MLS playoffs should be dramatic, with superstars such as Messi, Son and Thomas Muller headlining, but other contenders to watch
So, MLS playoffs are here. Welcome to the postseason, where the true chaos unfolds. You've heard of all of this "MLS after dark" stuff? This is where it's on display for everyone to see.
Who are the faves here?
Obviously, Inter Miami will come up in conversation, especially given the presence of that Lionel Messi guy. But they're not alone. The Philadelphia Union were excellent value for their Supporters' Shield win, and can't be counted out. FC Cincinnati, too, are in with a shout – especially given the presence of Kevin Denkey and the balance of their side.
Thomas Muller has energized the Vancouver Whitecaps. And LAFC will like their chances with Son Heung-Min on their side. No one can say with any real conviction that they know who will win this thing.
And it is in that spirit that GOAL US writers break down MLS postseason in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Getty Images Sport Who will win MLS Cup?
Tom Hindle: It's been written here so many times that it will not be Inter Miami. They are flawed. They aren't the side we all think they are. They have weaknesses at a number of key positions. But they also have this guy called Messi. So, yeah, Miami are the favorites. But a word for expansion side San Diego FC, who could well coast through an easier West and set themselves up for a one-off looking pretty fresh.
Alex Labidou: FC Cincinnati. It's understood this is the San Antonio Spurs-like answer, and many fans would much rather see MLS’s version of the Miami Heat – Messi and Inter Miami – prevail. But the Herons have very concerning holes on their roster. This is a team that can’t defend counterattacks and needs Messi to basically get a brace every night in the playoffs to guarantee success. FC Cincinnati have quietly been building to this success over the past three seasons. Evander is one of the top five players in MLS, Kevin Denkey is flying under the radar with an impressive first season and Miles Robinson is playing at his best. Cincy have what it takes to win this year.
Ryan Tolmich: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. There's no way they fool us a third time, right? Despite all of their faults, and there are plenty, the stars seem to be aligning for Inter Miami, particularly after Messi's season-closing performance. If he's going to be in that type of form, the rest of the league is in trouble. The question is whether the defense can hold up. But if they can concede one or two goals a game, the Herons have a chance to finally make that run.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWho is on upset alert?
TH: The beauty of MLS playoffs is that unless it's a one versus eight situation – hello, Miami – then upsets aren't really a thing. it might get interesting for LAFC. Going forward, they are immense with Son leading the line. But Austin will be awkward. Keep an eye.
AL: As tempting as it is to say Miami, common sense suggests they’ll at least get through to the semifinals. Let’s go with Minnesota United, who have the unwelcome task of facing Brian Schmetzer’s Seattle Sounders. Yes, picking a fifth seed over a four is a bit of a cop out, but the top two seeds appear to be insulated against a major upset. The Loons, at times, have looked like MLS’s best team. But their overall inconsistency in attack has resulted in them not finishing higher. Schmetzer is a battle-tested manager who lives for elimination game, and the playoffs overall. With Jordan Morris healthy again, it gives the Sounders just enough to see their way to the semis.
RT: Don't know if it's quite "upset alert" but sorry San Diego FC. While your expansion story is very cool, things are about to change. Maybe it isn't in the first round for the Western Conference regular season leaders. But at some point, they do run into star power. That will likely be too much for them. Still, the club should be thrilled with this season regardless of how the traditionally chaotic postseason goes.
IMAGNWhich playoff manager is on the hotseat?
TH: Is anyone, seriously? It's tough to say. No one likes losing in these sorts of situations, and pretty much any coach who underperforms at this point could be in trouble. Miami's Javier Mascherano is the obvious one, especially given the fact that he's basically just Messi's mate.
AL: Mascherano has the most pressure, but his close ties with Messi mean he’s probably got another season in him – especially with the team going younger next year. As for the hottest seat, let’s go with Phil Neville. During his two-year tenure at Portland, it has been difficult to determine what the Timbers are. They were higher up on the table midseason, and despite being one of MLS’s best defensive sides, are painfully inconsistent. Last year they were embarrassed by the Whitecaps in the play-in. If the Timbers lose in that phase or don’t hold their own in the first round, Portland fans would be right to wonder about the future.
RT: None, in truth. It has become easier to be a playoff team, yes. But ultimately, that's the goal in MLS, isn't it? Maybe an unbelievable Miami crash-out could lead to questions about Mascherano, but they're a team in between eras. Same for LAFC – but we know that Steve Cherundolo is on his way out the door already. The postseason is a mix of clubs that achieved what they expected and big teams with extenuating circumstances. Because of that, the seats aren't that hot.
AFPWho will make a deeper run: Messi, Muller or Son?
TH: Messi, if only because Miami win it all – although they might have to beat either Vancouver or LAFC in the final.
AL: This is a tough one. Let’s go with Muller. This has been a fundamental season for Vancouver, a team that had one of the lowest franchise values in MLS and a market that was fearful of relocation. Now, they’ve got a top-four record in the league with the former Bayern Munich superstar. For all of the criticism MLS gets about the regular season not mattering, this is the positive of the league’s structure: contenders can emerge from anywhere. It would not be surprising if Vancouver represent the Western Conference in MLS Cup.
RT: Messi because he's Messi. Of the three, Muller might have the best team, while Son has the best running mate, Denis Bouanga. But is that enough to make up for the fact that Miami have the Argentine star? All three could, and probably will, go on runs. But having now done this twice, Messi and and Miami know what to expect – and the man himself seems determined not to let this team fail again.