(bit of a long one, sorry in advance)
Exciting first round to the playoffs, two games went to shootouts. Now this is where we see if the Conference leaders will show if they really deserved that top spot. All games once again being televised on TSN.
Thursday, October 20:
Cincinnati @ Philly – 8pm – Does Philly continue their success with a record setting Goals against (26). They had 15 clean sheets (I bet GE is glad they didn’t sponsor them). They had the 2nd best record for +/- with 46 (LAFC had 48 in 2019). They have put a very good team together and their home record is scary good, 12w, 5d 0L, 49goals, 9 goals against, on a 9 game win streak going into this game. I cannot see a way in which Cincinnati breaks them down. Cincinnati have only beat Philly once. However, I recall saying that last week about NYRB and they ended up winning that game.
LA Galaxy @ LAFC – 10pm – One final derby day between the two of these clubs in this young rivalry. Only the 17th meeting between the two and Galaxy have gotten the better 7 times, 5 draws to LAFC 4. Galaxy had a goal called back but eventually broke down Nashville defense to make it here. Do they have enough and what it will take to beat the supporter’s shield winners? LAFC however should be well rested and here is their chance to show that the supporter’s shield means something.
Sunday, October 23:
NYC FC @ Montreal – 1pm – Montreal had a fantastic game against Orlando and the Canadian’s played very well. They took almost 70 mins to break down Orlando but they dominated in possession the majority of the night, all while resting their primary striker. NYCFC is just…ugly all around, from that awful excuse for a pitch they had to play on (just an utter disgrace) to those odd cigarette looking smoke stacks behind the net!? They really are missing that finishing of Castellanos right now. Will Mr. Joey Saputo’s team put NYC to the test and come out on top?
Dallas @ Austin – 8pm – Both teams went the extra mile with added time and penalties. Austin fought extremely hard to get back into that game and their fan’s were supporting them all the way. Personally I find it a bit odd MLS doesn’t allow an additional sub once extra time begins (I believe most leagues and tournaments allow this). Ferreira was voted top young player of the year for Dallas, making that two years in a row Dallas have had that honor (Pepi last year). Interesting to check his stats as he has scored 18g 6a in 33 games (no goals from the spot), also only the 2nd to reach 30g 20a before age of 22. The other person to reach that achievement is Fagundez who plays or Austin. However, everything goes through Driussi for the attack, 24g in 35 games, he has really come alive this year compared to only 5g in 17 appearances last year. He has an impressive 9/9 conversion rate on penalties in his career as well. If Dallas can find a way to shut him down, then they may win this game but Austin have found themselves behind in something like 9-10 games this year and come back to get a point or win.