MLS Cup Playoffs: Previewing the Eastern and Western Conference Semifinals | OneFootball

The 2024 Major League Soccer postseason returns for four matches this weekend in the MLS Cup Playoffs conference semifinals.

Even though Inter Miami has already been knocked out, there's still LAFC and LA Galaxy as the likely favorites to now go on and lift the coveted trophy in December. Seattle Sounders and both NYCFC and New York Red Bulls have outside chances as well.

The likes of Atlanta United, Minnesota United and Orlando City aren't the first teams to come to mind when thinking of the postseason. However, all three teams have shown thus far that they can hang with the best as Atlanta stunned Miami, Minnesota toppled Real Salt Lake and Orlando got past Charlotte FC.

Out West, LA Galaxy plays host to Minnesota at Dignity Health Sports Park, looking to advance to the Western Conference final and potentially set up and El Tráfico clash against LAFC. The Galaxy don't have many excuses to not win this one at home with players like Riqui Puig, Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Marco Reus in their squad. As long as its defense can hold on, the Galaxy should prevail and advance to the conference final.

On the other side of the Western Conference bracket, LAFC squares off against Seattle Sounders once again. LAFC has won six straight matches against Seattle and hasn't lost against them since 2021. Expect that theme to continue this weekend with the Black and Gold moving closer to a third consecutive MLS Cup appearance.

While the Western Conference matchups are more one-sided, it couldn't be more different in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United stunned the world with its Round One win over Inter Miami and Lionel Messi, and the Five Stripes now travel to Florida again to face off against rivals Orlando City. Orlando have the better overall squad, but this one could really go either way.

Up north, NYCFC plays host to New York Red Bulls in the first-ever postseason edition of the Hudson River Derby. Both clubs pulled off upsets in their respective Round One ties against FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew and there's a strong case for either side to advance to the conference final. It's a near toss-up just like the Atlanta-Orlando match as all four teams will fancy their chances of making it to MLS Cup at this point.