MLS Playoff First Games Stick to the Script, Kinda | OneFootball

The most surprising thing about the first games of the MLS Playoffs was the lack of surprises. Get a match-by-match breakdown below, plus some insights into the reverse fixtures and what to expect. This article only touches on the clubs that will be playing this Saturday.

New York City FC vs. Charlotte FC

Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 3:30pm ETYankee Stadium, New York, NY

Game 1 Result: Charlotte FC 0 – 1 New York City FCThis result was a surprise. It turns out Charlotte FC were the only home team to lose their first game. They were missing winger and Designated Player Wilfried Zaha, who was sitting out a suspension, and couldn’t really mount a proper attack.

One thing to watch in the return fixture is NYCFC’s card count. Five players are sitting on a yellow; get another and they’ll have to sit out the next match.

Predictions: Neither Will nor myself are terribly bullish on Charlotte’s chances after that tough opening loss. I’m absolutely sure one of those five NYCFC players will draw another yellow.

Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 5:30pm ET SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL

Game 1 Result: Philadelphia Union 2 – 2 Chicago Fire. Philadelphia won the ensuing penalty shoot out 4 – 2.No Zinkernagel = Big Problem. Chicago Fire took a big blow when the Danish winger injured himself in pre-game warmups. His status is still unknown at the time of publication. Although Chicago did a commendable job in clawing back two goals to force a penalty shootout, they’ll need Zinkernagel’s energy and creativity on the flanks if they want to move on. Fire are also missing defender Jack Elliot (yellow care accumulation) and midfielder Sergio Oregon (red card).

Philly have to know they dodged a bullet last week; they’ll do everything possible to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Happily, most of their roster appears fit, so they’ll have plenty of ammunition available.

Predictions: Will still believes Fire will pull it out in three. I’m reserving judgement. If Zinkernagel plays, that boost will push Fire to victory at home. Otherwise it will be Union rout.

Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami

Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 7:30pm ETGEODIS Park, Nashville, TN

Game 1 Result: Inter Miami 3 – 1 Nashville SCIt was all so predictable. Messi got a brace on either side of Tadeo Allende’s goal, as the hosts easily cruised past Nashville. As our podcast guest Will Gittens pointed out, Miami have won 8 of their last 10 meetings; the other 2 were draws. I want to give a shout-out to Hany Mukhtar’s 101st minute screamer of a free kick, but otherwise Nashville were toothless.

Prediction: Will is convinced Miami will take this match; I’m less confident. Miami’s streak has to end somewhere, and it will be here.

FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 9:30pm ET Toyota Stadium, Dallas, TX

Game 1 Result: Vancouver Whitecaps 3 -0 FC Dallas

This Attack Momentum graph tells you everything you need to know about this game.

Source: Sofascore

Predictions: There is no reason whatsoever to think this match will end any differently than the last one.

Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC

Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 9:30pm ET Providence Park, Portland, OR

Game 1 Result: San Diego FC 2 -1 Portland TimbersThe scoreline might have implied this was a close game, when in fact it was not. Even before Jímer Fort drew his second yellow and was sent-off, San Diego had been controlling the pace and seemed unperturbed by any attack Portland could muster.

SDSC commanded 71% possession, outshot the Timbers 15 to 5, had 7 to 0 corner attempts and twice as many big chances (7 to 3).

If it wasn’t for James Pantemis’ shot-stopping, this would’ve been a blowout.

Source: Sofascore

All this happened when San Diego had NINE players out with injury (or for other reasons).

Predictions: It will be over for Portland. San Diego has more players back who skipped the last match, and the big news is that Hirving “Chucky” Lozano will be traveling to Portland and available off the bench, according to a SDFC pre-game interview.