2024 MLS Playoffs Schedule, Key Matches, and Teams to Watch!

The 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is almost over. Big games and exciting playoff effects are getting fans all over the league more excited. The next few weeks will be full of exciting games as teams compete for spots and the MLS Cup, which is the final prize. While we get ready for the much-anticipated 2024 MLS Playoffs. The Power Rankings(TPR) will cover the most recent news about upcoming games, playoff plans, and the current standings.

Decision Day: The Final Showdown

Decision Day is a big event on the MLS calendar, set for October 19, 2024. All 28 teams are playing, so it’s the most important day for figuring out who will make the playoffs. Today, there will be a lot of competition between teams to get the best seeds. Some will even be fighting to stay in the running for the playoffs. Since every game starts simultaneously, the tension will be high as Eastern and Western Conference teams try to protect their spots.

2024 MLS Playoffs Matches on October 20, 2024

Right after Decision Day, on October 20, some important games will change the playoff picture even more. All of these games will begin at 3:00 AM, which will make things even more exciting. Take a look at the most important ones:

Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati: 

This game could be very important, especially for the Philadelphia Union. They will be playing one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference and want to improve their chances of making the playoffs. FC Cincinnati is already feeling great after winning the Supporters’ Shield. They will want to keep going strong and improve their playoff strategy.

D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC: 

Both teams might be in a situation where they either win or lose. Charlotte FC’s season has been over the place, and Decision Day could decide their fate. On the other hand, D.C. United will have to play their best to make the playoffs.

Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United FC: 

There will be more at stake than three points between these foes. This matchup could affect who gets a better seed or even a bye in the first round, depending on how they rank up. What’s at stake for these teams is bigger than ever. Their fans are very passionate, and their games are very intense.

The 2024 MLS Playoff Schedule

The 2024 MLS playoffs will still be set up to make them as competitive as possible and give teams a way to get to the MLS Cup Final on December 7, 2024. Here is a summary of the playoff dates and how they will work:

Wild Card Matches (October 23, 2024)

The playoffs begin on October 23 with the Wild Card Matches, single-elimination games between the No. 8 and No. 9 teams from each conference. This round is very important because it gives teams with lower seeds a chance to move on to the next round. There are a lot of surprises in these single-elimination games because teams always find a way to beat the odds when it means the most.

Round One: Best-of-3 Series (October 26 – November 10)

After the Wild Card Matches, Round One has a Best-of-3 Series that starts on October 26 and ends on November 10. Making tactics change is part of the game because teams have to adapt and change their play. One bad game won’t end a team’s season, but they must be consistent to make it to the Conference Semifinals.

Conference Semifinals (November 23-24)

On November 23 and 24, the top four teams from each conference will play in the Conference Semifinals. The winners in these knockout rounds will go to the Conference Finals. These games are usually very exciting and full of good play, as that’s where title hopes are put to the test.

Conference Finals (November 30 – December 1)

The conference finals will be played from November 30 to December 1. They are the last step before the MLS Cup Final. Here, the best two teams from each league play to see who will attend the championship game. Because of the single-game elimination structure, there is no room for error. To get a chance at the title, teams must play their best on the day of the game.

MLS Cup Final (December 7, 2024)

The 2024 Major League Soccer season will end on December 7 with the MLS Cup Final. The two conference winners will play for the league’s top trophy. These are the best teams from the East and West. This game will be remembered for a long time in MLS history.  

Current Standings: The Battle for Playoff Positions

The top nine teams in each conference are fighting to ensure they stay in the top spot for the 34-game season as the regular season ends. As the defending MLS Cup winners, Columbus Crew wants to keep their title and build on their success from last year. In the meantime, Inter Miami CF has been in the news all season for two reasons. Winning the Supporters’ Shield and having a team full of stars, including Lionel Messi, who is famous all over the world. Being a team struggling to be the best in the Eastern Conference has been an amazing ride.

Teams to Watch: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not?

The upcoming playoffs will feature several teams, each with strengths and weaknesses. What to look forward to:

Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew is eager to defend its MLS Cup title, which it won last year. With a good midfield and a well-balanced team, it can make another deep playoff run. However, to become winners for the second time in a row, it will need to attack and defend well.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami has already won the Supporters’ Shield, which gives them much hope. The team has reached a new level since Messi and other top players joined. Because they can hit well and change their strategy, they are one of the favorites to win the Cup. But in the playoffs, where any mistake could end their dream season, the pressure is on them to do well.

Philadelphia Union

The Philadelphia Union has long been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Their defense and offense are strong. They will be one of the teams to watch in the playoffs. If they get the top seed, their skill in high-stakes games could give them an edge.

Los Angeles Teams: LA Galaxy and LAFC

It’s always tough to pick between LA Galaxy and LAFC in the Western Conference. LAFC got Olivier Giroud to bolster their attack, and LA Galaxy added Marco Reus to strengthen their defense. Both teams have the potential to go far, but they need to get past some uneven play during the regular season.

Underdogs and Wild Cards

Keep an eye on teams like Charlotte FC, who have had an up-and-down season but could surprise you in the playoffs. On October 20, they play D.C. United, which could be a big game. Also, teams like Orlando City SC and Atlanta United FC that are close to the No. 8 and No. 9 places may use the Wild Card matches to become the next Cinderella story.

Using The Power Rankings (TPR) to Follow the Playoffs

As the playoffs get closer, TPR will be the best way to keep up with team results, trends, and chances of making the playoffs. TPR’s data-driven method gives an unbiased look at each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and momentum going into the playoffs. TPR updates its information every week based on real performance data to ensure that fans have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Key Features of TPR for 2024 MLS Playoffs:

• Weekly Rankings: Stay informed on how teams are trending week by week.
• Player and Team Analysis: In-depth insights into player form, injuries, and tactical changes.
• Playoff Potential Scores: Evaluate each team’s chances of advancing through each playoff round.
• Matchup Insights: Breakdown of key matchups, including head-to-head statistics and previous meetings.

The Power Rankings (TPR) help fans predict outcomes, expect shocks, and enjoy the 2024 MLS playoffs as analysts.

Broadcasting and Viewing Options

Fans who want to see all the playoff games can get the MLS Season Pass through Apple TV and watch them. Some games will also be shown on FOX Sports and TSN in Canada. Thanks to this thorough coverage, fans can follow their favorite teams from Decision Day to the MLS Cup Final and make sure they don’t miss a game.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

The 2024 MLS playoffs season is almost over, and the stage is set for memorable playoffs full of tough competition, shocking turns, and exciting endings. There is never an easy way to win the MLS Cup, but Decision Day, Wild Card games, and Best-of-3 series will give teams plenty of chances to show what they can do.

The Power Rankings (TPR) will keep fans informed and engaged during the playoffs with data-driven analysis. For many teams, getting to the MLS Cup is an exciting trip. This year is one of the most exciting ones yet. Start the games!