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MLS: Playoff Power Rankings

By Andrew Dowdeswell

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)
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) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 04: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against the D.C. United at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 04: Alejandro Bedoya #11 of Philadelphia Union celebrates after scoring a goal in the first half against the D.C. United at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

7. Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union ended the regular season finishing third in the Eastern Conference after losing the final two games of the season. But despite a shaky finish, they enjoyed a successful campaign overall, setting them up from a deep playoff run in a tightly contested Eastern playoff race.

Their successful season came while not getting too much out of Designated Player Marco Fabian, who joined the Union this season from Bundesliga club Frankfurt. The Mexican DP has only scored seven goals in 23 games, notching just one assist. If Fabian can find his form in the playoffs, the Union have a chance to make a surprise run to their first-ever MLS Cup. But before they can make their first-ever cup, they first need to have their first-ever playoff win. The Union are inexperienced when it comes to winning big games, never having won a playoff game and losing in three U.S. Open Cup finals.

As the three seed in the East, the Union have the privilege of playing their first playoff match at home, against the New York Red Bulls. If they were to advance, they would more than likely set up a match in Atlanta, where they drew earlier this season. And even if they come through that, New York City would likely be waiting. It is no easy route. Philadelphia have the talent to make a run at MLS Cup, but inexperience in games that matter the most makes their journey that much tougher.

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