MLS: Analyzing all the Western Conference playoff possibilities

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SEATTLE, WA – OCTOBER 06: Seattle Sounders forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) and Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) battle for the ball during an MLS match between the Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United on October 6, 2019, at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The playoff brackets are set and the Western Conference has a few possible scenarios that could make for an intriguing and brutal path to MLS Cup.

The Major League Soccer playoff bracket was set when the last whistle blew on Sunday. And with the relentless cycle of the season, the eyes of the league have already shifted to the possible conference semi-final matches that could occur. And in the West, they are especially spicy.

For Supporters’ Shield winners Los Angeles, the path ahead looks treacherous, even with their dominant form throughout the regular season. Meanwhile, the other side of the bracket may give way to one of the best rivalries in MLS, Portland vs. Seattle.

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Here’s a breakdown of what each Western Conference club is looking at heading into the playoffs.

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 25: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC celebrates his goal during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Los Angeles Galaxy at the Banc of California Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The match ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

The Supporters’ Shield Winners

LAFC have it rough

At first glance, the big possibility here is that the Los Angeles Galaxy could meet Los Angeles FC in the conference semi-finals of the playoffs. The Galaxy would have to get past the stern test of Minnesota Untied first but neither would be an easy out for the Black and Gold.

If LAFC were to defeat either one of those clubs, they may be faced with a much less intense match in the conference final. This is where they could be dangerous and very well make the MLS Cup final. Meanwhile, those on the other side of the bracket will most definitely hope to see the top seed fall in their semi-final fixture.

The bottom line is this: the semi-final match for LAFC will be the toughest of their journey to the MLS Cup. They have fallen to both Minnesota and the Galaxy already this season and were unable to beat either at home. The opening round of the playoffs could very well remain a thorn in the side of LAFC for one more season.

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