In the East, it's two unexpected clubs in hot form, while the West features the league's best attack against the top defense
The 2024 MLS Conference finals have finally arrived, with a berth in MLS Cup on the line. No. 4 Orlando City hosts No. 7 New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference Saturday, while No. 2 LA Galaxy host No. 4 Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference, as four teams battle it out for a chance to play in the league's championship game.
In the Conference semifinals, the Red Bulls defeated crosstown rivals NYCFC 2-0 and Orlando City ended Atlanta United's fairytale run, defeating them 1-0 after the had previously knocked out Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
The Sounders, meanwhile, stunned No. 1 seed LAFC in the West, winning 2-1 in extra-time in a truly brilliant defensive performance from Brian Schmetzer's side. The Galaxy curb-stomped Minnesota United 6-2 in an absolute thrashing of the Loons – continuing their blistering postseason run.
In the East, it's two unexpected clubs in hot form batting it out after some impressive postseason displays, while the West features the league's best attack in LA against the best defense in Seattle.
GOAL details both matches, offering analysis and predictions.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowIMGANNo. 4 Orlando City vs No. 7 New York Red Bulls
Orlando's keys to success: The haven't had a remarkable playoff run, but they have been consistent, and that is where they've found success. If they can win the midfield, and put RBNY under pressure early, they can establish and control the tempo. They need to make RBNY uncomfortable from the opening minute, and they need their fans to get behind them. If they can find a way to get an early goal, or go into halftime with the lead, it will allow them to readjust to any changes from RBNY.
Player to watch: Facundo Torres – the Uruguay international is their biggest threat in the final-third in terms of scoring and creating. Get him on the ball, and try to find some scoring opportunities.
RBNY's keys to success: RBNY out-possessed NYCFC in the first half of their semifinal victory, scoring twice during that span. It's been a theme for them this season. Against Orlando, they have to try and own the middle of the park, because it allows for them to drive forward and put the opposition defense under pressure. If they can establish themselves early, and use set-pieces and counter-attacks to wear them down, they boost their odds.
Player to watch: EmilForsberg – the Swede will be the heart of their midfield and the individual driving counter-attacks. Simply put, he's the player on their roster who was brought in for moments like these.
GOAL prediction: RBNY will continue their fairytale run, and knockout Orlando for their first MLS Cup appearance since 2008. They will win 3-1, with Orlando conceding two late goals towards stoppage-time.
AdvertisementIMAGNNo. 2 LA Galaxy vs No. 4 Seattle Sounders
LA's keys to success: Out-possess Seattle, hit them early and hit them hard. Scoring 27 seconds into the semifinal against Minnesota set the tone fort he contest, and LA never let up. Overwhelm Seattle immediately and don't let up with the pressure. With the "Three P's" in Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec, their attack is formidable – if they can push past Seattle's resilient defense, the odds are in their favor.
Player to watch: Pec – named 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year, he ran the Loons to the ground in the semifinals. Against Seattle, he'll look to capitalize on that momentum with another pair of goals. Lightning on the counter or a nuisance in the box, he's an attacking threat in the final-third.
Seattle's keys to success: Do not let the Galaxy gain early momentum. They need to be resilient early in the match, countering the press and not letting them push forward into the final-third. Then, it's all about capitalizing on moments in the match, specifically set pieces and counter-attacks. If they can use those opportunities to create scoring chances while absorbing the Galaxy's attack, they might just have a chance.
Player to watch: Jordan Morris – the U.S. international led the team in scoring in 2024, and now, is looking to make an impact in the playoffs. If he can find opportunity in front of net, he will test the goalkeeper – for Seattle, that's all you can ask for.
GOAL prediction: The Galaxy should be able to cruise to victory, but the match does present a unique circumstance: the best attack against the best defense. If Seattle's outstanding backline is healthy and can hold firm, there's a chance they frustrate LA and sneak by. However, the cards are all in the Galaxy's hands, so a 2-0 victory seems likely.
How to watch:
Both matches will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Orlando vs. RBNY kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET while the Galaxy and Sounders play at 10 p.m. ET.
Getty Images SportWhat next?
The winners of each match will advance to MLS Cup 2024, with the victors of the Western Conference final set to host the championship match on Dec. 7. Seattle would host at Lumen Field if they advance, while the Galaxy would host at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Both Eastern Conference sides finished below Seattle and LA in the Supporters' Shield standings, therefore home field priority rests in the West.