MLS Playoff Bracket: Qualified Teams And Schedule
Major League Soccer (MLS) is gearing up for another thrilling playoff season, and fans worldwide are eager to follow every match. The MLS playoff bracket is now set, featuring the top teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences battling for the coveted MLS Cup. Let's dive into the details of the bracket, qualified teams, and the schedule.
Qualified Teams
Here are the teams that have clinched a spot in the 2024 MLS playoffs:
- Eastern Conference:
- FC Cincinnati
- Orlando City SC
- Columbus Crew
- Philadelphia Union
- New England Revolution
- Atlanta United
- Nashville SC
- New York Red Bulls
- Western Conference:
- St. Louis City SC
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
- Real Salt Lake
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Portland Timbers
- Sporting Kansas City
- San Jose Earthquakes
MLS Playoff Bracket
The playoff bracket is structured to create exciting matchups right from the start. Here's a breakdown:
Eastern Conference Bracket
- Round One:
- FC Cincinnati (1) vs. New York Red Bulls (8)
- Orlando City SC (2) vs. Nashville SC (7)
- Columbus Crew (3) vs. Atlanta United (6)
- Philadelphia Union (4) vs. New England Revolution (5)
- Conference Semifinals:
- Winner of Cincinnati/Red Bulls vs. Winner of Philadelphia/New England
- Winner of Orlando/Nashville vs. Winner of Columbus/Atlanta
- Conference Final:
- Winners of the Conference Semifinals clash for a spot in the MLS Cup.
Western Conference Bracket
- Round One:
- St. Louis City SC (1) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (8)
- Seattle Sounders FC (2) vs. Sporting Kansas City (7)
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC) (3) vs. Portland Timbers (6)
- Real Salt Lake (4) vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (5)
- Conference Semifinals:
- Winner of St. Louis/San Jose vs. Winner of Real Salt Lake/Vancouver
- Winner of Seattle/Sporting KC vs. Winner of LAFC/Portland
- Conference Final:
- Winners of the Conference Semifinals compete for the other MLS Cup spot.
Key Dates and Schedule
- Round One: October 25-31, 2024
- Conference Semifinals: November 4-5, 2024
- Conference Finals: November 25-26, 2024
- MLS Cup: December 7, 2024
How to Watch
All MLS playoff games will be available on major sports networks such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and TSN (in Canada). Streaming options include ESPN+, Fox Sports Go, and the MLS official website. Check your local listings for specific broadcast details.
Conclusion
The MLS playoff bracket promises intense competition and memorable moments. With the qualified teams set and the schedule in place, fans can look forward to an exciting journey towards the MLS Cup. Keep an eye on these key matchups and rising stars as they battle for supremacy in North American soccer. Make sure to follow all the action and support your favorite team throughout the playoffs!
