MLS Knockout Round preview: 4 sides clash in elimination showdowns
The 2016 MLS regular season is done and dusted, and 12 teams now shift their focus to the playoffs.
FC Dallas, the Colorado Rapids, New York City FC, and the New York Red Bulls will enjoy first-round byes as the No. 1 and 2 teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences, while the remaining eight teams will meet in single-elimination midweek matches.
Here's what to watch for in the Knockout Round:
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union (7:30 p.m. ET)
It's a matchup that's been a decade in the making.
Toronto FC hosts the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field for a franchise-first home playoff tilt. TFC head coach Greg Vanney will need to counteract a tricky midfield, with knowledge that Philadelphia has leaked goals in recent weeks.
Perhaps utilizing a 3-5-2 formation, a full-strength Toronto FC will turn to Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, as always, and will hope that recent defensive issues can be mended by the focus that comes with heightened pressure.
Past results: 3-1 Toronto FC win (Aug. 20), 1-1 draw (Sept. 24)
LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake (10:30 p.m. ET)
The LA Galaxy host Real Salt Lake at StubHub Center and will be at the mercy of fate, as Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, and Giovani Dos Santos return after a bit of a rest.
Real Salt Lake boasts a brutally effective front three of Joao Plata, Yura Movsisyan, and Juan Manuel Martinez, but have struggled to break down the Galaxy's back four throughout the year.
With Jelle Van Damme in Bruce Arena's defensive line, Real Salt Lake will push forward to try and expose space, while the Galaxy will look to counterattack with speed and efficiency. RSL cannot fall into those same traps if they are to escape alive.
Past results: 5-2 LA Galaxy win (April 23), 3-3 draw (Sept. 7)
Thursday, Oct. 27
D.C. United vs. Montreal Impact (7:30 p.m. ET)
This fixture hasn't traditionally inspired much by way of clear differentiation, but D.C. United hosts a relatively tame Montreal Impact while coming off a tremendous vein of form that saw Ben Olsen's side surge into the postseason.
As such, Montreal will need to stave off a team that's hungry for success and firing on all cylinders. The Impact will have a well-rested core, but also a few issues of its own to manage through.
Namely, the status of Didier Drogba, as the star man has missed the last two matches entirely with a "stiff back." We'll have to wait and see if Drogba makes a playoff appearance, or if he bows out of Montreal without fanfare.
Past results: 1-1 draw (July 31), 1-1 draw (Aug. 24)
Seattle Sounders vs. Sporting Kansas City (10:00 p.m. ET)
The Seattle Sounders host Sporting Kansas City at CenturyLink Field and will hope to finally get a win over their Western Conference foe.
The only Cascadian representatives in the MLS postseason, Seattle will be looking to extend its stay into the next two weeks. Sporting KC presents a rather difficult challenge, however, as Peter Vermes' side has largely remained unchanged over the past three years.
The Sounders, on the other hand, will be without Clint Dempsey as he deals with a heart issue and will lean on newcomer Nicolas Lodeiro and rookie striker Jordan Morris to work their way into the Western Conference semi-final.
Past results: 1-0 Sporting KC win (March 6), 3-0 Sporting KC win (July 24)