MLS Playoff Results: Pivotal Matches October 20, 2024 By TPR

As the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs get closer, the games on 20 October were very important in deciding how the playoffs will play out. Teams fought to make the playoffs and get the best position, which made the end of the regular season very exciting. The Power Rankings (TPR) have watched these important games, explaining how the playoff picture changes. High-level soccer games on this day showed the drama, passion, and high stakes that come with it, setting the stage for an exciting MLS playoff run. Let’s look at the important games and what the MLS playoff results on October 20 mean.

MLS Playoff Results Oct. 20, 2024

Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati

• • Final Score: Philadelphia Union 1 – 2 FC Cincinnati
  • Location: Subaru Park, Chester, PA
  • Kickoff Time: 3:00 AM ET

Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati got the game going with a burst of energy from the home team. The Union fans had hope when Quinn Sullivan scored in the second minute. He took advantage of a fast break to put Philadelphia ahead early. Sullivan’s goal showed how skilled and talented he is as a young player, and it gave a team that had been having a rough season a much-needed boost.

But, FC Cincinnati, a team ranked high in TPR throughout the season, fought back strong. As halftime got closer, Cincinnati’s Yamil Asad saw a chance and took advantage of a defense mistake to tie the game in the 43rd minute. His goal turned the game’s flow from Philadelphia to Cincinnati, making the second half very interesting.

In the 51st minute, things changed when Jakob Glesnes somehow put the ball in his net while trying to clear a dangerous cross. With this own goal, Cincinnati went ahead 2-1, and Philadelphia’s fate was decided. Even though the Union made a few late runs, they couldn’t find the equalizer. 

Implications

It was a sad end to Philadelphia’s season. They ended up with 37 points, 9 wins, 15 losses, and 10 draws. The Union lost in the playoffs, and they will need to look at their plan and lineup again over the summer to come back stronger next year.

This win was very important for FC Cincinnati because it helped them get the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. TPR keeps pointing out Cincinnati’s strong end to the season. After defeating Philadelphia, they gain confidence for their challenging postseason match against New York City FC.

D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC

• • Final Score: D.C. United 2 – 1 Charlotte FC
  • Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
  • Kickoff Time: 3:00 AM ET

D.C. United played the game with a sense of intensity because they were still hoping to make the playoffs. Christian Benteke scored in the 10th minute, turning in a well-placed cross from Paul Arriola. This was a good start. This goal was important for the team’s spirit and showed how useful Benteke is as an experienced forward in important games.

But Charlotte FC wasn’t going to give up. After falling, Enzo Capetti’s 65th-minute shot completed a quick response to equalize for the visitors. The game came back to life when the goal came in and set up a tight finish.

In stoppage time, D.C. United won a free kick from a dangerous spot, which was the deciding moment. Taxiarchis Fountas hit a great curling shot that left the custodian with no chance. United won in a dramatic 2-1 win. 

Implications

D.C. United’s win secured a spot in the playoffs. They finished the regular season with 44 points, 12 wins, 14 losses, and 8 draws. They came into the playoffs with a lot of confidence and will need to keep it up against a tough opponent in the first round. TPR has considered United’s late-season surge, and the team’s recent play could make it hard for teams with better seeds.

However, Charlotte FC’s loss ended any remaining playoff dreams, which shows that changes must be made in the offseason. Even though Charlotte had a good first season in the MLS, they will spend the next year building a better, more competitive team. 

Orlando City SC vs. Atlanta United FC

• • Final Score: Orlando City SC 1 – 1 Atlanta United FC
  • Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL
  • Kickoff Time: 3:00 AM ET

When Orlando City SC and Atlanta United FC played, it wasn’t a battle for bragging rights. It was also a very important game that affected the playoff position. Both teams were eager to get good spots in the playoffs, even though they were fierce rivals. TPR ranked both teams in the top half of the Eastern Conference, which makes this matchup even more important.

In the 30th minute, Facundo Torres scored the first goal for Orlando, completing a well-planned team move. Torres has been very important this season for Orlando City, and his goal seemed to put the team on track for a big win.

But Atlanta United answered with great forward Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez. Five minutes after Torres’ goal, Martinez scored the equalizer after a mistake by the defense. There were times when both teams could have broken the tie, but they couldn’t. The game stayed close for the rest of it. 

Implications

The 1-1 tie ensured that both teams would make the playoffs, but it also changed their seedings. Atlanta United ended the season with 13 wins, 9 losses, and 10 draws, giving them 49 points. On the other hand, Orlando City had 14 wins, 10 losses, and 8 draws, giving them 50 points. Because of this, both teams will have tough first-round games against teams with better seeds.

Analyzing the MLS Playoff Results

The MLS playoff results from 20 October set the stage for the semifinals and gave football fans much to look forward to. The regular season is over, and now the playoffs begin. Teams will compete for the MLS Cup, which is the final prize. Here are some of the most important things to remember and what to look forward to next:

Defining Moments Shaping Playoff Destiny

This season has seen many moments that could make or break it. Example: Taxiarchis Fountas’ last-second free kick for D.C. United and Jakob Glesnes’ own goal in Philadelphia’s loss to Cincinnati. These turning points changed the picture for the playoffs. They made Cincinnati’s strong finish even stronger and gave D.C. United has a chance to make it there. 

Momentum Matters into the Playoffs

Some teams, like FC Cincinnati and D.C. United, felt better going into the playoffs after getting important wins. Form and confidence are important; TPR has considered that. These factors often play a big role in determining playoff success. On the other hand, teams like Philadelphia Union and Charlotte FC will have to answer tough questions in the off-season after not cutting.

Rivalries Adding Extra Intensity to the Postseason

The draw between Orlando City and Atlanta United showed how competitive rivals can be, even when a win wasn’t needed to make the playoffs. These battles will make the playoffs even more exciting as they go on.

The Role of Experience and Leadership

Christian Benteke and Taxiarchis Fountas, two seasoned players, scored crucial goals for their sides under pressure. When teams face elimination situations, leadership is very important.

Conclusion

MLS playoff results from October 20 have changed the face of the playoffs in a big way. They also preview the drama and excitement that will come in the following weeks as rivals heat up and FC Cincinnati and D.C. United gain momentum. TPR will continue to highlight how each team can reach the MLS Cup. With the playoffs coming up, the 2024 MLS season is about to come to an exciting end. Every game could mean the difference between victory and defeat.