MLS: Analyzing all the Eastern Conference playoff possibilities

On the Road

Will Rooney help D.C. lift a trophy before his departure?

This season, D.C. United did not have to pull off an incredible comeback to make the postseason. For most of the campaign, they were able to stay within touch of the playoff places and find themselves as the number five seed. And for Wayne Rooney, this will be his last chance as a D.C. United player to help the club lift a trophy.

While eyes will be on Rooney’s performance, the club itself needs to come together for what will be a tough road to the MLS Cup final. They face Toronto and then NYCFC if they defeat Toronto in the first round. From there, it might be a showdown with Atlanta United, which could be a huge moment for Rooney if he can help lead his club past the defending champions and into the MLS Cup final.

D.C. United have tremendous talent, but they are yet to completely put it all together. No better time than the playoffs, then, to finally figure it all out.

Don’t forget about the Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls have been all over the place in 2019. One week they look great; the next, they look like a non-playoff club. So which end of the spectrum will they fall in the playoffs? After a few shocking defeats in the final weeks of the season, the confidence level may not be there for the club to make a deep run in the playoffs.

But if we see a Red Bulls team that can get a good run of form going, they could be dangerous. The opening match against the Union has the chance to be a massive moment for Chris Armas’ side. The Red Bulls did not play like a club who deserved to be in the top four at the end of the season. Consequently, they must now prove they belonged there all along.

Can Bruce Arena lead the Revolution to the improbable?

Bruce Arena has led a fierce comeback in Foxborough as the New England Revolution have qualified for the playoffs in what looked like a doomed season only a few months ago. However, as the seventh seed in the playoffs, they are not expected to go far.

Their first-round opponents, Atlanta United should hand them an early exit, and rightly so after defeating them 3-1 on the final matchday of the regular season. But the Revolution have shown in the last months of the season they have a fight that can take them to new levels, even as the vultures circle. Do not be surprised if they pull off a huge upset. And from there, anything is possible.

The Eastern Conference playoffs are as even as they have ever been. That makes predicting who will progress more difficult than ever. But one thing is for sure: these are must-watch contests.