MLS: Analyzing all the Eastern Conference playoff possibilities

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ATLANTA, GA OCTOBER 06: Atlanta’s Leandro González Pirez (5) congratulates Darlington Nagbe (6) after Nagbe scored a first-half goal during the MLS match between the New England Revolution and Atlanta United FC on October 6th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Eastern Conference is as close as it’s going to get in the playoffs. But who will come out as the representative for MLS Cup?

An up and down season in the Eastern Conference has yielded a mixed bag of results heading into the Major League Soccer postseason. New York City FC emerged as the surprise package and took the top spot in the conference, while others like the Philadelphia Union displayed glimpses of what could be a promising showing in the race for the MLS Cup.

For returning champions Atlanta United, the test is on as they face a less certain path to the conference final. After a less than stellar season, can they turn things around when it matters most? And what about Toronto FC, D.C. United or the New York Red Bulls? They have been some of the most successful franchises in MLS. Can they deliver when it matters most?

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Here is how each club looks and the possible outcomes that could emerge from the playoff bracket.

BRONX, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: Domenec Torrent Head Coach of New York City FC claps to fans to cheer at the start of the 2nd half of the MLS match between New York City FC and Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2019 in the Bronx Borough of NY, USA. NYCFC won the match with a score of 4 to 1 and clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

The Number One Seed

NYCFC are in the driver’s seat

New York City FC have been a surprise this year. Dominic Torrent’s club used a very consistent second half of the season to pull away from their competitors and secure the number one seed int the Eastern playoffs. This should play in their favor entering the postseason as they have been in fine form as of late.

Much like their fellow first seed LAFC of the Western Conference, they will have to face a fierce test in their first match of the playoffs. Either Toronto FC or D.C. United await. This will not be an easy match for NYCFC as both of these clubs have a very strong attacking presence and have the capability to really make a strong run in the playoffs.

If they are able to get past their tough semi-final fixture, that opens up a possibility of facing either Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union, the New York Red Bulls or the New England Revolution. It’s too close to call to make a certain prediction of who they could meet in the conference final but it’s going to be an intense match either way.

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