MLS is a whacky league and should never be gambled on. However, what’s the fun in brackets if you don’t win anything? This year I break down my MLS Playoff bracket and challenge you to submit a perfect one. The winner will win a MLS scarf of their choosing or a $25 Lids gift card. Check the breakdown of the knockout rounds and make sure to join the Home Sweet Soccer Playoff group.

Eastern Conference

(6) Philadelphia Union at (3) NYCFC

I firmly believe doing well in the playoffs is all about timing. Even when choosing March Madness upsets, I’m a firm believer of going with the team that’s streaking at the right time over a team that’s better on paper. With that being said, it may be too early to tell, but I think NYCFC getting Yangel Herrera back is a huge component of them being probably the most underrated team in this playoff race. Besides the fact that the Union have never won a game at Yankee stadium, the two main reasons why NYCFC will win are

1. They play on a miniature golf course and it plays against the Union’s style. The Union have done an amazing job this year possessing the ball with some beautiful through balls in the middle of the field from Haris and Dockal. The Union have been able to do this because Fafa, Keegan, and CJ play wide on the wings and spread the defense. But as you saw from the last game of the season, the Yankee Stadium field doesn’t allow for the wingers to be as wide as they usually are, allowing NYCFC to crowd and pressure the middle. No really, they don’t leave the middle.