The MLS Cup playoffs have arrived, and with them comes the eternal question: which team will rise above the rest to claim the league’s ultimate prize? In a league defined by parity, separating the contenders from the pretenders is no easy task. Yet, as the postseason kicks off, certain teams have emerged as frontrunners, while others cling to underdog status, hoping to defy the odds.
Ranking The Playoff Field
To gauge each team’s chances of hoisting the MLS Cup, we’ve ranked all 18 playoff squads from top to bottom. Our analysis takes into account regular season performance, current form, injury concerns, and that elusive “it” factor that often emerges in knockout competitions.
The Underdogs
At the bottom of our rankings sit CF Montréal and Atlanta United. While both teams deserve credit for making the playoffs, their deficiencies make a deep run unlikely. Montréal’s porous defense and stuttering attack are causes for concern, while Atlanta finds itself in transition, lacking the star power of years past.
We’ve never seen a team outperform its expected goal differential by a wider margin than Inter Miami has this year.
– A data analyst familiar with the situation
The Dark Horses
In the middle of the pack, teams like Orlando City, New York City FC, and Minnesota United lurk as potential dark horses. Each has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency has been elusive. If the stars align, one of these sides could make a surprising run to the title.
- Orlando City: 10 wins in their last 14 games, powered by stout defense
- NYCFC: Young squad hitting stride, with Alonso Martinez in red-hot form
- Minnesota United: Surging since summer signings, but strength of schedule concerns linger
The Heavyweights
At the top of the rankings, LAFC, the LA Galaxy, the Columbus Crew, and Inter Miami stand out as the teams to beat. LAFC’s underlying numbers are the envy of the league, while the Galaxy boast an attack capable of outscoring anyone. The Crew, last year’s champions, are a complete squad, adept at controlling matches with precision.
But it’s Inter Miami who top our list. With a roster featuring some of the greatest players of all time, including the legendary Lionel Messi, Miami has shattered records and defied statistical models all season long. As one analyst put it:
Inter Miami are breaking the models. We’ve never seen a team outperform its expected goal differential by a wider margin.
– Anonymous data analyst
The Path Ahead
Of course, the beauty of the playoffs is that anything can happen. Upsets, underdog stories, and improbable comebacks are part and parcel of the MLS postseason. As the knockout rounds unfold, the picture will undoubtedly shift.
Will the favorites live up to the hype? Can a dark horse make a Cinderella run? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the race for the MLS Cup will be a wild ride, full of twists and turns. So buckle up, soccer fans. The best is yet to come.
