The MLS Cup Playoffs are officially underway and the first day of action featured no shortage of drama. FC Cincinnati came from behind to upset the New York Red Bulls 2-1 thanks to a cool finish from Brandon Vazquez while Julián Araujo was the hero for the LA Galaxy as they beat Nashville SC 1-0.
Here we are. Decision Day. A season potentially summed up in one moment. For the seven teams whose campaigns still hang in the balance, defeat is simply not an option. For spectators, the tension has been turned up to the max as six of the seven sides play each other in their final games of the season. After 90 minutes of intensity, stress will give way to both elation and agony. As we go into Decision Day, let’s break down what every team is playing for.
The business end of the MLS season is upon us, and with the MLS playoffs kicking off in just under a month, every game matters. Only six sides have officially been eliminated from playoff contention going into the international break and the race for the Supporter’s Shield is very much alive. Following Match Week 32, let’s break down what every team is playing for from here on out.
Remaining Opponents: Charlotte FC, Toronto FC
Back in March, Charlotte FC set the MLS attendance record when 74,479 showed up at Bank of America Stadium for the club's inaugural home match against LA Galaxy. Now the visitors are looking to bring the record back home with a 2023 El Tráfico of LA Galaxy vs LAFC at the Rose Bowl (capacity: 88,565).
Oh, and it's the season opener.
Wales captain Gareth Bale said he is on a "good path" towards full fitness ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, despite not completing a full game since joining Los Angeles FC in June.
Bale signed for the Major League Soccer club after leaving Real Madrid, where he struggled with injury in his last few seasons. He has made only two starts in his 11 appearances for LAFC, scoring twice.
Carlos Vela hizo subir la temperatura continental la noche de este martes con un golazo sensualote y que selló el 1-1 de LAFC en su visita a Minnesota United.
Las cosas no comenzaron bien para el club angelino, ya que al cierre del primer tiempo Minnesota United era el equipo que dominaba en el marcador, gracias a un cabezazo de Brent Kallman.
#mnufc take the lead!
Trailing 1-0 to a header from Minnesota United's Brent "Leave It All Out There" Kallman on Tuesday night in St. Paul, LAFC saw all its regular season ambition — the Supporters' Shield and a clear path to hosting MLS Cup — slipping away as they stared at a fifth defeat in six matches.
Gareth Bale had offered very little over 62 minutes before getting the hook, while Denis Bouanga was sacrificed at the same time with Steve Cherundolo hoping that Cristian Tello could offer something different.
Los Angeles FC signed forward Cristian Tello from Spain on Friday, just two days after forward Brian Rodriguez was transferred to Club America in Mexico.
Tello, 31, most recently played for Spain's Real Betis, while also winning a LaLiga title with Barcelona in 2012-13. His LAFC deal through the end of this season also includes options for 2023 and 2024.
It's almost been four months since Seattle made history by defeating Pumas to become the first MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions League, and although we've still got some time before we start the 2023 competition, we can start making predictions with the Liga MX field already filled and the MLS representatives now (somewhat) predictable.
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