Eight clubs are competing for the MLS Cup this weekend as the playoffs restart after a break for the international break. Sporting Kansas City defeated St. Louis City SC, the highest-seeded team in the Western Conference, but there were few surprises in the redesigned first round where teams faced off in best-of-three series to determine advancement. Some teams, like FC Cincinnati, the champions of the Supporters’ Shield, haven’t played a competitive game in 20 days when you combine the prolonged first round with the break.

In the postseason, extended breaks are to be anticipated, particularly for the elite teams; nonetheless, it is possible that some teams will use the first two legs of games to shake off their rust. Although ace scorer Julian Carranza, who sustained an injury in the first round, did recuperate over the layoff, the Philadelphia Union did not gain much overall from the break. Let’s evaluate and rank the MLS Cup contenders now that the path to the trophy has been determined and the playoffs have resumed.

8. Sporting Kansas City

Sporting will have a more difficult test in Houston even though they achieved a remarkable achievement by making it through the wildcard round and defeating the top-seeded team in the West in St. Louis City SC. Not only did the Dynamo finish the season with the best home record in the West (11-2-4), but their midfield is resilient and won’t allow SKC to take advantage of errors. If anything, it’s fortunate that Alan Pulido led all players with three assists in the playoffs and helped cap off a successful season. In the event that SKC makes an impact in their forthcoming match, the player of the year for comebacks will be crucial.

Number to know: SKC had the greatest shooting goals added, converting an expected goals total of 2.44 into an expected goals of shots on target of 5.19, in addition to having the highest shot conversion percentage, converting shots into goals. Things could get ugly if they cool down because they ran hot to get here.

7. Columbus Crew

Everything is possible with Cucho Hernandez, but the Crew’s defence is a major worry because the calibre of attacks they encounter will only get better as they advance more in the playoffs. The Crew will have to overcome one of the top defences left in the playoffs when they play Orlando City. The Crew opened the playoffs with three goals from Cucho against Atlanta United, but it was a real team effort as six different players found the net. The Crew’s ranking would undoubtedly rise if they had avoided playing Orlando City in this round, but if they can overcome the Florida team, they’ll surge to the top of the MLS standings.

Number to know: Cucho Hernandez, a forward, had the greatest projected assists total of any player in the first round (1.26), in addition to having the second-highest xG of the previous round (2.26).

6. Houston Dynamo

The Dynamo midfield is led by Hector Herrera and Adalberto Carrasquilla, but Amine Bassi and Artur keep things in check and make sure Houston has a squad that can win at any time. The Dynamo are one of the strongest home teams in Major League Soccer, but they’re far more vulnerable away from home. The Dynamo have already claimed a major title this season with their victory in the U.S. Open Cup, but they will face significant challenges in their quest for a double.

Number to know: Goalkeeper Steve Clark punched the most crosses in the opening round with three, without claiming a single cross in the box. If Sporting Kansas City can keep men forward in the box, this could open up opportunities for follow-ups.

5. Orlando City SC

Orlando’s strong defence was on full display as they stopped Nashville SC and Hany Mukthar in their tracks, even though it wasn’t attractive. Pedro Gallese and the defence proved to be the only side not to give up a goal during the first round of the playoffs, but more goals might be required to overcome the Crew. Orlando has the offensive firepower to stay competitive with players like Duncan McGuire and Facundo Torres, but they also can’t let the game turn into a shootout.

Number to know: During the first round, Gallese recorded seven saves and the most goals prevented of any custodian (1.69). He’ll be called upon early and frequently for Orlando against Cucho Hernandez.

4. Philadelphia Union

The Union are healthier going into their match against FC Cincinnati with Carranza and Jakob Glesnes back in the lineup. This is encouraging because Kai Wagner is still suspended by the league for using a racial slur during a game, and midfielder Leon Flach is sidelined for the entire season following surgery for a hernia. Although Jim Curtin’s clash with Pat Noonan, his former assistant, may be the most intriguing of this round, these clubs are pretty comparable even when the coaching tree is removed. Errors will be punished and the victor of this tie will be one of the favourites to win the MLS Cup thanks to formidable defences and a potent offence.

Number to know: While Damion Lowe of Jamaica ranked fifth among all defenders with five interceptions to help the Union limit the New England Revolution, Nathan Harriel was undoubtedly one of the defensive standouts.

3. LAFC

After utterly dominating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the opening round, the defending MLS Cup champions are back in the mix. The Black and Gold were able to effectively end it there after scoring five goals in a single game. Regretfully, they will have 21 days between their last game and travelling to Seattle to play the Sounders because of the layoff. Although their star player, forward Denis Bouanga, was serving for Gabon on international service, this is another match where the away team’s circumstances are more difficult than they should be because of the way the playoffs were set up.

Number to know: Bouanga only had nine shots in the opening round, but he was very effective with them, scoring three goals and putting five on goal. Stefan Frei is in for a real test.

2. FC Cincinnati

Superb all around, it will be interesting to see how Cincinnati reacts without Defender of the Year Matt Miazga. After receiving two yellow cards in their series against the New York Red Bulls, Miazga was unable to play against the Union, which increased the strain on Brandon Vazquez, Luciano Acosta, and the forward line. While everyone is focused on the offence, midfielders Jose Martinez and Obinna Nwobodo might be engaged in the most significant matchup. Protecting defences and setting up attacks, these two of the league’s top defensive midfielders work together.

Number to know: Acosta produced seven opportunities from just 76 passes attempted, demonstrating the potency of Cincinnati’s attacking alternatives as well as the quality of Acosta’s delivery.

1. Seattle Sounders

Even though Cincinnati took home the Supporter’s Shield, the Seattle Sounders and Brian Schmetzer are unavoidable. The Sounders, who are known for always heating up at the right moment, have made a few adjustments, such as benching Raul Ruidiaz and moving Jordan Morris to the point of attack. This has resulted in a less explosive but more balanced assault, with Albert Rusnak providing depth. Though defeating LAFC will be a difficult job, it is one that can be accomplished in the welcoming environment of Lumen Field.

Number to know: With a strong emphasis on possession, Seattle’s roster has four players that rank in the top 10 in the playoffs for touches: Joao Paulo, Jackson Ragen, Alex Roldan, and Joshua Atencio.

Schedule

Every game may be streamed on MLS Season Pass at all times, which are Eastern.

Saturday, Nov. 25
Orlando City SC vs. Columbus Crew, Exploria Stadium (5:30 p.m.)
FC Cincinatti vs. Philadelphia Union, TQL Stadium (8 p.m.)

Sunday, Nov. 26
Houston Dynamo vs. Sporting Kansas City, Shell Energy Stadium (7 p.m.)
Seattle Sounders vs. Los Angeles FC, Lumen Field (9:30 p.m.)