Predicting the MLS Playoffs: Eastern Conference edition

• Soccer

Here’s a look at the matchups in the East, with what to look out for and, our prediction of who will be moving on to the conference final.

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Just four teams remain looking to book their trip to the MLS Cup finale on Dec. 6. The game, which will take place at the site of the higher seed still finds a pair of No. 1 seeds in Philadelphia in the East and expansion side San Diego in the West vying for a chance to be the last one standing.

Here’s a look at the matchups in the East, with what to look out for and, our prediction of who will be moving on to the conference final.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m., Apple TV, MLS Season Pass

Inter Miami made surprisingly light work of Nashville SC, a team that was expected to be a legitimate contender for the title this season and it largely has to do with the success Miami has found in the magic Lionel Messi still continues to provide. Already the league’s golden boot winner with 29 goals this season and who appears to be a shoo-in for MLS’ Most Valuable Player award.

In Miami’s way though is Cincinnati, who enters the semifinal coming off a win in the two leg Hell is Real clash with Columbus. Leading the way for the club is Evander, who has been on a tear this season and statistically, edges Messi in a number of different categories.

Prediction: As bad as MLS would love to see Lionel Messi and Miami move on, we think Evander and Cincinnati will be just too impressive, and inside TQL Stadium, where they’ve had the bulk of success this season, Cincy pulls off a 3-2 win and moves on.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7:45 p.m., Apple TV, MLS Season Pass

No one expected NYCFC to get to this moment, well, except for perhaps maybe history. These two have been the deciding for both conference finals and berths into the MLS Cup in three of the last five seasons. In this edition, the Union, led by MLS Coach of the Year Bradley Carnell have an attacking corps that comes in waves.

Keep an eye out for two players: forward Tai Baribo is really strong in the air and can work as a hold-up presence or as a guy who takes players on. Also, feeding Baribo will be the tireless work of Indiana Vassilev, who works effectively as a facilitator between the offense and the Union’s stingy defense.

That defense will beed to be tight against a forward like NYCFC’s Alonso Martinez who is one of the league’s best pure goalscorers and was the catalyst of New York’s latest winner-takes-all showdown with the Union.

Prediction: The Union appear to be on a mission and at home at Subaru Park, we don’t expect that to change. Plus, the team will have longtime goalkeeper Andre Blake back from qualifying with Jamaica and should be at full strength. NYCFC makes it tough but we like Philly to move on and via a 3-1 final.

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