared off the line! Final thought for this post: why is there 5000 less fans for the playoff game than the TFC game?
Less fans because have less time to sell tickets whereas regular season games you have so much more time to sell tickets, but still 67000 is still pretty amazing and great for the league , but then you have Chicago drawing friends and family.

[OgtheDim]

Whether its in game or PKs to decide a winner, I can't watch penalties since last December. If I care at all about the game, I just can't watch it.

I watched Seba the other week and was kicking myself for doing it.

[wopchop]

Not going well for Atlanta at all here.

[BenRhodes23]

I wasn't taking a shot at Atlanta - Just surprised they didn't get even more in the stadium

[Abou Sky]

This is the best game I have seen in a long time!

[tfcfans]

Bye bye Atlanta.....

[wopchop]

This is the best game I have seen in a long time!
Yeah, very entertaining.

[BenRhodes23]

Columbus!!!!! Hats off to ATL for their incredible inaugural season but it's nice to see them out of the picture

[ensco]

It seems losing on PKs sucks

[ag futbol]

Columbus didn’t play bad but for Atlanta to go out on penalties like that... ouch.

[AlanO]

Wow.

Wow, wow, wow.

[OgtheDim]

Sooooooooooooo quiet in that stadium.

[pdubs]

The Crew! I love Atlanta being put in their place. Especially after the booing last week.

My god what a game.

Suck it Atlanta.

[Smokecell]

Wowowow the piss stains knocked off atl. Steffen HUGE for them tonight.

[wopchop]

Happy to see this result. Hope it blows up in Precourt's face somehow.

[rowjimi]

Fun game to watch.

[SoccMan2]

So what maybe 5000 show up in Columbus for their playoff game , if they don’t sell this playoff game out then they deserve to be moved I’m sorry.

[ensco]

I think Columbus will beat NYCFC

[reggie]

bye bye atl...boo dis:scarf:

[Abou Sky]

So what maybe 5000 show up in Columbus for their playoff game , if they don’t sell this playoff game out then they deserve to be moved I’m sorry.

Agreed, if 5000 want to keep a team, they can have an NPSL team.

[ensco]

So what maybe 5000 show up in Columbus for their playoff game , if they don’t sell this playoff game out then they deserve to be moved I’m sorry.

Well now it's not fair to say that. Given the announcement, people who would otherwise go will inevitably stay away

[BenRhodes23]

#SaveTheCrew #BeatNYCFC

[Yohan]

So what maybe 5000 show up in Columbus for their playoff game , if they don’t sell this playoff game out then they deserve to be moved I’m sorry.
I suppose what's more important to you. Support your team and give money to the guy trying to screw you and your team over, or boycott and not give money to the guy trying to screw you over.

[StokeciTFC]

Aaaaaaamd the big, scary Atlanta monster is gone.

[ensco]

I don't want to get ahead of ourselves here but.... are we looking at one last TFC invasion of Columbus in the ECF?

I bet we'd have more people at that game than locals.

[notthesun]

Man, I woke up and just had a feeling Columbus might pull it out. What a crazy game.

[Canary10]

Columbus averaged 17,000 plus according to MLS. Seems their attendance is fine.

[StokeciTFC]

It’s those games that runs are either born with to the energy unlocked, or die with the emotion spent.

[Canary10]

Well. Atlanta is more like Outalanta.

[Globetrotter]

No doubt CLB will beat NYC at home... but can NYC get at least a goal to help with aggregate.
Are CLB playing like last year's Sounders... running out the year without losing?

Per Larson:
The Crew have been really good against average-to-bad teams this season. Eleven of Crew SC's 16 wins have come against teams that were outside of the playoff picture entering Decision Day. What’s more, Columbus were just 5W-9L-5D against teams above the playoff line this season. They won’t have the luxury of facing Orlando three times in the postseason.


The Red Bulls have three wins since the end of July, one of which came against a depleted Vancouver Whitecaps side and the other in a zero-stakes match against D.C. United. The Red Bulls want to create scoring chances using their hard press, but it also leaves them stretched throughout games — something that’s seen them concede far too often to win a championship. They haven’t shown an ability to adapt to the game state.

[reggie]

that pitch in houston.jezzz:facepalm:

[daner90]

No goals through 160 minutes tonight....

[Blindside16]

Who were the blown offside calls against? I just tuned in for extra time.

1 either way. The call against Columbus was brutal. He was onside by 2 yards at least. The linesman was out of position all night.

[Blindside16]

I can't help but wonder if Precourt shit his pants a little tonight. If nothing else it will be interesting to see what the stadium will look like in the first leg.

[jennicowdy]

Delighted to see Atlanta go out after their treatment of Jozy & Bradley last week. I find it so odd they decided to mix international and club like that - you wouldn't catch any other country doing that. Stay classy USA.

For our first game against Atlanta next season can we get some "Biggest Losers" banners made up featuring the faces of everyone who missed a penalty?

P.S. It was a great game, but the penalty taking was appalling, with a few exceptions.

[Scotty74]

most entertaining 0-0 I've seen in a long time! I was impressed with Zack Steffen the Columbus goalie, looked good for just being 22. Although the commentary team really bigged up some of his saves.

Can't say I'm upset to see Atlanta go out

[Section_105]

most entertaining 0-0 I've seen in a long time! I was impressed with Zack Steffen the Columbus goalie, looked good for just being 22. Although the commentary team really bigged up some of his saves.

Can't say I'm upset to see Atlanta go out

yeah, Twellman went full orgasm mode for the saves. but they were brilliant especially the stone cold stand up to deny the panenka. I half expected him to throw the ball back and say "try again punk. "

Kid should go back to Europe next year (was at FC Freiberg for 2 years after school).

[wopchop]

most entertaining 0-0 i've seen in a long time! I was impressed with zack steffen the columbus goalie, looked good for just being 22. Although the commentary team really bigged up some of his saves.

Can't say i'm upset to see atlanta go out
that ball was behind him!!

[Oldtimer]

Highlights. More hitting the crossbar and posts than I've ever seen.


http://youtu.be/PA4AwA1VnZA

[Super]

Then there's all these countries that uses playoffs of some form

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoffs#Association_football

Oh I'm aware that it's popular for promotion and such, but major leagues around the world do not use it for the top leagues. England, Italy, Spain, Germany, France - the biggest, most watched leagues in the world do not - and that's who we should hopefully one day be able to compare ourselves to.

The play-offs is in many ways a crap-shoot. We're the best team this year over 34 games vs. a few home and away play-off fixtures. But to each their own of course.