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MLS: Analyzing all the Western Conference playoff possibilities

By Daniel Garza

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)
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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake is congratulated by Donny Toia #4 and Everton Luiz after Rusnak scored a goal in the first half against Minnesota United during the game at Allianz Field on September 15, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. United defeated Salt Lake 3-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 15: Albert Rusnak #11 of Real Salt Lake is congratulated by Donny Toia #4 and Everton Luiz after Rusnak scored a goal in the first half against Minnesota United during the game at Allianz Field on September 15, 2019 in St Paul, Minnesota. United defeated Salt Lake 3-1. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

The Home-field flyers

It could go any way for Seattle

The Seattle Sounders enter the playoffs with a chance to surprise the league and make the MLS Cup final once again. They aren’t the favorites to advance and their opening match against FC Dallas should reveal a lot about how ready they are for the postseason. FC Dallas, as the last seed in the West, have nothing to lose. But without the added pressure, they may be able to find a way to win in Seattle.

As mentioned, the big match that could take place in the conference semi-finals is Portland vs. Seattle. This rivalry could receive another chapter and this time it will be in the playoffs. Supporters will certainly be hoping the two find a way to meet each other for a place in the conference final.

Real Salt Lake can offer a surprise

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For third-place Real Salt Lake, the first round of the playoffs is a very tough test, far more difficult than they would have been hoping for. They host a Portland Timbers team who has beaten them twice this season and appears to be motivated to make another run at MLS Cup.

Much like LAFC, they are probably secretly dreading their opponents in their first playoff fixture. If they can get past Portland, they should be back in business, but that first match is a brutal fixture. They did beat LAFC last year in the playoffs and they may be eyeing another upset in the conference final should they get there.

Real Salt Lake are not a favorite to represent the West, but if things work out in their favor in the bracket, they may offer the surprise of the postseason by reaching MLS Cup.

A first-time appearance for Minnesota

Minnesota United will be making their first playoff appearance in MLS this year. The club has waited for this moment for three years and the chance is at hand to make a memorable run in the playoffs. With their supporters behind them, Minnesota could be dangerous.

Having home-field advantage against the LA Galaxy in the first round could propel them to advance to face LAFC. They have what it takes to reach the conference final and could be the ones to dethrone LAFC in the semi-finals having already beaten them in the regular season. The only question will be can they hold Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay in the first round?

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