Orlando City vs. Charlotte FC (Sunday, 11.30pm)
© Imago
Seeking a first-ever triumph in the MLS Cup playoffs, Charlotte FC travel to Inter & Co Stadium to face Orlando City in the opening game of that best-of-three series on Sunday.
Despite a 2-1 defeat versus Atlanta United on the final day of the regular season, the Lions still wound up fourth in the Eastern Conference with 52 points, one point above the Crown, who defeated DC United 3-0 on Decision Day.
We say: Orlando City 0-0 Charlotte FC (Charlotte FC wins on penalties)
Experience may favour Orlando City, but we trust Charlotte's defensive discipline, and we believe Kahlina's outstanding goalkeeping can steal them a victory on Sunday.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Los Angeles vs. Vancouver (Monday, 1.45am)
© Imago
For a second successive season, Los Angeles FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps will meet in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs, with game one of that best-of-three series taking place on Sunday at BMO Stadium.
In the wild-card round on Wednesday, the Caps thumped the Portland Timbers 5-0 to advance to this stage, while the Black and Gold ended the regular season with a 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, finishing first in the Western Conference.
We say: Los Angeles FC 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps
The Black and Gold have been in so many of these big games and found a way through, and there is no reason to believe that will change this weekend.
As brilliant as the Caps were in the attacking third on Wednesday, penetrating the LAFC backline may prove to be a much tougher chore, and their opponents rarely need more than a half-chance or two to win, which is why we are tipping the home team to emerge victorious.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Matt Law
