Thanksgiving has come and gone, with leftover turkey neatly stored away and dishes washed. Now, the focus shifts to the MLS Cup playoff semifinals.
Last weekend’s quarterfinals delivered some excitement. In the Eastern Conference, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami put on a solid show against FC Cincinnati, easily overcoming the higher seeded team. Meanwhile, Matt Freese helped New York City FC secure victory over the Philadelphia Union, clinching the Supporters’ Shield as the regular season champs.
The Vancouver Whitecaps, facing a late surge from Son’s stunning free kick, managed to prevail against LAFC in a penalty shootout, thrilling 54,000 fans in attendance. San Diego FC continued its impressive expansion season on Monday, edging out Minnesota United with a late goal from Danish standout and MLS MVP finalist Anders Dreyer.
Both teams have now moved on to the Final Four scheduled for Saturday. Here’s a breakdown of the semifinals and details on who will reach the MLS Cup Final on December 6 (2:30 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX One/FOX Deportes and Apple TV).
Inter Miami vs. New York City FC
Date and Time: Saturday, November 29, 6 PM ET (AppleTV)
Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Messi seems determined to capture his first MLS title after arriving in mid-2023, showcasing that his transition from Europe to South Florida was worthwhile. This quest also serves to send his retiring teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, off with a championship.
This is challenging news for NYCFC. On the bright side, they are under less pressure, as the spotlight is firmly on the Herons, which have faced disappointments in previous playoffs and finals. However, winning the MLS Cup is their primary goal, and Miami is just two victories away from achieving redemption. Moreover, if they make it to the finals, they will enjoy home advantage, adding further motivation this weekend. Although NYCFC won’t surrender easily, it’s tough to bet against Messi and his team.
Prediction: Miami 3, NYCFC 1
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
When: Saturday, November 29, 9 PM ET (AppleTV)
Location: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
The anticipation surrounding San Diego’s Cinderella story has been palpable all season, but it shows no signs of ending. The squad, put together by GM Tyler Heaps and coached by former USMNT interim manager Mikey Vallas, has proven to be formidable. Remarkably, they have succeeded even with prominent player Hirving “Chucky” Lozano providing only support during the playoffs.
There are still possibilities for an upset. Like Miami, Vancouver has the feel of a destiny-driven team, having reached the Concacaf final last spring by defeating Messi’s Miami and bolstering their lineup with German World Cup champion Thomas Müller.
Despite the road game challenge, the Whitecaps remain undeterred, even with MLS Defender of the Year Triston Blackmon suspended following a red card in a game against LAFC. San Diego narrowly won the season series against Vancouver, but it’s worth noting that key players Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White were unavailable for previous matchups due to Gold Cup duties with the USMNT.
Prediction: Vancouver 2, San Diego 1
By Doug McIntyre, soccer reporter for FOX Sports.
Fan Take: The outcomes of the MLS Cup playoffs carry significant weight for soccer enthusiasts, as they reveal the growing competitiveness of the league. As these teams vie for the championship, fans witness the evolution of soccer in North America, highlighting its ability to attract global talent and foster local talent, ultimately expanding the sport’s appeal.
