GOAL breaks down how the World Cup hopefuls are doing in the postseason.
One of the most unique aspects of Major League Soccer is the league's schedule. And that schedule makes things extra weird in a year where the World Cup's schedule is different than usual.
With the World Cup starting in November, several MLS-based U.S. men's national team stars will have gone over a month without playing a competitive fixture by the time they land in Qatar. Compare that to their counterparts in Europe, who will be playing right up until the weekend before players head to the fall tournament.
The USMNT has a plan to counteract that, with Gregg Berhalter set to host a camp for those not taking part in the MLS playoffs' later rounds. But players' fitness and form will very much depend on the MLS postseason, with several USMNT regulars already seeing their seasons ended over a month before a ball is kicked in Qatar.
Here's a look at the USMNT representation in the MLS playoffs and what it will mean for the World Cup:
LAFCLAFC – Kellyn Acosta
One of the most star-studded teams in MLS history, LAFC claimed the Supporters' Shield and, with it, the top seed in the playoffs.
As a result, they earned a bye in the first round, and an extra week of rest before getting going. And, once they did, they won another instant classic against their rivals, the LA Galaxy, with Chicho Arango's last-gasp winner pushing LAFC into the conference final.
LAFC feature one USMNT regular, Kellyn Acosta, who is virtually a lock to back up Tyler Adams at the World Cup. It was Acosta who played in the corner that led to Arango's goal and, ultimately, LAFC's win.
Next Match: vs. Austin FC on Sunday
AdvertisementGettyCF Montreal – Djordje Mihailovic
Montreal took care of business in their opener, defeating Orlando City 2-0 with Mihailovic at the center of both goals. He scored their lone goal against NYCFC in the conference semifinal, too.
Unfortunately for Mihailovic, though, it was nowhere near enough.
CF Montreal fell 3-1 to the defending MLS Cup champions, ending a season in which the club defied many outsiders' expectations. It was a painful ending especially for Mihailovic as it was his last game for the club, with the midfielder set to join AZ Alkmaar this winter.
It could also spell the end of his World Cup hopes, slim as they are, as he'll have now games left to make a late push for a spot in Qatar.
Next match: Eliminated
Getty ImagesFC Dallas – Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Sebastian Lletget
FC Dallas survived a penalty shootout against Minnesota United, ensuring their three USMNT stars would get at least a second game.
However, they fell short against their local rivals Austin FC in the conference semifinal round, with the green side of Texas earning a 2-1 win at home.
That's bad news for Ferreira, who has suddenly gone six games without scoring. He's still the USMNT's likely starter in Qatar, but the U.S. would have certainly liked to have gotten another game or two out of Ferreira in these playoffs for him to find a goal.
As for Arriola, he very much remains on the bubble, although he's probably closer to in than out, while Lletget is almost certainly out of the picture.
Next match: Eliminated
GettyNYCFC – Sean Johnson
The defending MLS Cup champions made short work of Inter Miami, winning 3-0 at Citi Field to begin their title defense. They did similar to CF Montreal, toppling them 3-1 in Canada for another statement went.
Johnson sealed another clean sheet for NYCFC in their playoff opener as he continues to push for the third goalkeeper spot in Qatar. And, against CF Montreal, he was solid again as NYCFC only conceded one late with the result already decided.
Next match: vs. Philadelphia Union on Sunday