Top seeds continue to tumble in an MLS Cup Playoffs where anything is possible. While Saturday didn’t produce an upset on the level of Atlanta United eliminating Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders defeated the top-seeded team in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC, while the New York Red Bulls won the Hudson River derby – which was supposed to take place in a different baseball stadium than usual, beating New York City FC.
The match in Seattle was supposed to last 120 minutes as Ryan Hollingshead’s goal in the 50th minute was canceled out by Maxime Chanot’s own goal. It was a failed move by the 35-year-old defender to beat his own goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but it was just enough to keep the Sounders in the clash. They would make up for it with a goal from Jordan Morris in the 109th minute of play, putting him through for good and now facing the winners of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United. But what a goal it was for Morris as he showed excellent body control to take the ball into the penalty area and get it past Lloris for the eventual winner.
Historically, the playoffs have been a time when the Sounders have done well under Brian Schmetzer, and they are doing so again now when it matters most.
The New York Red Bulls have also had an unlikely path in the playoffs so far and they will play at least one more game as well. There was slightly less drama as Filipe Carballo and Dante Vanzeir scored in the first half to give the Red Bulls a two-goal lead at half-time, but Carlos Coronel made seven saves to keep the magic alive. Already eliminating the Columbus Crew and NYCFC, versus the winner of Orlando City SC and Atlanta United, will be a slightly easier match for the Red Bulls, but they also can’t let it be a moment that causes them to lose focus.
The Los Angeles Galaxy are now the only top three seed left in the MLS playoffs and no matter what happens after these shocking setbacks left and right, an unlikely champion will be named, showing that parity this season is alive and well in the MLS.