MLS 2024 Playoffs: The Rollercoaster of Soccer
Well, folks, it’s that time of year again! The MLS 2024 playoffs are about to kick off, and if you thought your ex was a dramatic mess, wait till you see these teams battle it out on the pitch. The climax of the season is here, showcasing a mix of triumphs and heartbreaks. You’d think Lionel Messi would have a magic wand to sprinkle victories, but alas, even the best can’t save you when you run into Atlanta United in the knockout rounds — poof! Say goodbye, Inter Miami!
Who Made the Cut? The Elite 18 Teams
After stretching the regular season over a nail-biting 34 days — that’s a lot of games, folks — the MLS has settled on the 18 franchises vying for the glorious title of champions. With a record-breaking performance, the Inter Miami might have strut their stuff for the most points in a regular season, but they ended up looking like a star player in a B-movie: all flash, no dash in the playoffs!
Eastern Conference Showdown
- Inter Miami
- Columbus Crew
- Cincinnati
- Orlando City
- Charlotte
- New York City
- New York Red Bulls
- Montreal
- Atlanta United
Western Conference Clash
- Los Angeles FC
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- Real Salt Lake
- Seattle Sounders
- Houston Dynamo
- Minnesota United
- Colorado Rapids
- Vancouver Whitecaps
- Portland Timbers
The Playoff Structure: Brace Yourselves!
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details. The eighth and ninth place teams will face off in the wildly (pun intended) exciting wild-card match. And I know what you’re thinking — it’s just like speed dating, but instead of awkward conversations, there’s tackles and tears. The winner gets to face the top seed in the Conference and that’s where the real fun begins!
First Round Matchups
- 1st place vs. winner of wild-card
- 2nd place vs 7th place
- 3rd place vs. 6th place
- 4th place vs. 5th place
Upcoming Matches in the Eastern Conference
- Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United, Saturday 26 October at 02:30
- Orlando City vs. Charlotte, Monday 28 October at 00:30
- Cincinnati vs. New York City, Monday 28 October at 23:45
- Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls, Tuesday 29 October at 23:45
Upcoming Matches in the Western Conference
- Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids, Sunday 27 October at 04:00
- Los Angeles FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, Monday 28 October at 02:45
- Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo, Tuesday 29 October at 02:00
- Real Salt Lake vs. Minnesota, Wednesday 30 October at 01:50
And hold onto your hats, because if the score is tied at the end of 90 minutes, expect penalty kicks! It’s the soccer equivalent of a cliffhanger — only someone’s actually going to cry, and it won’t be the actors!
Where to Catch All the Action?
If you’re sitting in Italy, looking forlornly at your screen wondering how you can catch this spectacle, fret not. The MLS championship isn’t on any mainstream channels. Instead, you’ll have to slap down some cash for MLS PASS, available exclusively on Apple TV+. Just think of it as your special access to the soccer drama without the pretense of a fancy dinner date — though, let’s be honest, that might still save you from having to explain the offside rule!
A Wild Finale Awaits!
As we gear up for the finals on December 7th, the tension in the air is palpable! Who will rally for glory? Who will stumble dramatically, as we’ve seen in so many romantic comedies? One thing’s for sure — the MLS 2024 playoffs promise entertainment, heartbreak, and perhaps just a sprinkle of unexpected magic!
So, get your jerseys ready, and may the best team win! (Or at least the one that doesn’t pull a Messi — because it sounds good until it doesn’t.)
The MLS 2024 season is poised to enter its highly anticipated final phase, coinciding with the playoffs where the coveted championship title will be contested. A standout team in this playoff race is the Inter Miami, home to soccer superstar Lionel Messi, who not only clinched the top position in the Eastern Conference but also secured the prestigious Supporters’ Shield. Despite their remarkable season, the Florida-based team faced a shocking exit at the hands of Atlanta United, who triumphed in an intense third match.
In addition to Inter Miami, the league features 17 other teams positioning themselves for a chance at the championship, eager to seize the title previously held by the Columbus Crew. Notably, the Florida franchise achieved a historic milestone by amassing the highest points in a regular season throughout the annals of the US soccer championship.
2024 MLS Playoff scoreboard – The 18 participants
After 34 grueling rounds, the regular season has concluded, revealing the 18 teams that will vie for the championship title up until the playoff final set for December 7th. Here’s a detailed look at the 18 participants in the final phase of the league, categorized by their respective Conference standings:
2024 MLS Playoff scoreboard – The regulations
The eighth and ninth place teams in each Conference will face off in the crucial wild-card match. This head-to-head clash will take place on neutral ground, with the home advantage given to the better-placed team, ultimately leading into the first round of the playoffs against the reigning top seed.
The real playoffs commence at this juncture. In the opening round, teams battle for a place in the Conference semi-finals in a thrilling best-of-three format, structured as follows:
- 1st place vs. winner wild-card
- 2nd place vs 7th place
- 3rd place vs 6th place
- 4th place vs 5th place
The matches of Eastern Conference:
- Inter Miami-Atlanta United, Saturday 26 October at 02.30
- Orlando City-Charlotte, Monday 28 October at 00.30
- Cincinnati-New York City, Monday 28 October at 11.45pm
- Columbus Crew-New York Red Bulls, Tuesday 29 October at 11.45pm
The matches of Western Conference:
- Los Angeles Galaxy-Colorado Rapids, Sunday 27 October at 04.00
- Los Angeles FC-Vancouver Whitecaps, Monday 28 October at 02.45
- Seattle Sounders-Houston Dynamo, Tuesday 29 October at 02.00
- Real Salt Lake-Minnesota, Wednesday 30 October at 01.50
In these encounters, a draw is not permitted, meaning that in the event of a tie after 90 minutes, teams will proceed to penalty kicks to determine the winner. The top-seeded teams during the regular season are afforded the advantage of playing Game-1 and any decisive Game-3 at home.
For the semi-final and final Conference matches, these will also take place in a single-elimination format at the home of the top-placed team. This same rule applies for the climactic final of the 2024 MLS playoffs, which is set to unfold on December 7th.
2024 MLS Playoff scoreboard – The calendar of matches up to the final
The 2024 playoffs will ignite excitement starting with the wild-card matches during the Italian night between Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd October. Below is the complete match schedule:
2024 MLS Playoff scoreboard – Where to see all the matches
Unfortunately, in Italy, the MLS championship is not available on free or paid television platforms. The only way to catch the playoff matches is by subscribing to the MLS PASS, which is exclusively available on Apple TV+. The subscription is currently priced at 9.99 euros for the concluding matches of the season, with plans to increase to 14.99 euros per month for the 2025 season.
October at 02:45
As the playoffs get underway, the battle for the championship title heats up! Fans should prepare for some heart-stopping moments and unforgettable matches. Remember, every goal counts and the excitement is magnified with each passing match. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or from your living room, the thrilling atmosphere of the playoffs is sure to electrify the soccer community!
Don’t Miss Out!
Make sure to tune in and catch all the intense matchups, heartwarming stories of underdogs, and possibly the crowning of a new champion. This year could deliver unexpected twists that will keep both casual viewers and die-hard fans on the edge of their seats.
So, get your snacks, grab your friends, and get ready for a wild ride through the thrilling 2024 MLS Playoffs. May the best team rise to the occasion, and let the beautiful game take center stage!
