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The MLS Cup Playoffs will begin on November 20th, as 18 teams will compete for a chance to hoist the 3rd, and most prestigious, trophy of the 2020 MLS season. Even with the coronavirus pandemic shuttering the regular season for the better part of 5 months, and the MLS is Back tournament in the middle, most teams were able to complete 23 games. Because some were not able to do so because of COVID-related cancellations, the playoffs were determined by a points-per-game average instead of overall points.
The Philadelphia Union, who won the Supporters’ Shield this season with the best record in the league, are what many would expect to be the favorite. They get to play the entirety of the playoffs at home, where they have a 100% record (9-0-0) this season. The Eastern Conference will still be full of adventure, as nine other teams join the Union in the race for MLS Cup: Toronto FC, Columbus Crew SC, Orlando City, New York City FC, the New York Red Bulls, Nashville SC, the New England Revolution, the Montreal Impact, and Inter Miami CF. Nashville, New England, Montreal, and Miami will participate in a play-in round, with the winners joining the rest of the Eastern Conference in the main 8-team bracket.
In the Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City, Seattle Sounders, and MLS is Back champions Portland Timbers were the pace cars, each ending with 39 points. Sporting Kansas City earned the #1 seed by way of having a better points-per-game average. Those three teams are joined by Minnesota United, the Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, Los Angeles Football Club, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
18 teams. 1 champion. Who do you think has the best shot? That’s the Community Corner question of the week. Hit the comments and let us know which team you think will hoist MLS Cup on December 12th.