The MLS playoffs are seven games old, but the format of the competition is continuing to generate discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting this year, and to increase the number of games it could offer on Apple TV as part of its 10-year, $2.5 billion media rights deal, MLS gave its playoffs the most significant overhaul in a generation. Whereas for most of the previous 20 years, the teams have competed in one-off fixtures or two-legged series familiar to the rest of the soccer world, in 2023, the MLS introduced a best-of-three structure just for the playoffs\u2019 opening round. The first team to win two games wins the series, the aggregate score doesn’t matter, and ties are broken by going straight to penalty kicks without extra time at the end of each match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The format is without precedent in the soccer world, and it has drawn a strong reaction from most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The games have already begun, so we are giving an update on the matches and how they are running so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philadelphia 3 – 1 New England<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n LAFC 5 – 2 Vancouver<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Houston Dynamo 2 – 0 Real Salt Lake<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cincinnati 3 – 0 NY Red Bulls<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Louis 1 – 4 Sporting KC<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Orlando City 1 – 0 Nashville<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seattle Sounders 2 – 0 FC Dallas<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Columbus 2 – 0 Atlanta United<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n —<\/p>\n\n\n\n Betting Odds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cincinnati +265<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n NY Red Bulls -102<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Draw +270<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Where can I Watch it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MLS Season Pass on Apple TV<\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Orange and Blue had a comfortable victory last time out, and head coach Pat Noonan knows that they are close to booking their place in the next round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They have kept three clean sheets in their last six MLS games but might be unable to hold the Red Bulls again, who have a good goalscoring record at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home advantage is key in the MLS, <\/a>but New York RB is winless in their last six home meetings against these visitors, which is a cause for concern. The hosts should improve their performance in this match from game 1, though a win looks unlikely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Considering the visitors’ lead on aggregate score, we expect the teams to play out a high-scoring draw and a penalties triumph for FC Cincinnati.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Betting Odds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Louis +330<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sporting KC -138<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Draw +320<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Where can I Watch it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MLS Season Pass on Apple TV<\/a><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We believe St. Louis City will put up a fight in this must-win game, but this team looks overwhelmed and uncertain in big moments, while the experience of SKC in these pressure situations seems to have given them a leg up on their competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are expecting things to be exciting, but Sporting KC is likely going to end up with their opponents’ hopes to continue forward when they meet on the field this Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Betting Odds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Orlando City +270<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nashville -102<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Draw +250<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nOdds and Free Picks:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MLS Best of Three Series: <\/strong>Cincinnati vs. NY Red Bulls on Saturday 4th, 7 pm ET<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MLS Best of Three Series: <\/strong>Louis City vs. Sporting KC On Sunday 5th, 5 pm ET<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MLS Best of Three Series: <\/strong>Orlando City vs. Nashville on Tuesday 7th, 9 pm ET<\/h3>\n\n\n\n