The first round of the MLS playoffs conclude on Thursday evening when the last two knockout matches take place across the country. New York City FC and Portland Timbers booked their spots in the next round and four more sides will be itching to join them.
Three of the four teams in action on Thursday have won the MLS Cup in the past while the other side are in their first season as an expansion unit so class is going to rise to the top on what should be a fascinating night of football.
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DC United vs Columbus Crew (00.00)
Two of those sides who have won the competition before meet at Audi Field as DC United host the Columbus Crew. If you were to ask who the unlikeliest side to make it to the postseason were it would be DC United who were cut adrift at the halfway stage of the year.
That is no longer the case however. They have absolutely flown home this season and with the partnership between Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney fast becoming the best in the MLS and with Bill Hamid back between the sticks they should be expected to continue their good form.
Columbus Crew have gone off the boil at the right time and even their 3-2 win over Minnesota at the weekend was one where they almost threw away a dominant position so how much they can be trusted remains to be seen. They have been in the position of hefty underdogs in this round before though. They went to Atlanta United with nobody in the world giving them a chance 12 months ago and they came out on top via penalties. They will need Zack Steffen to have another big game here.
I’m expecting the Crew to be competitive here but ultimately DC United have only lost one match at their new home, which came against Philadelphia. They have won 12 of their 15 games here and are on such a good run that it is hard to see them not winning. I’m on this DC fairy-tale to continue.
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Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake (02.30)
The match I have been waiting for in this round of fixtures comes last when two very attacking sides meet at the Banc of California Stadium when the Los Angeles FC play their first ever postseason match against the former champions Real Salt Lake.
Los Angeles have been a breath of fresh air to the league with their attacking style and in Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Adama Diomande they have a front three that are as good as any in the league to watch. LAFC are usually very strong at home which will give them a lot of confidence here but they can be exposed defensively which is a concern.
If ever a side could be forgiven for thinking that their name is on the trophy then it is Real Salt Lake. When LA Galaxy led Houston 2-0 on Sunday they were heading for the airports to go on their holidays but amazingly Houston turned that game around to see Salt Lake off to California for what should be a corking contest.
Both these sides are great to watch when they go forward but if you are a supporter of either of them you would watch them through your fingers they are that iffy at the back. That should make for a cracking contest though and one laden with goals. I fancy an early goal here and if we get it, with the quality of attacks on show here, I expect this one to spark into life nicely.
Tips
HALF LOSS – Back DC United (-0.25AH) to beat Columbus Crew for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with BetVictor
Back them here:
WON – Back Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake – Over 3.25 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with LeoVegas
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