The MLS playoffs get their final action in before the international break today, with the Eastern and Western conferences narrowing themselves down to four teams. The first legs saw each home team manage a shutout win, which has opened the door for four straight upsets today. For D.C. United fans, that means seeing the New York Red Bulls eliminated. Try to put the fact that it would be the same Montreal Impact team that ended United’s year out of your head.
The day starts in Commerce City, CO, where the Colorado Rapids will kick the game off down 1-0 to the LA Galaxy. Before it starts, go ahead and read our discussion of the first legs and what to expect today. The Rapids should have Jermaine Jones in from the start, which is huge for them, while LA might be (OK, definitely is) better off without their aging big names.
Projected Lineups:
Rapids (4231): Howard; Miller, Watts, Sjoberg, Burch; Cronin, Azira/Powers; Badji/Hairston, Jones, Gashi; K. Doyle
Galaxy (4231): Rowe; Rogers, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; Husidic/Larentowicz, Lletget; Donovan, Dos Santos, Boateng; Gordon
Kickoff time: 2:00pm Eastern
Available TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Available streaming: WatchESPN
We move on to Harrison, NJ, where the Impact will be doing their best to honor the hopes of a just world after ruining everything just a couple of Thursdays ago. The story here may be injuries. Kemar Lawrence has ankle and hamstring issues, while Mike Grella may not be able to play due to a knee injury. For Montreal, Didier Drogba is allegedly back to some degree, while Matteo Mancosu - who at this point is the playoff MVP, and scorer of the first leg’s only goal - may have tweaked a muscle in training this week.
No matter who plays, allez les bleu-blanc-noir!
Projected Lineups:
NYRB (4231): Robles; Duvall, Perrinelle, Collin, Lawrence/Zizzo; McCarty, Felipe; Muyl, Kljestan, Grella/Veron; B. Wright-Phillips
Impact (433): Bush; Camara, Cabrera, Ciman, Oyongo; Bernier, Donadel, Bernardello; Oduro, Mancosu, Piatti
Kickoff time: 4:00pm Eastern
Available TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Available streaming: WatchESPN
We move a short distance - but a very long trip time-wise - north to Manhattan for New York City FC’s game against Toronto FC. The Reds are 2-0 up after thoroughly outplaying NYCFC at BMO Field. It took 84 minutes for them to break through, but then they managed to snag a crucial second goal in stoppage time.
NYCFC has a ton to sort out after a formation and tactical change which included dropping Tommy McNamara and dealing without Andrea Pirlo. Frank Lampard was only available for half an hour as well, leaving some major uncertainty in place for the Pigeons. TFC, meanwhile, seems to have a pretty straightforward lineup choice (though right wingback Steven Beitashour may need to be replaced by Mark Bloom).
Projected Lineups:
NYCFC (433): Johansen; Allen, Brillant, Chanot, Matarrita; Lampard/McNamara/Lopez, Iraola, Pirlo/Lopez; Shelton/Harrison, Villa, McNamara/Mendoza/Harrison
TFC (352): Irwin; Zavaleta, Moor, Hagglund; Beitashour/Bloom, Cooper, Bradley, Osorio, Morrow; Giovinco, Altidore (note: this might be a 532 given the scoreline, and TFC has also played a 442 diamond quite a bit)
Kickoff time: 6:30pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go
And we’ll end this marathon in Frisco, TX, where FC Dallas will try to pull off a miracle against Seattle Sounders. Oscar Pareja and FCD needs to go all out in this one, but going all out means being open at the back. With Nicolas Lodeiro making passes and Jordan Morris running in behind, there’s a significant chance that Seattle ends up expanding this lead rather than simply protecting it. One goal for Seattle means Dallas needs to score five times in 90 minutes to advance.
Even without the away goal, Seattle is probably going through due to a stout defense. However, a knock for Roman Torres - he traveled to Texas, but is a game-time decision - might end up giving Dallas a glimmer of hope.
Projected Lineups:
Dallas (4231): Seitz; Harris, Zimmerman, Hedges, Figueroa; Gruezo, Acosta; Barrios, Rosales, Akindele; Urruti
Seattle (4231): Frei; Mears, Torres/Scott/Evans, Marshall, J. Jones; Alonso, Roldan; Lodeiro, Friberg, Morris; Valdez (note: the attacking trio may drop off into a 4141 for defensive purposes, with Alonso alone underneath Friberg and Roldan)
Kickoff time: 9:00pm Eastern
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go
For listings in other countries, check out LiveSoccerTV.com.
Consider this the place to be to discuss potentially 10+ hours of MLS playoff soccer. Make sure to get up and stay limber throughout the day, and prepare to put in an order from your favorite food delivery joint.