MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Revealed: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Who's In and What to Expect

The Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs bracket has been set, and it's shaping up to be an exciting postseason. The top seven teams from each conference made the cut, and the first round kicks off on October 15th. Here's a look at the bracket and what to expect from each matchup:

Eastern Conference

* No. 1 Philadelphia Union vs. No. 8 FC Cincinnati * No. 2 FC Dallas vs. No. 7 Nashville SC * No. 3 NYCFC vs. No. 6 CF Montreal * No. 4 Atlanta United vs. No. 5 New England Revolution

Western Conference

* No. 1 LAFC vs. No. 8 Vancouver Whitecaps * No. 2 Seattle Sounders vs. No. 7 San Jose Earthquakes * No. 3 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 6 Minnesota United FC * No. 4 FC Dallas vs. No. 5 Nashville SC

Key Storylines to Watch

* Can LAFC Repeat? The defending MLS Cup champions are looking to make it two in a row, but they'll have their work cut out for them. They face a tough road to the final, starting with a first-round matchup against the Vancouver Whitecaps. * Philadelphia vs. Dallas: The top two seeds in the East will square off in what is sure to be a highly entertaining matchup. Both teams are loaded with talent, and it's anyone's guess who will come out on top. * Seattle's Quest for Redemption: The Sounders have been one of the most consistent teams in MLS over the past few years, but they've yet to win an MLS Cup. This year, they have a chance to make amends and bring a championship to Seattle. * Underdogs to Watch: Several underdogs could make some noise in the playoffs this year. FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC, and the San Jose Earthquakes are all capable of pulling off upsets.

Playoff Format

The MLS Cup Playoffs are a single-elimination tournament. The first round is played over two legs, with the higher seed hosting the second leg. The semifinals and final are played over one leg, with the higher seed hosting. The winner of the MLS Cup will represent the United States in the FIFA Club World Cup.