MLS: Analyzing all the Western Conference playoff possibilities
By Daniel Garza
On the road
Can Zlatan guide the Galaxy to another cup?
All eyes will be on the performance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the postseason. The star striker did not appear last season as the Los Angeles Galaxy were met with a disastrous result on Decision Day that caused them to miss the playoffs. This time, Ibrahimovic is in the playoffs. Now, can he help the Galaxy lift the MLS Cup?
The Galaxy have a roster that makes them an extremely dangerous opponent in the postseason. Their inconsistent play has already cost them in the regular season. They really should be the second seed in the playoffs but they did not finish to what their potential has shown. Nevertheless, their talent is undeniable.
If they can survive a first-round road trip to Minnesota, it sets up an epic showdown with crosstown rival LAFC in the semi-finals. One has to think the Western Conference champion would come from the Galaxy and LAFC match.
Timbers have what it takes
Although the Portland Timbers are ranked sixth in the playoff bracket, don’t let that fool you into sleeping on what they can achieve. After making it to MLS Cup in 2018, they are hungry to get back to the top and have another chance of doing it this year. They are an in-form side coming on a dominant 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes and have shown once again they can come back and steal the show towards the end of the season.
Don’t be surprised if the Timbers are holding the Western Conference trophy when all is said and done. This might be the start of another improbable run towards the MLS Cup.
Dallas have nothing to lose
Being the seventh seed, FC Dallas enter the playoffs as the outright underdogs. They have not been a great side this year but they have shown at times they can be dangerous and deserve to be here. After routing Sporting Kansas City 6-0 on Decision Day, spirits will be high.
Dallas have a mountain to climb on the road against Seattle in the opening round and should embrace the underdog mentality in front of the large crowd and national audience. No one expects them to win MLS Cup and they have nothing to lose here. Sometimes, that can be a successful formula as others cripple under the pressure.
Next. MLS: 5 things you may have missed on Decision Day. dark
The 2019 MLS playoffs are here. These are the most exciting games of the year, every year, and the Western slate is as enthralling as ever.