FM20 - 2019 MLS Playoffs

K. Fields
2020-04-03T17:02:47-04:00
Video Games

New York City FC was playing well heading into the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs. As the number 2 seed, NYCFC was matched up against the number 7 seed and local rivals, the New York Red Bulls. I felt good about this matchup. We successfully faced them twice this season in the Hudson River Derby, as its called. We beat them 2-0 on the road and then won the home rematch 3-1 at Yankee Stadium. This time, the result was similar. NYCFC looked sharp and won 2-0.

In the semi-final, NYCFC was up against Orlando City. They had advanced by beating Philadelphia 3-1 in the first round. Orlando City was playing at a level above what their record might indicate. In fact, they hadn't lost a match since July 22. I was a bit wary of this match but my concern was unwarranted. We outplayed them decisively and emerged victorious with a 3-0 shutout.

NYCFC headed to the MLS Eastern Conference Final against Atlanta United, the top seed. We had split the season series against them, losing 1-0 at home and then beating them 3-0 in Atlanta. This game was to be played in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect. They are a very complete team with two dangerous strikers, Josef Martínez and Gustavo Martínez. I felt confident early on when Ismael Tajouri-Shradi scored a goal in the 24th minute. Unfortunately, the lead didn't last until halftime. In the 43rd minute, Josef Martínez scored to tie the game 1-1. The game winning goal came in the 69th minute. Atlanta United had a corner kick, which Gustavo Martínez delivered brilliantly. Fernando Meza connected with a leaping header that found the back of the net. Final score: Atlanta United 2, NYCFC 1.

The Western Conference playoffs had the following outcomes:

First Round
San Jose defeated Seattle 3-1
FC Dallas defeated LA Galaxy 0-0 (won on penalty kicks)
LAFC defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1

Semi-finals
Houston defeated San Jose 1-1 (won on penalty kicks)
LAFC defeated FC Dallas 3-0

Final
LAFC defeated Houston 3-1