The second set of matches in the MLS Cup Playoffs 2023 begin on Saturday night when two games take place on an evening where we could see a couple of sides eliminated should the result not go their way.
We should be in for a cracking night of football, one which can be enjoyed in full on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV where there is full coverage but if you don’t have a subscription you can view the games with the bookmaker live streams.
New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati (23.00)
The opening match of the second round of games in the best-of-three series comes from the Red Bull Arena where the New York Red Bulls look to keep their season alive and force a decider when they host the Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.
Cincinnati were pretty comfortable winners of the opening game of the series but I think that was probably to be expected, both because they are as good as it gets at TQL Stadium, but also because the Red Bulls had a short turnaround from winning their wildcard match. That disadvantage isn’t around now and so New York know they have to win a home game to force a deciding match. Cincinnati aren’t as good away from home as they are at home but they have a free hit here which could make them dangerous. My gut feeling is that Cincinnati win the series here and now but the fact they have the home game on their side should they need it and therefore don’t have to win here puts me off getting involved in this one.
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FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders (01.00)
The second match of the night comes from the Western Conference where FC Dallas put their season on the line at Toyota Stadium when they go up against the Seattle Sounders, who were narrow winners of the opening game and can bypass the decider with a win here.
The loss was one thing for FC Dallas in the first game between the two but losing Alan Velasco to injury was a double blow for the Texan outfit and you sense that could be a big issue for the home side. Seattle weren’t perfect in that first game but the longer it went on they managed to crush the spirit of FC Dallas and the fact that Dallas only won two of their last 10 in the regular season suggests to me that they might struggle to win a must-win game. Seattle have nothing to lose here and can soak up play and hit on the counter attack. The Sounders are undefeated in all three matches against FC Dallas this season and look fair value to be the winner if there is one inside 90 minutes here with Dallas having to force the pace without their talisman and potentially leaving themselves exposed.
Tips
Back Seattle Sounders (0AH) to beat FC Dallas for a 3/10 stake at 2.10 with Bet365
