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Setting up the MLS quarterfinals

Setting up the MLS quarterfinals

  • Matthew Klimberg
The MLS Cup playoffs are set to enter the quarterfinals on Monday night EST (Tuesday morning CEST). The favorites remain Toronto FC, who are led by the trio of Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore. With 69 points, they secured the Supporters Shield, finishing 12 points better than second ranked New York City FC.
 
Toronto will be taking on the New York Red Bulls, who have reached the quarterfinals eight consecutive years, but are still looking for their first championship in their 21-year history. NYCFC, led by David Villa, Jack Harrison, and Maxi Moralez, and who feature Andrea Pirlo, will take on the Columbus Crew who shockingly defeated heavy favorite Atlanta United – who featured Josef Martinez, Miguel Almiron, and are managed by ‘Tata’ Martino – in the preliminary round in front of 70,000(!) fans.
 
Rounding out the other four teams are the defending champion Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Houston Dynamo. The Sounders - with Clint Dempsey (who is on a red card suspension for the first leg) will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps who have one of the most exciting young talents in MLS, 16-year-old Alphonso Davis. Houston will take on the Portland Timbers, who won the championship two seasons ago.