Four Games, but which are the most compelling?
First off, this exercise is futile. Of course you should watch all four MLS knockout round games. They provide the most drama filled moments where teams can win or lose it all. The last two MLS Cup winners have survived the knockout round. Could another be in the cards?
We’re going to rate each of the four knockout round games based on the following four criteria, star power, history, fireworks potential, and cup potential. First the most self explanatory one, star power. Do you know the big names in this game and how much of an impact will they have? Second is history, and we’re mostly looking at the history between the two teams. Fireworks potential is how likely is this game about to turn completely bonkers. Having some great strikers helps this a lot. Finally, cup potential is how likely is the winner of this game to make an MLS Cup winning run.
Chicago Fire vs New York Red Bulls
Star Power: 4/4
We have some big names in this one, although they may all not play. Over in Chicago it’s all about whether or not Bastian Schweinsteiger will play. Having a world cup winner in your matchup gives you a huge boost. New York Red Bulls are no slouches either with Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sacha Kljestian.
Rivalry/History: 3/4
These two have only faced off once before in the playoffs but boy do we have an all caps #NARRATIVE. Does Dax McCarty get revenge on the team that traded him away? Do the Red Bulls move on without him, or falter again? Intrigue. Drama. Disdain.
Fireworks Potential: 3/4
Any game with Wright-Phillips and Golden Boot winner Nemanja Nikolic has potential to get spicy. The Red Bulls also have the added motivation of avoiding failure once again. This game could get testy, there could be goals, and there will almost certainly be close late.
Cup Potential: 2/4
If Chicago wins they get NYCFC, if New York does they have the daunting task of taking down Toronto FC. I could see Chicago getting the best of NYCFC in their first playoff appearance. New York would not have a fun time.
Total: 12/16
Vancouver vs San Jose
Stars Power: 1/4
Who is the biggest star in this match? Fredy Montero? Chris Wondolowski? Brek Shea? It’s a lot of names the biggest fans can appreciate but not ones the casual fans will know. Although it could be the first playoff game for future star Alphonso Davies.
Rivalry/History: 1/4
These two have never played each other in the playoffs. They have bigger rivals in the Western Conference. No real rivalry between players. Just not a lot here in terms of contempt.
Fireworks Potential: 2/4
The potential of this comes from the reincarnation of the Goonies late drama San Jose used to get them into the playoffs. Their play in the last 15 minutes of games this year has been what’s gotten them in the playoffs and will be the biggest draw of this game.
Cup Potential: 2/4
Wild things can happen in the West. No one has a clear hold on it like Toronto does, but these two aren’t the strongest sides. They also don’t have the best playoff history in the past 10 years. Vancouver has never advanced in MLS Playoffs. San Jose’s last win came in 2010.
Total: 6/16
Atlanta vs Columbus
Star Power: 3/4
Atlanta is doing the heavy lifting in this category. Ola Kamara and Frederico Higuain are great players, but not stars. Miguel Almiron, and Josef Martinez have taken the league by storm this season.
Rivalry/History: 1/4
This is Atlanta’s first ever playoff game. Columbus and Atlanta as cities don’t have any major connections. If you’re watching this game history is not the reason why.
Fireworks Potential: 4/4
Now we’re talking! Atlanta could have five goals in 15 minutes, or Higuain could pull something ridiculous out of a hat. Don’t underrate the physicalness of these two sides as well. A couple of hard fouls early could really ramp up the intensity of this one.
Cup Potential: 3/4
Sorry Columbus, no disrespect but this is all about Atlanta. Nobody wants to see Atlanta in the playoffs. Especially since they will have to make a trip to Mercedes Benz Stadium in one leg.
Total: 11/16
Houston vs Sporting KC
Star Power: 2/4
Graham Zusi and Matt Besler aren’t exactly stars, but they are US National Team members and have been for a while. Alberth Elis and Romel Quioto are big names among CONCACAF fans. There’s a little here.
Rivalry/History: 4/4
These two faced off in the playoffs for three straight seasons from 2011-2013, and the winner went to MLS Cup each time. These two sides also played twice in one week right before decision day and those results played a huge role in putting this game in Houston.
Fireworks Potential: 1/4
Sporting KC is going to try and squeeze the life out of this game. Do not be surprised if this game is the one that’s 0-0 going into the 80th minute and is ugly as sin.
Cup Potential: 2/4
They get a boost for playing in the Western Conference, but there still isn’t much reason to believe either side makes a huge run.
Total: 9/16