MLS Cup Playoffs 2014: Dates, TV Schedule, Live Stream and Predictions
The MLS Cup playoffs are officially set.
With the Seattle Sounders' capture of the Supporters Shield on Saturday, and the Columbus Crew avoiding the knockout round with a 2-1 win over Philadelphia on Sunday, we now know the path for each of the 10 playoff contenders.
We enter the playoffs on some interesting comments from Seattle—and future Tottenham—right-back DeAndre Yedlin:
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It's certainly a compelling debate, and supporters of Yedlin's argument will point to many of the top leagues around the world that determine their champion based on season-long results.
No matter how you feel about the importance of the MLS Cup, though, one thing is certain: It's a month-long tournament featuring some of the best players in North America. There will be heaps of entertainment, excitement and stellar play.
Let's take a look at what's in store.
Schedule
| Vancouver at FC Dallas | Wed, Oct. 29 | 9 p.m. | TSN1 |
| Sporting Kansas City at New York Red Bulls | Thur, Oct. 30 | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Seattle at DAL/VAN | Sun, Nov. 2 | 9 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| LA Galaxy at Real Salt Lake | Sat, Nov. 1 | 8 p.m. | NBCSN |
| DAL/VAN at Seattle | Mon, Nov. 10 | 10:30 p.m. | NBCSN |
| Real Salt Lake at LA Galaxy | Sun, Nov. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| DC United at NY/SKC | Sun, Nov. 2 | 4 p.m. | UDN |
| New England at Columbus | Sat, Nov. 1 | 4 p.m. | UDN |
| NY/SKC at DC United | Sat. Nov. 8 | 2:30 p.m. | NBC |
| Columbus at New England | Sun, Nov. 9 | 5 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Higher Seed at Lower Seed | Sun, Nov. 23 | 5 p.m. | ESPN |
| Lower Seed at Higher Seed | Sun, Nov. 30 | 5 p.m. OR 9 p.m. | ESPN |
| Higher Seed at Lower Seed | Sun, Nov. 23 | 1:30 p.m. | NBC |
| Lower Seed at Higher Seed | Sat, Nov. 29 | 3 p.m. | NBCSN |
| West vs. East | Sun, Dec. 7 | 3 p.m | ESPN |
Note: Schedule courtesy of MLSSoccer.com
Some may point to Yedlin's comments as a lack of motivation for Seattle, but recent history for Supporters Shield winners is perhaps the more concerning fact for the Sounders, as illustrated by ESPN Stats & Info:
Unfortunately for this Seattle native, there's a good chance that trend continues.
While it's difficult to pick against a team with the unbelievable attacking power of Clint Dempsey and MVP candidate Obafemi Martins, along with Yedlin's electrifying runs down the sideline, a looming matchup against the Galaxy could prove difficult.
Yes, the Sounders beat Bruce Arena's squad in the finale to capture the Supporters Shield. But remember, the Galaxy were far from full strength without Omar Gonzalez or Robbie Keane.
Reuters Sport's Simon Evans put it simply:
With Keane at full strength, the Galaxy beat the Sounders, 3-0, in Seattle and drew them in Los Angeles after allowing a pair of late goals.
In fact, LA almost always gives Seattle trouble, losing just five times in 19 matches since the Sounders' move to MLS. As long as Keane, Landon Donovan and Gyasi Zardes are healthy, that will once again ring true in the Western Conference finals.
On the other side of the playoffs, DC United's defense will be enough to get it through the East, but it won't stop the Galaxy from earning a third MLS Cup title in four years—a fine present for Donovan's MLS swan song.
