MLS  Playoffs - Knock Out Round

The first round of the MLS playoff's start on Wednesday after 34 grueling weeks of action. Eight teams will battle it out to progress to the second phase of action. Four teams qualified for first round byes, with Atlanta United, NY Red Bulls, Sporting KC and Seattle Sounders all awaiting their opponents in the MLS Conference Semi-Finals.

The United States based league continues to gain traction after many years of playing with less fan-fare. The MLS has become a viable option for top players to hone their crafts, with both young talent and crafty veterans recognizing the opportunities for expansion in this particular market, and are willing to pass up playing in Europe for a chance to be part of this up and coming brand. 

New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union
Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York
10-31-2018 - 7:00 pm ET - FS1 

Yankee stadium will host a different type of playoff game on Halloween night when fellow occupants NYCFC attempt to progress through to the Conference Semi-Finals against a sputtering Philadelphia side, who have dropped their last two matches of the season, while also having a hard time getting a positive result in the city that never sleeps.

New York City FC are still flying high, from their 3-1 victory on Sunday against this same Union squad. The 'Cityzens' were catapulted into the 3rd seed of the Eastern division, and earned them the right to host this knock-out phase contest by defeating their conference rivals.

NYCFC enter the playoffs having had a turbulent season to say the least. After making the postseason the last two seasons, the club was faced with their manager stepping down from his post. Patrick Vieira agreed upon the same position with France's Ligue One side Nice, where agreed to a new three year contract, leaving the New York side in state of shock, having been a steady voice within the club.

The Manchester City sister club then turned to veteran apprentice Domènec Torrent to help steady the ship. After being Pep Guardiola's right-hand man for several years, the Spaniard was called upon to keep the 'Pigeons' in the playoff race, as the club entered the new year with high expectations.

Torrent went straight to work implementing his own style of play, swapping from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. The Sky Blues responded well by going on an impressive winning streak, but they soon experienced injuries to primary players, which caused a slip in play. The Bronx squad went onto finish the year on a forgettable (2-5-3) slide, but by winning their last two matches, they were able to back into the playoffs with a small amount of momentum. 

City's new head-man has brought out the best in the squad while on their own pitch. The hosts posted an outstanding record of (12-1-4), while scoring an average of 2.1 goals per match, and only conceding 10, for a eye-popping +26 goal differential. New York have also had their fair share of quality results against the Union, accumulating a record (5-2-0) over the last seven meetings, and an even more impressive (9-0-1), while at Yankee stadium during a successful run of play.

The main man over the past four seasons has been Spanish legend David Villa. The 'Magic Man' has led the Cityzen's front-line with a tremendous amount of success, posting a club record 76 goals, while winning league MVP during his reign with the club. The dedicated number-nine has revived his career while in the Bronx, scoring at an alarming rate. Although the former World Cup winner has struggled against this Union back-line, he should be highly motivated to turn that trend around and help carry his side to their first title since entering the league in 2015.

Philadelphia travel back to New York off a humiliating 1-3 drubbing this past Sunday. The Union were met by an aggressive New York side who were content on grabbing all three points, which dropped Philly down to the 6th spot in the Eastern table.

After a disastrous 2017 campaign, Jim Curtin has done a great job of turning the Unions fortunes around. The MLS veteran helped produce a winning product, which led to a well deserved playoff appearance. Curtin was also able to produce a competitive side during the team's travels, putting together a record of  (6-8-3), while scoring an average of 1.2 Goals per match, giving the visitors hope of advancing past the knock-out phase.

The Union are also a team who run out a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cory Burke their main tally's man in front of goal. The Jamaican international has made a splash while a part of the first unit. After being promoted from the clubs second division, he has posted 10 goals in 29 total appearances.

Burke was the center of controversy his last time out, after a heated exchange with Borek Dockal, he was subbed out at halftime, and was later seen on the bench in full tears. The tandem must move past their disagreement this past Sunday, as Dockal is the perfect service man with 12 Assists on the campaign. Their contributions are a must for this team to reach their full potential.

Fabrice-Jean Picault and C.J. Sapong must also produce if the visitors are to leave NYC with a victory. Accounting for 14 goals and 7 Assists, they offer enough class to cause the home side plenty of headaches.

Philadelphia have had no issues hitting the back of the net, but their major flaw has been on the defensive side of the pitch, conceding 50 Goals during the 2018 season. Their main objective will be to keep this explosive New York side off the scoreboard, while completing the chances they are certain to create over the course of 90 plus minutes.

 New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union - Match Prediction 

NYCFC will certainly come out full of energy as the opening whistle blows. I expect a full onslaught on goal, especially over the first 10-15 minutes, as the host attempt to gain an early advantage. The Union must be prepared to handle the pressure and keep their composure in such a daunting backdrop, with Yankee stadium giving the Cityzen's the ultimate home field advantage. Not conceding early will be the Union's first matter of business.

Even with Philly's concentrated effort on the defensive end, I still anticipate NYCFC making the break through before the halftime whistle blows, and taking a well deserved lead into the locker room.

As this match progresses I anticipate the possession battle being won by the home side, with a 55-60% advantage, while this fixture plays out. NYCFC should also create up to 10-15 shots on Philadelphia's goal, placing a tremendous amount of pressure on Andre Blake, to help keep the Bronx side off the score sheet.

The first half goal should make for a action packed second half, forcing the Union to take more chances, which could hurt them against such a clever New York side, who will be looking to pounce and set elegant through balls into motion.  

Philadelphia still should be able to pull a goal back, as I see these two teams exchanging goals in the second half, with a 2-1 type of scoreline, to wrap up the first match of the night.

New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union - Match Tips 

New York City FC  -0.25  -115 / 1.87 - 1st Half Spread 
New York City FC  Over 0.5  -135 / 1.74 - 1st Half Goal 
New York City FC  -0.75  -120 / 1.83 - Full Time Spread
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5  -115 / 1.87 - Goals  

FC Dallas vs Portland Timbers
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
10-31-2018 - 9:30 pm ET 

FC Dallas  Over 0.5  -130 / 1.77 - 1st Half Goal 

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