Live stream, new format, game times and dates, odds, how to watch

The MLS playoffs are back and set to begin with two wild-card games on Wednesday, October 25th. The road to MLS Cup glory this year may lead through Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium. FC Cincinnati, winners of the Supporters’ Shield, have clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs if they advance far enough. It’s worth noting that historically, Supporters’ Shield winners have not had much success in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with only two teams achieving the double since 2011.

In the Western Conference, St. Louis City SC has had an incredible expansion season, clinching the top spot. However, they will face tough competition from second-seeded Seattle Sounders FC, who missed out on the playoffs last year after winning the Concacaf Champions League, and third-seeded LAFC, the reigning league champions boasting the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner, Dénis Bouanga.

Another notable team in this year’s playoffs is the New York Red Bulls, who have set a league record by qualifying for the postseason for the 14th consecutive season. This is the longest active playoff streak among major U.S. pro sports leagues.

The 2023 MLS Cup is scheduled for Saturday, December 9th.

So, what’s the new MLS playoff format for this year? A total of 18 teams will qualify for the playoffs, with the top nine finishers from each conference. The eighth- and ninth-place finishers in each conference will play in wild-card matches, while the top seven seeds will qualify for the Round 1 best-of-three series.

Here’s the playoff schedule:
– October 25th: Wild-card matches (single-elimination)
– October 28th to November 12th: Round 1 (best-of-three series)
– November 25th to December 3rd: Conference semifinals and finals (single-elimination)
– December 9th: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

Now, let’s take a look at the teams that have made it to the playoffs:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:
– FC Cincinnati
– Orlando City SC
– Columbus Crew
– Philadelphia Union
– New England Revolution
– Atlanta United FC
– Nashville SC
– New York Red Bulls
– Charlotte FC

WESTERN CONFERENCE:
– St. Louis City SC
– Seattle Sounders FC
– Los Angeles FC
– Houston Dynamo FC
– Real Salt Lake
– Vancouver Whitecaps FC
– FC Dallas
– Sporting Kansas City
– San Jose Earthquakes

If you’re wondering how to watch and stream the 2023 MLS playoff games, all matches will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Some games will also be broadcasted on FOX Sports networks.

Now, onto the schedule for the playoffs:

WILD-CARD MATCHES:
– FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls/Charlotte FC winner
– Orlando City SC vs. Nashville SC
– Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United FC
– Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution
– St. Louis City SC vs. Sporting Kansas City/San Jose Earthquakes winner
– Seattle Sounders FC vs. FC Dallas
– Los Angeles FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
– Houston Dynamo FC vs. Real Salt Lake

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS and FINALS:
– Details for the conference semifinals and finals will be released after Round 1 is completed.

MLS Cup will take place on Saturday, December 9th, and the venue will be the home stadium of the finalist with the most regular season points.

If you’re wondering which team is favored to win MLS Cup this year, FC Cincinnati is the favorite according to BetMGM, with odds of +333. Other top contenders include Los Angeles FC, St. Louis City SC, and Orlando City SC.

The team with the most MLS Cup wins is the Los Angeles Galaxy, with five championships in nine appearances. Other multiple-time winners include D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City, Columbus Crew, and San Jose Earthquakes.

So, get ready for an exciting MLS playoff season and may the best team lift the Cup!

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